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ESTABLISHED 1799. [ CONGRESSIONAL. proctje lings of the Senate anti House Y es terd&y. Washington, December 22.—The Sen ate, soon after being called to order this morning, resumed consideration of the resolution of Mr. Mitchell, author izing an investigation as to the ap pointment of E. A. Cronin, Presidential elector in Oregon, and after a brief discussion, it was agreed to without a division. The question then recurred upon the substitute for the preamble to the reso lution, submitted by Mr. Bayard sev eral days ago. Mr. Bayard spoke in favor of his substitute, and said it was not right to reflect harshly upon Gov. Grover by tho preamble to the resolu tion offered in advance of the investi gation. The Judiciary Committee of the House considered petitions for the re moval of political disabilities, with the viow of presenting another omnibus bill. The committee liad no official in humation of the declaration by the Louisiana committee that the members of the Returning Board of that State worn in contempt. The Committee on Foreign Relations discussed the Venezuela fraud, in which Ortii, of Jndiuna, is involved, but had no witness. The Election Committee will not meet until after the return.of tho In vestigation Committees, though there is a quorum present. The Republicans are in a temporary majority. Public opinion Is hardening that the election will be thrown into the House and Sen ate, with Til (Jen and Wheeler for Pres ident and Vice-President, but a good chance for Hendricks, in case it can be clearly shown to more Republican Sen ators that ho is elected. The Demo crats, however, are determined lo struggle to the end for Tildeu and Hendricks on a count of the electoral votes. | / 1 / In tho House, the Speaker announced tho following committees to confer with the Senate committee on the sub- ject of countiog the electoral vote : i’aiae, of Ohio; Hunton, of Virginiaf Hewitt, of New York; Springer, of Illi nois; McCrary, of Iowa; Hoar, of Mas sachusetts, and Willard, of Michigan. To report on the privileges, powers and duties of the House, in connection with the same subject: Kuott, of Ken tucky; Sparks, of Illinois; Tucker, of Virginia ; Marsh, of Pennsylvania ; Burchard, of Illinois; Seelye, of Mas sachusetts, and Monroe, of Ohio. The House passed the bill removing t lie political 'disabilities of George S. liawkins, of Ilorida. In the Senate, Oregon was discussed. The call showed no quorum, and the Senate adjourned. The War Department has advices contradicting the massacre ?of Major llandall and his Indian scouts. LOUISIANA. Wells Before the Committee Again. New Orleans, December 22.—Wells testified this morning : Was decided as a partisan, but would not allow poli tics to iulluence me to do anything wrong ; did not throw out parishes and polls simply because they were Demo cratic ; did not know that any Repub lican polls were rejected ; the claims of my family against the Government ag gregate $700,000 ; was not inti tenced in my action thereby ; the letter of Mr, Tilden, saying he would veto such claims as mine, uid n>t influence my course ; did not think being Surveyor of Customs and President of the Re turning Board were in contravention of Grant’s order, that no Federal offi cer shall hold a State office. The evidence generally shows a lack of system in the operations of the Board and its clerks. No one know what the other was about or how the other did. The committee, iu execu tive session, ordered Chairman Mor mon to report tire members of the Re turning Board in contempt, in refusing to produce the records demanded. FLORIDA. 'flie Supreme Court Sustains the Democratic Governor. Tali. ujasskk, December 22 —Tire Su preme Court sustains the Drew de murrer to the answer of the Canvass ing Board, and grants a peremptory order to the Board to re-cunvass from the lace of the returns. This gives the State to Tilden by a small major ity, and of course elects the balance of the Democratic ticket, including both Congressmen. The Democrats arc qui etly but heartily enjoying their victory. The counsel for the Board-gave notice of a motion to answer. The court ad journed to 9 a. m. to-merrow, and an nounced its determination to adjourn die to-morrow. FROM CHARLESTON. Tha Congressional Committee—The W. L. I. Welcome Oen. Banks. Charleston, December 22. — The Con gressional sub-committee of the House Hie hbio taking testimony regarding intimidation in the coast counties. The Washington Light Infantry, who visited Bunker Hill last June, and were so hospitably received, welcomed Gen. N. P. Banks, at their meeting this evening. Banks’ remarks were heartily applauded, and three cheers given for Boston. THE INDIANS. Sitting Bull Again Routed— Massacre °f a Federal Officer and Indian Scouts. ashington, December 22. —There are unofficial advices that Lieutenant Baldwin, of the sth infantry, drove Slt ring Bull’s camp across the Missouri r iver, and that Sitting Bull retreated to Bad Lands; also, that Major Ran 'iall. of Gen. Crook’s staff, with forty brows and ten Snake scouts, were mas tered on the Big Horn. It is thought at headquarters that these reports are probable, as the situation makes them possible, and the press heretofore has Je,, n truthful iu its accounts received lQ advance of official information. the western union. 9rton Instructed to Resist tlie House -All Originals of Dispatches to be Destroyed Hereafter. New York, December 22. —The Com 'Wrcial Advertiser understands that the p° a rd of Directors of the Western C nion Telegraph, at a special meeting to-day, authorized their President, Or toti, to make all proper legal and con- Htitutional resistance to the demand of 1, - >l House of Representatives for pri yate and confidential papers. The b ard also resolved hereafter to de “u'°y the originals of all telegraphic dispatches at once, unless otherwise fvfiuested by the sender. §Jje GRimistrt Constitutionalist. foreign news. E S'r r , Wl !L'“‘'* Speech—Proper SXL IWres-The Earner., Berlin, December 22.