The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1869-03-12
COLUMBIA. IS. C
Fri1ay Morning, March IL, 1869.

Our people are not sufficiently practical in
tho matter Of combining together for a
given purpose They have not the habit OF
association. Many good schemes fail be-
cause it is beyond the power aud means of
ON individual to secure their success
Upon many grounds it is eminently de-
sirable that there should be soon an organi-
zation of the manhood and virtue which
still remain amongst us. Changes are going
on, and the integrity OF men is subjected to
severe test. Power necessarily attracts
support. and thoSwe and unpriucipled
naturally gravitate towards it, 1t should
be an object of solicitude with us that while
times change, we do not change with them;
that remnant at least should be saved, and
that the great slough Of radical mongrelism
should only receive those whose instincts
and tastes lead them into it.
We might remark upon the melancholy
and undeniable fact that the ruling powers
here are practically advocates Of miscegenu-
ton; that in the social reunions of certain
high low officins, black spirits and white,
not to speak of yellow, mingle on the most
intimate and loving terms. 1t is matter
of shameful notorety, too, that bribes. by
euphemism called ''fees, F" are openly given
and taken to secure the passage of measures
in the present Legislature. A member, in
speaking upon the Port Royal Railroad, II
few days ago, '1et the cat out of the bag"
and the blindest could see the meal upon
it's back. The recent election of Trustees
of the University. and the appointment of
the guard ut the Penitentiary, will show all
who are not stupid what awaits us in the
future. Having political ascendancy, the
rtx OF into @,c
power and trust, have resolved to outrage
every virtuous and honorable sentiment of
our people. Every step they take indicates
the purpose to take control of all public in
terests, and to make the toleration we allow
their most extreme and hateful measures,
including repulsive social association with
negroes and mulattoes, the test OF merit
and the badge of Office. We have rod in
pickle for these infamies and abuses We
cannot dwell upon them now.
Itbecomes MS, then, to possess our souls
in peace, and to wait with patience and
hope, and to work with energy for that
change which must come, sooner or later.
We should not suffer tho sword of our spi-
rits to rust within us. We must resist the
corroding influence OF the policy Of the
hour. We must repcl the Establishments
and seductions OF temporary corrupt power
We must not participate in the scenes upon
which we nre compelled to look. A lofty
dignity, stern integrity, unfiinching nerve,
aud avoidance of the touch of these moral
and social lepers. rs of death itself, are re-
qnired of every man who values his own
character, or that of the country.
The world has been amazed at the rccu-
perative power of the Southern States. A
people who produce cotton to the amount of
$3.50, ,OOO, 900 year, cannot long be without
friends-cannot long remain under such
rule as accident, hate, fanaticism and envy
have combined to place over them. Let us,
then, be up and doing. Speed the plough,
whirl the wheels, ring the axe Let us well
come capital and population, diversity our
pursuits, and marshal in order all the ele-
ments and influences at our command.
Amongst the instruments by which much
good might be done, it strikes lis that the
organization of the agricultural with all
other cognate interests, would be one Of the
most effective. Labor is scarce. and unre-
liable. 1t is largely dsaffected, and per-
verse almost beyond endurance. We require
n fresh infusion of workers, moro available
muscle, and more willing spirits The pro-
position made in these columns. some weeks
since, by correspondent, to form District
Agricultural Societies, and to hold State
Agricultural Convention, was we'll received
10y the press of the State, and evidently met
the cordial approval of the public. 1t only
remains that some of our practical and
experienced planters and manufacturers
should take the matter in hand. We hope
to hear from our friends Seaborn, Gage,
Aiken, Evans, CreswelI, Palmer, and others,
upon this point. Shall such convention be
held? Is there any good likely to come of
it2 We think so, and earnestly advocate it
rs a measure of conservatism, as we'll as for
its more legitimate and proper effects.
CATO.
MANaoLD WUHrzEL -Mangold wurtzel
ought to become popular cropi in Virginia.