The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1872-11-20
A ForeshadowIng c< the Policy Of tile
Moses Administration.

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people some measure of protection against
illegal taxation and the improper applica-
ton OF tho public money. TEE NEws mas
always held that the taxpayers, by wise
and vigorous policy, could hold the law
makers in check, and compel the Executive
officials to observe the letter and spirit OF
the laws and the constitution. This con-
templated no resistance to tax legally
levied, for proper purposes; but want OF
organization, and Of confidence In the
| courts, caused the people to remain passive.
Again and again has this paper said that
the people had no right to assume, without
trying the experiment, that the courts
would deny them any fit remedy, and the
course Of Judge Melton warrants and justi-
fes the warning 30 given. There was no
action by any committee or junta Two
Republican officials, with the new admins
tration at their back, are doing the work,
and surely, whatever their politics, their race
or their past history, they deserve we'll OF
the State.
The first step was taken by Mr.. F. L. Car
dozo. a native colored man, who fB the
present Secretary Of State and the State
Treasurer elect. Upon bis petition, Judge
Melton granted an injunction restraining
the State Treasurer and County Treasurers
from applying the proceeds OF the tax levy
just made to any other purposes than these
specified In the appropriation bill OF March
18th, 1872. This secured the legal e1pendi-
ture Of the taxes as collected. The defend
ers of the public purse now advanced their
lines, and applied to Judge Melton for an
order spjoining the County Auditors and
Treasurers from levyiDg, and collecting, the
taxes ordered to be levied by Comptroller
Neagle, In his circular OF the l4th instant.
They based their application upon the
grounds that the tax is unconstitutional, and
that the Comptroller has no warrant in law
for the levying OF any tax for the payment
OF interest upon the State debt. The in
junction was granted by Judge Melton on
Monday. Two points are thus secured. II The
Injunction last granted be continued, and
we trust that It will be, there ls an end to
any tax levy under the existing laws. And
even IL that Injunction can be dissolved, the
people have the assurance that, 30 far as
the Courts can direct and control, the pro-
ceeds OF the tax levy will be applied to the
legitimate, il extravagant, expenses OF the
current year.
The latest intelligence with regard to the
tax embroglio will be found In our news
and telegraphic columns. There the people
will find what information they need as to
the progress OF cause In which every man
in South Carolina who makes an honest liv-
ing, or who has dollars worth Of honestly
earned property,is is acutely interested. What
ever may come Of 1t, We heartily congratulate
the people on the progress that has been
made In the vlndlcation OF their rights as citi-
zens. This is question which goes far beyond
parties aud political platforms. And surely
it will be good omen to those who, with
The NEWS, refused 10 support the hypocritl-
cal Boilers In the late canvass, that two of
the officers elect upon the Regular Radical
ticket are the head and front OF the peaceful
and constitutional movement against theft
and wrong. This is not all The iDjunc-
tions already obtained and the proceedings
already instituted, for the defence OF the
People against the Rings, foreshadow the
financial policy OF Governor Moses and his
colleagues. These measures are approved
Of, and pushed on by, the new administra-
tiou-a fact which recalcitrant County Audi.
tors and Treasurers will do well to bear in |
mind. Surely better time is coming!