—Emperor Wil- ParHament f ttie , seßsion of the German Parliament to-day with a speech from reference B 't *aid%aid °in reieience to foreign affairs- “Tho DQgotiation of the Powers upon the Eastern question as far as proceeded with justify the hope that efforts noaoof 1 ? . mutuall y conciliatory and imeutiou of the Powers im mediateiy concerned, will be success wllho, r SOlvlug ,. Uie Pending question without prejudice to the good relations now existing £££ nue, by friendly disinterested mediation, to lend her eo-operation for the attain ment of this end.” London, December 22.-Lord Cham berlain has issued a memorandum threatening to vigorously prosecute theatrical managers who flagrantly violate the rules concerning facilities for the exit of their audiences. The penalty of the act is $2 500. ,bir Robert Gove Booth, Conservative member of Parliament for Sligo, is dead. London, December 22.—The Stand? ai d’s Peeth special reports great irri tation in Hungary over the firing upon the Austrian vessel from Servian forts. The journals demand Austrian occu pation of Belgrade. Memorials are be ing sent to the Hungatiau Ministry urging the Austro-Hungarian Govern ment to forcibly intervene in favor of Turkey. A Berlin special snj-s the appoint ment of Midhat, Pasha, as Grand Vizier is regarded at St. Petersburg as a chal lenge to Russia. The banking house of Baimhoff, St. Petersburg, has failed. Liabilities, one million rubles. " - * Pennsylvania. Patriotic Address of tlie Democratic State Committee. Harrisburg, Pa,, December 22.—The Democratic State Committee met to day to arrange for an expression of public feeling. A large number of prominent gentlemen were present, aud who desired to assist in the prilim inary arrangements, were admitted, and committees were appointed. The following address was adopted unanimously at the afternoon session of the Democratic State Committee : To the People of Pennsylvania : We address you iu the spirit of pa triotism which is common to all the citizens of the Commonwealth. The political condition of our country is fraught with impending peril. The expression by the people of their in tention to support those constitutional meaus which wilWmeet the issue made on the question of the Presidency, may prevent what otherwise we will deplore. Whatever violates either the letter or the spirit of tho Constitution tends to weaken, and may destroy our Government. There is not a question, or a measure, relating to tho peace and happiness of the whole people exciting controversy and portending discord, for which the Constitution fails to pro vide. The election of President and Vice-President of the United States is a high and solemn duty of the people of the several States. An attempt to evade, in obedience to the popular will, by any effort to distort the meaning of the Constitution by misinterpretation of law, to seek to set up' barriers against tho face of this declared will, is substituting revolutionary expedients for Constitutional methods. The Sen ate and House of Representatives of the United States have, by the Constitution, the sole and exclusive power to settle all questions which re late to the validity of the electoral votes of the several States. In one event the Constitution gives the House of Representatives the power to elect the President. We, therefore, earnest ly invoke from you every effort cog nizable by law in tho execution and support of the Constitutional methods by which is to be determined who are the lawfully elected President and Vice- President of the United States. We invite those who feel the present dan ger to aid in all lawful means which may induce the Senators and Repre sentatives of the States and people in Congress assembled to obey the plain intent and meaning of the Constitution and the laws, and not, in defiance thereto, to place in the high offices of the Government men whose title is tainted with fraud. As free citizens of this Commonwealth we suggest that you consider those meas ures which such a contingency may invite or command. We believe a large number of citizens who are too patri otic to be bound by the designs of the managers of the present administra tion of the General Government, are prepared openly to condemn the dispo sition they manifest to plunge the trust committed to them for a speci fied period of a Presidential term. If the people will, with courage and calmness and full faith iu their sover eignty, as the source of all political power, make these declarations, then their servauts may listen and obey, be lieving that these opinions are enter tained by all honest and patriotic citi zens. Wo declare that Samuel J. Til den and Thomas A. Hendricks were, on the 7th day of November last, elected President and Vice President of the United States. Self gratulation has no part in this, our solemn statement, of the fact upon which we intend to rest our future conduct. We call upon the members of both Houses of Congress to adopt such lawful means as may lead to the official declaration of the fact that Mr. Tilden and Mr. Hendricks have been elected, and we urge them to resist, with all their power, the propo sal to settle tho ascertainment of a fact already accomplished, by a refer ence of it to any other tribunal than that already appointed to decide it by the Constitution of the United States. Tho report is signed by a committee of fifteen of the most eminent Demo crats of Pennsylvania. Fay for Legislators. Attorney General Lear has filed an opinion with the State Treasurer, with special reference to the payment of the expenses incurred by a special legisla tive committee appointed to investigate the Reading Railroad Company, in which he declares that all appropria tions of money to legislators, beyond the fixed salary of one thousand dol lars for each session, are unconstitu tional. According to this opinion, the extra pay given to members of the Legislature—about SBO,OO0 —should have been withheld. The State Treas urer will hereafter refuse to pay mem bers more than SI,OOO a session. Springfield, December 22.