The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1873-08-28
COLUMBIA, S. c..
Thursday Morning, August %. 1873.

mind, as shown in the formation of
farmers leagues or oranges in the
Western States, and in the effort
through their organization to obtain re.
lief from the expressions which weigh
down agricultural prosperity, has gteat
significance. We OF the South Atlantic
States have been looking an1iously to
the great North west to awake to sense
Of her own true interests. conscious
that until that time shall arrive the
country will experience no substantial
relief nor be restored to healthy politi-
cal action. Two years ago, the fret
movement was made by what were then
known as the sevenus resoEmers, Who
made public effort to affect their OBJ
jects, but the events which fastened
themselves upon the late Presidential
election completely blighted that move.
ment. It failed. and failed chiefly be-
cause its advocates we're unable to rid
themselves from prejudices. and shrunk
from o comprehensive enunciation OF
and acceptance Of the time-honored
principles which dominated in the Co.
vernment during the most prosperous
periods OF the country il the past, and
which are in exact accord with the Oh.
jects the rcformers sought to accom-
plish. At this time, the continuing and
increasing pressure OF public grievances
leads to another effort, and somewhat
emboldened by necessity, the formation
OF farmers leagues or oranges has re-
suited, accompanied ali The while by
vague dread of some political contami-
nation. Until that dread shall have
been dissipated, there is small proba-
bility that relief will follow.
Special legislation in favor OF class in
terests and monopolies, exorbitant tariffs
which build up wealthy manufacturers
and grind down the agricultural popu-
lation, laws swelling the gains of those
already pampered to repletion, and the
profits of widely ramified institutions
protractedly maintaining deprecated
currency long after the temporary e1i
gency which e1onsed it has passed away,
are the chief grievances from which the
people not only OF the West but all the
agricultural districts Of the country are
endeavoring to escape. In doing this.
they cannot but inquire the source of
the evil and the elements of power
which for twelve years past have steadily
upheld each and all Of their enumerated
abuses. Some spontaneous and cordial
fusion OF the masses OF the West with
those OF the Atlantio States who have
common objects with them must take
place, in order that the highway of 8
sound prosperity may be again trodden
by the American people.
It is for the population of the West
ern States to work out this problem.
which, perhape, passion and prejudice
have heretofore interposed between ef-
fective action and patriotic duty. No
appeal or reasoning which can be I'D.
dressed to them from without, can be
expected to produce any decided inAu-
ence upon their course of action. But
it is worth while for us here in South
Carolina, and in other States similarly
situated. to consider we'll and to watch
closely the struggles of the Western peo.
pie, like blind giant wasting his
strength upon the air when the aid of
clear vision. would enable him at once
to destroy his tormentors.
We have no concern with dead issues !;
we accept the death OF the dcAl. but we
assert the life Of living and indestructi-
bic truths. We extend cordial sympa.
thy to the farmers of the country in
their proclaimed struggle for the resto-
ration of their great interest to its
rightful position. There is danger,
however, that the oranges may run into
tho extreme of attributing the depres-
sion too largely to one cause-that is,
the railroads. Doubtless many OF the
roads enjoy suoh powers and privileges
by their charters as only incompetent
and corrupt Legislators would at this
day grant. These are 70 De met and
dealt with nationally, the railroads being
OF the first imDortapce to tha f,.ro.,