The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1870-05-05

9Th That our fellow-citizens are requested to
meet in the different neghborhoods and concur
in the above plan, or suggest better one.
J.C. WATKINS, Sec.
Shall we have Reform in Government :?
The last number of the Missionary Record,
published in Charleston, and edited by Rev.
R. H. Cain, colored State Senator, has the fol-
lowing significant editorial. We gladly hail
this evidence that the corruption and venality
of the Radical ofice-holders will be rebuked
and condemned in their own party. 1t will
lead to good results, in our opinion, and ought
to be earnestly encouraged:
No one who is not blinded by prejudice, and
carried away with partisan feeling, can deny
that there is need of reformation in our affairs
of government, in some departments. We
have always been among those who have de-
sired an honest and just government, both in
State and municipal affairs. We know that in
the Republican party we have some of the
most unscrupulous demagogues, some of the
most dishonest of men. We have never been
so welded to party as to wink at all its sins or
to spare any of its numerous sinners, when we
have believed they needed scoring at our hands.
We have marked out for ourselves path of
honesty and Just dealing with mankind, and
we cannot be turned from that path by any
personal or,party interests. Whenever we have
thought proper to call in question the actions
of Republicans we have so done unhesitating-
ly, and shall continue so to do. We have scrn-
tinized the doings of certain officials OF the
State and of the county, as well as of the city,
and we cannot sanction certain transactions
which have taken place, to the detriment of the
peoples good, and the prosperity of the county
and State.
We think that the manner in which the land
commission of this State has been conducted,
has been more with view of speculation by
few individuals than for the good of the thou
sands of poor people of this State. We have
been among the earnest supporters of the land
commission for securing homes to the poor.
urged this measure as the best through which
the poor could speedily be placed beyond want
and dependence. The act creating the COM
mission we regard as a success, and would have
proved such had the mantle of responsibility
fallen upon the shoulders of an honest we'll
wisher of the poor. But unfortunately for the
cause of suffering humanity, it fell where the
springs had dried up, where there was no SYM
pathy nor interest, save that of peculation.
Two hundred thousand dollars of bonds were
issued under the direction of the commission,
which have all been expended before the meet
ing of the last Legislature, and only forty-6ve
thousand acres of land bought, according to the
statement of the commissioner. Last session
resolutions were offered in the General Assem-
bly, requesting him to report the condition of
his Office, and what had been done; yet at no
time could report be elected. Subsequently
change was made in that Office but unlike
any other officer of government, Mr.. Leslie has
not yet turned over his books and papers to his
successor. No report has been submitted to
the Governor or advisory board. No one seems
strong enough to bring Mr.. Leslie to account
for his disregard ofa plain duty as State Off
Ger. Two hundred thousand dollars of the
peoples money has been expended, and no one
knows where, how, to whom, nor for what it
has been expended. Yet we have an advisory
board, composed of the Governor, Secretary of
State, Treasurer, Comptroller General and At
torney General-all the heads of the State, and
through whom Mr.. Leslie has operated, and
vet they permit him to walk with impunity,
giving no account of his official conduct. Do
they not know that fhe people will hold them
strictly responsible for whatever may be wrong
in this matter?
There are other facts in relation to this land
commission which are not the most fiattering
in point of business-transactions which have
occurred since the new commissioner has been
appointed, but with which he was not connect
ed which do not reflect credit upon those who
are connected with it. The public are not idle
and careless observers of these transactions, and
when the time comes, will surely render prop
er verdict in the case.
In our county affairs there never was more
reckless expenditure of public funds, of no
practical good to the county, than in Charles
ton County. We know of transactions which
will make an honest man blush to mention
the expenditures of monies wrung from the
taxpayers, which may be characterized as high
way robbery. In certain transactions in city
affairs we forbear to speak, hoping that the
time is not far distant when we shall have a
reformation, even in the present Council, which
will reflect honor upon its name. The school
question is another which enters into the vital
ity of the nations progress and prosperity and
vet there has not been dozen schools estab-
lished in any of the parishes or districts outside
of the large cities, and yet the commissioners
are drawing their pay, and all other officers are
feeding ut the public crib, while the people are
bleeding at every pore. We say to Republicans
and to that party that unless they themselves
begin reform, and that speedily, the people
will reform the party by electing others more
competent and honest, who will carry out the
great principles of government, namely, the
Tood nj NIL the people. We warn our officials