-Pre liminary arrngements are progressing for a Mas* Convention, January Bth, similar to that in Indiana. WASHINGTON ITEMS. News and Gossip from the Capital. Washington, December 22.—The War, Navy and State Secretaries were absent from the Cabinet to-day. Two companies of artiUery from Fort Reno have arrived. It is stated that Mr. Ferry will re ceive, but not receipt for, returns from Louisiana, South Carolina, Florida or Oregon, as the messengers could go to the Treasury Department and get money. All parties must wait till Con gress decides which bears \he proper papers. Ferry received the vote of the Democratic electors to-day, but refused to receipt. He will treat the Republi can messengers from Florida In the same manner. Senators Bayard and Gordon, and perhaps Thurman and Ransom, also Speaker Randall, Congressmen Lamar, Hewitt aud W atterson, go to-morrow to New York, by invitation, to hold an informal conference with Mr. Tildeu. The Cabinet session to-day was brief and comparatively important. There were no official dispatches presented. On the 14th of November, Mr. Hugh W. Sheffey, of Staunton, made a mo tion in the Supreme Court of the Uni ted States for a writ of habeas corpus in behalf of Madison Doom, confined in a Virginia jail on conviction In the United States District Court for viola tion of the Civil Rights act. The Su premo Court set the 20th of December for the hearing of the case, but on the 19th of December, in view of the prob able pardon of his client, Mr. Sheffey moved a postponement. The President yesterday pardoned Madison Doom. This action forestalls the proceedings in the Supreme Court, and as this is tho only known case of imprisonment under the Civil Rights act, the conside ration of its constitutionality by the Supreme Court is indefinitely post poned. The Agricultural Department will issue no cotton statement this month. The statistician of the Department makes the corn crop of the Southern States one million bushels greater than last year. The total product is twelve hun dred and ninety-five million bushels. The quality of South Carolina and Florida are slightly below the standard and a slight superiority is indicated in Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas and Tennessee. FROM COLUMBIA. Adjournment of the Senate and Rump House. Columbia, December 22.—The State Senate and Republican House adjourn ed sine die this morning. The Demo cratic House is in secret session, and its course is not known. The Con gressional Committee are still active tabulating the corrected election re turns. The result will not likely be reached for several days. ■■■ • Chatham County Radicals. Savannah, December 22.—The Re publican County Convention last night endorsed and Voted to support the Democratic candidates for county of fices ; also romoved Atkins, Collector of the Port, and Wilson, ex-Revenue Collector, from the County Executive Committee for opposing Bryant, Re publican candidate for Congress, at the November election. The Torch of the Incendiary. Little Rock, December 22.—The fire was the work of an incendiary. It started in tho rear of Berry’s paper ware house. Hayes’ mill was saved. The loss will not exceed $20,000. This is the sixth fire within six days. A vigilance committee was formed to day. There were two ineffectual at tempts to fire houses last night. Marine Disasters. Halifax, December 22.—A three masted schooner, with all sails set. was reported on Wednesday in the basin of the winds on her beam ends. All hands supposed to be lost. The steam tug at Windsor is laid up, and there is no means of communication with the wreck. It is supposed to be an Ameri can vessel bound to Windsor. St. Johns, N. 8., December 22.—The schooner Topsy, of Carltou, off on a fishing cruise, has not been heard of for some time. It is feared the vessel and crew are lost. Liverpool Cotton Market. Liverpool, December 22. —The circu lar of the Liverpool Cotton Broker’s Association, in its review of the trade for the week ending last night, says cotton was quiet in the early part of the week, and the tendency of the prices was in favor of buyers, but there was more firmness on Wednesday and to day (Thursday) with a very exteasive business, and the quotations of last Thursday are partially resumed. American was very dull early in the week and % of a cent lower, but the de mand has increased and prices have recovered 11-16 in Sea Island. The sales have been moderate at steady prices. Iu futures the transactions have been comparatively limited, with little change in prices. Minor Telegrams. Pottsville, Pa., December 22. —Four men who entered the Centennial Col liery, near Ashland yesterday, were found dead this morning. They had three kegs of powder with them, which had exploded. New York, December 22.—At a con ference of prominent citizens last night, at the residence of Wm. E. Dodge, a resolution was adopted imploring all who dispense|ho9pitality on New Year’s day to proffer no intoxicating liquors. Boston, December 22.—The forger, James H. Sars, swallowed poison in jail. His recovery is doubtful. Laier.— The forger, Sars, is dead. The death of his wife caused suicide. Indianapolis, December 22.—This afternoon the Floral Hall of the Expo sition Building was discovered to be on fire, resulting in the destruction of Floral Hall, Agricultural Hall, and the Music Hall. The green house of Thos. Lewis, with his gardener’s residence and the main building, were also dam aged. _ A RIPPLE AT WALTERBORO’. The Usurping ClerK. of Court Ejected by His Lawful Successor. (Special Dispatch to the News aud Courier.) Green Pond, December 20. —Great excitement is reported to have pre vailed in Walterboro’ yesterday and to-day. Martin, the Republican ulerk of Court, refused to surrender his of fice to Mr. Robert Fishbuino, the Democratic candidate who was elected by a large majority on November 7th. Fishburne ejected Martin, who sent at once to the Combahee for a force of negroes to assist him in regaining pos session. Some negroes went over, but returned this afternooa despondent. AUGUSTA, GA., SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1876. EIGHT LEADING QUESTIONS. WARD