davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1871-05-18
THE REPLY OF THE BUzzAIDs.

WOulQ QO I'LL lls llCll Eo"Si w
them if it were possible.
THE REPLY OF THE BUzzAIDs.
CorrespOndent-Will YOU please
mention some of the instances where
you believe the people are being
swindled by these scamps?
General Kerswaw-Oh, yes; l
could mention a dozen. The princi-
pal one, however, is Of course in the
! matter of taxation. Before the war
we governed this State for about
100000 a year, The Legislature
used to meet in November, and the
idea with the members was to go
home Just as soon as possible. Many
a year they have got through. and
adjourned sine. die the day before
Christmas. There were then no jobs
to be put through; no contracts to be
entered into; nobody nor anything
to be investigated, or any white,
washing to be done; $4,000 and
sometimes very much loss paid the
entire cost of the session, while, as !
said. from S950,000 to 100000 paid
the entire cost Of running the State
Government for year. That, too,
in a time when our people had fifty
times the means to pay with that they
have now. What is the cost OF our
so-called Government now? Last
year the taxes paid IA y re $780,
600, and this year they will be even
more, somewhere in the nelghbor,,
hood, ! think, of 100000. And
mhat do we get for for this qulntru,,
pied expenditure? Nothing at all
but the inexpressible pleasure of see
ing our rulers.
RIDE AROUND IN G1LDEp cHAR1oTs,
while some OF our best people are
compelled to sell their jewelry and
plate to pay their taxes and save
their homesteads. The question Of
taxation is now the all-absorbing one.
Gov. Scott points with great deal Of
pride to the fact that the taxes are
being paid in this spring withprompt-
ness. This is; all very true, but let
the Governor wait until November
comes, when the taxes for the present
year are to be paid. You see at the
| last session our wise Legislature en-
acted that the time for paying the
taxes should be changed from March
to November, so that this year We
have to pay the taxes for both 1870
and 1871. Those for 1870 in March,
and those for 1871 in November.
Correspondent-Why was that
done =?
Gen. Kershaw-Because the State
is said to owe 100000 to q man
named.
K1MpToN, IN NEW YORK,
Gov. Scott's financial agent. which it
never can get money enough together
at one time 10 pay.. So . bold stroke
was made % raise money by double
taxation, so to speak, for the pur-
pose. 1t is said, however, by Scott
that this 81 100000, when paid, will
release large portion of the State
debt now held by Kimpton as secu-
rity for his advances. If this is
strictly true, and the debt to Kimp-
ton fair and just one, it may prove
in the end good thing to pay it and
get it out Of the way. The difficulty
is, however, that these fellows are
such set of scoundrels that we can
place no dependence upon the truth
of what they tell US. If we admit
the correctness Of their representa-.
/ tiohs and resolve to sell the clothes
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1871-05-18

- On love matters and affairs which
concern the sex generally the hecountryman
Is usually as gentle as possible. But ex-
pressions like the following show that he
has feelings which may not always be
respected:
"Tis sweet to court,
But oh! how bitter
To courta gal
And then not git herr
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1871-05-18

