The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1871-05-25
THE TAXPAYERS, CONVENTION.
SPIRIT OF THE PRESS.

| which has Just c0ncluded lts Session at
| Columbia, is the most important event in
the history of this State since it's seces-
sion from the Union in 1S60sseems to be
recognized by all the leading journals of
the country. Tho following extracts
from various newspapers will show the
popular sentiment on the subject:
From, the Providence (R. ~ Journal, Repu6l;-
THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONVENTION.
The Tax payers Convention which has
been in session at Columbia, South Caro-
lima, was expected to adjourn yesterday.
1t was body of great respectability Of
character and position, and it's proceed.
I.ings have been marked by moderation
and prudence. 1t embraced members of
both parties, though the Conservatives
were probably very largely in the major
1ity. The advice which they gave to the
Governor was judicious, and what is great
/ 1y to his credit and to the public advan-
Iltage, he accepts it, and agrees to act in
accordance with it. The questions consid-
cred in the Convention were not political
in an ordinary sense, but such as relate to
the existing embarrassment of the State
and the mode of effecting it's extrication
from them.
4 The Convention also voted to present
q petition 10 the Legislature to avoid in
creasing the State debt, ard also to re-
duce the expenses of the State Govern
ment The grand aim appeared to be to
secure more Intelligent and honest Execu-
tive officers in all departments, and to
mako the members of the Legislature, if
possible, moro careful in their levies of
taxes, and in their State expenditures. 1t
is thought that much good will result
from the Convention, which, in reality. is
likely to have nearly the power which
might belong to a third and higher house
Of the Legislature.
From the Peters6urg Lrdez.
The Taxpayers Convention at Colum-
bin has published to the world the facts of
the grievous woes wrought in South Car
olina by the Radical adventurers and their
ignorant allies. Governor Scott has &C
knowledged the extravaganza and corrup-
ton of his party, and confesses that he is
constrained to ask the help of the Con-
vention to relieve the State from the con-
sequences following the domination of the
party which put hin. in power. Familiar
as are the members of that Convention
with the countless wrongs to person and
property committed by the Radicals, they
have contented themselves with turning
their attention solely to the evils of taxa
tion. What monstrous proportions these
evils assume, and by what ignorant crea-
lures they are inflicted, appears from one
simple statement The Legislature of
South Carolina has this year imposed on
the State tax of four million dollars
and of that Legislature, seventy-four ne
groes can neither read nor write.
From the New York Evening Aaa.
The bercfts resulting from this Con-
.vention, if the policy it has initiated shall
be faithfully carried out, will not be con-
fined, as it seems to US, to the State i'm
medately affected. The example of lead
ing men of all parties and shades Of be-
lief, in State like South Carolina, coming
together in fraternal spirit to consider
calmly and Independently of partisan
considerations the one question of the
public good, cannot fail tolargely infu-
ence public opinion all over the South.
The Convention has done it's work
thoughtfully, without partisanship and in
a conciliatory spirit. The work itself
seems to have been immensely needed
There is no question that the State was
getting into fearful condition. IRE
sponsible adventurers had involved it in
debts that were approaching the utmost
limit of endurance. There was through
out the State feeling of mingled alarm,
disgust and hatred on the part of proper.
ty-owners and men of intelligence and
character. Violent men took advantage
of this intense sentiment to perpetrate
murders and robberies that in turn called
for Federal Intervention, and the exercise
of Federal authority added fresh fuel to
the flames of discomfort.
Let us trust that the good sense shown
in South Carolina may prove contagious
and be exhibited in other Southern States
which are in like disordered and unsettled
condition.
From the Me,o York Eue,sing Post.
coNo1L1Ar1oN IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
The conference vVas remarkable as the
first voluntary attempt OF the Southern
people at reconstruction without regard
to party prejudice. 1t is the first meet
ing of men of extreme views for the pur-
pose of compromising their differences for
the common good. All shades of politics
were represented, and, to chow that there
was no mistake in the representative
character of the conference, it is only ne
cessary to add that tho movement was
proposed many months ago; that the
State has been thoroughly canvassed in its
behalf, and that it has met with little OBJ
It is gratifying to remark that Govern
or Scott frankly acknowledges the errors
that have beon committed BY his officers
with his own consent, and points out in
several instances the means to correct
j e 4laa ,aolitiaiasa