The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1869-05-14
a WORD TO THE MAYOR.

To the Hon. Gilbert Pasbu,.y, Mayor OF
Charleston:
SIR-Elevation to position of great public
trust and power, brings with it corresponding
responsibilities and tests or conscience. The
ascent to power, in republican country, is
sometimes sudden, but oftener tedious, difficult
and trying while the retirement. judging
from freshest examples, is an instantaneous
dive into utter oblivion. In your case, honor
able sir, you have learned the full lesson of
Tabor and wait, "and the matchless pertinacity,
zeal and pluck which have characterized you,
will not soon be forgotten in the community.
You have gained the summit of your ambition
and plucked the crown.
Ii the same excellent fcatures--in themselves
ccns!dsrod-ooatinue to inhere, see no rea-
son why your head should not be easy, and
your reign memorable for it's industry, patri-
olism, aud unselfsh devotion to the interests
Of the citizens OF Charleston. Your inaugural
had healthy ring, apd resounded pleasantly
to many ears. Your declarations Of nnseiash,
ness-f they were sincere (and doubt not)-
gave you a hearing in the presence Of the peo-
pie. he lines of policy which you indicated
with singular clearness, bade the community
hope for better times and good government.
The object Of this letter s not to charge you
with inslncerity, but to thank you for your
tirst uttersnoes, and to assure you that the
citizens Of Charleston expect you to fight it
out on the soveral lines you we're pleased 10
indicate IN your speech before the Council.
1t must De known to you, sir, that the hatred
and wrath OF people form stronger obsta-
Gle than bayonets and cannon. That, when a
man, to gain a foothold, makes promises to
the ear to be broken to the hope" he can be
made, by the wthsring blast Of popular indig-
nation, to sink from sight among the gamin,
with whose haunts aud ways his cond lct
speaks him familiar. LII.
believe you capable of your highest decla-
rations, and would encourage you to vindi-
But will you do it? Can you work out your
announced plans with the Council you have
around you? Will it be possible for you to
maintain q just and honorable position as the
be ADVISED by those who have been made your
associatesP II sO you will win a monument
OF enduring fame. You will prove yourself
od nod only & an lncorrnptibe @ patriot, but great
you the file on which their fangs will fail to
make impression?
;, Already, it is feared, that you are Yielding.
YOU Your committees seem mutual greed society.
bent on personal profit, and held together by
the coheslve power OF public plunder.
Few there are who do not, it seems, demand
ofice, and whose rapacious maws, do not cape
nor assSe GTaer peoples revenues Ignorance in
less enough, but when it becomes blatant,
clamorous, vindiotive and ambitious of place
anu power, it is the most dangerous thing, and
can do no more than destroy the peace Of the
community. 1t seems clear that Office and
gam are the INT eresting things discu ssed and
grasped for by the majority of your Council.
Utter lncapabiity. gross ignorance, reckless
conduct, and extravagant ideas Of power. will
Dances.
Men who have little or no care. exempt
Irom taxation because Of poverty. free from
possessions because Of ldleness and vindict;va
towards their superiors because of social in.
eq ualty- such men gain, by all means
power, they are only fhbustering nulsances-
ptIeSng upon The fSr "a
your Council are thus truthfully characterized.
no reasonable man will disputes; while you
yourself sir. must be disgusted with every ex-
hlDltlOn or such schemes. What respect can
o large community feel for such legislators
how VIII they control and improve the vast
commercial and economlcalinterests of Charles
Who among them is capable OF conceivirg a
plan, Plan question, or preparing dlgnltied reso
Who Of the number has ever been honored
Win WIN II srasG' OF haylng been, gave good ac-
Your position. good Sir, is hard one, and
viewed from the standpoint of your inaug ural
appeals to the indulgent and forbearlng G, M
munlty for sympathy and support.
That confidence and sympathy you can secure
by an independent administration of public
AFFAIRS. BY retaining competent officers in
their places, and filing vacancies with persons
who are honorably identified with the city and
State. By nstituting economical reforms, and
discountenancing ideness and Furnishing crime
BY consulting lar. ely the interests of the whole
people, and not acting upon the representa-
tons Of o Council representing no constit-
uency. In short. sir, by carrying out your
pledges, solemnly uttered in an inaugural ad-
dress which inspired public confidence and
stlffened the financial back. We are prepared
TO respect your virtues; let them be exhibited;
''Honor's good brooch to wear in mans hat
at all times"
am, sir, &c., JuN1us.