The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1874-09-03

proven to have been fraudulently or illegally
contracted. opposed the payment of every
portion of the floating debt when they asked
for an appropriation for that purpose, and L
think all parties in the Legislature will sustain
me in saying that rendered most efectual ser
vice in defeating several measures of this char
acter. Feeling thatI discharged my duty then,
in the interest of the people, shall perslstenty
oppose their payment by any such means.
MINORITY REPRESENTATION.
From careful examination of the history Of
many governments, we find the tendency of
majorities TO trample on the rights of minori-
ties stands out in unmistakable characters, al
most always resulting in turbulence and vio-
lence. l have great reason to fear that the same
causes may bring about the same fatal effects
here. 1t is the duty Of every good citizen to
endeavor to avoid the evil of the subjection OF
minorities to the caprice and arbitrary decis-
ions of the majority. 1 can see no way with
certainty by which this great evil can be rem
edied, except through cumulative voting or
parties and interests can be represented and
none oppressed. 1t is calculated to produce
harmony, and by its equilibrium will never
admit ofunjust combinations of one portion of
the people to oppress the other. l hold that
with this system of suffrage and representation
secured, the people will have little to fear, for
their rights cannot be infringed upon nor en-
dangered by its adoption, but, on the contrary,
will be more fully secured than by any other
method. Hence after six years experience,
during which time the Republican party has
had almost exclusive control of the affairs of
the State, I am satisfied that it is essential to
the peace, prosperity and happiness of the peo
pie of the State that the tax-paying interest
should be more fully represented, irrespective
of political party not only permitted, but
required to take their proportionate share in
the Offices and responsibilities of the govern
ment of the State. I am willing, and hope the
Republican party will repudiate the old Dem
ocratic dogma Chat to the victor belongs the
spoils," inaugurated by Gen. Jackson's admin
stration, believing that the true theory OF a
Republican form of government contemplated
that all parties and all interests should be rep
resented both in State and national affairs
FREE SCHOOL FUND.
In order to avoid the confusion and dissatis,,
faction heretofore existing, favor, and shall
advocate the amendment of the present law, 50
as to provide for the collection, retention and
disbursement of the Free School Fund in the
respective counties by the County Treasurer, on
the warrant of the School Commissioner of
each county, countersigned by the trustees of
the respective school districts.
MILITIA.
Being impressed with the belief that the mill
tia as at present organized, is fruitful source
of discomfort and anxiety among the people,
and wholly unproductive of any good, l shall
advise the general disarming of the same, and
also, of the many voluntary Rifle and Sabre
Clubs in the State, as these several organiza-
tions both militia and others, can only provoke
hostile feelings, and may afford sudden oppor-
tunity for actual collision. If, however, the
militia is not disarmed, then it is but fair and
| right that other organizations should not be
| interfered with, whilst in the due observance
of the law
REFORM AND RETRENCHMENT SECURED BY
| SHORT AND ECONOMICAL SESSIONS OF THE
LEGISLATURE.
In view of the long sessions and the reckless
and prohigate expenditure of the taxes by some
former Legislatures, I will advocate an amend
ment to the Constitution, restricting the an
| nual sessions of the Legislature to forty days,
and the return to proper per diem allowance.
| Several States Of the Union have been COM
pelled to adopt this course and it is certainly
time for ours to do likewise
PARDoNING POWER.
| There should be such laws enacted as will pre-
| vent the abuse Of this power by the Executive,
! and protect the people from the horde OF law,
less men. who are continually being pardoned
and turned loose, to prey upon the rights and
property of the citizens of the State. This
bower should be tempered with mercy, and a
due regard for the ends of justice. Every par
don should be granted upon the express condl-
ton. that the party pardoned will not trans
gress the laws of the State, on pain of being
returned to serve out his sentence.
CONTINGENT FUND.
Past experience has proved that the granting
of a large contingent fund is not promotjve of
any good, and often results in evil by the same
being misappied Therefore, | am hereafter,
opposed to any contingent fund being allowed
any officer
1Sc1DESTAL EXPENSES OF THE GENERAL
| ASSEMBLY.
While member of the Legislature intro
duced, and with the assistance Of others, was
instrumental in the enactment of law, redu-
cling the number of attaches and employees OF
the General Assembly, from near 600 to 4O !;
still it is important, in the interest of good
and economical administration of the State
government, that An additional law should be
passed, providing that no account or claim tor
| money or service should be ordered to be paid,
unless the same be sworn to- printed and laid
on the desks Of members of either or both
! Houses, at least three days before any action
be taken thereon. That said account or claim
shall give each item of service rendered or ar
ticle purchased, and amount claimed or paid
for the same. That it shall also be made a
felony for any officer of either House to draw a
pay certificate upon the Treasury, except in
pursuance of this law, or the law regulating
the number of attachees &c. The officers of
either House shall be debarred from the .pur-
| l.a &c n,, or,;ola for tho rse of either