Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1868-03-04
From the Charleston Courier.
Relief.

Without endorsing the plan proposed in
the following communication, we publish 1t
as matter entitled to grave considerations
because it comes from the pen of one who has
occupied high place in State and national
councils:
.NeSsrs. Ediiors:
1t is of the last importance that something
shall be done by competent authority to give
system to the State, and infuse new life and
hope into our people, or we will sink down
in,1 hopeless despair and permanent ruin.
Let whoever has highest authority in the
State, appoint able and just commissioners,
who shall divide the State into three terrific
rial divisions. Let the sea coast, or lower dl.
vision, embrace line -unning from the Geor-
ga or Savannah River line, including Beau.
tort District, and back to the North Carolina
line. embracing Horny and Marion Districts,
on the North Carolina line; and the second,
or middle country division, include Barnwell
and Edgefeli Districts, on the Savannah
River, back to the North Carolina line, inclu-
ding Marlboro and Lancaster Districts, on
the North Carolina border and the third di-
vision to embrace all The balance Of the State,
up into the mountains, to Georgia aud North
Carolina. Let there be three commissioners
in each of these three divisions, with power
TO fix the minimum valuation upon lands in
each of the three divisions, as to low grounds,
oak and hickory, and pine lands, &c., and
then grade the different lands. Wherever the
lands in anv of these divisions shall be forced
10 sale under the Sheritf's execution, or for
division under commissioners sale, or any
thing else, then these State commissioners
shall have power to purchase for the State
or if large sections can be purchased on the
sam. terms, then Let the commissioners pur-
chase for the State. Let State bonds bc is
sued, ledeemable in thirty years, at five per
cent. inter. st. Let these bonds be exchanged for
ed for these bonds be exchanged for these
these land., and lctindustrious and sale owners,
whose lands are forced to sales, be allowed
to retainthese lands, upon mortgage OF the
same to the State, to secure the bonds Issued
for the amount they sold for, on twenty years
time. Let these commissioners sell also any
State lands on the same conditions to ior'
eigners or domestic settlers in small and prop
er quantities, the State retaining, wherever
practicable, each alternate section or tract,
all set aside officially to secure these State
bonds. This would make these State bonds,
the hest securities We could offer, for the faith
If the State would be pledged as on other
bonjs but in addition, we would offer secur'
ity of mortgages on lands, precisely on the
same principles as was done in the Charles
ton fire loan, some thirty.four years ago.
This would be using the credit Of the State
for the benefit of her ruined and dishearten.
ed people; and at the same time it would
omen M vast quantities, in small parcels, OF
land to be purchased on the very best terms,
for the Door and needy. These bonds would
make the best investments for widows and
orphans, and for the aged and infirm. Gold
now is not safe in the hauds OF individuals
md investments in public stocks are BY nc
means safe or certain. This would put tne
real estate, or good portion OF it, under the
direct control of State authprity, tor the pen
eft and prosperity of the State, and wcuic
Mace the State in position to be built W
wisely in the only way that it can be done
II would use the credit of the State In sucf
wav for the benefit of her ruined debtors in
terest. as to avoid that clause in the UNITED
States Constitution which forbids State t.
H impair the obligations of contracts" l
would give us land offices, to be opened ant
reonlated to encourage settlers, under the di
rect sanction and protection of State authori
~ ~ Foreigners would feel safety and encour
apement under this system, where they woui'
met under mere private encouragement. thes
. Commissioners would see that foreigners Wer