LAMON PROCEEDS TO CA*- ECHISE THE CONSPIRATORS. - * Grant and Chandler Under a Heavy Fire of Interrogatories. t Washington Special to the Chicago Timea.l; Among the significant facts whkfc have come within the knowledge of the Times commissioner is the result of ft curious conference between Grant and Chandler ana Ward H. Lanton. The gentleman will be remembered by Illi nois people as a former law partner of Lincoln’s, and United States Marshal of this district during his term and Johnson’s. Lamon has been a con servative Republican and supported Hayes during the campaign. Indeed, so interested was he in Hayes’ success that he consented to run for Congreai ut his home in West Virginia, where he has been settled for some years, in or der to give the Hayes ticket the strength of his name. He came to Washington the other day, and gave the people great uneasiness by DENOUNCING THE SCHEME to count in Hayes as a criminal blun der, not only against the party, but against the republic. He had not boefy in town long when influential delega tions waited upon him to cause a, change in his views. He seems to have been unmoved, however, but finally turned upon the Hayes people ana drew up the following questions, which he laid before Grant and Chandler, at a foimal interview, and demanded cat egorical and explicit answers. The subject was made a state secret, and Lamon refused to acknowledge ever* the fact; but the Times diplomatic corps succeeded in obtaining the docu ment laid before Grant and Chandler, with the substance of the answers. THE QUESTIONS WERE EIGHT IN NUMBER, as follows: 1. Is there anything in the Constitu* tlou or laws requiring the President to be inaugurated at the seat of govern ment ? 2. Who is authorized to administer the oath of office to the President elect ? 3. Is the taking of the oath sufficient inauguration, at the seat of government or elsewhere, to authorize such an inau gurated President to act as such ? 4. When does the term of a President expire—the day and hour. 5. The 4th of March, 1877, coming on the holy Sabbath, and the President elect is not inaugurated on that day, but is on the day following, does this cause an interregnum ? 6. If no interregnum, who is Presi dent, and does the out-going President hold over, or is the President of the Seuate ex-officio President of the United States ? 7. In case tho inauguration of tha President-elect is deferred until March 5, and a pseudo-President or a usurper should be inaugurated on the 4th, and he should exercise acts of magisterial and executive purport, would he or would he not be regarded by law as the President de facto for the time be ing, and his acts accepted as legal ? 8. Should Tilden be quietly inaugu rated in the city of New York on tho 4th of March, and take possession of custom bouse, navy-yard, sub-treas ury, etc., what would be the conse quence? To the first inquiry, Giant, who was A GOOD WAYS GONE IN LIQUOR, answered, with great solemnity, that he didn’t know. Zach allowed that the oath might be administered to Til den in New York, in accordance with a precedent settled when Vice-President King took the oath iu Cuba many years ago. Grant, however, doubted whether, in the case of a President, this would not be considered too vio lent a departure from the customs of the country. He was disposed to think that. To the second question the President held, that. • AS THE CHIEF JUSTICE has always performed tho ceremonial, a departure would mean revolution. To the third both Chandler and Grant agreed that the oath was sufficient. To the fourth they were of the opinion that the term begins at noon on tho 4th day of March. As to the fifth in terrogatory, Grant and Chandler wero not agreed, but believed that there would beau interregnum. As to who, in that case, would be President, Grant held that the outgoing official would hold until the successor took the oath. To the seventh neither Grant nor Chandler would commit themselves. They could not conceive of such a state of things. In response to the eighth, read solemnly by Lamon, GRANT LOOKED THUNDER-STRUCK, and Chandler said emphatically, “Hell would be to pay !” This episode is perfectly authentic, and the evil of it is not yet over, by any means, as the cabinet are to consult on it. Governor Smith and R. L. Mott. The Columbus Enquirer scorns Gov. Smith roundly for re-appointing Col. R. L Mott, of that city, “one of the four Trustees of the State Lunatic Asy lum,” at Milledgeville, on the ground that Mott is a leading Radical. We learn that, with a few abnormal excep tions, it has ever been the practico to have both political parties represented in the management of this Asylum, which consists of five—the appointing party, of course, receiving a oontroliug majority to itself. An appointment of this character is In the nature of a committee of a Leg islative body where the uniform prac tice is to give the minority a represen tation. This practice is founded equal ly in justice and sound public policy, and we trust will always be respected by Democrats. The Enquirer denounces all such ap pointments as a sort of moral treason to Democracy. Now, we understand the great business of Democracy, is to establish and maintain a sound, honest and benefieient government on well es tablished principles of public adminis tration. Not one of these principles calls for the prescription of political opponents from ail interest, care and concern in the public administration. It is Democratic duty not only to do right, but to make reasonable provi sions to satisfy the opposition that ail is right. A universal and merciless proscription from all influence or direc tion in public affairs, would be ill judged as tyrannical. Maeon Tele graph. Mr. E. J. Young, better known as “Uncle Jenks,” of Thomas county, was accidentally killed a few days ago by the falling of a sapling upon him, a knot of which struck him in the head, fracturing his skull. He wa,s sixty-four years of age. MYSTERIOUS WILL MAKING. PARALYZED IN GEORGIA AND DYING IN MADISON AVENUE. Fighting for the Estate of a Rich Bachelor who Lived for