The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1866-11-27
To the Editor Of the Pheni1.

oN'h hAoioinAry session, upon the proceed
lngs OF the Legislature, would, perhaps
have been neither just nor wise. But We
can now pronounce fairly upon the result
| OF its deliberations and some OF the
views taken OF its recent action NAV be Of
profit to the Same body in its regular ses-
sion.
The General Assembly was convened by
the Executive, in discharge Of his view OF
the duties imposed upon his Office, by the
reasons specified in his proclamation. To
wit: Recognition OF the Civil Rights Act
adaptation of the jurisdiction of the State
to existing laws-and supplies of food for
hungry population This was the avowed
OBJECT, and how was it accomplished Tho
people did not murmur at the expense.
but have the right to ask whether tho
work was well done. Eighteen DAYS were
passed in session, and our heavily tasked
treasury was deprived OF about as many
thousands of dollars. Much business
seems to have been referred to Commit
tees, and several bills, comparatively unim
portant, passed The Civil Rights Act was
recognized. A District Court Act was
passed, W hlch has only served to interfere
with the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts
peIore lts own courts are in operation, and
deave our Jalls filled with prisoners, who
cannot be tried until the mischief has been
repaired at the regular session. The bill
which looked to the supply of food did not
receive Its final reading in time; vet tho
subject had beeu called to the attention of
tle people oy the prospect of famine in
portions of the State-of want, in all. Tho
call OF the Executive entitled it to special
consideration. Perhaps there is no reme-
dy. III that is the case, the constituents
should know it. 1t gives us fortitude to
Ieel that the earnest effort of good men has
oeen maze Tor cur relief. But q resolution
was passed, authorizing the Governor to
purchase corn: There is doubt as to its
valldltv-and it is evident that an act
would have been free from this objection.
WAS 1t meant to fatter the popular cry and
bring no reilef? Or was it ignorance, or
improper haste? Does it become legis-
latve body to resort to such an expedient,
as this may be construed, to allav ciamor
which want excites? Does it speak any
better for its Intelligence, to attribute such
an error to tHch of Judgment? It is pro-
bable, however, that the time and attention
intelligence distracted by OTHER mat
ters. If this cause exists, wo have the
| right to consider IT'S merit We find it in
| the act which was enacted to re-cstablish
| the stay law, and have evidence of its &C
ton printed on the journals. This occu-
pied the time of the General Assembly and
drew that large portion from the pittancc
OF our treasury. Now, sir, patriotic mo-
| tlves excuse much error in the e1pendi-
ture OF tune and money: and if wisely di-
rected, command unceasing gratitude. But
1t Is the duty as we'll rs the right of a SOW
crelSn people to examine the conduct OF
entrusted delegates, that they may know
when to approve and whom to blame
The stay law of 1865 was decided by the
| Court or Errors-thc cumulated force Of the
judicial department of our government
to be unconstitutional; because it prevent
ca the legal enforcement OF the obligation
OF contracts. The Act of September. 1866
| appears to us people to be about the same
| thing They both save us from paving
ourdebts; only the last is more generous to
rich debtors, and takes in all, except those
poor Fellows who were 80 unfortunate as not
TO get more than a hundred dollars worth
OF property for nothing. But we call them
! both the stay law. Yet it is difficult fof
such common sense as ours to draw the
nice distinction OF words, which makes NO
things, so same in fact, so different in law,
that one as unconstitutional, and the other
are sworn to obey the constitution Who
is wrong? 1t does not need q journal to
| show everything. People can. see. and
must feel it deeply when heat, party spirit,
and personal inyective enter into and mar
the calm dignity of debate. 1t is no dis
respect to say that, perhaps, the spirit of
party divisions now existing in various
parts OF the State. and individual interest
affecting each community, NAV have
| touched upon the feelings and motives of
the Legislative body We now urge upon
the members to profit by the bad example
of the last session. Do less talking and
more good. Forget self for a short time
and act for the public welfare A short
session will save much money no legisla-.
ton is better than bad legislation. Pro
ceed under the general principles contain
ed IN the following good advice which a
people may well receive when disturbed by
political contests which involve the consti-
tuition: The dearest interests of this
country are its laws and it's constitution.
Against every attack upon these. there will
be always found amongst us the ti,naest
Hperat of resistance, superior to the united
efforts OF faction and ambition for ambi-
ton, though 1t does not always take the
lead OF faction, will be sure in the end, to
make the most fatal advantage Of it, and
that orr day of trial is yet far off; and
there is fund of good sense in this co,.nt,.y
'chlch cannot long be deceived by the arts
either of false reasoning or false patriot
ISM
This should be specially applicable to
our present condition. We stand at the
end u war in a noble cause which has
suffered defeat We. retain little power,
little wealth, but the same undying obli-
Satlon to preserve our honor, which no
power can take from brave mems hearts
and to exert our intelligence to the benefit
OF our people. The old schools have died.
War brings out sad exposures of vice, but
some noble truths. Treasure both. Re-
member men who did their duty at a time
when there WAS room and need for every