or certain o...l- ctsnc5 - ..--.e,.,
it shall be regarded as an offence
against the United States, and be
tried and punished accordingly. Tie
trainers OF that law could never have
had in their minds eye South Caro-
lina's thieving Radical officials, or
they certainly would not have in
cluded the word robbery in the law.
AS certain as
THE SUE; SHINES
we shall do our best TO have these
fellows indicted under lie new law
that they rely upon to keep them in
power. Ne nave them already ready
Tor the United States Grand Jnry.
Three brothers, Gufin one of them
II member Of the Lower House, an
other Mayor Of Abbeville, and the
third Probate Judge OF the county in
which they live. have al been arrest
ed for breaking open the safe of a
County Treasurer and plundering it
of Sl5,G00. They will certainly be
tried under that law. We will insist
upon it. Seriously, however, the
Ku-Klux law has 10 terrors for US.
We have had some acfs Of violence
in this State, it is true, bnt so We ire-
quently hear they have in California,
and indeed l have also heard that
virtnons Massachusetts, is not alto
sether free from such scenes. There
are rtain people in this State who
are like similar .'asses elscwhere-a
law INTO themselves. We all deplorc
the few deeds Ct violence they have
enacted, anu have done, and are still
doing all we can to prevent them.
All stories of so-called Ku-Klux out
RACES in Ibis State have been so gross
ly exaggerated for political purposes
that it is almost impossible to have
the truth believed when it is told.
Had / ben in Washington, though,
when tl.a, Ku-Klux Bill was passed,
l could lave suggested to its trainers
much more effective way to prevent
Ku-KluX operations than the enact
ment of such a law, and that is to
pass law making
THE cEIME OF CHICKEN STEALING
and gin house burning, punishable in
the United States Courts with heavy
penalties. That would have had
the dexirS'.I effect. DO away with the
cause OF evil and You eradicate the
evil itsc.
Core jondcnt-Yon think, then,
the Ku-A.ux is !. 5ugbear?
Gen. llershaw-Not exactly that.
1t is an oraanization, but it is an Or
ganization mainly for defence against
negro outrages. OF course, now and
then an obnoxious white man is treat
ed tadIy, and perhaps he may be
murdered. In such q case it IS y
murder, the same as it would be in
| New York, and the perpetrators should
be caught and if convicted hanged.
Such murders though are never the
result of political feeling. Private
malice and personal quarrels general
ly lead to them.
Bidding the General adieu, I then
left him and returned to the hotel.
Gen. Kershaw speaks quickly and is
very intelligent. He is dignifed in
his manpers, and yet very afable.
He is the perfect type of a South
Carolina gentleman, and if the redemr-
tion of the State from misrule could
be left to such men as he, there would
be no further difficulty.
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1871-05-18
Gen. Kershaw OIL The Situation in
South carolina.
Correspondence of the Ne'O York SIN.
CAMDEN. S. c., April 81, 1871.

Correspondence of the NeO York SIN.
CAMDEN, S. G., April 81, 1871.
There have been so many opinions
written with reference to affairs in
South Carolina, all Of which were
either from irresponsible correspon-
dents of partisan newspapers, or plum
dering Office holders OF the State,
that | have thought q report of an
interview had few days since with
a prominent South Carolina gentle
man might be interesting to the many
readers Of the Sun. Gen. J..B. Ker-
shaw is resident Of this town, where
his family have lived for years. The
county, Of which this is the county
seat, is named Kershaw. after the
Generals ancestors.
GENERAL KERsHAw's ENERGY.
Before the war General Kershaw
was one of the wealthiest planters in
South Carolina, and was regarded as
leader in the political affairs Of the
State. He served with great distinc-
tion in the Confederate army, but at
the end of the rebellion settled down
on the wreck of his immense planta
ton, and w.nt actively to work to
bring order out Of chaos. Recogniz-
ing the fact that the Republican par
ty must for time be in the ascen-
dancy in South Carolina, he with
drew entirely from political life, and
his attention wholly to his
private affairs. Since then, however,
the condition Of the State has become
such as 10 call for the determined eff
forts of those who still have desire
to save South Carolina from utter
ruin, and General Kershuw has been
among the first to join hands on this
question. He has held several inter-
views with Governor Scott upon the
subject of reform, and in several in
stances his advice has. been needed
by that official, and good results fol
lowed.
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1871-05-18
VOLUME xxXy.-No. 81.