Many Y ears in the St. Nicholas Hotel—A Cross made toy a Paralysed Hand. [New York Sua.J Jas. D. Ingersoll, a bachelor, 70 years of age, had been in business as a shoe commission merchant for forty years, and had lived for many years in the St Nicholas Hotel. He had no rela tives nearer than second cousins. With them be was on good terms. About one year ago he told tho husband of Mrs. Van Cleet, one of his cousins, that he had made a will, and appointed him an executor, and that the will was in the keeping of his (Ingersoll’s) partner, Mr. Richards. In April of this year Ingersoll went to the South. Before starting he riSenfloned the subject of the will to one of the persons Darned in it as executors, saying that it had not been changed. In Augusta, Ga., Mr. Ingersoll was stricken with paralysis. In the same hotel were Mr. Jaa. L. Phipps, a retired New York merchant, of 239 Madison avenue, and wile Mrs. Emma K. •Phipps. Mr. and Mr*. Phipps are,re puted to be worth at least 8200,000. Mr. Ingersoll had known them for thirty years. They at onto took charge of him, as he was utterly helpless. Mr. Ingersoll had oousins in Augusta, and they say that they called at the hotel and were denied admission to their suffering relative. On the other hand it is asserted that they neglected him. Mr. Richards, the partner of Mr. Ingersoll sent a clerk to attend to Mr. Ingersoll’s needs and to take him to New York. The clerk saw Mr. Inger -Boli once, and was afterwards told that Mr. Ingersoll desired him to return to New York. Mr. aud Mrs. Phipps brought Mr. Ingersoll to the city, and took him to their home in Madison avenue. Three days aHer his arrival Mr. Phipps sent for his own lawyer, who drew up a will at Mr. Ingersoll’s request in Mr. Inger soll’s sick chamber, devising all his property, real aud personal, to Mrs. Phipps. Before lugerßoll’s death Mr. William B. Taylor, his banker, deliv ered to Mrs. Phipps about 825,000 that Mr. Ingersoll had deposited with Tay lor &, (Jo. It is admitted by botn sides that the oousins of Mr, Ingersoll vis ited the Phippg mansion aud asked permission to uurso Mr. Ingersoll. Mr. Phenix Babcock, son-in-law of Mr. Phipps, testified in the will contest yesterday that he was informed by Mr. or Mrs. Phipps, or by both, that ad mission to the sick rooom was denied to the relatives, at the request of Mr. Ingersoll, who said that tney had neg lected him. After Mr. Ingersoli’s death, a tin box id tho possession of Mr. Richards was opened, and in that was found a will dividing the property among his rela tives, and leaving various small be quests or keepsakes. The relatives offer this will for probate, and will con test the probate of the Phipps will on the ground that Ingersoll, after his stroke of paralysis, was not of due tes tamentary capacity, and that undue influence was exercised. Dr. E. E. Maroy, of 396 Fifth avenue, Phenis Babcock and others, testify that Ingersoli’s right hand being paralyzed he made his mark with his left hand, being propped up in bed while the law yer held the will on a book before him. The will was then witnessed by Dr. Marcy, Babcock and the lawyer. Mr. Ingersoll’s property was about $40,000 in cash and securities that could be readily converted into cash. The case has gone over to the January term. OUTRAGES IN ABBEVILLE. Three White Men Shot At-Three More Cases of Arson. [Special Dispatch to the News ami Couri* r.l Columbia, December 20.—The Abbe ville l*ress and Banner reports that three white men were shot at near Greenwood within the past few days, On Friday night Mr. Williß Logan and others were standing around a Are in the yard, when Mr. Logan was fired upon and shot in the face. Mr. Silas Jones, in the same neighborhood, and Mr. John Davis was also fired upon at’ different times, though without effect. The stores of J. and D. S. McCullough, and W. J. Brock, with their contents, were destroyed by fire on Sunday night. Several arrests have been made. Tho ginhouse of Mr. J. N. King was burned last week, also by an incendiary. Dickens’ Poor Joke.— lt is a hitherto unpublished fact, says the New York Sun, that Charles Dickens, when coming once through France by rail from Marseilles to Paris, made a very abortive attempt at a practical joke. At Lyons a quarter of an hour was allowed Tor dinner, and Dickens fooled the passengers out of their dinner by collecting around him all the waiters and so confusing them by garbled French, English and Italian, that by the time they had extricated them selves from the loudly querulous Eng lishman, who pretended to have some grievance against them, the bell was clanging for “all aboard.” mi . An ingenious lawyer, the other day made a good point in the New London Police Court. It was in a case of rob bery, and there was a $lO bill before the Court for identification, and neither party in the case would own it. The lawyer took the bill, saying that if it belonged to neither it might as well be long to him, and started for the door, whereupon the owner of it cried out that the bill was his, and thereby lost his case. Our exchauges are calling Tor a Con stitutional Convention. What is the Convention to do ? What important changes are to be made? It would hurt everybody, we kuow, and as the State is out of debt, and the people have plenty of money to pay taxes with, we suppose, wo had better have one, and then the interminable fuss will stop. It may be popular to advo cate a convention, but we never do things for effect. It is about time for the /tepublican assumption of superior virtue to be abandoned. With the Belknaps, Bab cocks and bosses, its Chandlers, Caseys “cusses,” its whisky ring and Returning Boards, the Republican party is the most corrupt ever known in the country, and the sooner it re ceives the punishment it deserves the better it will be for the country.