The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1871-05-25
What has been Accomplished by the
Tax-Payers' Convention.

Ida EdyOES NOlItClIiVils
The unusual pressure upon our columns last
sas week prohibited any comments ofsthe editor
upon the work Of the Taxpayers Convention.
Its action was fully set forth, however and we
presdme sase;hh sase;hh reader has made his own esti7
mate of the value of the labors performed.
But, as day after day has revealed the effect OF
those labors, it may not be ap,iss to glance at
them.
Men of every political opinion agree that it
was an imposing body of men. Statesmen and
soldiers Of South Carolina's past history, and
respectable infusion oftalent from other sources,
made upione of the most intelligent and digni-,
fed assemblies it has ever been our fortune to
witness in session. Partisan politics did not
have place, and only the spirit Of citizens
convened for counsel as to the best methods of
extricating the commonwealth from difficulties
of no ordinary character In this spirit alone
did the representatives of the people meet.
The actual condition of affairs was the object
of prime Importance, and to this work the
ablest and most experienced were assigned.
Every facility was extended to them by State
officials, according to reports of committees,
and tie sober truths evolved by even hnrried
examination has presented to the world a pic
ture of recklessness and extravaganza almost
unparalleled in the history of republican gov
ernments, when the impoverished condition OF
the State is considered. But all this Is only
twice-told tale to our people, and if it was only
for their satisfaction, the result might be re-
garded as hardly commensurate for the labor
involved. But it has far deeper significance.
This was body Of citizens, representing
large portion at least of the taxfpaying COM
munity, and the disclosures made by this vol
untary assetnb nblsge cannot fail to open wide the
eyes of the Nofther masses as to the true In.
tent and animus of the creatures who. have
committed such gross eseesses in the name OF
Republicanism. Influential Northern journals
we're represented, and the truth has already
been. presented to thousands all over the North,
who have heretofore been kept in darkness as
to the actual condition of affairs in this down.
trodden State. Here, then, is one point gained
| Another more vital advantage has been
reached, however. The authoritative declara-
tions of this Convention as TO the views and
purposes Of tie white people Of so9th Carolina
EE-the Intelligent, Weather classes-as not be-
Fling in conflict with the United States govern
Ement or inimical TO the organic law of the
Hand, Us embodied in recent amendments to the
Constitution, will go'far TO dispet, a large part
| of the opposition to our advancement and
| progress towards peace and prosperity in the
future. These declarations did not emanste
from set of mere politicians, seeking to win
a partisan conflict, but they reflected the senti-
ment of tho staunchest and most devoted ad-
herents of our past politics, and showed that
| they were heartily anxious for removal of
these vexed questions from the arena of dis
cussion, by recognizing accomplished facts and
dealing with them as they now exist The
Eefect of such declarations will expose the
Esprit of.malignity aud persecution so rampant
lat the North among Radical leaders, and
which is fed by the shameless representations
made to them through the agency of Southern
Radicals, who desire to keep the truth from being
known, in order that they may continue their
systematic schemes of plunder and stealage
without let or hindrance. General amnesty
has been delayed by these disreputable means,
and the services OF. our most experienced states
men been denied the commonwealth In fact,
the true reconstruction of the Union has been
itwofully retarded by false representations, which
the action of this Convention will help to dis
prove and set aside.
| The moral power Of the Convention to secure
adequate means of relief from oppressive bur-
dens mast not be underrated, when We are es-
timating the fruits of its labors. The present
State government cannot afford to ignore the
fact that its members truly represent constit-
uency within whose grasp lies the. e.sinews of its
own power. But for the taxpayers, and their
disposition heretofore to contribute the levies
! made under the sanction of law, there might
have been infinite trouble added to the woes
already experienced. Their reasonable de-
mands must be met in the spirit of forBearance
and concession, justice and right. We believe
that good viii come of this impression, and
that due consideration will be given to the re-
forms suggested as absolutely necessary to the
welfare of oil the people.
Finally, it was wisely determined to continue
the existence of this Convention. AS an advi-
sorry body, seeking to bring relief not only to
the tax payers, but practical direction to need
ed reforms, it cannot fail to influence the pres
ent administration and assist to secure truly
republican form of government within this
commonwealth, thereby removing the anoma-
lous condition of affairs at present existing, by
which the will of the people is thrust aside for
the benefit Of grasping, .rcmorseless officials
IMPORTANT CtRcULAR.-The following cir
,,lor hoe bean forwarded to.tha yarious Conn