The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1874-03-12
Effect Of the Taxpayers Convention.

It matters not what may have been the ap-
prehensions of some as to the effect of the re-
assembling of this body, it is evident that much
good has been effected. The comments of the
press in all sections and of all politica! shades
are sufficient to satisfy every one on this polnt.
The minds of the Northern people had been
prepared to receive and read without prejudice
a plain, unvarnished statement of facts, which
has been furnished by the various documents
emanating from this Convention. Whlle tnere
we're few delegates, whose feelings got the
better of their judgment, who gave ntterance
to iudiscreet expressions IN discussing some
subjects before the Convention, yet there was
prudent Conservative spirit pervadlng the Con-
vention which prevented that body from com
mitting any indiscretions II. their action: NO
reports resolutions or memorials were adopted
tc which any exceptions could be taken by
fa;r. minded and impartial minds. Neither the
Convention nor the party principally repre-
sentcd by that body can be held responsible for
indiscreet utterances of few imprudent indi-
yiduals who always thrust themselves into con-
yentions and seek notoriety by expressing ex-
treme views. A quietus was given, however, to
all such rhodomontade by referring all motions
and resolutions to appropriate committees with,
out discussion, which consigned such material
to the tombs of the Capulets.
We want no better evidence of the good &C
complished by the Convention than is given by
the iflutter produced in the Republican ranks.
No sooner is the Convention called than Con-
pressmen Elliot and Cain are sent to Columbia
by leading Republicans in Washington to warn
their confreres that their thieving and plumber
ing must be stopped, or they would be thrown
overheard by the National Party-that it is
time to unload that they can carry their dead
weight no longer. The Republican papers, too.
ioin in the warning and give timely notice OF
breakers ahead. Republican caucusses CT State
officials and prominent legislators are held. at
which the same opinions are expressed. What
means this stage fright? They see the hand.
writing upon the wall. "Me1ae, meme teEeIl'
is staring them in the face. They have been
weighed in the balances and found wanting.
Caucus after caucus is held, and after great
labor O counter memorial is brought forth in
answer to the Taxpayers Memorial. But it is
vain effort at justification. The tacit admis-
sions and shallow sophistries in the counter
memorial are in themselves sufficient to con-
vict them. They need not try to shirk the re-
sponsibility by attempting to throw the blame
upon Democrats They need not claim that if
bribes have been taken by members of the Leg
islature for putting jobs through, the bribes
were paid by Democrats. They need not at
tempt to justify plundering because, forsooth,
some outside Democrats received share of the
spoils. The strongest proof of the truth of the
charges made in the Taxpayers memorial is
to be found in these admissions in the counter
memorial. It is futile and worse than futile t.
assert that the Democratic party is in any de-
gree responsible for the corruptions Of the State
Government. The small handful of Democrats
in the Legislature have made proud record
for themselves. Not one has ever received a
bribe, nor shared the spoils with the plunder-
ers. Nor do we believe that any outside Dem
ocrats of any character and standing have con-
nived at these frauds. If so, let the names be
given. It has become standing threat with
Republicans to expose Democrats. Notwith'
standing the everlasting threat, no facts OF
names have ever been given to the public. Il
is high time that the Republicans should pub
lish an expose of the so:called Democratic cor.
ruption, or cease to make such charges. That
great frauds have been perpetrated by some
parties is generally admitted. Whoever has
been connected with these frauds should be ex
posed, be they Republicans or Democrats
Spartanburg Spartan.