—Bos ton Herald , SOUTH CAROLINA NEWS. The Cherry Hotel, at Pendleton, was burned Friday night. Daniel Brown, of Anderson, died Friday night, 15th inst. Mr. C. T. Latimer, of Lowndesville, died Friday night of last week. Andrew C. Hawthorne, of Due West, died Thursday night of last week. Last Friday the splendid mills of Geo. W. Wilson, at Saluda river, were burned. Loss, 88,000. The Augusta Constitutionalist has in every issue an-mtereetiag column of “P-1. Notes.” What the “P. I.” means we do not know, und we have seen It often enough to have it explained, too. —Abbeville Banner. Abbeville Bannei':' Three men have been shot at near Greenwood within the past few days. On Friday night Mr. Willis .Logan and others were standing around a fire in the yard, when Mr. Logan was fired upon and shot in the face. One shot went through a note book in ids breast pocket, and bul; for the pocket-book the shot might have proved fatal. Mr. Silas Jones, in the same neighborhood, was at another time shot at, without being hit. Mr. John Davis was also fired at, without receiving any damage. Aiken (kwrier : It has been the source of great pleasure to the verv many friends 6f D. S, Henderson, Esq*, the popular and talented member of our Bar, to seo the marked improve ment in his health during the past week. Thrown suddenly upon his back at the very commencement of one of our most important campaigns, the county was deprived, in a great measure, of his service, whioh would , have been invaluable, although we had j the benefit of his wise counsol and ad vice almost daily from his bedside. To 1 see him again upon our streets and st his post of duty, was a relief and grat ification to all who know his value. He returned to-day from Georgia, where we understand he had gone upon a mission, which we are sure will be fol lowed by all the domestic felicity which he so fully deserves. In his new char acter we extend to him our heartiest congratulations and the warmest wishes for hiS'futUTe happiness. Blackville Jfews ; Oil Monday night last the store of Mr. J. A. Buckmeyer, situated on the northeast corner of Railroad avenue, was entered by par ties unknown, and guns, pistols, and ready-made clothing to the amount of about s‘2so, were stolen therefrom. The ! rubbery must have been committed after midnight, as various parties were i Up till that hour, and passed the store but discovered no signs of any thieves about. The thieves were bold ones, and did not eudeavor to do their work secretly. They battered on the side Joor with an axe, and endeavored to bi eak the smtfil iron bar which extended across it on to tho outside, and failing, they broke the inside lock, and by meaus of a piece of scantling forced an opening for the passage of a small boy, (doubtless one of the party) who, after getting Inside opened the front door and admitted the whole gang. They were evidently bent on traveling, and took what they most needed, clothing aud arms. A few par ties living near by heard the noise, but supposed it was caused by the kicking of a horse which was confined in a stable in tho rear of the store, conse quently, did not get up. Every effort should be made to catch the scoun drels who have been robbing our citi zens for months, and when caught justice should be meted out to them. We learn that on Monday night also, the gin house of Mr. John M. Cave, who lives about one and a half miles from this place, was entered and cotton to the amount of 750 pounds stolen. Tho thieves bored on the side of tho window with an auger, and forced it open and accomplished the theft. On Htturday night some colored men went to the restaurant of C. A. Rivers, at Wiiliston, and after break ing open the door, wero confronted by the owner in person, when the leader of the party, one Lewis McCreary, threw a brick at Rivers striking him it! the breast aud knocking him almost senseless. Fearing detection they fled. Rivers came down on Monday and took out a warrant for the arrest of McCreary. On Sunday night an at tempt was made to break into the store uf A. I’. Mauville & Cos,, at Barnwell, but Mr. Brown, a member of the firm, who was in the .store at the time heard’ the noise, and made preparation to meet the thieves. No doubt they heard him moving, for they left without making any further attempt. What is to be done? If robbers are permitted to go about over the country from place to place, not only property is in secure, but life is unsafe. Organize and hunt them down by all means, aud put au cud to thievery. THE FLORIDA VOTE, One of the Republican Visitors Ad mits that Tilden Had a Majority. The following letter from General Francis C. Barlow, ex-Attorney-General or New York, one of the Republican Committee at Florida, is published in the New York World. It will be seen that although an unwilling witness, he coucedes Tilden’s election in that State- New York, December 15.—My Dear my own opinion clear as to the points of contest of which I professed to have a knowledge. A little calculation woul 1 have shown what it was. On the face of the returns the vote was: Hayes 24.327; Tilden, 21,287. Certain addi tions and deductions were agreed on unanimously by the Board, which we may assume to be correct. These con ceded changes left it Hayes, 24 287- lilden, 24,4,38. Then I should have thrown out 219 Republican votes iu Archer precinct No. 2, and also Friend ship church precinct, in Jackson coun ty, as a majority of the Board did They also rejected Campbellton church precinct, in this county, as to which I do not know the facts, but will assume that it was rightly rejected, as it does not alter the result to which I should have come. The two last precincts dis posed of 121 Republican and 436 Demo cratic votes, and deducting these and the 219 in Archer, you get the following result: £ lldea 24,002 Ha J' es 23,947 Tilden’s majority 55 I should havo come to this result after passing upon all the cases before the board except Hamilton county. It is this county which causes the only doubt I have about it. The official minutes of the board, as published in the New York papers of December 13, state that in some precincts of this county (names not given) 83 Democrat ic and 58 Republican votes were thrown out. Ido not know the ground, but, allowing it, you still have a Democratic majority of 30. Then comes Jasper precinct No. 2, where the vote