The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1872-02-01
COLUMBIA. .S;s-, G.
Thursday Mornine, February IA S1Sy2.
Tho city. Election. ;.


day fixed by law for the election of mu-
nicipal officers. It is but two months
of, and the conservative elements in the
community would do well, in our OPT
nion. by 'oonsdlting and advising toge-
ther, and determining at an .early day
what plan Of operations is best to be
adopted, in order to effect the muoh-
needed reform in the conduct OF our city
affairs. The present City Council have
fallen far short OF giving general salts
faction, or OF securing public confidence.
In tho matter Of police regulations,
there does not occur to us much ground
Of serious complaint. Captain Jaokson
has shown himself q prompt, capable
and courteous officer in the discharges Of
his onerous and often delicate duties.
Tho men. too, under his command, both
white and colored, have in the main
proved active. and efficient. Such, at
least; Is Is tohr Judgment, shaand we 10 dot
hesitate to lend our need OF commenda-
tion where it appears justly and fnirly
deserved, for we havo far too numerous
weights and well-nuthenticated charges
Of MISCONDUCT criminal neglect of duty
and downright frauds brought to the
doors of those whose part. it should have
been to faithfully guard and protect the
interests entrusted to their care, to waste
our powder in making doubtful or cap
tious allegations in their disfavor.
The rook upon which they have split
is the same as that which has foundered
our Infamous State Governments dis
honest tampering with the finances, and
useless and extravagant expenditures OF
the public moneys in every conceivable
way. :; They have directed their efforts
solely to devising ways and means, con-
cocting schemes snd hunting up jobs to
stuff their own plethorio purses. or fur
nish romunerative employment to their
idle favorites, with q total disregard and
in direct contravention to the material
and true. interests of the citizens Of all
olassas and conditions There needs,
for every honest man within the corpo.
rate limits of Oolumbia, no more con-
viuoing and damning proof OF the utter
unfitness, to use no harsher term, of the
powers that be to 6ll the responsible po-
sitions they hold, than the secret issue
OF $3.50, 900 Of city bonds to DR.. Neagle,
and the palpable swindle which was at
tempted to be practiced in the contract
with regard to the building of the new
Oity Hall. A reform in our city govern
ment is indeed loudly and imperatively
demanded. The only question is. how
can the end desired be accomplished?
How can upright and efficient men of
worth and unimpeachable integrity be
secured to take charge of the municipal
helm?
The cause is by no means hopeless
The prospects OF success at the inaugu-
ration of the reform movement in
Charleston, which resulted in the cleo
tion of Mayor Wagener and conserva-
tive board of aldermen, were not more
promising than ours are here. Lahore
mus. as his Excellency has preached, but
never practiced, except in pilfering State
securities let us only make M earnest,
combined and we'll timed effort-com-
mence early and continue to work-tem-
per our zeal with prudence, and, by a
just regard for the rights of others. ga
ther strength to preserve our own. Tho
only way in which the enemies of good
government can defent us-and which,
Of course, they will strive most assidu-
ously to do-wi!l be to give political
coloring to the election. This we must
prevent Protection against extrayn-
gance, corrupt financial operations, an.l
excessive taxation, is what tho property
holders desire and demand. They do
not care to have absolute control Of or
to dictate municipal policy. They are
satisfied, if they be left unentrammeled,
to pursue their private avocations, and
ask only for such representation in the
City Council as will secure peace and
good order, and free them from tho ap-
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