The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1874-02-21

ings you have been called to endure
during these five years Of unparalleled
outrage upon refined and Christian
people. We would have our words
speak of courage, Of hope, of patience
of faith, of work and of duty. He who
has rightfully pondered the dealings OF
an all-wise and bene6cent Providence
with tho affairs of men, cannot fail to-
have discovered an unvarying and inevi-
table social law, that all great wrong-
tend to their own correction, anu
work out in the end sure compen.
sation for the ills they infict. Thus
the cbb aud flow of human ideas,
obeying the diyineIy implanted prin.
ciple of perpetual gravitation to-
wards the right. always returns from
tho widest deviation, and recoils most
violently and with accelerated velocity
from the greatest errors. This truth has
impressed itself upon the thoughts OF
tho world with tho forco of nu axiom
upon which mny be based the soundest
propositions of the statesman. It has
been aptly styled ''thc fanaticism OF
justice, which the stars. in their courses,
sustain, and ngainst which no attribute
OF the Almighty takes part" It is win
to suppose that the enlightened Ameri
can people are exempt from the applica-
tlon Of this universal social law. We
feel justified in stating our conviction,
that. breaking through all the ''barriers
OF prejudice, political strife and the re
sentm ents Of internecine war, the re-
flux Of the great tide of opinion aud
sympathy is already moving with over
whclming force, bearing with it the
promise Of IL restored nationality, based
upon the broad and enduring principles
OF liberty, justice and truth. We would
not be understood as encouraging the
thought that what has been swept away
III the past can ever be restored. This
great country has taken q new departure;
has engrafted upon her system of 20
vernmcnt new principles, and deals with
new elements. The returning sense OF
justice will fnd it's task in the adjust.
ment of these new factors of power into
harmonious accord with the true princi-
ples Of repnblicanism. and in providing
ample protection for the rights and
liberties of the people. 1t will proba
bly, deal not with organic laws, but with
faithless, corrupt aud oppressive ad-
minstrations.
While we present these cheerful antici-
pations, which we feel justified in doing
by many and great changes in sentiment
and opinion, manifested among even the
most extreme Of the great political lead
ers and high officials Of the country, and
still more III recent popular movements,
it is intended to invite to earnest and
hopeful effort and action, raiher tha u
to lull into a false security. No help
can ever reach q people who suffer
themselves to fall into apathy or de.
spar. Tho energies of men seeking re.
lief from wrong and oppression must
be vital!zcd, organized and united.
Every accessible position of power must
be seized, held and utilized, and the
fight carefully, vigilantly aud faithfully
fought from place to place. until the
cltndel be won and the right restored.
The convention looks to your action as
tho most prominent and essential ele-
mcnt OF the success to be achieved. In
order to procure restoration Of an
honest administration Of affairs, the
relns OF government must pass into the
hands of honest men. Hitherto. politi-
cal issues have controlled oil elections.
:-a>. :Aio stoAs interests oi tue STATS nave
been subordinated to the schemes OF
corrupt and evil men, whose insatiate
avarice and rapacity have brought us
@1O'o ~ auiu uutA ocSUlhtlOD, VI WRONGS
and sufferings, than the fiercest ravages
Of war. The coming ideas will sweep
AWAY party lines and destroy the trade
OF hungry political adventures. Go
vernment will be made once moro the
agent of the people, not their master,
and the great industrial interests Of the
country. commerce and agriculture. be-
como the prime objects of It's protection,
rather than its prey. To participate in
these benefits, we must be placed in Il
condition to receive them. There must
be an organization upon basis
wholly independent of political parties
and issues. based upon the Fundamental
principle, that the rights aud interests
OF the people require an honest, faith.
ful and economical administration OF
public affairs Nothing but premedi
tated viIlainy, blind ignorance or tota
deprayity, can prevent this elf.eviden,
truth from controlling the government
Our work is to meet and overcome
every influence that would bar its re-
cognition. Public opinion is created BY
agitation, and no community can lone
resist the pressure of great truth, con
stantly. earnestly and honestly urged
10 do this, association is essential. The
individual IL as powerless as q single