taken it in hand. It will perhaps, however, be well to continue the present Commission until the work is actually commenced by the Government of the United States.

The report of Prof. BACHE, the report of the Commission, together with an account of the expenditure of a portion of the fund appropriated by the Legislature, is herewith transmitted.

In pursuance of an Act of the last Legislature, the State Convention met at the appointed time. The proceedings of that body, together with the expenses incurred, are herewith transmitted to you in accordance with its request.

Perhaps there never was a body assembled under circumstances of so much embarrassment, and which called for an exercise of such prudence, sagacity, and devoted patriotism on the part of its members. The same causes of complaint against the Federal Government which called it into life, still existed in full force. No evidence had been given that its onward progress towards a consolidated despotism was stayed, or that any barrier had been erected against that tide of fanaticism, which, with fearful rapidity, was still rolling on, threatening the overthrow of the institutions of the South. No security was afforded us that we should not forever remain in a state of vassalage to the Federal Government, paying far beyond our just proportion of its expenses, and receiving far less than our share of the benefit of its expenditure. Nor do I believe that any change had taken place in the feelings and opinions of the people of our State. An almost universal feeling of indignation at our wrongs, and a burning desire to redress them, prevailed. But discord and party strife, which have blasted the success of many a glorious cause, had raised its head among us, and paralyzed our strength. One party believed that the time had come when every consideration of policy and duty required that the State should act, even though it should stand alone. Another party believed the separate action of the State would be ruinous, and that the co-operation of the other Southern States, whose interests and destiny were the same as ours, could and would be obtained. No doubt but that both parties were honest in their convictions, that the policy recommended by each, would redound to the welfare of our State. The discussion of these conflicting opinions produced the bitterest party feeling. Amid the convulsive throes of this fierce strife, the question of our wrongs was almost forgotten. Thus did our State present the mournful spectacle of a people, whom common wrongs and common dangers should have united in closest bonds, completely prostrated and paralyzed, not by the force and power of the enemy, but by their own internal strifes. It was too plainly seen that any action, under existing circumstances, could end in nothing else but self-destruction. Many a bold and gallant heart, that had never quailed before the power of the Federal Government, grew faint at the prospect, and shrunk from the thought of civil

strife.

The people had, by a large majority, passed their verdict against separate secession, in the election which had been recently held for members to a Southern Congress. Under these circumstances, the Convention met. The only course which wisdom and patriotism could suggest was pursued, namely, to heal the wounds which had lately been inflicted, and re-unite the State. I can but congratulate you on the happy result. The members of that Convention, actuated by a spirit worthy of the palmiest days of our Common

wealth, determined to bury all bitter feelings which had been generated by the late contest, and act with an eye single to the good of the State, under the circumstances which then existed. Nor do I think, in effecting this great object, that any sacrifice of principle was involved. The principles which have ever been held dear amongst us, were not only reaffirmed, but set forth in the solemn form of an Ordinance.

But sincerely as I feel the gratification of announcing to you that the State has been united, I must call upon you to remember that our safety has not yet been secured. The storm which, one day or other, is destined to burst upon us, is still brewing. The great feature of the Compromise, which induced our sister Southern States to accept it, has been openly violated. In one of the Northern States, the Fugitive Slave Law has been nullified; and in all the others it is but a dead letter. A brutal murder of a slaveholder has been the result of an attempt to reclaim a slave under this vaunted law. The spirit of mischief is working with fearful energy. Agitation still goes on with ceaseless activity. Every element which can be made to operate on public opinion is put in action against our institutions. Even that powerful weapon, the literature of the country, is employed to direct its polished but poisoned shafts against them. It is true that nothing has been done by Congress, since your last Session, against which we can complain. Judging, however, from the clements which are at work, and from the history of the past, we cannot hope that this cessation from hostile acts against our institutions will be of long duration. Amid all our prosperity, and the still greater prosperity which we would enjoy if left alone, the heart sickens at the contemplation of that fierce fanaticism which is at work, and which hangs like a pall upon our future. However strong may be my convictions as to the propriety of an attempt to stay the coming storm by the separate action of the State; and however deeply I may deplore the decision to which our people have come upon this subject, God forbid that I should fan into a flame the expiring embers of party strife, by now recommending it to you. Our destiny, for weal or for woe, is connected with the whole South. Further aggressions (which will surely come) will convince our sister Southern States that the institution upon which not only the prosperity of the South, but Republicanism itself depends, is no longer safe in the Union. Then we may hope that they will rise in the majesty of their strength and spirit, and, in conjunction with us, either force onr rights to be respected in the Union, or take our place as a Southern Confederacy amongst the nations of the earth. In the meantime, let us unite, heart and hand, in carrying out those great schemes of internal improvement, by which the wealth and resources of our State will be developed, and thus give it all the power and strength of which it is capable.

JOHN H. MEANS.

Mr. GRIFFIN presented the Return of the Commissioners of Free Schools, for Edgefield District, for the year 1852; which was referred to the Committee on the College, Education and Religion; also,

The account of Wm. F. Durisoe for public printing; which was referred to the Committee on Claims and Grievances.

Mr. CHESNUT presented the Petition of Delilah Williams, praying

arrears of pension due ber as an annuitant of the State; which was referred to the Committee on the Military and Pensions.

Mr. ZIMMERMAN presented the return of the Commissioners of Free Schools for Darlington District, for 1852; which was referred to the Committee on the College, Education and Religion.

