The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1870-02-15

deav0rS to bring 0neuueTS 10 JlstlCe. luz iu' vi
the employment by the State OF attorneys On ooth
sides of criminal case is ce tainly novel, anu
should be set down as one OF the creations OF TINS
progressive age. 1t isrery true, that when poor
man is brought before n court charged with an
offence he labors under some disadvantages on
account OF his poverty, but this does not occur
until grand jury, composed OF at least sixteen
impartial citizens, has carefully inquired into his
case and presented bill Of indictment. Tile pre-
sumption now is that there is good cause LOT
prosecution on the part OF tile State and for the
State to step forward to his assistanc" is simply
TO stutifv Itself and relieve the criminal from the
consequences of his own mproridence-porerty
and crime.
II has become the practice OF the courts OF the
State and OF every other State in the Union. when
the party charged before the court is too poor to
employ an attorney 10 conduct his defence, to re
ouest any attorney OF the court . assist him,
and this assistance is usually freely given. 1t is
regarded rs duty by attorneys, and II faithfully
performed, rs it usually is from motives OF pro-
fessional pride, it never results IN any loss OF
money or reputation.
Many young aud rising lawyer has made his
reputation and fortune in this way, and many an
Old lawyer has preserved his character and repu-
tation, and strengthened the ties between him
self and the people, aud we believe it is 4 great
mistake to suppose that any amount Of injustice
has been done in this State TO poor people, on the
criminal side of the court for want Of proper
professional assistance. The bill proposed, if
passed, would he Immediate taken advantage
Of as O matter OF course, and the expense would
soon become very burdensome TO the State. We
cannot think that its effect would be otherwise
than pernicious and greatly detrimental to the
THE GENERAL ELECTIONS.
There was introduced in the House, some time
since ''bill providing for the general elections,
and the manner Of conducting the same" 1t
was referred to the Committee on Privileges and
Elections, Of which A. ]. Ransier is chairman
That Committee on yesterday reported a bill as
substitute, which was made the special order
for Monday next. AS Ransier is chairman of the
Republican State Executive Committee, it is be-
leved that the substitute has been prepared in
accordance with the desires Of the leaders OF the
Republican party and will, therefore, be passed
with few, II any amendments. AS giving the
Radical views regarding the manner OF conduct
ing the general elections, send the points Of the
bill.
COMMISSIONERS AND MANAGERS OF ELECTIONS.
The bill provides that the general elections IN
this State shall he held pursuant to the consitu-
ton thereof, on the third Wednesday in October
next "and forever thereafter on the same day in
every second year; that for the purpose OF carry
ing on such election, the Governor shall appoint,
six days prior to any such election, in and for
each county, three commissioners OF clectlous,
who shall appoint three managers OF elections Tor
each election precinct in the county-said COM
missioners and managers shall take the oath OF
office prescribed by section of article IL of the
constitution; that the managers be empowered
TO appoint clerk 10 assist them; that the polls
shall be opened at such voting places as shall be
designated, at six O'Clock in the forenoon, and
close at six o'clock in the afternoon of the day OF
election, and shall be kept open during these
hours without intermisson or adjournment; that
the registration books used in the last general
election Shall be their guide as TO the persons en-
titled to vote; that the representatives IN tue
House of Representatives Of the Congress Of the
United States shall be chosen at such election, III
the several Congressional Districts, by the quail
fed electors therein"
CoNSTABLEs AND LIQUORS.
That the State constable and other peace off,
GERS Of each county shall be present during the
whole time that the polls are kept open, and until
the election is completed, to prevent all interfer-
ence with the managers, and see that there is no
interruption OF good order; that If there Should
be more than one polling place in any county,
the State constable Of such county shall make
such assignment Of his deputies and other peace
officers to such polling places as may in his judg-
ment best subserve the purposes OF quiet and or
der; that all barrooms, saloons and other places
for the sale OF liquor by retail, shall be closed
during the progress OF such election and until six
O'Clock in the morning Of the day thereafter,
during which time the sale Of all intoxicating
liquors are prohibited; and any person duly con-
vIcted before competent court OF a violation OF
this section, shall be punished by fine not eS-
caeding fifty dollars or by Imprisonment not en-
ceeding six months, or by both such fine and I'M
prsonment, in the discretion OF the court.
EMPLOYERS THREATENED.
That II any company OF corporation who nave
obtained or may hereafter obtain, a charter from
the Legislature of this State for the benefit OF
such company or corporation, shall discharge. or
threaten to discharge, from employment In such
business any operative or employee, before or ar
ter an election, for or on account 9 his political
opinion, or for voting or attempting to vote as lie
they may DESIRE said charter Shall be forfeited,
and the person discharged may have an action
Of trespass to recover damages for his losses
therein sustained against said company or cor
poralion; and should any agent or clerk in the
employment of such company or corporation dis'
charge, or threaten to discharge, any employee On
account OF his political opinion, or Tor Vo'lus OF
attempting to vote us he or they NAV desire, If
said agent or clerk is not Immediately dismissed
when said COMPANY or corporation becomes pos
sessed of such information, said company or cor
uoratlon shall be held responsible for tlc same,
and be liable to the penalties hereinbeforc pre-,
Gcribed.
MANNER OF VOTING.
That the voting shall be by ballot which shall
contain written or printed, or partly written and
partly printed, the names of the persons voted
for. ana the offices TO which such persons are ln-
tended TO be chosen, and shall be so folded as to
conceal the contents; and such ballot shall be de-
nosited in q box to be constructed, kept and dis
posed of as hereinafter provided that there shall
be one general ticket on which shall be the names
of the persons voted for as representatives IN
Congress-, and State, circuit and county officers;
that the commissioners of election shall provide
a box for each election precinct; that each clerk
Of the poll shall keep poll list, which shah con