The news and herald. [volume] (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1876-1881, 1879-12-31
LAST or TIE LEGISLlTURE.
Proper CourtcHfes--hn Intornc !ssion for Re-
freshn.cnts-A Retrospect. Political Notes
--Christ;nas Eve ut tho Capital.

freshn,cnts-A Retrospect. .-I,olitical Notes
--Christ;n,s Eve ut tho Capital.
lcoRREsroNDEEcE OF TIE NEWS AND HERALD
| COLUMBIA s. G., Dec. "a, 1879,
Both branches Of the General Assem-
bly, adjourned sine dic to-day shortly
after midday, and most o: tho r'cm-
bers arc already far on their way
homowar(s. The closing scenes were
not especially interesting, the ratiiicn-
ton Of Acts being the only matter OF
business that received attention. IN
both the Senate and the House rcso-
lutions OF thanks were voted to the
presiding officers, to which appropri-
ate responses were made. Taft, the
Republican senator lrom Charleston,
offered the resolutions in the Senate,
accompanied by remarks crcGitahlc to
him. Williams, colorcd Republican
senator from Georgetown, compli-
mentcd President Jcter OH his fair and
impartial rulings, and expressed his
appreciation Of tho consider ration with
which the Republican senator's had al-
ways been treated. In othc: words there
was general interchange of good feel
ing, and for the time being both the
color and party lines were forgotten.
These pleasant episodes were OCCASION
ally varied by tho drawing of pay-cer-
certificates, which seems to be always
in order, and very seldom overlooked.
Governor Simpson held q reception
in his office last night which was at
tended by the members, State officers
and ATTACHES, and few prominent citi-
zens. Tho popping OF champagne
corks was very spirited, and the spark
ling wine drew out q great deal Of clo-
quence that had hitherto laid dormant.
All business in tho State House was
suspended during these convivialitics,
and u good time generally was spent
by all present. 1t was unanimously
voted that our Governor knows as well
how to entertain his friends as to run
the government, and he certainly ul-
dcrstantls tho latter business. Judg-
ing from the cncomiums that we heard
passed upon him by every one, 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 coIliitlcd to him, it is
conf dently believed that he will adorn
the the head ofthc Judiciary with fresh
lustrc.
In reviewing the work of the session
just closed, think it safe to say that
the late General Assembly has been
moro conspicuous for what it omitted
to do, than for anything it actually ac-
complished. Amongst the few meas
urcs passed that arc of u public cllarac-
ter may be mcntioncd: Acts 70 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
110mcstcad; to establish q Bureau Of
Agriculture; and to provide with arti-
iicial 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-
marked in a previous letter there is too
much special legislation, too much
valuable time frittcred away on local
matters in which the general public
have 10 interest, too much "gassing,"
and by far too much ''buncombc''
specch-making. What the remedy is,
it is not my province to suggest, but
even "bird's eye" view Of tho late
body would convince any observer
that great Improvement could be made
in the membership of most Of tho
counties. 1t is avery nice thing no
doubt to sit quietly, day in and day
out, answer at roll call, vote, and draw
S5 per day, but it is luxury that tho
taxpayers have to pay for without q
commensurate return for the cXpcndi.
houses were good, faithful workers,
and the fdroncs" were very numerous,
1t was noticeable that this latter
class were very clamorous for a final
adjournment before tho HOLIDAYS, III
the face of tho fact that the public in.
tcrcsts would suffer thereby. But
such is modern legislation, and such il
will always be until the people open
their eyes, and take a pecp behind the
scenes.
l have tried to catch tho drift ofpub.
lie opinion with reference to the ncxt
State ticket, and will proceed to give
your readers the benefit ofwhat have
, gathered. For Governor General
johnson Hagood seems TO be the only
man seriously thought Of, and his
nomination next summer is, | think, q
foregono conclusion. General John
y. Kennedy is, to all appearances, safe
for the second place. For Comptroll.
CT, Fairtield's favoritc son, General
Bratton, is most frequently spoken Of,
and 1t is believed he can secure the
nomination he will accept it.. Maj
Colt Of Chcrdw is said to be q candi.
date for tho same office. For Treas.
nrcr tho present incumbent, Captain
Leaphart, appears to have no opposi.
ton of fany consequence. For Secre-
tary of State tho two leading candi.
; dates arc Col. Sims the present incun.
bent, and Senator Howard of Marion,
opinion being much divided as to the
respective chances of the two gentle
men. For Attorney General have