The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1872-09-05
Elect the Best Men.

ElcCG luc OtSG UtIs
There are eight or nine Counties in our State
spch as Anderson, Pickens, Oconee, Greenville
Spartanburg, and others, in which the white
people have clear majority, and can elect
whom they please to County Offices, and to rep
resent them in the General Assembly. The
delegates from these Counties have been, since
the radical changes effected by the Reconstruc-
ton Acts the only modicum of representation
allowed to the property-holders or white citi-
zens of the State. They have not, heretofore
been sufficient in numbers to prevent mischiev-
GUS or corrupt legislation by their mere votes
and therefore none of it is chargeable, proper.
ly, to them. Still, they have not entirely met
the expectations of the Conservative citizens
of the State. They have generally voted right
but with few honorable exceptions, they
have not been active and earnest in their de-
nunciations of wrongs and frauds which were
being committed under their very noses by
their scheming and venal associates of the Rad
ical persuasion.
The Republicans, indeed, have repeatedly
charged that some of the Democrats were no
better than themselves, and we're equally ready
to engage in illicit legislation when they were
allowed to share in the spoils. We are slow to
give credence to such Infamous charges, espe-
cially as we know that the Democrats, with
very rare exceptions, recorded their votes
against all swindling measures. It serves to
show, however, the necessity for the selection
of men of irreproachable character, and also
of ability and experience, so far as practicable.
We have had enough of halfway compro-
mise men, such as the Democrats in the Legis-
lature have frequently been. Even if they are
honest and faithful to their public trusts, they
have no power, and exert little, if any, infu-
ence. So far as practical results go, such men
might as we'll stay at home. One earnest, ca
pable member, able and willing to speak per-
suasively, is worth to us in the present General
Assembly dozen ordinary men, of small cali
bre, who confne their legislative effects to yo-
ting aye or nay upon the questions as they are
put. ,,..
A gentleman of high character and ability
will command the respect and esteem OF the
very worst men, and will exercise powerful
influence over them. The voice of one honest
man will put to flight legion Of thieves. In
ordinary times, electors may be allowed 10
crafty their personal preferences for individuals
in the selection of public officers, without seri-
Gus detriment to the interests of the communl-
ty. Now, however, when at best we can secure
but small minority in the Legislature, it is
incumbent upon every good citizen to set all
other considerations aside, and vote not tor the
man he may like best, but for him who, ne
knows. will be able to render the best service
to the State.
There have been two causes, in our Judg-
ment, which have heretofore hindered the white
Counties from selecting, in all cases, their ablest
and best men to represent them in the state
Government.
In the first place, gentlemen of character,
such as had been wont in better days, when
public Office was mark of distinction and
honor, to accept positions, were disinclined to
be thrown in with such disreputable crew as
they knew would be congregated at the State
House.
In the second place, the best men in our
State were, as q rule, the most prominent IN
the war, and those, too who, from an advanced
age, were not active participants in the clash
of arms, were identified with the past history of
the State.
1t was very generally conceived that men
like these would be especially distasteful to the
negroes, and with view, therefore, to counting
the negro vote where the majorities we're small,
secondrate, compromise men were fixed upon
and elected. .
We trust this short-sighted policy will be no
longer pursued. The Democratic or Conserva-
tive members of the Legislature are our forlorn
hope. Each one should be tower of strength
in himself. Greenyiile has led off in the right
direction by placing B. F. Perry at the head OF OF
her ticket. We hope the other Counties will
follow her good example, and send none but
pure and, as far as they can, able and intiuen-
tial representatives to the Legislature. S9tuna-
6ia Phcenir.