was: Democratic 328, Republican 185, as re turned. About this case I only know what appears in the minutes of the boArd and in Cowgill’s letter and Cocke’s protest attached to my re port. The irregularities complained of (abandoning the canvass when half finished, and turning it over to two lawyers, who complet ed It the next day), would justify the throwing out the whole re turns; but what I am in doubt about is whether the Inspectors iwere Repub licans or Democrats. Cocke says in his protest they were the former, and Cowgill and the minutes say nothing nboot it. I have heard and Cocke al so says that they made affidavits in aid of the Republican contest, and, if so, I presume they weie Republicans. In that case it should be presumed that in the return as made they looked after the interest of their own party, and, at any rate, I do not think a Democratic majority should be thrown out because of Republican wrong-do ing, if such were the oase. If this precinct be rejected it would give a Republican majority in the St*te. oth erwise not. In the latter case the Tilden majority would be so small that perhaps soma of the Republican con tests which the Board did not stop to consider (probably because the major ity had been reached on other grounds) would have changed the result, tr passed ifpffii. But there is no use speculating about this, as the case must be coosjdered as it was made up by the Board. Leaving out the Jasper precinct wo therefore see that, in my opinion, there was u Tildeu majority, even popijdetlqa that Campbel|to|i and the first namt-d precinct in Hamilton county sjioqld be thrown oqt, wtdeh I do uoi say was rightly done. I eer ily never had any doubt as to what my own opinion was, except a* to this Preciuot, upon which It happened that I did hoe know fully what the evidence was; but us 4 du jiot have the assu rance to put my owp opinions above those of the Board upon questions as to which there was conflicting evidence, I was not willing to give my own views' without at tlie same time giving this evidence; and Ueiuje my report was “so long," iam not unwilling to express my opinions, nor do I object to having any one to whom they are of conse quence know them. Yours truly, Francis C. Barlow. A NEW FORCE PROGRAMME. CHAMBERLAIN CLAIMS THAT GRANT WILL HELP HIM NEXT WEEK. The Usurper to Fulminate a Proclama tion on Monday, to be followed iu by an Ukase from Wash ington—Rumors and Speculations in Colombia—What the Congressional Investigators are Uncle Sam’s Money Goes. (Special to the News and Courier.] Columbia, December 21.—Chamber lain’s new programme, it is said, is to issue a proclamation on Monday for Hampton and Simpson, aud the Con stitutional House to disband within three days. If his proclamation is not obeyed, Chamberlain, it is claimed, has the assurance from the majority of the Cabinet, and from Grant himself, that tho President will follow it up with a similar proclamation immediately an nouncing that if this is disobeyed he will bring the whole land and naval force of the United States, if neces sary, to crush the insurgents. In short, my informant says, Chamberlain and Grant intend to carry out exactly the same programme they did with reference to the rifle clubs. It appears that Chamberlain has given up the idea of passing the treason bill, as the com mittee made no report upon it again to-day. His present plan is to stake everything upon an effort to enforce by the bayonet, without additional leg islation, the recognition of his assumed authority as Governor. There has been a rumor afloat that the troops are to be removed from the State House; but it is, probably, premature. One of the Republican sergeant-at-arms as serts positively that they will be re moved on Tuesday next. The Cham berlain crowd anticipate no immediate use for them after the publication of the proclamation of the sham Governor. Tho Senate Judiciary Committee made no report again on Simpson’s communication, nor on the cases of the Edgefield, Laurens and Abbeville Senatorp, and it seems pretty well set • tied that, from the first, their sole object has been in getting rid of trou blesome matters by the pigeon-holing process. The Constitutional House will con sider the question of adjourning to morrow. They are still undecided on the question, and it is impossible to say what they will do. It is very pos sible that the Senate and the Bayonet House will adjourn sine die to-morrow, and the Democratic Senators, it seems, propose to stick with them to the last. The Congressional Committee is still engaged in procuring evidence con cerning the missing returns. No result was reached to-day, and experts are now engaged in casting up the figures obtained. The result is expected to morrow. Thirty-five of the Ellenton negro field hands, brought here by District Attor ney Corbin, and used by the Senatorial Committee, have also been summoned by the Republicans on the House Com mittee, and have thus been paid three dollars a day- and mileage by both com mittees. These negroes have thus been getting an average of fifteen dol lars per day each, and have not even testified before the House committee. I am told to-night by a Republican who knows, that the members of the Bayonet House will be paid to-morrow another 8100 each, and the attaches 860 each. Where the money comes from is not divulged. At the Democratic caucus to-night the members of the House decided to receive but 8100 of the 8400 authorized to be issued to them yesterday in view of the need of funds in other depart ments of the Reform government. Dunn said to one of the Democratic Senators to-day that Chamberlain was thinking seriously of abandoning the field. I do not believe there is any foundation for his assertion; the real programme at present is that which I have given above. It seems pretty definitely settled that the Constitutional House will take a recess to-morrow, The Senatorial committoe is still ex amining Corbin’s outrage witnesses with closed doors. The prospectus of the Augusta Car 1- stitutionalist appears in this issue. It is one of the best, ablest and newsiest papers in the State. J. R. Randall a^ tDO j, oJ “ Mar >' l and my Maryland,” is the editor, and a good one he is. Bill Moore is city editor, and keeps things lively.