The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1872-02-06
OFFICE OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
CoLuMprA. 8. O.. Fob,


EDITOR PHRNIx: Your leading editorial Of
Sunday morning seems to justify word from
me. believe that under it's present ma n age
ment. the PHGxI1 does not intend to do
wanton injustice to any man. at any rate.
fair play will not be denied. simply wish to
state fairly and plainly what l have dono in
the matter OF the Spartanburg and Union
Railroad Company, and then will submit the
caso to your judgment and that Of the public.
The Act Of March z, 1871, entitled "An
Act to protect the interests OF the State,
Whenever payment OF interest now due re-
mains unpaid on bOnds issued by any railroad
company. and whereon the guaranty of the
State is endorsed" "authorizod and ra-
CURED" the Attorney. General to institute
proceedings In the courts against all rail.
Interest on bonds guaranteed by the State,
and to enforce the rights OF the State through
the statutory liens or mortgages held by the
State upon such railroads. The same Act
any deficiency existing upon the sale OF the
property Of the delinquent railroad compa-
MES. Under the authority Of this Act, fled
= cnmplaint against the SpArtanburg and
Union Railroad Company, praying a fore
olosure OF the statutory mortgage aud sale Of
AL the property OF tho company to indemnify
the State for her guaranty. decree OF fore.
cloeure and sale WAS made in November last,
6y Judge Rutlsnd, and the time Of sale was
fixed for tho first Monday in January last.
Before the day OF sale arrived, was request
cd to ask poetponement OF the sale, and I
dld ask and obtain postp0nement till the
hrst Monday OF the present month. This is,
in brief, tho entire history OF the case
You say, in general terms, that it was nv
duty to protect the interests OF the State, 10
guard tho State against loes." &c, and Won
add substantially. that it is ''the business Of
the Attorney General" to see that the road
sells tor enough to cover the liability ot the
State.
respectfully aubmitIto you and tho pnblic,
that it Is not my business to do anything in
this case except "to enfornee the rights Of the
State under :hs statutory mortgage" was
not charged with any other or further duty in
the premises. Tho Legislature directed me
to procure the aale; did 80, and there my
duty ended.
The price Of the property, the expediency
OF the sale, the sufficiency Of the property to
cover the liability OF the State, arc questions
with which have no concern other Than YOU
or other citiZons may have.
The other State officers and the Legislature
were fully advised Of the pending aaIe, and if
IL were necessary, in their judgment, to take
any action, they have had ample opportunity
20 90 what you mistakenly say it was my duty
10 40: II loss arises to the State from the
gleot.
Your vague illusions to ring in tho into
rest OF the Pennsylvania Central Railroad,
-. Ie'U ooeu serlou5Iy INTENDED to refer
70 me. In these days, however, when vague
aliusl0ns are ottentimes as effective for injury
ss well'snpported charges. it. may bo proper
FOR me to say that such illusions are wide of
the mark when directed to me. have no cor.
nection with. or knowledge OF. any combina.
tion whatsoever OF the character OF which you
speak. Nobody has ever suggested snch "a a
thing to me. directly or Indirectly; and will
only add. that the company. which [ honed
and wished might obtain the spartanburg and
Union Railroad, was the South OaroI;no no II
road Company; but even in this. / had no
earthly interest, beyond the general feeling
that that company would. with their other
connections, make this road most useful to the
citizens OF the State at larte.
d. H. CHAMBERLAIN.