The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1866-10-25
THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
TT BE RATIFIED

on our nlSI PaSe to-udy) - PuonSneu III iuii, pS-
it presents to readers the bare possibility
that the question will be mooted OF the coming
session of the Legislature to the adoption or re-
lection of the Constitutional amendment proposed
by Congress to the several States. In order that
the people of this section may be aroused to the
Importance of the question, and that the views of
those in favor of its adoption might not be sran-
gied from existence altogether, this letter Is pub
hshed We have never refused admission to any
article from the simple fact that We did not agree
with its tone and sentiment on public questions.
| Protesting independence in the conduct of pub
lie journal, we do not essay either neutrality or
partizanship, and hence the fullest expression is
his peculiar views on the subject under considera-
ton. But, at the same time, We employ the oeca-
sion to utter our emphatic condemnation OF the
policy which would dictate this monstrous iniqulty
at our hands as people. Presuming that oil are
familiar by this time with the provisions Of this
amendment 10 the organic law of the land, we VIII
not attempt in this article review of its several
propositions, and shall confne our remarks to the
third section, which would practically stamp with
everlasting infamy the leading spirits of our late
unsuccessful revolution This section declares, in
so many words, that any individual who participa-
ted in the recent struggle on behalf of the State,
having previously to the war subscribed an oath OF
office to support the Constitution of the United
States, is dcbarred forever from holding any Office
of profit nonor or trust under the State or Federal
Governments. This is the sum and substance OF
the third section, most odious, ntoerable and op-
pressiye in its character By its adoption, two
thirds of the State-we mean those men OF charac-
ter intelligence and reputation-would be ostra-
cised and outlawed. Tho thirst for Office amongst
our people before the war induced almost every
one of any influence, however obscure or humble,
to seek an elevation above his fellows by exercising
the prerogatives of authority, brief and unpre-
tending often, but nevertheless bringing them
within the scope of this sweeping clause. 1t is
true that all were not judges, legislators, COVER
nors, members of Congress- or District officers,
but it would he difficult to find numerous body
of respectable men in South Carolina who have
not been, at one time or another constables, mag
istrates or militia officers
|
subscribe an oath similar to that contemplated to
exclude this large class from holding Office, even
under the State, hereafter. We set aside the con-
sideration of being admitted to Congress, and un-
hesitatingly declare that it will be necessary to i'm
port full corps of persons unob in this
respect before the pettiest Offices are filed Sure
ly, this would bring about an abrogation of all
O. Al H.. cl,o -
this matter if our people are not forgetful of the
lessons afforded by the last eighteen mouths e1-
perience, during which time We have enjoyed to
the utmost the privilege of being ruled by foreign
masters The Legislature would not, nay, dare
not, infict this outrage upon their down-trodden
and msruled constituencies. few politicians
may desire this execrable result, when the tried
and trusted leaders would be thrown overheard,
and themselves become invested with the preroga-
tives of Office, but there can be question as to
the conclusions of the masses. Every man who
is in favor Of having our local governments ad-
| ministered by those s'to the manor born," will
quickly condemn the adoption of this Amendment.
Let the people become aware that the Legislature
is about to adopt this measure, and such howl
as will be raised has never been heard within the
borders of our beloved State. They would at
| once perceive that the effect would be to drive
from her protecting care those who in days of
trial and danger, clung closest to their duty, and
faltered not in allegiance to her cause. There Is
no doubt that the intelligence, patriotism and man.
hood of South Carolina fought her battles and
lavished honors at the feet Of their common moth
err. The rank and file of the Confederate armies
contained her best and truest sons, and the lag
CARDS and extorionists within the State can never
claim superiority over those men who gave viii
| ling and cheerful response to the demand for de-
tenders against the foes of OUT noble old common
wealth. This class Of exempts and unwilling vo-
tarics may rghtfully claim all honor in possessing
the ability 10 subscribe the iron-clad oath requi-
site for national offices, bat let it never be said
that South Carolina willingly placed them above
the men who perled life, lost their limbs or sac
rifced all save honor in her behalf
But, we are told that the Amendment win be
forced upon us, even though it be rejected by the
State now. This proposition We deny, for unless
the lately revolving States degrade themselves BY
its adoption, the necessary two-thirds can never
be obtained. Oregon has rescinded her action,
and through her Legislature now refuses to en-
dorse the moustrous schemes inculcated by this
measure. Yet for the sake of argument, we will
admit that the mad fanatics will enforce its provis-
ions, and that we will be fcttered by its unholy
requirements Admitting this, we shrink with
horror at the thought that the people of this State
should rush franticaly forward to do the work of
her viest enemies and herself forge the chains
and bind the fetters about the limbs of her once
proud soldiery Whenever South Carolina con-
sents to perform this infamous part then we are