The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1874-11-26
COLUMBIA, s. G..
Thursday Morning. Nov'r. 90, 1874
The State Tax Union.

The deliberations OF this body were
brought to close yesterday forenoon.
They we're epti5ely harmonions and
resulted in action at once temperate
and firm bInasmuoh as the notice Of
the meeting was short, and mo special
object to be considered by the Union
was indicated in any quarter. the at
tendance was rather small. But there
vas a. fair representation both OF the
members of the Onion and OF the In
telligenee aud character Of the tax.
paying citizens Of the State. The
resolutions which were adopted ex.
press. arss. the purpose OF the tax
payezs to abstain from everything like
oapti6us objections to the incoming
administration. They take the pos.
OF observation to see whether the
pledges OF the campaign are to be re-.
deemed, not without hope that they
will be. As they have the right to do,
and az it was their duty to do. they set
fortified a few resolutions their con-
ceptian: of what the administration of
Mr.. Chamberlain should endeavor to
eGsstain she wsy o! reform, upon the
doubls ground that the refo ms are
necessary and right in themselves, and
that it is distinctly pledged to them.
It is entirely reasonable. it is impera
lively demanded, that the expenses OF
the State Government should be re-
duced within reasonable limits, and
the tax levy for the present year our
tailed accordingly. This should be
done by Law and without delay. A re-
turn to moderate taxation can be
seasonably deferred no longer. In
stead of Sl.50O.0 900. $500. 900 is abun
lant to carry on the Government OF
South Carolina. There can be no re-
form which does not begin with this
matter. The large margin for ex-
travagance. fraud and stealing must at
once be exscinded. The resolution
which requests an extension Of time
within which the taxes may bs paid,
With view to obtaining the desired
reduction, is entirely reasonable. BY
the way, there is no necessity on the
part Of the people to be in hurry to
pay their taxes. The penalties do not
attach until the 18th of January, and
We trust that by that time the tax
burden may belightcned, and stronger
guarantees secured for its honest
economical disbursement, once it is
collected. Upon the second of the
series OF resolutions there can be no
difference Of opinion with those who
think fair elections one of the most
smportant rights OF the people. A
registration OF the electors is de.
manded to be made in the inte-
rests of good government. Frauds
in elections it is equally important to
prevent. as to prevent frauds in the
collection and distribution OF the re-
sources. Regislration may not accom-.
plish everything, but it will do much.
II will be an effectual check, if aided
by vigilance and activity, against the
repeating which, it is now known, WAS
Ed largely practiced in the late eleo-
sion The next resolution is addressed
directly to the Governor elect. It re-.
oognizes ut once his power and his
duty in the matter of appointments 10
office. He can put in good men, or he
can put in bad and corrupt men. II
he be in truth the Governor of The
whole people and regard the general
interest more than the interest of fac
tion, ii he be man above Jobs and
tricks and shallow expedients, if he
seek to strengthen his hands in the
only way it can successfully be done,
that is, by the employment OF suitable
men in Office, every one of whom will
FEEL bis responsibility to the law of the
land and to the law Of personal honor
end official duty. he will lose no time
n displacing the hacks. party tools
and corrupt jsbbsrs who dishopor the
public service. Let men-high- minded
men take the place everywhere Of the
incompetent and dishonest officials.