Abbeville press. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1860-1869, 1869-01-29
Legislative,

During the first woek tho House sat
only twelve or fifteen hours, whoreas
in former sessions it frequently sat
twelve hours day.
In the House, on the 32d, the Senate
bill "To alter and amend the criminal
law" being tho unfinished business,
the consideration of tho snme was re-
sumcd. On motion of Purvis, the
House resolved itself into Committee
of the Whole, to discuss, he said, "the
most important bill yet introduced
into this General Assembly" The
following is the bill rs it passed the
Senate
Section 1. Capital punishment, ex-
cent in the case of wilful murder, is
hereby abolished.
Sec. 2. MansIaughter, or the unlaw-
full killing of another without malice,
express or implied, shall be punished
rby hard labor in tho Pcnitentiary, not
exceeding thirty years nor less than
two years.
Sec. 3. The crimes of burglary arson
and rape shall bo punishable by hard
labor in the Penitcntiary, not exceed
ing thirty years nor less than one
year.
Sec. 4. The benefit Of clergy is
hereby abolished.
DcLargc offered m amendment to
insert after the word murder, in Sec
tion l, the following, "rape or bur-
glary, where life is attempted to be
taken by weapons, or use Of chloro-
form, or other composition, from
which unconscionsness will ensue."
A lengthy discussion ensuod. Whip
per favored the bill in its original
shape, announced himself opposed to
capital punishment in toto, and styled
hanging "relic of American barba-
riem''
Tomlinson, Wilder and Purvis spoke
in favor of the bill.
Fcritcr favored the amendment
relative to punishment for rape, but
thought the bill should bo recommit-
tod for further amendment.
DeLargc, in speech one hour and
a half in length, combated the argu-
mcnt of tho opposition ably and logi-
cally.
At 3 P. NJ. tho Committee of the
Whole arose and reported progress,
and asked to sit again Monday next at
eleven o'clock. Granted.
A bill, says the correspondent of the
Charleston Nsws, will be introduced in
the Legislature to fund the interest on
the State debt due in July and on the
first of January. An offer was made
from Charleston to lend the money
necessary to pay the interest. but 80
high q rate of interest WAS asked for
that the offer coHld not be accepted.
The collection of taxes now depends
upon the industry of the assessors in
the various counties. 1t is generally
believed that at least million and n
half dollars will be collected this
year.
Mr.. Corbin's bill to confirm and
validate the recent election for Mayor
and Aldermen of the City of Charles
ton will probably be introduced in the
Senate tomorrow. It will be in the
usual form, validating the election,
any illegalities or informalities to the
contrary Notwithstanding.
The Governor has appointed Mr..
James NJ Morrison magistrate, in the
place Of Mr.: Axson, deceased. Mr.
Morrison's application was endorsed
by Mayor Clark, Alderman Gcddings,
and number Of other officials and
citizens of Charleston,
COLUMBIA, Jan. 25.-In the Senate
the Savannah and Charleston Railroad
bill was passed and sent to tho House.
A joint resolution authorizing the
Governor to employ On armed force
for the preservation of the peace
passed the second reading.
The resolution postponing the oon
sideration Of aH claims against the
State, originating during the provis
ional goyerHment, to the next regular
session, was adopted.
The bill renewing the charter Of th'
old Port Ferry was passed and sent t.
tho House.
The Senate then went. into exeou.
tive session.
In the House, tho bill to incorporat.
the Wilson's Bridge Company, wa
passed and sent to the Senate :
! The bill to amend the act to organ
ize the Educational Department wa
passed.
. a bill was introduced to provide .
messenger for the Supreme Court
also, a bill defining the rights Of, mar
r;ed women. !. + =. ~
Tomlinson offered q resolution t
adjourn ON the 18th of. February
sol e,