The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1855-08-10

wish to be considered among those who arc
IN the habit constantly of depreciatiug the
usefulness and intelligence of this class o
men, but | ask simply because it is fact
why is it that while there are not more than
ten or twelve lawyers in our District out ot
voting population Of thirteen or fourteen
hundrec, itwould puzzle any one, even "tbe
oldest il, ,,habitant," to say when we have
been without one of that small class in our
legislative delegation? can tell you WHY.
l5y whom are our Chanceliors, our Judges,
our Solicitors, even our Commissioners in
Equity-a District officcr-our Governors,
electeda BY the Legislature. Very well,
then; you will admit we are all victims OF
the common human passion-ambition. A
lawyer aspires to the bench, would like to
be Solicitor, or Commissioner in Equity
the first step he takes is to 20 to the Leeis-
laturer ssget in with the, members ~ find Out
who are aspirants for other offices; courts
and cu:ries favor with the strong and influ-
entail; and when this is done, gives two or
three other aspirants to understand that if
they and their friends will support him, his
friends will heartily reciprocate the favor.
That l may not appear invidious, I must
say, corrupt and ambitious planters can
reach the Gubernatorial chair by the same
process when, should their ptetensions be
submitted to the people, they would never
fora moment even approach that position,
II reserved as reward at the hands of the
people for meritorious public servants.
According to our present system, men
look not to the people, but to the Legisla-
ture. Hence, contemplate anything that
purports to be an improvement in the ag-
ricultural or mechanical department of our
State, and see how lightly it is treated by
those who feelindependent of the people for
promotion. 1t has been desirable to estab-
lish District Agricultural Association to
meet semi-aunually, also Town Associa-
tion 70 meet monthly. How many lawyers
have manifested any interest in either of
thenl' I know of but one. No, sir, they
are more disposed to laugh at them, or op.
pose them by their learned predictions of
failure, taan otherwise. / do not blame
them, but ourselves, for permitting the con-
tinuation of system that produces natu-
rally these results. Ambition comes from
the hand Of God, and belongs to the hui
man family; when properly guarded and
governed, it is far more powerful instru.
ment for the promotion of the public good
than the simple quality of benevolence or
philanthropy, because more active and
stimulating; but when unbridled, rarely
does it stop to consider the z,ropriety Of
means, but rather their effectiveness, for ac-
complishiug their aim for distinction. Our
policy leaves ambition without the proper
restraints and dependencies; it feels no de-
pendence upon the people, and can disre-
gard them and their interests with impunity.
1t has arrived at that point now, that
men regard it rs feather in their cap not
to notice "the democracy they even regard
it ms an evidence Of the spirit Of '7G to
keep their fellow citizens at arms length.
Adopt new order Of things and see how
long it would be before these "indepen-
dents" would "about face;;" and instead Of
running down to Columbia every session
to "get in with the members" associating
freely with the people, giving them the
benefit of their intelligence and experience:
discussing public questions with them; and
when anything is contemplated to elevate
and improve agricultural and mechanical
industry,sor enlighten the people, putting
their shoulders. to the wheels, like clever
fellows, and laboring for its success, ardent
ly and earnestly.
] am, sir, for. changing this policy. I
am for giving elections to the people. I
ardently hope the people will use the power
our republican, form of Government has
placed in their hands for enforcing prop
er regard for their interests.
Twenty thousand adults in our State
are.anable to read or write; and although
the voicess of our Legislators have been
raised with force and seIoquence, ,bnt rs yet
with fryitless results, urging forward Com
mon School system, nothing has been, nor
Ifear will be done, until the people, by
assuming power, and making themselves
the distributors of all Offices, command
proper respect for their necessities. Our
Legislators 60 to Columbia and return !;
when asked what they have done for a
Common-Scbool System, they say, "welI,
We discussed it. but could not agree upon
q plan" The truth is, Mr.. Editor, they
deferred it and deferred it, looking to the
election Of themsslyes or officers, until, be-
fore they are aware Of it, the session closes
and nothing is done. ~.
Every lover of his country must sec the
necessity Of doing something; and II it be
desirable that something should be done
quickly and well; the way to doitis to enlist
The aid Of. the intelligent and aspiring men,
BY placing q bride upon their ambition;
and teaching themif. they desire promotion,
they must strive for i, BY doing something
TO merit and gain popularity, instead q
the atime honoredp plat of satlog rolling'