The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1869-12-15

or their agents nOtlCc IN WTltluS tuIce udyn III
advance OF any change in their schedule, was
taken up in the House today. DeLarge at once
took the feor, and announced his intention OF
speaking, IL necessary, until tomorrow morning.
by which time he could get memorial OF the
citizens Of Charleston protesting against the pro-
posed measure. he then commenced his speech,
and spoke in q random sort OF way for TIVE hours
and half During his remarks, he made several
motions-all OF which were deTeated-also read
letter from the acting president Of the road stat
ing that there was no objection to granting the
right of way, but there was to furnishing the
schedule changes. DeLarge also stated that the
gentlemen who were interested in the small rail-
road did not intend to work for the benefit Of
Charleston, but OF Savannah, to which point all
tnc lumber that passed through their hands would
be shipped. DeLarge worried his 1ellow-mem-
bers out and they gladly passed motion to ad-
journ.
The unaccustomed duties OF legislating nave
become wearisome to the members even after SO
short a 'spelln as they have had this season. To-
day a concurrent resolution was introduced IN
the House providing that the General Assembly
should adjourn on the 22d Of this month TO the
fifth Of next month. 1t was passed at once with
out dissenting vote. 1t is understood that the
Senate win pass it tomorrow with an amend
ment clause providing that the members aad
senators do not receive "per diem" during the
recess.
A gentleman here has received letter from
Senator Sawyer stating that he has every assur-
ance that he will be able to get sufficient ap-
preparation from Congress to complete the Gus
tomhouse az Charleston.
TIE woMAN-sHooTrR.
|. There has been very little talk Of the shooting
of Matte Stokes by Meade, member Of the House,
nom York, Of which the readers Of THE NEWS have
been informed by telegraph. The affair has been
hushed up by the payment OF a sum
of money to the woman-how much Is not
steted. The wound was not as bad as first re-
ported. Meade is walking about, and seems to be
perfectly unapprehensive OF arrest. 1t is stated
that the matter will be brought TO the attention
OF the grand jury OF the Court Of General Sessions
which meets here in February next.
Speaking OF shooting reminds me Of an affair
that occurred the other night at fair given for
the benefit OF the "Republican Brass Band"
member was very attentive to light-hued dam
sci, and invested his per diem to supply her ap-
petite, to an extent which was extravagant, to
say the least. Towards the close Of the enter.
tainment page Of the Senate who is shade
darker than charcoal, "walked into the affections
of the aforesaid damsel," and completely "cut
outn the member, who, upon hearing who was
his rival recollected his dignity, then considered
1t insultcd, and then forgot It 30 far as to draw
pistol and start in pursuit OF the page; but his
benevolent intentions to deprive the State Of o
future senator were frustrated BY his friends,
who held him until he 'cooled down."
THE SMELLING COMMITTEE.
The committee which was appointed by the
last Legislature to investigate the alleged frauds,
intmidations &C., at the various precincts OF the
Third Congressional District during the election
for congressman to represent said district, are
busily engaged in preparing their report. 1t is
reported that the committee will, in said report,
tell OF any number OF wrongs, murders, &C.,
perpetrated upon the poor negroes.
TAXES FOR 1870.
learn that in a day or two q concurrent reso
luton will be introduced In the House providing
that the tax to meet the expenses OF the State
government for 1879 shall be one-half OF one per
cent, which amount, it Is claimed, will be amply
sufficient The tax for this year was three-fourths
OF one per cent.
LAND Hoi
As has been stated, Cain, colored, a short time
ago introduced bill providing for an appropria-
tion OF one million Of dollars to purchase lands
for the poor. No action has been taken upon ii
yet, but 1t is generally believed that the House
will refuse to consent TO such large appropria-
tioR being made.
SCHoOLB00KS.
Who shall have the power Of purchasing school
books for the children of the free-schools OF the
slater Is a question frequently asked, but as
orten unanswered. The educational blll'' pro-
vides that the State Board OF Education shall
have the power, but it Is doubtful if the section
containing that proviso will pass. The House will
endeavor TO pass an amendment providing that
there shall be o commission appointed by the
Senate and the House, whose duty 1t shall be to
select and purchase the books. Some want
the matter left entirely to the county school CON-
missloners, who shall select the books they deem
best adapted for the children Of their respective
counties. Anticipating that this last course
would be pursued, New York publishing house
sent out two agents who, taking different routes,
have called upon all or nearly all OF the school
commissioners and, doubtless impressed them
with the belief that their text books only have the
necessary requisites to train up the education Of
the children in The way 1t should go. Another
New York house is represented here. It's rumor-
ed that the two publishing houses have COM
bined to fight tho oficial "ring," which both
believe has been formed to purchase the books Of
a house OF their own choosing. The combination
propose to divide the spoils-one to sell the
readers and spoilers, the other the Biographies,
arithmetlcs and histories. Another publish
ing house is reported to be throwing out skirmsh-
ers in this direction. The fight over the question
promises to be warm.
THE SWAMP LANDS
The Radicals Executive, in his last message,
states that the swamp lands Of the State COM
prise more than one million OF acres OF almost in
exhaustible fertility, and recommends an accur-
ate survey Of them and plan for their reclama-
tion. AS has been stated by THE NEWS, Donald
son has given notice Of his intention to introduce
a bill providing for the drainage Of these swamp
lands. On inquiring OF the Auditor OF the State
In regard to the number OF acres comprised in
these swamp lands was informed that lie had
no data by which he could judge accurately, as
they were not returned under that head-the un-
cultivated lands being returned as "wood, un-
cultivated and marsh lands" OF which there
are eleven million acres, valued at forty-two mil
AAt in IN Ia