off our backs, if necessary, to pay
our takes, it is a question if they
don't deceive us after all, and divert
the money so raised into another
channel-the purchase Of rail road
for account of the Ring, or the organ
ization of another Land Commission.
THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY.
| Correspondent suppose you pin
your faith to the Democratic party as
the only means Of getting out OF the
scrape?
General Kershaw-Of course l am
a Democrat, and wonld love to sec
the State pass under control of that
party, butit isnot asme q1ta non with
me. Drowning men catch at straws,
you know: and I think people op-
pressed as we are in South Carolina
should not stop to examine whether
the bridge that is to carry us over
the stream is built of iron or wood,
so long as we can cross in safety on
it. | would be perfectly willing to
see the Republican party continue in
power here, provided we can get hon
est and economical men TO admins
ter the Government, and provided
further, that they vii! give the tax
payers minority representation. As
it is now, the people who support the
so-called Government nave no voice
in determining who shall, be their
rulers, and in consequence our Legis-
lature is filed up with
THE VERY scuM OF THE UNIVERSE,
whose sole idea from infancy seems
to have been plunder, and whose
moral CONVICTIONS. G., those of them
who are intelligent enough to have
moral convictions-are as blunt as it
is possible for them to be.
Correspondence believe there is
to be Convention Of the respecta-
bic men OF the State soon, is there
not?
Gen. Kershaw-Yes sir, on the 10th
of May, at Columbia. We propose
to get together and see what combin-
ed effort may do toward q peaceable
settlement. OF our difficulties. We
also intend to demand Of the Govern
ment some statement OF the condi-
ton Of the finances Of the State that
shall be satisfactory 10 our people.
1t has been openly asserted that Par
ker, the State Treasurer, together
with others high in office and out OF
office,
HAVE DEEN rLUSDEEING Us
ofthousands and hundreds of thousand
within the past three years, and we
shall demand II full investigation into
the acts OF that officer. Besides this,
we intend to take some action with
reference to the election law, the
most iniquitous measure ever passed
~ a1y Legislature pldr az. t,tattg
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1871-05-18
Second Days Proceedings.
Especial Telegram to the Courier.]
COLUMBIA. Nav !

COLUMBIA, May 10.
The Convention met at twelve
o'clock to-day, President Porterin the
Chair.
The Executive Committee reported
favorably on the resolutions of Mr..
Marley in relation to the administra-
tion Of justice, and advising the peo-
pie to assemble in primary meetings
to redress their grievances. Adopt
ed.
Judge Aldrich introduced areaolu-
tion instructing the Executive Com
mittee to protect the interests Of the
taxpayers during adjournment.
Colonel Simons introduced resolu-
ton for the Committee of Five to
consult with Governor Scott about
postponing the November tax. 10
Mr.. Wallace introduced resolutions
instructing the Attorney General to
ferret out and prosecute all persons
guilty of bribery in the Legislature,
and the embezzlement of the public
funds.
Mr.. Smart, of Beaufort, introduced
resolutions for the Committeeof Five,
to make an investigation into the
liabilities of the State, and asking
the Governor to render aid and pay
the expenses of the said Committee,
and visit New York to investigate the
books of the State agent.
The committee Of Eleven, under
General Buffers resolution, had
long interview with the Governor to-
day regarding the financial condition
of the State. 1t lasted three hours.
All the State officers were present.
The interview was of the greatest
Importance. The Committee will
prepare report shortly. In the in
terview between the Governor and
the Committee the latter stated the
grievances of the people; the Gov
ernor agreed with the Committee as
to the redress needed, and promised
to remove all obnoxious and incom-
petent officers, and use his influence
in putting down bribery and corrup-
ton in official circles. The result
of the interview will be embodied in
the report of the Committee.
EVENING SESSION.
The Convention assembled at Z P.
M. Col. T. Y. Simons introduced a
resolution declaring that the bonds
heretofore issued without legal sane
ton, and the Sterling Loan Bonds,
and other bonds, to be issued under
the present State authority, will not
be held binding, and recommending
the people to resist the payment
thereof, or the enforcement of tax
: .........,, ..,..
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1871-05-18
A TALK WITH TIE GENERAL.

