The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1874-10-31
Letter from j. T.. Reed, Esq

Letter from j. Il. Reed, Esq
Mr.. EDITOR: At a public meeting
held at Anderson on sale-lay in Octo-
Der, introduced certain resolutions,
suggesting that the true policy for the
Conservative party iii the approaching
election. was to ignore contest for
Governor, and direct their efforts to
securing good Legislature. For
doing SO, l have been denounced as IA
Republican, and tue arrangement of
the political chess board, a3 it turns
out. leaves mo either to forrgo the
right of suffrage, or choose between
two Republican candidates. For Que,
thus situated, prefer to vote for Mr..
Chamberlain, aud, as q number OF
friends in different parts of the State
have inquired after my reasons for
doing 80. who at this late day eau be
more really reached through yonr
columns than otherwise; and, ns nm
always prepared, without regard to
public clamor, to give Il reason for the
faith that is in me. respectfully ask a
place in the PHEIIX for this paper,
stating the reasons why shall support
Mr.. ID. Il. Chamberlain for Governor.
l. Because, being compelled to
choose between two Republican can
dldates standing on precisely the same
platform, SO far az their party nomina
tions go. I prefer the mau who is a
Republican by birth and education.
and who is carpet Dagger, after
eight or nine years residence, brought
his principles aud carpet. bag to the
State with him. and was not tempted
10 desert them and Join the ltepub-
iicans io the Hood tide of their success.
to obtain either place or pclf.
2. Because of bis great learning
and distinguished ability as lawyer
and statesman.
3. For his exemplary character and
habits in private life, and his dignfed
and gentlemanly department in hi, in
tercourse with the world
4. For his solemn and reiterated
personal pledges to insist on reduc-
tion OF the taxes to the lowest possible
rate that will suffice for an honest and
rigidly economical administration of
the State Government.
S. For his pledges to stan,l by the
adjustment Of the public debt as made
last winter, including the scaling OF
that which oil acknowledge to be legi-
innate, from 80. .00O,OOO to $1,000
600, III round numbers, aud to resi- st
to the bitter end. the payment OF the
conversion bonds, Blue T,idSe scrip,
pay certificates, and all other fraudu-
lent claims against the State.
Prior to Mr.. Chamberlain's romina.
tion for Governor, and the pledges
made by him then and since on the
bond question, be was the fuvorite Of
thr u ~e 4
of the Northern cities generally for
Governor Of South Carolina. Since
that time. the Tribune aud Times have
united with the Aerali and World in
denouncing him, and are the Jealous
supporters Of his adversary. Then he
was looked to ns the bondbollcrs' can
didate. no,r he is regarded rs the tax
payers and peoples man, in opposi
ton to the "Oondholders' ring"
Z. Because, harinq ma.ie these ,,'s,i.sS,
L have confidence that he will redeem
them rs fur as he is ablo, and that he
will have more ability to do so than
any other man could have under the
circumstances surrounding the State
government That hs will not only
stand by the existing arrangement Of
the public debt and insist on low
taxes, hut that he will administer the
government with view to reform in
oil its departments. enforcing the
strictest accountability, honesty and
economy, and so directing affairs as to
promote peace. fraternity and prospe-
rity amonst all the people. These are
AiS pledges. Having long known him
personally, they are satisfactory to me,
aud. prejudice aside, think would be
80 to my friends and interrogators.
3. But, again, o.hor things being
equal, my nature prompts me to stand
for the man whom think unjustly as.
sailed. and that man is j.. Il. Cham
berlain. The charges made against
him III relation to his past connection
with the State finances have been
pressed to the point of the biiierest
persecution. They rest on mc.e sus-
picion, growing out of his surrounding
US a public ofi,er, and arc not sus.
tained, so far as have seon, by little
OF proof that would hinder his imme.
diate acquittal. if formally charged, by
any Impartial jury OF his peers. His
own testimony AS to the past and his
pledges for the future should, there
fo:e, in my judgment. not only vindi.
cate bin, but commend him to the
confidence OF unprejudioed persons.
J. p REED