The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1870-04-08

MR.. EDITOR: In noticing the Spubnc
exhibitions OF the press on the present
situation of governmental affairs, it will
appear that an effort is making to bring
the popular mind to che essential princi-
pies OF a common platform, upon which
to stand in the coming canvass for the
election of q new Legislature. Various
are the suggestions as to the best mode
of proceeding-of preparing the voting
citizens for the ballot-box. desire to
take part in making suggestions, and
propose the following for consideration.
But, first, what are the coils Of which we
complain and forwhich we desire re-
medy? One of the greatest is, the bur-
thensome taxation to which we are sub
jected, and the uncertainty and confusion
into which our laws and code of rules
of procedure in our Courts are thrown
by extravngant legislation; entailing loss
of time and heavy expenses in conduct
ing the litigation of the country. In
view of this condition of our situation,
the great desideratum with us. is, how
can we put in motion q remedy? I say
put in motion, because it cannot all be
done at once. Something can be done,
in the right direction, if the voting citi-
zens will unite and heartily endeavor to
elect Legislature capable of realizing
our weighty burthens, and filled with the
spirit OF true reform and industry, to do
the most useful work in the shortest pos
sible time. Such selection of men can
and will effect wonders for the general
welfare of our oppressed people; but,
not SO much for the millionaire specula-
tors. Now, con such election be made?
Not with ease and apathy; but, if the
people would unite aud go to work pro-
perly, think very much could be done.
will state my plan. Let each County
view its own separate voting condition
of fixed facts-of living issues. For
example, County having preponder-
ance of white voters and sending three
members to the House of Representa-
tives, nominate ticket of two white and
one colored candidate, and upon condi-
| ton, that they openly and publicly
pledge themselves to work for the reform
desired by the native and adopted citi-
zens of our State; then give them a
united support at the ballot-box. If n
County have a preponderance, either
way, and be entitled to four msmbers,
let the citizens nominate ticket of two
whites and two colored, and upon the
conditions already stated; then rally for
their success at the ballot-box And So,
let each County act for itself
| And further, if there should be Coun-
ty entitled to four or moro members and
only two suitable men can be found to
| take open ground for the needed reform,
nominate but these two, one white and
one colored. and then. upon the same
condition, all, who are for reform, sup
port these and no other. I write to be
| understood, use no metaphors. or hidden
language, indicating policies for the fu-
ture, but speak straight out. In select
ing colored nominees, I hesitate not to
advocate the appointment of Mose, main
N, who have been owned among MS as
slaves formerly, aud of those, too, who
are of the farming class. They feel m ore
sharply the burthens of which we all
complain. Much can be said in favor of
this course of procedure. but withhold
extended argument. The reasons are
very apparent. III this way, they will
see that we are in earnest in recognizing
their legal rights; that we desire to take
them along with us, in leaving the bust
hess OF law-mak1ng, and Ill the execution
of law. It will remove from their minds
the bug bears Of being remanded to
slavery again, and guard them against
hnmbuggery for the future. Thus, they
will more readily learn, that they have
been gulled with shadows. whilst their
pretended friends ran away with the
substance. We must get the workings OF
the State Government in fair order. and
let national politics and alliances be for
the proper time. We are not benefited,
just nov. I apprehend, by keeping up
party struggles for party success and
office emoluments. Fellow citizens. we
have much at stake, and let us think
twice before we speak, and look with both
eyes before we leap. Send out your ORA
tors and logical sharp shooters to en-
tighten the popular mind. The press
can do much, but good stamping can do
more in this matter. SPES.
There was an attempted test of tho
civil rights bill in Chester, few days
ago. Several colored men entered the
barber shop Of O worthy freedman and