General" said, as I met him the
other day on the street and locked
arms, what do you think of affairs
here? What can you do to be saved ?
My dear sir, he replied, Z" that
is a difficult question to answer, South
Carolina is undergoing a baptism OF
fire, and it may be months and years
before she is purified. I have no
doubt that eventually we shall re-
deem the State from the hands Of her
present rulers, but whether we shall
have anything left when that time
comes is another thing.
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1871-05-18
Established 1849.
A ohoiee Lot Of '(ta Genuine Dzagssad Medicines.
George L. Penn,
EDGEFZELD, s. c.,

ei,osas sass.f.la EDGEEzELD s. c.,
s+ arpe and superior Stock of Goods the DRUG
TRADE which he warrants Genuine and which ne will sell
low the same Goods bought any other Southern market
Stock embraces in part
0ns 0Uo RaTrel Rus each Of LINsEED OIL and vARNsH,
So Gallons spts; TgaPENIlNE RIlS7 TIL I....prn
10 Boxes Box WINDOW GLASS and 100 Lbs. PUTTY,
Is Gallons MACHINE OIL,
25 TRAIN OIL,
as4 g Doz. GLASS LAMPS all styles,
s5 LAMP PEI GHIMNEYs, 9S IAS CTR pr517p coppERAs
100 Lbs each SODA SALTS, SULPHUR. CofFEhA''
500 Lbs Family and Toilet SOAPS,
4 Bbls Best KEROSENE OIL, &C., &C.
patent Medicines and Invaluable Remedies
gEsEMAS sGHA1E E1aSIR EEa Ia GAFEsAHA kEsHToR Rakk
55SH III S zsSE sFHEHy pn'H0H SAsApA '
SSSKs #ss = SfSz SsSES ."' ''
MH1zsS ~ 5TTS EE5 Il RFfENR RR4}pv
h1gTlSs hAgMhxss ITa1aEST Rs1ME AsD RAAD' ''A-iA'
T9RREXEs G3R KEXFS ssELrzER SCI ApERrFNT
BAKka HAKR!s 3 HAHS 4HfceFHSs9s THSHSKhs -.
BTSXETs GoA GeToA1M r. for fSa tes compesion mp
sfSSA4H s$SsHHs$ %z5SHsiA. E5SHSi
For Cooking Purposes.
ss EGs Po9EA Arph
Toilet Articles for the Ladies'
$S$R#s $SS$H sS%5ss S$5HT II Ss
S$3 SzSSEsSs Szs$Hf5a Rs# 23fs 5
$sS $5SaBH5 4S{hA FSHBR EEss ss:Z variety
TOILET SOAPS, all Flavors, &C., &C.
CHOICE GROCERIES,
goorR SIDES LARD FLOUR MEAL Crushed, Loaf Pow
aad end Brown SUGARS MOLASSES, SYRUPS TEAS CoFFEE,
CHEsE MACCARoN and all Goods kept first class STOCK which
will be sold low for Cash ! o4nou a. 81 +;s
p Prescriptions Carefully Compounded day or night ~
Ape5
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1871-05-18

Has JUST RETURNED FROM NEW YORK. and fully pre-
pared to offer to the public completely assorted Stock of SEAsONA
BILE FIRsT-CLASS DRY GOODS.
Great care has been taken to supply each Department with EVER
THING NEW AND FASHIONABLE well the staple
articles of the Trade.
The Cash system will DC Strictly Adhered to, and
much cheaper pay @ per money and buy Dry Goods
for Cash. than to buy them on time.
The best Judges Dry Goods and the closest buyers particularly
requested to examine my present schedule of prices
JAMES W. TURLEY.
Mar % Il
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1871-05-18

