The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1872-08-01
State Reform.

State are urging neuGrat1Cy III reiation W Feu-
eral politics, and exhorting the people to con-
eentrated effort to secure reform in the State
government We admit that reform at home,
in our State affairs, is the great desideratum
but how it is to be brought about is the great
question to be solved. On the one hand, we
are advised to go into the ranks of the Repub-
lican party, and by our voice and example
bring order out of confusion. This the patri-
otic men of all political opinions might be
willing to do, if they could see anything to be
gained in that direction. If they could be as
sured that it would result in good, they could
go over to the dominant party without making
any sacrifice of principle; for if men pursue
certain line of action with pure motives-if
they do evil, or seeming evil, that good may
come of it, then it cannot be said they have
been guilty of moral wrong. But we remain
to be convinced that reform would follow by
going over to Republicanism, and casting our
votes with the party. New converts are not
looked upon with favor; they are advised they
cannot be trusted-they must be taken on trial,
"and bring forth fruits, meet for repentance"
and in all honesty we must say that the party
In this shows some prudence. The old mem;
bers of the party-those who launched the
ship of State upon the billowy deep-do not
want any recruits, Except to vote,) lest mutiny
may occur and they be forced to give up the
ship. Let US not deceive ourselves that reform
IS to be effected by joining the Republican
ranks at this stage of the political contest. The
Republican party must put the reform ball in
motion-it must initiate the movement, and
the Democrats as a unit will flock to the reform
standard Let the Republican party put forth
as candidates for Office men who are honest and
capable, and who pledge themselves to an hon
est administration of the government, and in
solid phalanx the Democratic party will sup
port them. In voting for Republicans who
give an earnest of reform, we do not wish to be
understood as relinquishing our political opin-
ions, for in them We recognize truths that are
as permanent as the everlasting hills and must
endure to all generations. We maintain that
true Democracy incufcates some wholesome
truths, without which no government can have
any great perpetuity. On the other hand, Ma
tional Republicanism, which is but another
name for Federalism, clings to the doctrine of
Capitalization. which was regarded by Mr.
Jefferson and other fathers Of the Republic as
exceedingly dangerous to republican institu-
tions However, to bring about financial re-
form in South Carolina, we need not debate
these questions. We ought to rise above old
party lines and party prejudices to save the
State from utter ruin. Republicans are re-
sponsible for the financial wrong and misrule
that now exists, and in vain would they deny
it. With this same party must commence re-
form, for the Democracy is poweriess, Unless 30
far as its moral influence and censorship will
90 to initiate the movement Whether they
advocate the cause of Greeley or Grant, Dem
ecrats are powerless, 50 far as their own effort
Is concerned, to bring about reform. Being in
the minority, they cannot elect State officers,
and but few Of the representatives in either
branch of the Legislature. We must unite
with liberal Republicans, if there are any such
in the State, when they shall have instituted a
movement for reform. We are certainly more
interested in this than in the Presidential elec-
ton; but we are satisfied that want of action
in the Presidential election On the part of the
Democracy of the State will not amount to
srything, for if it does not declare for Grant,
ii is known that it is for Greeley; and SO far
as State reform is concerned, the Democrats
had Just as we'll openly declare their preference.
There are men who will attempt to be anything
as occasion may require in other words, polit-
ical sneaks, who belong to any and all parties.
We say to Republicans and Democrats, that
such men are not to be trusted. If they have
no political opinions and preferences, they
have not mind enough to fill any Office, either
county or State. If they have opinions to suit
the company they are in, they are too dishonest
to be trusted. So in either case, they are not
worthy of support. We are satisfied that po-
litical reform will begin to pour in upon us ere
the ides of March, 1873. Ifit come not by the
election Of State officers, President Grant (so
says Judge Mackey) has promised to give us
republican form of government in South Caro-
lima We are not informed how the President
proposes to bring about this great change, but
suppose that he and Congress will commence
anew the work of reconstruction or that the
President will, by his majestic might, speak a
new government into existence in Republican
South Carolina. The last view of the case is
based upon the reelection Of General Grant.
IF however, Mr.. Greeley is elected, then we
think the cause of reform more hopeful still,
for @ then the moral atmosphere Of Washington
becoming be- pure, will be waited bitherward
br;nging peace, harmony and political safety to
o - Il ,I;tinng of men.