The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1893-12-20

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ceeded to repeat that the bill included
no great innovation. It merely abol'
ished the Office of county commission
ers which the people assented to 10
their vote on a constitutional amend
ment.
Senator Jenkins stated that the Sem
ator's bill had been defeated In the
House and referred to the history. He
had admitted that some Of the bills
provisions were good, but he had found
that it was impossible to amend Its
inIpracticable features. 1t had never
been voted to abolish the Office Of coun-
ty commissioner but merely to put 1t
under the control of the General As
sembly, and not to have 1t a constitu-
tional Office. IL am admonished by the
Senator that I am talking for bum
combe, but when I 60 home, unlike
himself, my political career is ended.
say its shame and an outrage to de-.
sire our poor people to work by the
side of copvicts."
Senator Evans debated this bill at
length, being from time to time Gin.
terpellated" from Senators from all
quarters of the chamber. He described
the growth Of the recent road agitation
and the road congresses throughout the
United States, and alluded in glowing
terms to the magnificent roads Of the
Romans. When he touched upon the
"Appian Way" Senator Jenkins cruel
ly inquired if slaves did't build 1t. The
speaker responded that the argument
amounted to saying that If we had no
slaves we must have DO roads. Our
people were willing to build the roads.
Senator Derham thought the bill
might be enacted for those counties
which wanted it. and to whose condi-
tions it was suited. Senator Bigham
opposed the bill. He contended against
its pracLicability, and objected to. the
expense OF the convict system. He
had talked with the people of Florence;
had told them that this bill was on the
calendar, and not man had possessed
the cheek to ask that 1t be enacted.
Senator J. G. Evans: "Was not this
bill an issue between you and Congress:
man McLaurin in your race for Con-
gress?" Senator Bigham stood mute
for minute, and then replied: eyes;
but it was sore point with Congress
man McLaurin. He lodged the issue:
He was willing to relieve Bigham and
his people Of the whole thing"
Senator Finley pronounced the bill
far superior to any Of the kind PreVt-
ously introduced. The bill could hard
ly be opposed from the same stand.
point as that from which the bill OF
last year had been objected to. 1t was
impossible, however, to prevail upon
the people to do good service gratuit-
ously, and service Of value could not be
expected from township road commis-
sioners without remuneration.
Senator Stanyarne Wilson spoke In
defense Of the bill. He reminded the
Senate that 1t was one Of the few re-.
forms for the good Of South Carolina
which remained ulienacted. 1t would
be unfortunate for this one to fall OF
passage. The Spartanburg Senator
was mauifestly uneasy about his friend,
Mr.. Evans bill, and his speech on 1ts
behalf was full of earnestness; In fact
1t bordered on the pathetic. Ever and
anon Col. Dsrham of Horny interposed
in his quiet way with questions that
would have tripped up less adrolt DE-
batter than Senator Wilson.
When Senator Zimmerman arose to
put In word it was palmer than ever
that the friends of the measure were
frightened. He appealed to the Senate
not to indefinitely postpose the bill, for
it did not 20 into effect for q year.
There could be no danger in passing 1t,
and there was plenty of time for
amendment hereafter. The ayes ard
NAYS on the pending motion Of Senator
Jenkins to Indefinitely postpone the
bill were demanded and a call OF the
vote resulted as follows:
Ayes-Abbott, Blgham, Brice, Der
ham, Fisley, Glenn, Harrison, Jenkins,
Miller, Moore, O'Dell, Sloan and Yer
dier.-13.
Nays7Barton, Beasley, Brown, Bqistt,
E6rd, w, D. Evans, J: &. Evans, Fal'
ler, Hemphill, McGill, Mayfeld. Nc
Daniel. Mower. Peake, Ragtn, Red
fearn, Smythe, Stribling, Zimmerman,
Williams and Wilson-2l. So the mo-
tion was lost. =,
Senator J. &, Evans offered an
amendment precIuding convicts to be
worked with or near contractors which
prevailed. Senator Evans remarked
that he offered the amendment to meet
the objection of Senator Jenkins.
Senator Verdier moved to amend by
making the supervisors bond $lO,OOO.
It would relieve his county from the
difficulty which he had referred to IN
the morning. Senator Evans was will
ing to accept the amendment as TO
Beaufort alone. =,
Senator Yerdier stated that the
amendment of Senator Evans would
not help matters. "You injure us by
your aid. Like most of your sugges-
tions," remark ed Mr.. Verdier with q
bland smile, "it is impracticable."
Senator Verdier's amendment was
then voted down.
Senator Righam moved to lay upon
the table the amendment excepting
Charleston from its operation. Sena-
tor Smythe had no objection to the
Senator's motion, but it was unneces-
ssry because the amendment was not
In the bill. He hoped that If Senator
Bieham desired to look after Charles
tons interests be would do 1t In an or
derly Wav.
When Senator Bigham obtained the
floor he replied to Senator Smythe IN q
few remarks causing considerable
amusement. He ended by saying that
"When Bigham gets the floor he talks
business and not nonsense" and even
the Senators Uttered.
After the adoption Of divers amend
ments the bill passed its second read
ing without dlvision.-State.
The Methodist Conference.
SUMTER, s. c., Dec 9.-At the meet
ing of the South Carolina Methodist
Conference today the following dele.
oafes to the General Conference were