An Ohio paper tells of woman who
washed her children's heads with mod
ern whisky to kill nits. Her boys are
well now, but their heads are as smooth
as billiard balls.
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1871-05-18

was adopted
Rcsolved, That the Governor of the
State of South Carolina be invited to
a seat on the a,or of this convention.
Colonel Marley offered the follow
ing, which was adopted:
Resolved, That it be referred to the
executive committee to inquire and
report upon what terms and for what
consideration the making and execu-
ton Of the Blue Ridge Railroad
Company, and other companies, of a
mortgage to Henry Clews, Henry
Gourdin and George $, Cameron, to
secure the payment Of pertain bonds,
was ratified aud confirmed by the
Legislature, and the said mortgage
declared to be q " lien prior to that
of the State on all property described
in said mortgage, and on the entire
line of the Blue Ridge Railroad, and
on all other properties of the several.
companies, or which they, or either
of them, may hereafter acquire"
Rcsozrcd, That the committee be
instructed to report what action, if
any, can be taken by this body to
prevent the subordination of the
States lien upon the line of the Blue
Ridge Railroad, and the entire prop
critics of the other companies, to the
junior claims of private individuals.
Gen. NJ. w. Gary offered the fol-
lowing which was adopted:
Resolucd, That committee of sew
en- be appointed to memorialize the
Governor and the Legislature Of this
State as to the eSrediency of repeal
ing or modifying the election laws
of this State, and that. said committee
do report upon the expediency of
adopting the cumulative system Of vo-
ting, or such system as will protect
the rights Of minorities.
The convention then took recess
until 4 P: M.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The president announced the fol.
lowing committees;
Committee Of Seven on Election and
Suffrage Laws-M. ". Gary, C. w.
Dudley, William Wallace, B. II. VIII
son, J. ?. Thomas, p. S. Keitt, ]. H.
Screyen.
Executive Committee-Jas. Chest
nut, Johnson Hagood, Thomas Y.
Simons, C. w. Dudley, E. B. G. Cash,
F. F. Marley, A. P. Aldrich, Henry
Gourdin, H, G. Smart, William Wal
lace, R. L. Mclaughlin, A. D. Good
wyn, ]. L. Westmoreland, A. H. Da=
vega, A. B. Woodruff:
sREEcH AND R:EsoIuTloNs BY HON. G.
". DUDLEY.
Hon. 9. ". Dudley then took the
Aopr and delivered a. speech on the
political situation. Hedwelt atlength
On the errors Of the past but took a
hopeful view of the present. believing
thatif the people would continue to
conquer their preiudices the thirty
thousand mmaliority now against them
would coon be reduced to degree
that would secure ajust and stable
government and a fair representation
BE attempted to prove the utter in
adequacy Of this convention or the
taxpayers Of the state'te effect any
relief from the evils that Cypress gs
without the cooperation Of the col
ared people, and speaking hopefully
! Of their Willingness to assist and act
Justly, introduced the following reso
lutions, which we're referred to thu
executive COMMITTEES. DE- 10 'o'
\ IResOlued, That the people. oflth'
State mediate no resistance whateve,
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1871-05-18
A COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE.

General Butler offered the follow
ing resolution. which was adopted:
ResOlved, That a committee Of elev-
en- be appointed by the chair to con-
fer with his Excellency, Governor
Scott, in pursuance of the fourth res
olution OF the Chamber Of Commerce
and Board of Trade of the City Of
Charleston, and report to this conven-
tion in writing or otherwise.
Colonel Richard Lathers said that
at this stage of the proceedings it
would be proper to fix the duties that
would devolve upon the convention,
and he therefore would make the
suggestion that there be appointed
l. A committee to confer with the
Governor on the necessity of extend
ing the time for the payment of the
November taxes.
2. A committee to investigate the
Indebtedness of the State, the books
and accounts of the treasurer and
comptroller, and compare the same
with the statutes for raising and dis
bprsing the moneys Of the Sfata.
5. A committee to Investigate the
accounts Of the fiscal agent Of the
State in New York.
4. A committee toinquire into the
amount of money annually raised by
taxation, and whether there is any
necessity for the excessive taxation
now imposed on the people.
5. A committee to inquire into the
grievances and necessary frauds and
extrayagances, caused BY the anti
American principle Of taxation with
out representation, and report a rem em!ll
dy for the same. .a
6. That ap executive committee
be appointed, who, together with the
president Of this convention, shall
have it in charge to protect the inter-
est represented by this convention in
the interval of adjournment. to keep
in view the current legislation of any
future meetipgof the Legislature, and
to call together at such time as they
may deem expedient.
7. That this convention confirm
the action and resolution ofthe Board
of Trade and the Chamber of Qom-
merce of Charleston, in respect to the
sterling loan, lao
s, That Q committee be appointed
to investigate, and report . plan to
restore the. credit of t6A StatelaRd to
confer with the! Representative of the
FIRE loan, securities lofN TIE State,
which have been practically .repudia.
ted by the State authority, with q
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1871-05-18

