The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1874-11-05
The Columbia Phoenix.

The acrobatic feats of this dexterous journal,
when, it assumes to advise the State in political
matters, need not surprise any one acquainted
with its history Several years ago, at differ
ent times, the gallant Thomas and the gifted,
lamented McCaS were forced to sever their
connection with the Pbenir, rather than SUBJ
NIT to the political vagaries of its proprietor,
who sought to silence their pens or blunt the
edge of their weapons in their onslaughts
against the corruption and proAigacy of plum
deriug officials. Hence, the recent attitude of
the Ptenir in proclaiming the merits Of
Chamberlain, and declaring its adhesion to his
fortunes, does not excite any special wonder,
for this recreancy is in plain keeping with Its
past record on public matters.
Soer, after the nomination of Mr.. Chamber
lain, the proprietor of the Plsnir published
card in its columns, announcing his intention
to. maintain "an armed neutrality" in the po-
litical contest, and proposing to modify its
course towards that gentleman by maintaining
an ominous silence in regard to him. For a
short time this dallying between the parties
was preserved, and its dreary columns con-
sained no sign of political life nor recognized
the fact that an ardent struggle was taking
place within the borders of the State. But
this anomalous position could not succeed in a
pecuniary point of view, and the notes of
warning from subscribers doubtless led to the
next change in the programme, which was to
declare for straight-out Democratic ticket
the foudest yeafning O its souls desire. 1t
was rebound to the other side, with the view
of retaining the friendship and support of con-
servative patrons, and ultimately affording an
opportunity to fall into line with the conserva-
tive element, whose policy had become fixed
and unalterable, and whose prospects of sue
cess were Frightening. This bird of changea-
BILE hue few along with the movement, in its
desultory, drifting sort of way, until Sunday
morning last, when it Topped its wings and
went across the lines into the enemy's camp.
In word, the Ph@nir declared for Chamber
lain on the eve of battle, struck its colors, and
ignominiously deserted the ranks Of its own
party. Now, desertion in the presence of an
enemy is always punishable with death, and
we are greatly mistaken if the Phenir does
not find that such fate will inevitably follow
its cowardly, contemplate course As polit-
ical leader it has been weak and unreliable,
and only its pretended advocacy Of the peoples
cause has given it moiety of conservative
patronage heretofore, which will dwindle from
this time forward, in our opinion.
The argument which seems to have infiu-
enced the Phenir was letter written by our
townsman, Hon. J. 2. Reed, giving his reasons
sou supporting Chamberlain, which appeared
in that journal on Saturday. The letter was
timely and opportune, we have no doubt, since
it afforded the pretext fer d desired change Of
'front.' The allegation that many people in the
up-country agree with Mr.. Reed is certainly
false, for we have never known public man
of his abilities to WELD so meagre an influence
His position is contrary to the feelings, senti-
ments and opinions of the entire conservative
element in this section, and we fully believe
that not single vote was changed by his per-
.;,+ant advocacy of Mr., Chamberlain.