The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1874-02-13
COLUMBIA, S. C.
Friday Morning, February Is. 1874.
Enlighte,, tho Masses.

.i&fN AnAN8htoh tho Masses
The mass of the colored people oi
South Carolina arc much better than
their leaders. AS q general thing,
they are not conscious of or privy to
the shameful oorruptions which are
practiced in their name. They choose
even to represent them. both white and
black, under representations we'll calcu-
lated to deceive their credulous minds.
1t has been ding-donged into their ears
that perhaps their party organization is
in danger, that their freedom and the
securities of their rights are threatened,
and they are thus driven, under, the
pressure of fear and the ihsinuations 81
prejudice. to accept men who are un-
worthy their confdsAce, and only seek
their own private, ends. They have not
yet had fair chance to consider the
duty and privilege of the ballot discon-
nected from these disturbing and demo-
ralizing Influences. Circumstances urge
them to it's exercise only from doubtful
considerations. Their view is limited to
personal and party objects. The per-
manent good of the country, its just 60
vernment, its steady advancement, the
responsibility of those entrusted with
its power, the check Of abuses, the
spread of education, the Importance of
good moral inauences-these aud kim
dred objects which it becomes them to
promote, are ovcrslaughed by tho one
predominant feeling whic.. is indus
triously planted in their minds. They
select those, therefore, who make the
most liberal promises to accomplish
party good, and to perpetuate the party
ascendancy. Candidates who can con-
vince this large class Of voters that they
are very peculiarly Radical and partisan
in their feelings, aims and intentions.
can lead them easily by the nose in
other matters of really much greater
consequence. A villain can thus sue
cessfully wear the garb of reform, q
hypocrite appear saint, or the most
unadultcrated rascal carry the points
and plaudits in an election.
This class OF politicians coming into
places of power and trust arc nothing
but shams, and never rise above the
dignity Of jobs. They have not tie re-
motest conception of any high duty
connected with their positions. Ser
vice OF the country, regard for it's peo-
pie, concern for honor, character, de-
cency. right or truth never enter into
their thoughts. They mean business. +"
votes and influence to enrich them
selves. Cunning and interruptions
towards their constituents, they nre at
once, in the sphere to which they are
advanced, the tools and victims of men
of higher power, but even more unsoru-
pulous and cunning than themselves.
These men have no other profession, no
other object in life, but to deceive and
ca:cle: ard tn aoI.;.;n- :: cnr-Gr; sings
for the advancement of their own for
tunes. The Legislature and the admin.
istration are the chief causes of tho
trouble OF the country. It is their cor
ruption. incompetency, their vicious
and selfish pursuit OF private gain, that
have worked it's ruin. If the bone and
sinew of the population could get q
clear view of the vilo practices OF those
to whom they have entrusted the seals
OF responsible power, they would staad
amazed and aghast at their wicked
moss. Their impulse would be to
strip from them the robes of office.
It is pertinent for all men in this State
who would like to see it come out of its
difficulties and slough off this rotten
matter, to consider what steps may bs
practicable to infuse into the masses o.
its population sterner sense Of the
obligation which rests upon them tc
choose capable, honest, efficient ant
non'pnrtisan men to represent them il
Office. Let them be encouraged to So
lect, not the worst and most slippery
but tho best, most respectable and mos
worthy men in their ranks. The time i,
propitious to presen; just views te
them. They can be made to understand