I.view to repair the damages to the
I. good faith and honor Of the State,
by influencing an early liquidation OF
these obligations: a.i.1 9
RESOLUTIONS. '.2q
!. The following resolutions were
offered and adopted :.o., ag...L..z.l
By General j.. Hagood, of Barn
well: ao5f.,5t.e a,.A
Resozved, That Mr.. ]. P. Thomas
be invited to seat on the floor, and
to participate in the deliberations
of the conventionsgs 5siW
| By General James Chesnut: .ha2
Reso1vea,. Thatitthe Hon. A. P.
Aldrich be inviteditoa aa2seat on the
floor Of the conventionyfand to par
ticipate in the deliberations of the
body. I VI Boo ~ r
Resoyed, That the privileges of the
floor of this convention be rendered.
to the Hon. D. A. January, of St.
Louis, Missouri. 2slgal
By General M. C.hButler::
ResoEved, That the Hon. Mr. Mil
ler, United States Senator from the
State Of Georgia.. be invited to seat
on the floor Of this convention.
By Hon. G. Cannon -
Resolved, That 1t be referred to
the committee of eleven to inquire
of the Governor how many and what
amount of bonds be has signed under
the various acts authorizing the same,
and what disposition has been made
of said bonds. 4
By Mr.. B. w. Ball, of Laurens
Resolved, That it be'referred to the
committee of eleven to confer with
Governor Scott, and investigate and
report to this body to what extent
State and county officers have been
unnecessarily increased since the or
ganization of the State government
in 1868, and with the view to re-
trenchment and reform, and to what
extent they might be dispensed with.
The following, offered by Mr.. Eli
son Keitt, Of Newberry, were, on
motion of Colonel F. F. Marley, laid
on. the table, there being but one vote
in the negative:
h,cso1uea. That the president of this
body be, and he is hereby authorized
to appoint a committee Of six to draw
up petition setting forth the griev:-
ances of the people Of this State, and
asking the President and Congress to
take charge Of the State, and put it
upon an enduring foundation-a foun-
dation that will secure a fair repre-
sentation of the people, that we may
go to work, and not only buildu up our
own State, but aid in advancing the
prosperity and the glory of the re-
public.
Rcsozve1, That the several connfiAs J
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1871-05-18

1tSoOt0Ceei L H'I VAS loSs
of the State are respecs
to meet at their respectiT
on the first Monday j
and appoint two delega
meet in Columbia on
following, when, afte.
they will proceed in a /
ington City, and .presel
to the President.
General E. B. G. Cas
terfeld, offered the foil
,,.,c ,JopfoJ
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1871-05-18

but there are some eteliows down 49,
in Columbia that deplore these reck-
less robberies as much as we do, and
would do all in their power toprevent
them if it were possible.
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1871-05-18

! -iuuon- rccolaiaea..',9 ''r suspefalof
/ .fe1
Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1871-05-18

cerH aiIe Le.giS.-5';H@ 'tl''t tef'e-'' -
~. ~ t;. ..yac.,:i.a NeDsrtl.s