The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1874-07-02
nrnanize the Tax Unions.

The people now have an opportunity of con-
centrating their strength for wise purpose.
1t is proposed that the taxpayers, irrespective
of race or politics, shall unite in an organiza-
tion for their mutual protection against the
extravagant expenditure of public funds and
the illegal conduct of public servants. The
civilized world is acquainted with the despe-
rate condition and rotten character OF our
State government, which excites disgust among
decent people everywhere We cannot claim
the sympathy, much less the assistance and CO.
operation of our neighbors, unless we make
constant, vigorous and determined efforts to
put down these evils, now pressing sorely upon
every honest man in South Carolina. Inc
only question for us to settle is the mode and
manner of operations.
Our peculiar situation demands that any per-
manent movement in which we shall engage
must be diyested of partisan influences, so that
every individual of whatever party, who de-
sires an honest and economical government,
NAV preserve his political affiliations, and yet
demand that his interests as taxpayer shall
be fully protected. Such is the aim and object
of the Tax Unions, and a constitution has been
devised to meet the emergency, which will
bring together all the elements of honesty and
integrity in an earnest effort to correct existing
abuses, and secure immunity from like con-
dition of affairs in the future. None can object
to the simple and effective remedy now pro-
posed, and it remains for the people to perfect
this organization, which can be made to render
incalculable service in the work of genuine
reformation so necessary to our future peace
and prosperity. Especially does this plan COM
mend itself to the young men of the State, who
are just entering upon the active duties of life
Upon their energies, patriotism and devotion
at this time mainly depend the future of South
Carolina. The tide of corruption and bad
government must be rolled backward by their
sturdy blows and effective resistance to wrong.
The zeal and enthusiasm of youth must assist
to dispel the apathy and despondency of those
"who have borne the burden and the heat OF
the day." and whose efforts hitherto have in
Cured defeat and disaster We must be organ
lied and united, with firm determination to
achieve success by vigilant faithful and untir
ing support to measures intended for the COM
mon welfare. 1t is upon this platform that we
must be squarely and firmly planted, with our
hopes based upon the everlasting principles OF
truth, justice and liberty.
The organization of the Tax Unions depends
entirely upon the masses Of the people. With
out their active and Jealous entrance upon the
work, the plan is failure. The first step is to
organize in every Township, and when the
townships are fully aroused to the Importance
of the work, the County Unions are to be per-
fected, embracing at least two delegates from
every subordinate Union. This places the or
ganization under the control and management
of the people, who are to elect their leaders
and representatives from their own members,
and it will be their fault alone should the Or
ganization ever pass into the hands of design
ing men, intent upon the accomplishment OF
selfish ends.
The control of our State government is in
the hands of few men, who are directing the
machinery for their own purposes. The great
bulk Of the people are standing idle and lstless,
and every year fresh demands are made tor
extravagant sums of money, not intended to
benefit the State, develop its resources, or fur
thur its general prosperity. So long as the
taxpayers remain dormant and inactive, this
condition of things will last and grow worse.
True prosperity and advancement is retarded,
and every hour of delay adds to the difficulty
of wrestling the power from corrupt men. 1t
will not do to complain of high taxes and ex-
cessiye assessments unless we are willing to
put our shoulders to the wheel, and endeavor
to correct the wrongs and expressions of avari-
cious rulers. We cannot defeat an organized
band of wicked and unscrupulous partisans by
quietly submitting to their continuance in
power, exhibiting apathy and Indifference to
our highest interests, and ignoring the means
for their election from exalted places. We
must organize in some form or other, and the
Tax Unions present an effective method for
welding the people together in common
cause.
INTERVIEW WITH Gov. MosEs.-We print