The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1872-12-12
Sc.
Thursday Morning, December Ii. 1879.
Mako. an Example.

AA"Aou"y H3oA AAAN OoIoMUo1 10, Aoeos
Mako an Example.
The newest instance of Asraining at a
gnat and swallowing camel is furnished
by portion of our virtnous General
Assembly, But short while sinoe they
were, tprodigious'y concerned about re-
ducing the number O, their attaches, and
cutting OF the chapisincy, ,eto.-all in
tho interest of economy and reform.
This was small matter, but their action
in it was supposed to betoken good in
tenti0ns. at Least and to show purpose
Of redeeming their pledges They have
filled the air with their olamor about
purity and the like: Bit, 10 and beholdl
they show themselves the willing and
suplh toel1 otlap ndr9it manager. They
put themselves In the market. and we're
regularly. Knocked down to the highest
bidder: ) With money in their pockets
as the consideration, they vsliantly cast
their ballots for Plutus Patterson. Do
they not know that the acceptance Of q
sribe is foul wrong to their own man
hood? Do they not know that it is per-
jury as well as bribery? Are they of
opinion that this 10 the way TO sustain
the honor and revive the prosperity OF
the State? io
Judge T. J, Maokey again appears on
the scene. Ecce iterum Csispinus3 Upon
the commitment Of the Senator elect for
contenpt by Trial Justice Kirk, Judge
Maokey issued writ OF ha6eas corpus,
requiring the Trial Justice to show cause
why,he should not be released from Gus.
tody: This may be regular and proper,
but We don't believe it. It Seems to us
3 high.handed proceeding. To the
Judge of each court it should belong to
determine the question OF contempt
shown to it, and to punish il, too. So
common sense would say. Judge Mackey
may interpose his shield to protect his
friend, in the spirit of friendship, but
We beg him not to 60 too far-not to
tarnish the laurels he won III charging
the Chester grand jury that Hon. B. F.
Perry's letter was seditious. As a re-
former. as. a Judge who wears spotless
ermine, let him be cautious to hold the
balance even between .sedition and
bribery. As he, was active before the
Chester jury in denouncing sedition, so
let him mot be slack in ferreting! out
bribery. He cannot say that he lacks
opportunity. ~ Q Z - 8.
II we have, any authorities, whose
duty it is TO take notice of the violation
Of the Act to punish bribery and cor
fuption, we print it below, as a gentle
reminder Of duty Now is the time :for;
Acknowledgement Melton to confirm ths
good impression which he has made in
granting the. injunctions against levyipg
taxes. The duties Of the vigorous pro-
secutor and stern vindicator of the laws
~kich devclye upon him in his present
position, are of as great consequence as
righteous decisions in the Office OF Judge.
We say down with corruption! Away
with men who employ such hateful and
shameful infiuencesl Back, rogues and
yllainsl Give them no quarter. Here
offers or promises to any executive, le-
gislative or judicial officer, after his
election or appointment, either before
or after lie is qualified. or has taken his
seat. any gift or gratuity whatever, with
intent to influence his act. vote, opinion,
decision or judgment on any matter,
question. cause or proceeding which may
be then pending, or may be pending, or
may by law come or be brought before
him in his official capacity, shall be pun
ished by imprisonment in the State
Penitentiary at hard labor not exceeding
five years, or by fine not exceeding
$4,000, and imprisonment in jail not ex-
ceeding one year."
Bribery Delicate Subject.
The House of Representatives was en-