The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1868-03-13
THE CONVENTION.
FoRTY-NINTH DAY.

The great spirit Of unrest has been appeased,
and the convention yesterday looked like an
enlarged edition OF the "Happy Family" The
several successful candidates "looked their
very best;" the unfortunstes bore their defeat
with outward equanimity, and nobody would
have suspected that they had just passed
through revolution.
Governor Orr visited the convention soon
after it was called to order, and was enthusias-
tically received.
Petitions were presented from the following
persons, praying TO have their political dis
abilities removed: J. z. Stone, Greenville;
John ". Twitty, Lancaster; E. W. Lawson, Alb
bevine; Matthew Mcdonald, E. P. Lake, of
Newberry, and John T. Green, of Sumter.
Referred to the Committee on Petitions,
which it is understood will report on Monday
next.
The convention took up its unfinished bust
ness, namely, the articles referring to the Ex-
ecutive and judicial Departments, which re-
ceiyed their third reading; with the exception
of section 2, which was recommitted for the
purpose of fixing the date OF installation OF the
Governor.
B.O. Duncan said that the chairman of the
Judiciary Committee, then absent, had an ad-
ditional section to incorporate IN the Judiciary
report, namely, the ordinance passed by the
convention invalidating contracts based on
slave property.
Mr.. j. S. Craig opposed the introduction of
the ordinance into the constitution; said it was
in direct conflict with that clause which re-
ferred to impairing the obligations Of con-
tracts, and that if Incorporated he would vote
against the constitution.
Mr.. n. G. Parker offered resolution that
tho convention, n finally ediorr11 IL Shal h4
on Tuesday, March II, at 12 o'clock NJ, sub
| ject to the csll of the President and Vice
| Presidents, in the order in which they stand,
at any time that the public exigencies shall
demand, provided that as soon as the presid--
ing officer shall have received official notice OF
the ratification OF this constitution by the peo-
pie he shall, by public proclamation, adjourn
the convention SINE die.
Also the following resolution
ReSolred, That ]. ]. Wright, D. q. Chamber
lain, J. n. Rutland, B. F. Whittemore, and W.
B. Nash be declared the Vice Presidents Of this
convention, who shall perform the duties of
President Of this convention in the event of
Both resolutions were agreed to.
Mr.. S. Corley, of Lexington, offered the fol-
lowing resolutions:
Whereas, the registrars Of some Of the coun-
ties Of tbs State during the period OF the late
registration, forgetting that virtue itself is
|
OF coIored men on their list, simply because
while slaves they had been punished as telons
| by an incompetent and autocratic court, held
for the trial of petty offences Be it, therefore,
Reso!ved, That no offence heretofore COM
mitted by slave, nor punjfihment inflicted on
| the same, can nov q held as coming within
the intent and meaning Of the Reconctruction
laws in reference to felony; and hereafter every
loyal citizen should hold it to be his imperative
duty to report the registrars SO hnd1ng 20 the
commander of the Second Military District,
that ne may be visited with the just penalty OF
violated law.
Also the following:
Whereas. The provisions of the present bank
rupt law are beyond the reach of the really poor
man, and, therefore, practical nuillty IN thelr
application to the very cases they Should ABOVE
all others reach; therefore, ....-
Rescued, That the members OF the Constltu-
tional Convention do hereby petition Congress
to amend said law in such manner as 10 Sc
cure It's benefits to all, without reference TO the
precise amount Of the indebtness OF the apph-
cant, or the payment CT the advance fees which
are now required.
Both Of the resolutions we're adopted.
Mr. D. Fl. Chamberlain introduced the follow
ing ordinance, and moved that it be referred 70
a committee Of fve, which was agreed to, ana
the following committee wes appointed: y. d.
Chamberlain, T. J. Robertson, j. n. Rutland,
". \. Webb and F. E. Wilder:
TStereaS, During the recent rebellion against
the authorit:: and Government of the United
States many dishonest practices we're resorted
to IN order to enhance, in the public estima,
ton, the nominal value OF the currency and
securities issued Gy the States coniederated in
rebellion, and divers agents were employed
and acting ior that purpose in this State, who,
while misrepresenting the condition and pros
poets OF said Confederacy with the view OF de-
ceiving the people as to the value Of its obi
cations; TOOK advantage Of the credulity OF the
people, inducing them to part with real estate
and other property, for such obligations, for
the private and personal benef. Of such agents
and those associated with them for such spe-
culstive purposes. And whereas, without spe-
cial aid from the General Assembly, the per-
sons thus defrauded, being stripped of their
property and means, will IN many instances
be unable 10 prosecute, with effect, their said
legal demands,
Be 1. ordo:ns1, That it shall be the duty of
the General Assembly, at its first session, 10
provide the means OF facilitating the RECOVERY