Mr. B. G. ALLSTON submitted the Presentment of the Grand Jury for Beaufort District; which was read, and as much thereof as relates to Roads and Bridges, was referred to the Committee on Roads and Buildings; and so much thereof as relates to the Union Ferry Road, and the propriety of purchasing that Road, was referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Internal Improvements; so much thereof as relates to the Free School System was referred to the Committee on the College, Education and Religion; and so much thereof as relates to the Execution of Persons of Color, was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. WITHERSPOON presented the Memorial of the Clerk of the Court of Appeals, at Columbia, asking an increase of compensation; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. HARLLEE gave notice, that he will to-morrow ask leave to introduce A Bill to increase the number of Magistrates in the District of Marion. Mr. CAREW presented the petition of the Liberty Fire Engine Company, praying to be incorporated; which was referred to the Committee on Incorporations and Engrossed Acts; also,

The account of the Charleston Mercury for public printing; which was referred to the Committee on Claims; also,

The Memorial of the City Council of Charleston, praying the enlargement of the appropriation for the transient poor; which was referred to the Committee on Finance and Banks.

Mr. HIBBEN presented the Report of the Commissioners of Free Schools, for Christ Church Parish, for 1852; which was referred to the Committee on the College, Education and Religion; also,

The petition of the Intendant and Wardens of the town of Mount Pleasant, praying power to extend a street; which was referred to the Committee on Incorporations and Engrossed Acts.

Mr. HASELL submitted the Presentment of the Grand Jury of Georgetown District, Spring Term, 1852; which was read, and was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary; also,

The return of the Commissioners of Free Schools for All Saints Parish, for 1852; which was referred to the Committee on the College, Education and Religion; also,

A petition for the renewal of the Charter of the Episcopal Church of All Saints Parish; also,

A petition for the renewal of the Charter of the All Saints Academy; both of which were referred to the Committee on Incorporations.

Mr. PORTER presented the petition of the Union Bank of South Carolina, for re-charter; also,

The petition of the Planters' and Mechanics' Bank, for re-charter; which were respectively referred to the Committee on Finance and Banks.

Mr. PORTER also presented the Petition of the Commercial Insurance Company, for amendment of Charter; which was referred to the Committee on Finance and Banks.

Mr. GIST submitted the Presentment of the Grand Jury of Union, Spring Term, 1852; which was read, and was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary; and also

The Presentment of the Grand Jury for Union District, Fall Term, 1852; which was read, and was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary; and also The Petition of Joshua Wadkins, praying to be placed on the Pension Roll; which was referred to the Committee on the Military and Pensions.

Mr. EVINS presented the Petition of sundry citizens, praying a change of the Laws in regard to Debts against estates of deceased persons, and in relation to suits rounding in damages; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary; and also

The Petition of the citizens of Williamston, praying an Act of Incorporation; which was referred to the Committee on Incorporations and Engrossed Acts; and also

The Petition of sundry citizens of Anderson District, praying taxation on dogs; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. EVINS also gave notice that to-morrow he will ask leave to introduce a Bill to alter the Constitution so as to divide Pendleton into two Election Districts.

Mr. EVINS also submitted the Presentment of the Grand Jury for Anderson District, Spring Term, 1852; which was read, and was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. MOORMAN presented the Petition of the Vestry and Wardens of St. Luke's Church, in the town of Newberry, for Incorporation; which was referred to the Committee on Incorporations and Engrossed Acts.

Mr. MOORMAN also submitted the Presentment of the Grand Jury for Newberry District, Fall Term, 1852; which was read, and so much thereof as referred to the Jail was referred to the Committee on Roads and Buildings. So much thereof as refers to Tavern Licenses, and the practice of carrying concealed deadly Weapons, was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary; and

So much thereof as refers to the Free School System was referred to the Committee on the College, Education and Religion.

Mr. CARN presented the Return of the Commissioners of Free Schools for St. Bartholemew's Parish, for the year 1852; which was referred to the same Committee; also

The Petition of Emanuel Witsell, praying for the re-charter of the Jacksonborough Ferry; which was referred to the Committee on Roads and Buildings; and also

The Memorial of sundry citizens of St. Bartholomew's Parish, praying the passage of an act prohibiting the sale of spirituous liquors to free persons of color; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary; and also

The memorial of the citizens of Walterboro, praying the appointment of Trustees of the Walterboro Academy; which was referred to the Committee on Incorporations and Engrossed Acts; and also

The petition of John W. Burbedge, praying that the escheated property of Elizabeth Bowman may be vested in her illegitimate children; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary; and also

The petition of the members of the Bedons Baptist Church, in St. Bartholomew's Parish, for an Act of Incorporation; which was referred to the Committee on Incorporations and Engrossed Acts; and also

The petition of Moses West, praying for the recharter of Rumph's bridge on Edisto River, formerly known as Givhan's; which was referred to the Committee on Roads and Buildings; and also

The petition of Richard B. Bedon, praying that the Bedons Baptist Church be not incorporated; which was referred to the Committee on Incorporations and Engrossed Acts.

Mr. TOWNSEND presented the return of the Commissioners of Free Schools for St. John's Colleton for the year 1852; which was referred to the Committee on the College, Education and Religion.

The return of the Commissioners of Free Schools for the year 1852, was, on motion of Mr. BROCKMAN, called up from the table, and was referred to the Committee on the College, Education and Religion.

Mr. MOSES presented the return of the Commissioners of Free Schools for Claremont for the year 1852; which was referred to the same Committee. Mr. WITHERSPOON presented the return of the Commissioners of Free Schools for York District for the year 1852; which was referred to the same Committee.

Mr. JOHN WILLSON presented the return of the Commissioners of Free Schools for St. James, Goose Creek, for the year 1852; which was referred to the same Committee.

Mr. GIST gave notice that to-morrow he will ask leave to introduce

A Bill to repeal "an Act to increase the amount of property exempt from levy and sale," passed in December, 1851.

Mr. PORTER presented the abstract of expenditures for the city and