The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1879-12-30
List or THE LEGISK.iTIRE E,

Proper Conrtcsics--Au Intcr,nission rorR>-
freshments--A Retrospect -Political Notes
.-Christmas Eve ut the Capital.
lcoKEEsroNDEkcE OF THE NEWS AND HExALr.,
COLUMBIA S. c., Dec. 81, lS79.-
Both branches of the General Assem-
bly, adjourned sine die to-day shortly
after midday, and most of the mcn-
bcrs arc already far on their way
homcwards. The closing scenes were
not especially interesting, the ratiiica-
ton of Acts being tho only matter of
business that received attention. In
both the Senate and the House rcso-
lut;ons Of thanks were voted to the
presiding officers, TO which uppropri-
ate responses were made. Taft, the
Republican senator from Charleston,
offered the resolutions in the Senate,
accompanied by remarks crcditahlc to
him. Williams, colorcd Republican,
senator from Georgetown, compli-
mcntcd President Jctcr on his fair and
impartial rulings, and expressed his
appreciation Of the consideration with
which the Republican senators had al
ways been treated. In other w ords there
was general interchange otgood frc,-
ing, and for the time being both the
color and party lines wcrc forgotten.
These pleasant episodes were OCCASION
ally varied by the drawing Of pay-ccr-
certificates, which seems to be always
in order, and very seldom overlooked.
Governor Simpson held II reception
in his office last night which was at
tended by the members, State officers
and attaches, and Il few prominent citi-
zcns. The popping OF champagne
corks was very spirited, and the spark
ling wine drew out II great deal OF clo-
uucncc that had hitherto laid dormant.
All business in the State House was
suspended during these conyivialitics,
and good time generally was spent
by all present. 1t was unanimously
voted that our Governor knows as well
how 70 entertain his friends as to run
the government, and he certainly I'M
dcrStanas the latter business. Judg-
ing from the cncomiums that we heard
passed upon him by every enc, he is
universally beloved, and stands very
high in the affection Of the people Of
the State. Always faithful to the pub
lie trusts hitherto couii,lcd to him, il is
conf &C ,tly believed that he will adorn
the the head oftho Judiciary with ircsa
luStrc.
In reviewing the work of the session
Just closed, think it safe to say that
The late General Assembly has been
more conspicuous for what it omitted
to do, than for anything it actually ac-
complishcd. Amongst the few meas
urcs passed that arc Of a public charac-
ter may be mentioned: Acts to pro-
vide for the settlement Of the State
debt in accordance with the decision
Of The Supreme Court; to amend the
constitution with reference to the
Homestead; to establish Bureau OF
Agriculture; and to provide with arti-
fetal legs all Confederate soldiers who
lost an arm or leg during the late
war. There may be few others, that
you will no doubt call attention to in
course OF time, but most of the time of
the session has been consumed in in
cooperating churches, ferries, tram
roads, and other local enterprises, with
an occasional bill to change the name
Of John Smith to Thomas Brown and
make him the heir Of some member Of
the numerous Brown family. AS re-
mari kcd in previous letter there is too
much special legislation, too much
valuable time iriltercd away on local
matters in which the general public
have no interest, too much "gassing,"
and by far too much "buncombc"
spccch-making. What the remedy is.
it is not my province to suggest, bu,
even "bird's eye" view Of the late
body would convince any observer
that great Improvement could be made
in the membership Of most Of the
counties. 1t is q very nico thing no
doubt to sit quietly, day in and day
out, answer at roll call, vote, and draw
$5 per day, but it is luxury that the
taxpayers have to pay for without a
commensurate return for the cXpcndi-
turc. Less than onc-third Of both
houses were good, faithful workers,
and the "dr0nes" were very numerous.
1t was noticeable that this latter
class were very clamorous for final
adjournment before the HOLIDAYS, in
tho face of the fact that the public in
tcrcsts would suffer thereby. But
such is modern legislation, and such it
will always be until the people open
their eyes, and take a peep behind the
scenes.
| have tried to catch the drift ofpub-
lie opinion with reference to tho next
State ticket, and will proceed to give
your readers tho benefit ofwhat have
gait cred. For Governor General
johnson lIagood seems to be the only
man seriously thought of, and his
nomination next summer is, | think, q
lorcgonc conclusion. General John
ID. Kennedy is, to all appearances, safe
for the second place. For Comptro!l-
er, Tairiiold's tavoritc son, General
Bratton, is most frequently spoken of,
and it is believed he can secure the
nomination ifhe will accept it. Mai.
Colt of Chcraw is said to be candi-
date for tho same tffl.e. For Treas
urcr tho present incumbent, Captain
Leaphart, appears to have no opposi-
ton ofany consequence. For Sccrc-
tary of State tho two leading candi-
dates arc Col. Sims tho present incum-
bent, and Senator Howard of Marion,
OniNiOn bninC ,,,uoh J;,,.Jnl n, IN ~, .