The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1874-04-24
COLUMBIA, S. G.
Friday Morning. April "a, 1874.
Not tho Kigh. Am.,us.

SoFeEumoIt uHS SupPo1seu costly
agency. there its bonds we're manipu-
lated, put on and taken off the market,
according to the supposed exigehoy OF
its needs. and there the money for its
use and abuse was conveniently raised
by hypoiheostion of its securities or
otherwise. The Financial Board and
the men of the ''rings," whc managed
jobs and speoulated in the measures of
large interest which were put through
the Legislature for the purpose o: Great
ing this sort OF business and affording
margins and dividends, were in the habit
of constantly running to New York,
until the credit of the State was ruined,
the character of some of it's bonds taint-
ed, considerable portion ruled off the
Nav York Stock Exchange, and even
the best became fiat and of only nomi-
nal value. Tie financinl business Of
the State Government was conducted
far away from its borders, in surrepti-
tious manner, and beyond the scope of
the public view. The same sort of
policy and practice have now been inau-
gurated in political matters. and us New
York was erewhile the financial centre,
Washington has now become the head.
quarters of the political movements and
arrangements of the "party." The
South Carolina Radical political rings
enlarge their periphery by additions of
patronlzing politicians at the capital,
and circle around the great mogul. the
President. There they canvass the
prospects of succ .ss, there they deter
mine upon the line Of argument or state
ment they must adopt, the amount OF
concession or apology they must make
30 win it, and there they make up the
Safe of candidates. The inspiration
which directs the political activity of
South Carolina comes from abroad.
Some time ago, the decree of reform
went forth from this Washington junta.
1t was duly promulgated and with start
ling effect. Oorruptionists of the worst
type joined in eohoing it far and vide.
The CRY became 80 loud and general,
that things looked squally, as the phrase
goes, inside OF oar own party lines. !"
There appeared few men who raised
the inquiry as to the way the solemn
pledges of the party have beer kept,
and furnish the ready answer that they
have. without exception, been aagrantly
broken.
simultaneously with these demonstra-
tions, the taxpayers made their damag-
ing exhibit, and raised their proud
fronts in exposure of the corruption
which, if persisted in, could only end, in
brief time. in the general ruin. Lively
times seemed ahead, and one of those
political storms approaching, which
could but result in some publication of
the political atmosphere. But this hu-
mau nature of ours will assert its sway
and the old Adam within us stands upon
no ceremony about re.appearing. when
ever new and inviting sin offers it's
temptation. The bow could not bear
the tension to which it had been
brought. It was found by the clique in
Washington, in consultation with ennis
saries from the State. that the standard
had been pitched too high. A serious
and earnest movement was not in the
programme. and it would be perilous to
undertake to shoulder 30 much virtue,
or to aocede to suoh damaging conces-
sions. Besides, it would never do to
agree with the Taxpayers, who, by posi-
tion and character, formed the necessary
objective point against which they must
continue to drive, just as the property
OF the people whom they represented d
must be kept in view as tho prime OBJ !.
ject which thoy must continue to appro.
pirate. So palinode has been sung,
the statements of the taxpayers i'm.
peached, their demand for investica.
ton resisted. and the chorus of voices
which were loud for reform have sunk
into meek whisper. What you hear
now in this clique is. that the President
is satisfied, from the representations of
the Whittemore DELEGATION. that the al.