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

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Mr. EDITOR: At public meeting
held at Anderson on sale-lay in Octo-
Der, I introduced certain resolutions,
suggesting that the true policy for the
Conservative party in the approaching
election, was to ignore contest for
Governor. and direct their efforts to
securing q good Legislature. For
doing so, have been denounced AZ
Repu blican, and the arrangement of
out, ieaves no either to forpgo the
right of Suffrage. or choose between
two Republican candidates. For Que,
thus situated, prefer to vote for Mr..
Chamberlain, aud, as number of
friends in different parts of the State
have inquired after my reasons for
doing go. who at this late day eau be
more readily reached through your
columns than other wise; and, as au,
always prepared, without regard to
public clamor, to give reason for the
faith that is in me. respectfully ask q
place in the PHEvIx for this paper,
stating the reasons why shall support
Mr.. d. II. Cham berlain for Governor.
l. Because, being compelled 10
choose between two Republican can
didates standing on precisely the same
platform, so far as their party nomina
tions go. prefer the mau who is
Republican by birth and education.
and who is o 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 Keprb-
licans in the hood.tide Of their success,
TO obtain either place or pclf.
2. Because Of his great learning
and distinguished ability as lawyer
and statesman.
3. For his exemplary character and
habits in private life, and his dignified
and gentlemanly department in hi, in
tercourse with the world.
4. For his solemn aud reiterated
personal pledges to insist on reduc.
ton of the taxes to the lowest possible
rate that will suffice for au honest aud
rigidly economical administration of
the State Government
5. For his pledges to stand by the
adjustment Of the public debt as made
last winter, including the scaling OF
that which all acknowledge to be legi-
innate, from 80. 100000 to $4,000.
600, in round numbers, and to resist
to the bitter end, the payment of the
conversion bonds, Blue Rioge scrip,
pay certificates, and all other fraudu.
lent claims against the State.
Prior to Mr. Chamberlain's nomina:
ton for Governor, and the pledges
made by him then and since on the
bond question, be was the favorite of
the Republican press Of New York and
Of the Northern cities generally for
Governor Of South Carolina. Since
that time, the Tribune and Times have
united with the HeraN and World in
denouncing him, and are the Jealous
supporters Of his adversary. Then he
was looked to rs the bondb oilers can
didate. noe he is regarded as the tax
payers and peoples man, in opposi
ton to the "oondbolders' ring"
Z. Because. hdcin9 made these p'etyss,
| have confidence that he will redeem
them as far as he is able. and that he
will have more ability to do so than
any other man could have c1der the
circumstances surrounding the State
government. That he will not only
stand by the existing arrangement Of
the public debt and insist on low
taxes. hut that lie will administer the
government with view to reform in
all its departments, enforcing the
strictest accountability. honesty aud
economy, and 80 directing affairs us to
prom ote peace. fraternity and prospe-
rity amonst all the people. These are
his pledges. Having long known him
personally. they are satisfactory to me,
aud. prejudice aside, think would be
80 to my friends and interrogators.
8. But, again, othor things being
equal, my nature prompts me to stand
for the man whom I think unjustly as.
sailed, and that man is D. II. Cham.
berlain. The charges made against
him in relation to his past connection
with the State finances have been
pressed to the point Of the bitterest
persecution. They rest on mere sus-
picion, growing out of his surrounding
Us public ofli,er, and are not sns-
tanned, so far AS have seen, by little
Of proof that would hinder his imme.
date 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
foie. in my Judgment, not only vindi.
cate him, but commend him to the
confidence OF unprejudioed persons.
r p REED