Beaufort Republican. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1871-1873, 1872-02-08
OUR WESTERN CORRESPONDENCE.
LAFAYETTE, INDIANA, January &c.


Since nv last letter the old year has gone,
leaving notable record on the pages of the
worlds history, remarkable for startling ac-
cidents, terrible disasters and historic events.
1872 came in quietly, and has pursued the
even tenor of its way without disastrous ac-
ci ent or change.
The commercial strength of the West, was
severely tested during the fall of II,
through al it's widespread mercantile and
industrial pursuits The Chicago fire, and
those in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota
and Indiana was terrific in the obstruction
tbev wrought upon whole communities, and
the immense amount of damage inflicted up
q all kinds of business. In the destruction
Of Chicago the West lost for the time its
commercial center, for in lumber, grain,
nork. railroad and momentary matters, she
stood pre- eminent, surprising all her
rivals. As a consequence business OF all
kinds has been dull; speculation materially
Iessened: while, throughout the country the
mercantile community has endeavored to
strengthen itself by strict economy and eau
tious management. The political aspect has
not changed during the past month, though
the annual convening CT the various leglsla'
lures has occasioned considerable activity
among sthe men inside politics. In Ne
braska bitter fight has been in progress
since October last, and has just endedin the
adjournment of the legislature sine die. But
Ter. the Republican governor was mpeached
for mai,easance in office, corruption and brl-
berry: impeached and depo cd; and the
struggle for the vacant governorship has
caused the trouble, At present neither par
ty has won, The Democrats aided the anti
administration men, against the Grant men,
In Kansas the legislature has appointed an
Investigating committee to look after the
senatorial contest of last year. Charges be-
inr preferred against prominent members OF
bribery and gene al corruption. In Iowa.
the election of Allison is claimed as a trl-
umph of the Revenue Reforme:s and anti
Grant men-as well as u victory over corrup-
ton, and official rascalty, as embodied IN
Senator Harlan. The new senator will be
strong supporter of tie Trumbull-Schurz
Fenton wing. In Illinois, the new temper
ance law has gone into effect, both parties
in the legislature supporting it. 1t is very
stringent. The Democrats have tried to
make capital out of governor Palmer state
rights difficulty with Sheridan and the
general government, but Palmer is a strong
man with his party and too astute polltl-
clan to be tool.
In Ohio, the election of Sherman has
cratifed but few outside of his army of ad-
herents while it has disappointed many. 1t
continues bitter quarrel which will grow
stronger and more bitter until it Injuries the
party. The state house of representatives
has lust passed a law striking out the
word white" in describing the quallfica-
tons for jurors and the senate will cohcur'
The new departure Democrats aided IN Its
passage. In Kentucky, the stringent law. OF
education, as regards colored people has been
amended to their relict and the right to be
witnesses in any case whether affecting their
own people or not has been accorded them.
In Missouri, the liberal Republicans held
their state convention on the 24th inst, the
largest ever convened, and having represent
atiyes from other states assisting in the
formation of the following plato III:
"Resolvcd, That we, the liberal Republicans
of Missouri. faithful now as we were in the
dark davs of civil war to the vital principles of
true repnbicanism, by no act or word will en-
danger the rightful sovereignty of the Union,
emancipation, equality Of civil rights, or en-
franchisement. TO these established facts, now
! imbcddcd in the Constitution, we claim the 10y
atty of all good citizens.
Resolved, That true and lasting peace can
come only from such profound reconciliation
rs cnfranchisemcnt has wrought in this State,
nor can those governments be pure or great in
which tax payers ha,a no active part. We,
therefore demand W III equal suffrage for all,
complete amnesty for all; that the intellect and
experience of every state may be welcomed
10 active service for the common welfare.
s.Resolvcd, That no form of taxation is just
or wise which puts needless burdens or the
people. We demand genuine reform of the
tariff, so that those duties shall be removed
which, in addition to the revenue yielded to the
treasury, involve an increase in the price Of
domestic products, and consequent tax for
the benefit of favorable interests.
s'Resolved, That the shameless abuses of
government patronage for the control of con-
ventions and elections, whether in the interest
of an individual, a faction, or party, with the
consequent corruption and Generalization Of