Birmingham state herald., 1895-12-05
CONVENTION ADJOURNED After Remaining in Session
 Three Months. THE NEGROES DID NOT SIGN Many Radical Changes From the Old Constltu-
 tion Were Made.
PRESIDENT EVANS GIVEN A@WATcH
He Delivered His Farewell Speech, After Which They All Sang "God Be With You Till We Meet Again''
 and Then Adjourned.

Columbia, S. C., Dec. 4.-After remain ing in session for three months, less one week, the constitutional convention has at last completed the work of framing new constitution for the state of South Carolina and has adjourned sine die. Seven members of the convention voted against the final adoption of the new or ganc law. Mr. Doyle voted with these seven at first, but upon the completion of the roll call had his vote changed. It has taken long time and no end of debate to construct the new organic law and consequently many radical changes from the old constitution have been made, the five most radical being the regulation of the suffrage. with the "un- destanding" feature, the increase in the school tax, the imposition of the graduated income tax. the putting in of the dispensary law regulations and the adoption of the anti-lynching section, which is the only provision of the kind in any state constitution. Then there is the increase of the supreme court to four justices and an endless number of other important changes.
 The convention has been in session so long that it has come to be considered almost a part of the state government. It is needless to say that great many members seem to be much fatigued and worn out, and no doubt they will be glad to get away to their homes. The cost of framing the new constitution has been far greater than was expected, but that has been provided for and the people will scarcely complain.
 Thus far very few opinions as to the merits dpmpritS of the have been expressed, but no doubt many of its features will be heard of during the coming state campaign
 The convention'S members as whole have stuck pretty close to their work during the entire session and are to be commended for their endurance. Three members of the convention died during the session.
 Today's work was purely of a routine character from beginning to end the committee on order style and revision directing the proceedings. This commit tee has done it's work in the most thor ough manner. The consideration of the committees proposed amendments was completed today at exactly :38 D. m., and after considering some resolutions the convention at ? D. m. took a recess until D. m., to allow the committee to have the changes put in the enrolled copy. In the afternoon the committee had all these pages ready. They were dUODIeu dIIer DelnR CdTeIully revised, and then the constitution was adopted as whole. A recess was then taken till 7:30 D. m. to allow the committee to ar range the enrolled sheets in their proper order. In the interim a mock convention was held and much sport was indulged in. At night at the final session the in- teresting ceremony of signing the con stitution was witnessed. President Evans signed first at 7:35. Gen. Robert Smalls, one of the negro members. refused to sign. The other negroes were not in the hall. At two minutes of o'clock the constitution was declared the organic law of the state. The convention then went into committee of the whole, with MT. George Johnson in the chair. Appropriate resolutions were adopted. When President Evans again took the chair MT. Bellnger on behalf of the dele gates, presented him with a handsome gold watch. President Evans then de- lvered his farewell address. speaking as follows
 "There are times, gentlemen, places and circumstances that bring the hearts of men together-when the outside bick- erings when dissensons. when animosi- ties are forgotten and hearts that were divided become united and beat for one body I feel that this convention, now representing the sovereignty of South Carolina, rests in that condition. It has been the cherished hope of most of us that the convention will be the means or Irdm1nSN d law dTOuIlu WHICH oOutU Carolinians could unite; around which a divided people could unite and bury past differences and be brethren once more. I feel that that has been accomplished. We came here with some misgivingS. We came here, some of us, mistrusting one another We came here, possibly, think ing that some of us in the heat of debate, in passion would inflict wounds that would never be healed. thank God that this has not been the case. I thank God T frar. my own heart-and believe but reflect the feelings and sentiments of every delegate upon this floor. when say that when we leave here we leave it with no heart -burnings with no prejudices. We leave 1t a united people once more.
 "Gentlemen, you have honored me. My people have honored me. You, repre- sentng them in their sovereign capacity, have honored me by putting me in this position You have honored me with these resolutions: you have honored me with this gift, which shall cherish. And let me assure you that as it's hands mark the fleeting moments of life, as the years pass by and as the time draws nearer for my departure from this world shall all ways look at this and recall the mem- ories of this convention, the happy hours spent in watching the people, watching the citizens with but one idea, making the law of their state; with but one mo- tive actuatng them. the happiness of her people, and l shall turn 10 thlS al- ways with the happiest of memories.
 And now, gentlemen, let me assure you that as it shall also be reminder, as has been suggested by the gentleman from Barnwell. shall assure you that before we meet in another constitution al convention I shall be a married man. l am satisfied gentlemen. 1t will be sooner. but this is not the piace-ths is too dignifed place to make rash prom ises. And now. gentlemen, in bidding you goodbye. in bidding you farewell, in adjourning your deliberations let me wish a merry Christmas, a happy New Years ,and may God cause His blessings to shower upon you and upon the state for which you have worked so hard. am satisfied that your work will IivA