The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1870-10-13
Concert Of Action the One Thing Needfu1.

Mr.. Calhoun never uttered an expression
more truthful in itself, or applicable to the
present juncture of affairs in South Carolina,
than Concert of action is the one thing need.
full" This at the time was adopted in the
State, and was Immediately hailed in every
section as watch-w0rd. It's Importance is Of
equal consequence now. 1t carries within it
self both the necessity of the hour and the clear
indication how effort is alone to culminate in
triumph.
The candidates for Office on both sides are
before the people, Those presented by the
friends of Union and Reform are immeasurably
superior to those who have been put forth by
the party whose mission heretofore has been
the desolation of the State. There can be no
comparison between them. The former are
the advocates of the people of South Carolina,
the latter the nominees of those who desire no
higher fate for her people than the sad and dis
astrous rule of the past two years. In such an
issue there can be no question as to where the
vote of every patriot should be cast For the
first time since the close of the war the oppor-
tunity is afforded to the citizens of the Com
monwealth to control their own State and to
give some assurance of good and honest gov
ernment. This opportunity will be embraced.
The issues are of far too momentous q conse-
quence to admit either of Indifference or SUI
pineness. We cannot conceive of any time in
the history of the State, or of any heretofore
condition of affairs, as perilous to all that hon.
est men cherish or that patriotism or even self
interest would maintain as the present.
The Government which demands q new lease
of power has been the symbol of oppression
and depression. 1t has not even covered its
corruptions with the mantle of secrecy. Cor
rupt and reckless in its sense of power, it has,
with unblushing face, exposed in the face of all
civilization, its open palm to the itching bribe:
1t has erected Chinese wall around the State
against the advent Of capital Capital will
to the intelligence and virtue of the people,
and destructive of financial confidence by its
notorious corruption and wanton extravaganza
Such Government is, of course, inimical toall
liberty. 1t is also at war with every depart
ment of life. Under its influence commerce is
without guarantee, trade languishes, the indus
trial pursuits are depressed, prosperity becomes
a vague and uncertain expectation of the fu-
ture. The character of the present govern
ment, therefore, comes directly home to every
individual and hearth-stone throughout the
Commonwealth. 1t is his State, his rights, his
business, and his future, which is thus threat
ened and endangered. It is not surprising,
therefore, that the people, taking up the BAN
ner of Union and Reform, should, with enthu-
siasm, have demanded on their own behalf and
in their own name, the right of real self.
government.
1t is not only necessary, however, to resolve,
but to accomplish. And how is this desirable
result to be attained? There is but one way,
and that is by concert of action. 1t isby every
individual feeling and realizing that he is q
part of the body polite, and that upon his ex-
ertions much depends. There must be COM
mon conviction of the danger and the necessi-
ty of deliverance, and common and united
endeavor, hand in hand and shoulder to shoul-
der, for better and purer Government. For
this purpose, we must sink all personal prefer
ences and prejudices. These should be forever
set at rest, in view of the great dangers which
environ us.
To remain aloof or give cold assent, is vir-
tually to acquiesce and assist in the re-enthral-
ment of the State. Can any one doubt that if
every man in the State, who desires better
government, would throw himself in the breach,
and lend his every effort for success, that this
ancient Commonwealth and her people would
soon, from the mountains to the seaboard, re-
echo with the shouts of victory, and the glad
tidings of hopeful future? 1t is the peoples
danger. Let it be the peoples contest and the
peoples deliverance. "Concert of action, the
one thing needful." Be this the watchword of
the day, and the glad harbinger Of redemption.
Charleston Courier.