The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1872-05-23
HThe United Brethren"


A communication from Mr.. Warren D.
Wilkes, in.another column, explains his-con-
nection with the "Independent Order Of Uni
ted Brethren" This privilege is granted most
readily and cheerfully, as Mr.. Wilkes was not
in our mind when the comments were made
upon this secret political organization, and we
would have expressed just as decided views
without knowing a single member of the Broth
erhood. The introduction of this order into
Anderson County was the legitimate subject
for local paragraph, and the names of the
officers were obtained from the Columbia Union,
as furnished to that paper by the Grand Secre-
tary, who established the council at Belton.
All this is proper and right, and comes within
the sphere of our duties as journalist. We
did not create the facts, and are not responsible
for them. Mr.. Wilkes has perfect right to
choose his political associates and associations,
and we would not for an instant restrain him
in any particular. If such connections, stated
by us as matter of news bring him into dis
repute among the good people of Anderson
County, we cannot be censured for the result,
since he has voluntarily placed himself in that
position. He accepts the consequences, how
ever, and cannot complain of our course to-
wards him. Moreover, we do not understand
that Mr.. Wilkes charges us with any unfairness
in the publication made two weeks ago, and
certainly he does not so express it. But we
have deemed it proper to state our position
correctly, in order that our readers may not
misunderstood the motives by which we are
actuated.
Mr.. Wilkes asserts in substance that the
Brotherhood is to be used as means of effect
ing reforms within the Republican party, that
honest and reliable Republicans may be put into
Office. He cites the prediction of Gov, Orr in
1870 that necessary reforms must be attained
in that way alone. This is an unfortunate al
lusion, since the powerful intellect and infu-
ence of Judge Orr failed to accomplish any
reform in the management of the State govern
ment, after the triumph of the Radical party
in 1870. Not only is this true, in point of fact,
but the "abuse and malfeasance in Office"
(which Judge Orr frankly admitted) grew
worse and worse from the moment of their tri-
umph, until the disgracefuA condition of affairs
in this State has been strongly condemned by
men of every shade of political opinion
throughout the entire country. Every intelli-
gent man admits that the State government OF
the last two years has been infinitely more
shameless and unscrupulous than ever before,
and we do not think that Mr. Wilkes will de-
ny the,proposition. Under such circumstances,
and through the agency of an organization
concocted by the very class of Republicans
who are responsible for the past management
of public affairs, it is now proposed to purify
the Radical ranks, and set up the standard OF
capacity, honesty and reliability" as test OF
fitness for position. There can be no objection
to the accomplishment of this purpose, as all
classes of our citizens would materially profit
by such result. But we differ very widely
with Mr.. Wilkes, who seems to believe that the
Omitted Brethren" will give direction to the
power of the Radical party in consummating
these desirable objects. We are firmly con-
yinced that the Brotherhood will be used, not
only to continue in power like officials to those
now ruling the State, but to bolster up and de-
fend past corrupt practices, thereby perpetual
ting the evils so justly censured by enlightened
public opinion. When reforms begin through
the agency of the Brotherhood, we will cheer
fully accord full credit to that organization ;
but until practical demonstration is made of
their intentions, and professed faith is supple
mented by actual works. we shall remain among
that incredulous portion of the commonwealth
who do not believe that secret political organi-
cations are productive of good-much less the
Omitted Brethren" which is so much doubted
by unfinching Republicans of faithful record,
| to our certain knowledge.