Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1866-08-01
Enr the Advertiser

For the Advertiser.
The Indebtedness of the Country, &c.
Mr.. ED1roR: There are various notions and
opinions 10 reference to the state of the country
at this critical moment. I was at first incinel to
sustain the Stay Law; but there has been SO much
trash and nonsense thrown over the subject, that
even those who were in favor of it in the outset
are now perfectly disgusted with the idea. To
see so much time and labor spent On the subject
md all to no purpose, il enough to distract and
confuse tho mind Of almost any person, unless he
is we'll guarded Especially when we take into
consideration the motives and quirks that in fu-
cnce that sect who advocate those plans. Mr.. W..
W. ADAMS would tell us that lie is in favor Of q
Stay Law to exist at least for thirty years. He
wishes the State to borrow FIVE million of dollars,
which really he, or any other sensible man, ought
to know she cannot do, especially just at this
time. If the people are "broke" Ito use home
ly expression then it follows us matter of con-
sequence that the State is in the same condition
for the people are the State. But even admit
that the State could borrow the stipulated amount,
would it be prudent for her to do so3 trow not.
Mr. A. pictures glorious results to arise therefrom.
He says that it would restore confidence to. or
among the people. ask how? Is it by giving
large flow of money to the country3 And /
would say "this is the idea" If that be the point
only, and see no other reason assigned in his
article, then, Sir, Confederate money ought to be
good and the many Legal Tender Notes end
National Currencies that we have among US at
least ought to be very near ut par. The truth is,
shat great flow Of money i, the very cause why it
is so valueless. IF we had a smaller basis in that
direction, then our money would be better. Did
not our Legislature at its last Session issue some
Bank Bills land they rather limitcdN ask Mr..
A. how much they are worth to us. Arc they not
worth only five cents in the dollar2 merely
call his attention to this point TO show him how
vain the idea that the State can do any thing in
that direction without materially injuring heEelf
Admit the proposed plan, and it will open the
door, or let down the gap, $50 to speak) for fraud
and rascality in almost every conceivable way,
leading to dishonest motives. | know that this
would not apply to all classes, but is it not
strong temptation, at least, to some? Another
wishes for law to be passed levying tax Of 80
per cent on all dues and debts made before the
war; and also to kill or destroy the interest ac-
cruing from the same. suppose Mr.. Editor, it
is very likely, that he is deeply involved. Yef be
willetell US, he is not in favor Of reputation.
ask Mr.. "Justice and Equity" to solve this great
question. 1t seems to be puzzle to unravel this
problem. 1t occurs to my mind, at least, as
contradiction of terms. cant get hold of the
logic. 1t seems also to conflict with the proper
idea Of Tho signature attached. suppose, how
ever, i: his generosity, he overlooked the true
point, or perhaps he DOES not apprehend the ilea
of repudiaton in the wayof taxes, as he suggests
in his article. IF so, then the question is solved,
at least in part, SO far us he may I've interested,
nr concerned. I see other articles referring TO
tho same subject, just as futile, and economical
as to their own interest. Full of good sense and
reason, il we listen to their plans and schemes,
but otherwise obnoxious and of but little use. Is
it not positive truth, that tho very men, who
are so eager in having their names conspicuous
in oil matters of"lhed debts must bepaid," arc, also
the men who staid Mt homo during the war, making
money off the poor soldiers families? The very
men who never participated in the hard fought
battles, who never allevated the poor, or bound
up the broken hearted, dried the orphans tear2
But speculatcd, traded bought NIL the cotton tbcy
could get from the destitute and the distressed.
Who havo borded up all the apecie they could
get. These men are clamorous against the widow,
tho orphans and the poor Of tho country, nude
so by the war. Is thore not fearful reckoning
awaitingthem? In some instances, they have
alrcndy made assignments to secure, I suppose if
possible, portion of their ill-gotton gain. Oh
the wickcdness of the ago we live in! No wcn-
der we failed to establish government of cur
own, based upon such nvoricious principles.
suppose Homestead Law would do much to
alleviate the distress of the people. But, Sir,
thors are men who are inclined to.oppose that
plan, and all other plans which look to the pubic
good They have closed up their bowels Of mercy,
If they ever had any; their fcar is that they will
not GO. all their dues. Why, Sir, this class Of
Ea.
human beingai is numerous. Look, if you pleaae,
even to the highest standpoint I mean lazy
making power, even the Legislature. I am III
formed that there ore Quo hundred and twenty
four members in the Legislature. Fifty-three of
TINT number are lawyers, besides numerous dos
.cra and others of high. birth, the would 30
lristocrats." Now it We give each lawyer at least
one friend to vote his way, you may readily sne
where the minority or tho farmers stand. They
nave no showing whatever. Should we be aston
shed if they pass laws suited to their own tas:o
,r convenience Ought we to wonder if they
hould soy all others arotO bow down to our
hrine2 Can we expect anything good coming
rom SUCH fountain : For if yop give men the
,ower, you give them all that they. desire to aa-
Ohjectin their favo5 ~bptber good
. bad, - s'sst