The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1873-10-26
COIJJMBfA, s. G.
Sunday Morning, October 20. 1873.
Tho Need Of Moral ana Conservative

.,S.-NT,S'-s 80 .S'~s
Tho Need Of Moral ana Conservative
(. r !; ;s,,s, ss.SEs.S.t
In pursuing tie line Of argument en-
tered upon yesterday, in regard to the
crisis in onr, affairs, we desire to give
brief expression to some thoughts
which have lately suggested themselves
to US. Our people are becoming de-
spondent. under pressure OF the CONT.
nued and increasing domination under
which they are placed. We have here a
large. stsreotyped majority in control OF
the State Government. Those welding
its power have exercised it without re-
ference TO the interests or feelings of
the substantial people OF the State.
While this has been going on, what
have ourow people been about? They
have iasaleotions. and BY the press and
by speeches Of public men, made euoh
hssdway against this corrupt tide. as
they could. Theylhsve done so by di-
rect opposition. on political and social
gfounds. They have failed. in this atti-
tude. to make any material progress. In
fact, their efforts have only embittered
and intensified the opposition of the
crew in command Of the ship of State.
These have run it at last upon breakers,
and'it ia fast going to pieces. Shipwreok
is imminent. Every available resource
for raising money has been exhausted;
stringent impeouniosity has manifested
itself everywhere, in public and private;
desperation is nigh at hand, and repu-
diation threatens to close the scene.
What are our people doing or likely to
do, in this ooniunoture?
: We have looked over this State and
find no where active influences at work
to grapple with this melancholy oondi-
tioa OF things. Oar efforts heretofore
made have been attended with such
small results that dependency and in
action have succeeded them. Our lead
ing men have Withdrawn from active
participation in public life. They are
busy with their private affairs, and have
turned their backs with disgust upon
politics. This is accepted as evidence
OF submission. OF conquered or o
quailing spirit, of hopeless enervation
and despair. Meanwhile, the saturna-
liza and orgies go on gathering strength,
momentum and extravagance. Only o
few days ago. 9 friend, Conservative
member OF ?the Legislature, known and
admired for high qualities and superior
talents. expressed to us his sense of en-.
bsrrassmant and uselessness in continu.
ing longer on the scene. Fitted to in
struct any properly constituted legisla.
tive body, and to adorn it by his accom-
plishments. capable of dsvising mea-
suresl to promote the. public good, he
finds himself powerless in the Sonth
Carolina Legislature. Such, at least, is
his feeling. But that is just what we
take issue with.
We live under thfs Government, and
it is both our duty,agd our prerogative,
in every public and private way, to en-
deavor to shape it's course. Otherwise
we become mere ciphers and tenants at
will. II We make no objection to being
run overland trampled upon, if We are
ready to bend our necks TO such ignoble
yoke, there are plenty OF seedy, reckless
rascals and yagahonds who are equally
ready to place it on them and hold it
there. Interest, feeling. comfort, the
future of our children. the character we
wish to sustain when we are gone, all
call upon US to mould the action of the
Government so fur as we can. The great
question OF every trne man in this life
is duty. What does duty enjoin? We
think it requires every man to keep a
brave heart in oil circumstances, and to
put forth such efforts and influences az
are possible and practicable, iu every
emergency OF life. Have wo done this
always? We think not. We have al
lowed ourselves to be governed by feel
ing too much,' by disgust too often.
This feeling Is no doubt natural and in
evitable, but it is Just as natural and far