The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1872-03-07
PaN AND Isk skRroHrs OF rHx sour1

= nv AMI 4nA 0AkVC6HS OF The 0OUTH
CAROLINA LEaIshATURE.-The close OBJ
server OF men and things, who visits the
capital OF South Carolina, may learn
much. both to admire and despise. His
thoughts will naturally he turned TO the
great central figure in the drama OF 90
vernments, tho Legislature, and ite act
ors, on the stage, whether in the dis
charge OF onerous duties in their seats
or on their feet. In their places, there
is room for improvement. Under ordi-
nary circumstances, where men have
been entrusted with grave responsibili-
tier. the public has recognized sterling
worth and intelligence. Men who have
been thus elevated to honor have sought
to dignity their callings and positions
by an adaptation to the responsible re-
latlonships to which they have been
called; and if their intellectual develop
ments were not What they themselves
desired when entering the halls OF leQis.
lation, they have sought to qualify them
selves by study for the responsible du.
ties OF their Office. The mode of con.
Quoting debates always indicates the
character Of the disputants, and shows
the groundwork OF their educational
advantages. The rude sallies of vulgar
Wit often brought into requisition in de-
bate moves smile upon tho thoughtful
lace OF the thinker, while he feels SEN
eation OF regret at the absence of that
dlgnlhed and respectful consideration
which would characterize higher order
OF thinkers. There are some bright in
tellects there, but they seldom speak.
for the reason that the fools occupy ali
the precious time with their senreless
gabble. 1t would seem that those who
know the !enst talk the most. Yet this
fact illustrates what a Struggle there is
to rise superior to the disadvantages of
long years OF the night OF oppression.
We could wish that there was more dig
nifty among the members Of that body.
There is a s'cdggeriSh mir about large
portion Of the members-a redness of
eyes, rs depicted by Solomon, a flush
ness OF lace, which betokens beastialty;
q proluslon OF gold trappings, which
marks extravagance; and IA newness of
poeitlon uniooked for, and consequently
q lack OF readiness for it.
There is doubtless little attention paid
to study, by many of them, OF those
great principles OF government and po-
ntlcal economy, which should be the
pride of the statesman. Fast horses.
fine suits, wine drinkings, cards. bill.
liards and prohigacy characterizes many
who are met daily in the streets. Sa.
looms aud grog-shops take the largest
share Of some mons wages. Profanity
is the golden morsel to some OF them.
we noted on one occasion former di.
vinlty student Of the AZ l.. Church in
the full tide Of wine or stronger drink,
curslng like young sailor. On another
occasion, We saw former local preacher
OF the A. NJ. Z. Church drunk, and
beIching ont oaths which would shame
Jack tor. The nnooked-for tide of ele.
vatlon has swept these weak men into
deep waters, and they cannot keep their
heans above the waves Of rushing waters.
While this is true Of some, thero are
honorable exceptions. There are men
who are an honor to themselves, and \
living testimony to the world OF the
ability or the colored man to rise from
serfdom and cast honor over his race.
Looking into the Senate, We observed
on several occasions Georgetown mis-
represented by beastly intoxicated Sc
nntor, whose eyes looked like balls of
hre rolling il their orbits Of burning
liquid. 1t seemed dangerous for the
possessor to attempt navigation, lest
there would be grand lofty tumble"
There whs more than one County thus
deprived of proper representation on
that floor. We felt blush OF shame
mount to our cheek as We surveyed this
degrading spectacle. 1t is n question
for the people to settle next fall. Whether
they WILL be m!srepresented by bcsotted
M'unhWrtiS. or by sober, thinking md
acting men. Who eau wonder ut the
present condition ol affairs in this State,
when large number Of the men sent to
tho Legislature spend the best part Of
their time in billiard saloons, greg.
shops, driving fast horses aud beastiall-
ty? Well may Gen. Neaglc say that
there Is needless ext avagance by the
Legislature. Three months have passed
away since the meeting-and an expcn-
ditnre Of 100000; and the amount of
work done could have been done by So
Der, Intelligent men, in six weeks, at
one-tlird Of the present expense to the
State. These facts will not be lost sight
OF in the coming elections. The people
are called to bear needless burdens by
the unnecessary prolongation of the ses-
sions OF the Assembly, by the sheer
negligence OF those who are sent to legis-
lato for them. The most important work
is always left for the last, and then it is
TO be manipulated al much as possible.
Nothing but q close scrutiny Of every
mans past record will enable the people