— Marietta Journrl. SIX DOLLARS A YEAR GEORGIA NEWS. Mrs. Oates only drew 200 people in Atlanta Monday night. L. B. Kirkland, of Early county, has lost a gin house. No. 76. An old negro in Columbus fell into a well Wednesday and broke his neck. Columbus’s share of the cotton crop, up to the 19th inst., was 49,625 bales. W. Hames and Jo Heusely, of McDuffie county, have gone to Texas. Tom Dayton, of Rome, was fatally shot by Bub Griffin on Tuesday. Wo men. A tame black wolf, captured on Ken neeaw mountain, was on exhibition in Conyers this week. The matrimonial cyclone has struck Marietta, and nine marriage licenses were issued the past week. The amount of Conference collection raised and distributed in the South Georgia Conference was $32,093. Mr. Robert C. Johnson, of Baltimore, and Miss. Kato Frazer, of Columbus were married on Wednesday night. The missionary collections in tho South Georgia Conference were; For home missions, $3,828 GO; foreign mis sions, $1,939. Generally the leading local article in the Albany News is headed “Jail De livery. They aco speaking of fixing up the calaboose. All the vacant dwelling houses in Thomas ton have been rested; This seems like an improvement and a re turn to prosperity. The residence of Mr. Reubon Thomp ,roci Warrenton, caught fire Wednesday evening, aud burnod to the ground. The good people of Grec-nsboro have presented their late pastor, Rev. Mr. Hughes, with anew suit or clothes. Mr. Hughes comes to Augusta next year. The teachers of the public schools of Rome were paid off on Saturday last, at the rate of cents per day for each scholar. This was better than they ex pected. Colonel B. W. Jones is a candidate Tor re-election as dookeeper of tho next House. Colonel Jones should have it. There is no better man in Georgia. The Great American free lunch eater aud traveling correspondent, and prob ably the best known newspaper man in Georgia, “Col. a H. J.” was last heard of :n Albany. A fire in Greenville, Saturday, on the west side or the square, burned ten houses and two were torn down. Prop erty well insured. Incendiary. Loss about 813,000. According to the report or the Com mittee on Sunday Schools within tho bounds of the South Georgia Confer ence, there are 316 schools, 12 631 scholars, 203 teachers. The fair for tho benefit or the Macon Public Library was opened at Macon on Monday night with a fine address by Col. Thomas Hardeman. It prom ises to be a social and financial success. Ihe trustees of the Warrenton Academy have secured the services of Prof. John T. Malone, of Milledgeville, Tor tho ensuing year. The spring term will open on the 15th of January. The first cow we ever saw working in a wagon met our gaze Monday even ing. Two oxen were yoked and hitched to the tongue of the wagon, while the cow harnessed was in tho lead. The owner, M. M. Roberts, from Lumpkin county, said she done good service, and besides she supplied him with milk on his travels.— Marietta Journal. The “salary grab” in Atlanta has been fixed at tho following figures: Treasurer, 81,000; City Attorney, $1,000; Tax Collector and Receiver, SI,OOO ’ Re corder and Auditor, 81,000; Sexton, S9OO ; City Engineer, $1,200 ; Marsha! perquisites and SSOO ; City Assessors each S3OO. The salary of the City At torney aud City Engineer have been in creased S2OO each ; Sexton's reduced SIOO ; Marshal’s, sooo, and Assessors’ S6OO. Net reduction, SBOO. Adopted. Tho est Point Press is informed that a freedman and his wife, living on the place of Mr. R. W. Hudson, near Long Cane, retursing from their work the other day, found two of their child ren, aged nine aud three years, respec tively, dead—one with throat cut the other having been knocked on the head. A negro boy, about 14 years of age, was seen to issue from the woods about the time the parents came home and was arrested on suspicion. If guilty, he deserves the severest penal ty of the law. We call attention to the prospectus 01 the Augusta Constititionalist, the old and well established journal, which will be found in another column. Mr. James R. Randall, the editor-in-chief, is a poet and a scholar, and one of the most brilliant and able writers on the Southern Press, while the news and lo cal departments of the paper are kept to the highest standard of excellence, ihe Daily Consti tutioxelist is fur nished at the low price of six dollars a year, which places it within the reach of all who wish to keep themselves posted on the excited and important events which are censtantly occurring —McDuffie Journal. Caster’s Courtship. The first time that General Custer set his handsome eyes upon his future wife was when ho was firteen years old and going to school in Monroe Michi gan. Here is the story: “Going along the street one day the rough, flaxen-headed, freckled-faced boy passed a little black eyed, eight year-old girl swinging on a gate. She was a pretty little creature, her fath er a pet, an only child, and naturally spofied. She said archly, her little face dimpling with smiles, ‘Hello* you Cus ter boy!' Theo, trigbWd at’her oto temerity, turned and fled into the house It wus love at first sight with the wild young savage of 15, and he then and there vowed that some dav th-it small girl should be his wife. And so she was, but only after many lovers’ woes; for Judge Bacon, pretty lizzie’s father was for a long time obdurate towards the young man, who he feared was fickle and unstable, and his daugh ter and her suitor submitted mc>st lented! ylO wiil until at last he re The truth is that the Southern elec tions were admitted peaceable until e t r h aDd h 8 u l ,|otters discovered that by the overthrow of the popular vote in three States they might still set J° r , the Buccess of the ticket the people had rejected. They are tho L°hL aU ltlti infamous plot which, could it lead to the result they expect would make popular elections hereafter impossible.— Buffalo Courier ,