The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1873-02-13
Editorial Correspondence.
COLUMBIA, Feb. 7, 1873.

uninteresting to the readers of the Lntelkgencer.
Arriving here yesterday afternoon, took up
quarters at the Wheeler House, the new and
elegant structure which has been recently
thrown open to the travelling public, and which
rs receiving a large share of public patron
age at this time. 1t is we'll arranged and
admirably furnished, and the table is sup
piled with tempting food, generously and nice
ly prepared. One objection is apparent, how
ever, and will undoubtedly, detract from the
popularity of this establishment. refer to the
fact that many of the rooms are too small and
badly ventilated, which will make against the
house as warmer weather approaches.
In company with a friend, paid visit to
the Lunatic Asylum this morning. We were
kindly received by Drs. Ensor and Sloan, who
made our visit quite pleasant and instructive
The interior arrangements of the main building
have been much improved during the last year
or two, Notwithstanding the financial embar-
rassments of the institution, and there is a
cheerful air pervading its rooms and corridors
that cannot fail to exert beneficial influence
upon the unfortunate inmates. Among the
present Improvements, we were shown the fur
naces for heating the male department, which
are now just completed. They are four in num-
ber, situated beneath the corners of the build
ing, and amply sufficient to heat the various
rooms above, which are used for the general
purposes of the inmates. In the female de-
partment, dumb walters are being constructed
in each wing, to supply the food for each ward,
so that the particular classes will hereafter OBJ
tain their meals in separate dining rooms. The
present arrangement is not well adapted, as the
inmates are brought together from every ward
in common dining-room, and one can see at
a glance that this does not promote the success
full treatment of the various cases, especially
where the patient is easily excited by adverse
surroundings, as is the fact in many instances.
Other designs for improvement and convenience
are constantly being made and shows conclu-
sively the fitness and capacity of DIR. Ensor for
the peculiar government of this humane insti-
tuition. His assistant, DIR. Henry N. Sloan,
manifests an unusual aptitude for his position,
and is thoroughly devoted to the responsible
charge he has undertaken. He is a native of
Anderson, as many of our readers are aware,
and his success is gratifying to old friends and
acquaintances. a
On leaving the Asylum, we went directly to
the State House, where the Lawmakers are con-
gregated, and where bedlam occasionally reigns
supreme. To-day has been one of the quiet
days, although several interesting topics were
under discussion. Our Senator and Represen-
tatives afforded US an opportunity for quiet OBJ
servation of the proceedings in both Houses.
In the Senate, not much business of importance
was transacted, but that body keeps steadily at
work, and is comparatively grave and digni6ed.
A bill to aid and encourage manufactures, lib
eral and enlightened in its policy, elected some
discussion while we were present, but the stu
pid partizanship of several Senators prevented
its immediate passage, although the friends of
the bill hope for better results. In the House,
the most interesting business was the discus
sion of bill to increase the salaries of Supreme
and Circuit Judges. The presence of several
of these dignitaries upon the floor, engaged in
lobbying for its passage, had the effect of dis
gusting many members, including large num-
Der of Republicans, and the enacting clause of
the bill was stricken out by an overwhelming
vote. 1t is healthy indication, in my judg-
ment, and shows that some regard is being paid
to the platform and pledges of last summer.
Hon. H. A. Meetze, of Lexington, the Chair
man Of the Judiciary Committee made tenn
perate and able speech in opposition to the bill,
and elected warm encomiums upon his effort,
even from political opponents Timothy Hur-
ley, of Charleston, likewise spoke to the ques-
ton, and. 'humorously castigated the Judges
who were engaged in the disreputable business
of pressing its passage.
Another phase of the proceeding to-day, of
particular interest to our readers, was the pas
sage of the amendment TO the charter of the
town of Anderson, providing for the taxation
of personal properly, to which was added
further amendment by Representative Cochran,
which inaugurates the system of cumulative
voting in our town elections. The following
words embrace this feature of the bill, viz:
"And that in every election for Wardens of said
town, every qualified voter shall, if he so de-
sires, be allowed to vote under the system of
cumulative voting; that is, in such ratio as he
may see fit, as for example, he may cast the
whole number of his votes for one of the said
Wardens, or he may cast three votes for one
and one vote for another Of the said Wardens,
or two votes for one and two votes for the
other of said Wardens" So, if the Senate
concurs in this amendment, we are to have
minority representation in our Town Coun-
Gil. In my humble opinion, this system
will prove valuable, if properly carried out,
and trust its successful operation in An
derson will vet further the adoption of this