The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1870-03-29
S. G.
Tuesday Mornsns march 20. 1870.


ga Time to Rend Snnd = Tirne to sew'-
"a Timo to Break Down and q Time
TO Build Up" sc'1
We do not affect to disregard the
opinions of those Sof our cotemporaries
in journalism who may not happen to
agree with us. We respect their OPT.
Mons, and whea we recognize both
ability and sincerity in their utterances,
we feel bound to invest these utterances
with becoming respect. 1t is in this
spirit that we have to offer some COM
ment upon on srticle in the Winnsboro
Ne,Os. That journal, in its issue of
Thursday last. says in an article headed,
ga Time to have Ones own Opinions"
t'We very much fear that, beyond the
numerous times that Solomon enume-
rates, the time tohave ones own opinion
in South Carolina has now come. With
no great leading principles universally
acknowledged, and with oil parties and
men very much at sea, diversity of senti-
ment is not only. natural, but necessary
to the progress, Of truth. Men will
differ, and must, be tolerated, if not ao.
tually encouraged to speak out for the
public good. We believe that the State,
as of old, can hold but one political
party; that that party must be Republi-
can, and, moreover, conservative.
Now, we agreeiwith the NeDs in this,
to wit: That theitime has come for men
to have in South Carolina their own
opinion. We go further. We hope
that such time will never pass away. We
make no issue on. this point. We honor
independence of thought and independ-
ence of action. We regard it the chief
element of manly character. But we
do take issue with our cotemporary upon
another point, as will be seen as we go
on. In order, apparently, to offer some
reason or excuse for its own political
skepticism, vagaries and variations, the
Ne,cs claims that at present in South
Carolina all parties and men are very
much at sea. Now that this remark
may be applicable to some men and some
journals, we do not deny; but we do
deny that it properly applies to all. Such
is not the case. There are men and there
are journals that have very decided
views, and these views arc entitled to
special consideration in the absence of
other we'll defined ones
In national point-looking at parties
as divided on national issues-we have
most decided views. But upon this
occasion let this pass and let us come
nearer home. Is there any difficulty
here? Need men and journals feel at
sea? Is it not obvious that the ship of
State is in bad hands? Can any Caro-
linian consider the personnel Of the Go
vernment and the Legislature, and not
admit this?. Gan any honest man con-
slider the corruption of the last Legisla-
ture, and not admit this? Can any un-
prejudiced man consider how private
fortunes are made ut the public expense
and not admit this2
Can any wise man look upon our his
tory for the last two years, and not see
that there arc needed a higher tone, O
more comprehensive policy, and wiser
craftsmanship? And can any practical
man doubt the course that is left to us?
Are not good citizens bound-all of
them-to unite together and seek the re-
forms we need, and the changes we re-
quire? Why need the Ne,Os be ut sea?
A proposition has recently been made
for all men in favor of honest good 60
vernment to band together and seek the
relief of the State. And yet our cotem.
porary hesitates to unite in this move
ment. Let it do this, and it need no
longer be at sea. But our cotemporary
will say that it is entitled to its opinion.
We'll, it is; but it is bound also to give
a reasen for the faith that is in it.
One point more. The Ne,cs saws:
1--WE believe that the State, as of old.
can hold but one political party; that
tho party must be Republican, and more
over, conservative" We cannot see WHY
South Carolina, like every other State in
the Union, cannot have two parties; bu.
let this pass. Our contemporary goes ON