The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1867-07-27
WHAT TO DO.

WHAT TO do.
The time for registration is approaching, and
while many, indeed most of those permitted to
register, have long since made up their minds
what course to pursue, we know there are some
who are still undecided These see objections
on either side, and what with the feeble sense of
obligation on the part of some, relative to their
duty at this crisis, and the intuitive shrinking
and aversion even, on the part of others, to
mingling with the elements, with which the
boiling of this political cauldron condemns
them to come in contact. They wish to do
right, to do their duty, to themselves, to their
children, to their neighbors and community, to
their country. But precisely here is the diff
Guilty which the question presents to the honest
inquirer. When his suffrage is claimed on
both sides, how is he to determine on which
side lies duty? There are many, we know,
who need instruction and guidance on this
subject, and we would be pleased to see our
public men come forward more generally. The
press everywhere has spoken, and, with few
exceptions, spoken in no uncertain tones. We
have dwelt on the subject till we cannot help
believing that our readers must be heartily
tired of it. But be that as it may, we have no
intention of relaxing our efforts; we expect to
continue in this vein until our States shall once
more enjoy oil their rights in the Union, in nil
things on an equal footing with the States now
denominated "loyal."
But while we ere thug endeayoring to do
what we can toward restoring to the State
peace, order, harmony and prosperity, as far
as lies in our humble power, or within the
sphere of our influence, we should like to see
our efforts assisted and furthered by the promi
meet men everywhere throughout the State
In the present emergency no man has right
to consult his own inclination merely. He
owes duty to the public, to his country, to pos
terity, which, as man of honor, as patriot,
as Christian, he cannot neglect. And yet but
few of our public men have spoken. Why, we
cannot say. 1t may be this silence proceeds
from that want of self-confdence which some
times, but rarely, results from failure and dis
appointment, or it may be due to timidity, to
disgust for the situation, or to the conviction
hat privacy and reserve are most becoming
lnder the circumstances. At all periods of
history people have looked to those citizens
whom they have been accustomed to trust and
o honor for advice and guidance under diff
,ulties. We are yet to learn that misfortune
cancels the obligations and duties which public
men are so ready to assume and discharge in
md rewards are at the disposal of the peo-
lie. ga great naturalist has observed" says
he Richmond Wing in o recent article on
he Duties of our Leading Men, 'fhat in the
truggle for life, a grain may turn the
'alance in favor of given structure, which
will then be preserved" This remark is true
f every struggle, the success Of which de-
ends upon human influence and agency. In
his struggle for the reconstruction of our
tate, which we think can be consummated in
manner satisfactory to every interest involv-
d-to Congress, the Republican party, and
be people of the State, there is diversity of:
pinion. Some have doubts as to the true
olicy, some have conscientious scruples, some
re tormented with points of honor, and some
mink that regard for poetry and romance re-
uires that they should invite further suffering
nd sacrifice The public mind is distracted.
he people want advice-the advice of those
hose counsels they have been accustomed to ]
espect.s Their advisers are silent, and we are
II left to grope our way through the surround
,g darkness as best we can. We are not dis
osed to complain unnecessarily, but we feel
allied upon to ask is this obstinate silence
orthy of those who maintain it. Are the
eople to be deserted in their hour of EXTREMIST
eed by those whom they formerly delighted
honor? When the war was talked Of the
eople did not have to beg for advice. 1t was s
OF only freely rendered, but pressed upon
lem. They followed this advice, and by SO
Ding got into the present difficulties. Is it !
OF the duty of those who were instrumental 7
| leading them into these difficulties now to
,me forward and endeavor at least to lead t
lem out into a place of repose and safety?
he influence of o half-dozen eminent men of
IT State cast in favor of the policy we adyo-
tie would remove all the impedments to its
lccess. That is the "grain" which is needed
"turn the balance" +
That is a selfish, arrogant, egotistical logic o .
ith which such persons seek to solace them
lves-that their importance and self-respect i.
'quire that they should hold aloof and leave
10 people to bear the peltings of a pitiless :
orm. 1t is as much their duty as it is that
the humblest citizens of the Commonwealth
aid in the reconstruction of the State.
ore, indeed-just so much more as they have
former times been honored and rewarded
: the now deserted people
In our opinion, no son of the State, whether
ninent in war or in peace, should seek in re-
cement and solitude an escape from the n
tiles, the high and pressing duties of this
ur. South Carolina is entitled to their