The Charleston Daily News

AFFAIRS IN COLUMBIA.

A Dull Day in Both Houses -The State Penitentiary-Acts Approved by the Governor.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

COLUMBIA, S. C., December 21.-The proceedings in both branches of the Legislature were unimportant.

Mr. Leslie introduced the following resolution:

Whereas, Many citizens of the State of South Carolina are of the opinion that the State constabulary force in South Carolina are useless and expensive; therefore, be it

Resolved, That a committee of three senators be appointed to inquire into the practical operation of the law creating such force, whether now necessary, cost, number of arrests made, &c. The committee are required to make an early report, with such suggestions and recommendations in the premises as they may deem proper.

The resolution was laid over for consideration on the first day of the meeting of the Senate after the recess.

Mr. Leslie gave notice of a bill to repeal certain provisions of an act chartering the ferry across the Savannah River, known as Sand Bar Ferry (near Augusta, Ga.)

A message was read from the Governor transmitting the report of the committee which had examined the accounts of Major Thomas B. Lee, superintendent of the penitentiary. The Governor expresses himself satisfied, from the developments of the testimony that have come under his notice, that a change in the administration of the penitentiary is necessary to the protection of the public interests.

On motion, the message was referred to the Special Committee on the Penitentiary.

The resolution for the payment of $184 93 to S. L. Leaphart was read a second time, agreed to, and ordered to be engrossed.

Mr. Jillson reported as duly and correctly engrossed, and ready for a third reading, the following:

A bill to amend an act entitled "An act to extend the time for officers to qualify."

A bill to authorize the Comptroller-General to audit the accounts of commissioners and managers of elections.

A message from the Governor was read, announcing the approval of the following acts and joint resolutions:

1st. An act to renew the charter of the Camden Independent Fire Engine Company.

2d. An act to provide for the payment of the fees of sheriffs for dieting persons confined in jail.

3d. An act to make appropriation for the payment of the per diem and mileage of the members of the General Assembly, and the salaries of the subordinate officers, and other expenses incident thereto.

-Joint resolution authorizing the State Treasurer to pay the chairman of Board of Commissioners of Elections appointed by Constitutional Convention, $329.

At 2 P. M., Hayne moved that the Senate do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to, and the President announced the Senate adjourned to January 5, 1869, at twelve M.

The House adjourned at half-past twelve P. M., remaining in session only half an hour after the usual hour of meeting.