The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1874-02-20


proves that qualification has little infu-
ence in the appointments. In matters
under the control of single individual,
it is difficult to prove corruption; but
there is one state of facts that always
stands for proof. A large expenditure
OF money by an official, who is without
any estnte and receives but moderate
salary, establishes beyond doubt that
the money must come from some irregu-
lar source. On this principle, the two
Governors elected under the present
Constitution stand condemned in public
opinion. To detect and punish these
Grimes is Impossible; the Governor con-
trols the avenues of justice. Indeed,
the entire system is one OF self sustain
ing and self-protecting corruption.
lu most Of the States, there might be
some chance Of redress through the bal
lot-bo1. But here. again, tue State Go
vernment lnterposes M iusupsr able bar
rier The elections are conducted by
persons appointed in the intereet of the
officials, and the returns are under the
absolute control of the parties in power.
Under such circumstances, voting is q
form and elections mockery.
Suffering under such grievances, and
despairing of relief from this govern
ment, your memorinIists come respect
fully to your honorable body for redress.
Tho government which thus orpresses
us was virtually established by Con-
gress; and while we believe they did not
foreeee the evils TO which it has given
| rise, we cannot doubt that they viii!
assist IN removing them, so soou as they
ure satisfied of their existence. All that
we b .ve asserted is capable of proof; but
knowing US we do that the evils of vi hich
we complain ure certain in their exist
ence, and are more likely to increase
than diminish, your memorialists most
earnestly ask your MD in providing the
proper remedy.-----.-. st-,,,---.~
2.0cC copies OF the memorial we're or.
dered printed, in form to receive the
signatures Of the members of the oon-
vention, aud copies were ordered to bs
sent 10 the Governors of the several
States, and also to the President of tho
Senate and Speaker of the House OF
Representatives of South Carolina.
Mr.. S. P. Chester introduced the fol-
lowing resolutions, which were adopted:
HeSolcea. That the President OF the
convention cause certified copies OF the
report and fourth resolution reported to
the convention by the Committee on
Taxation to be- transmitted to the Presi-
dent of the Senate aud the Speaker of
the House Of Representatives, with the
request that they present them to the
bodies over which they preside.
ResolUed. That a committee Of three
be appointed By the Chair to carry out
the objects Of the resolution, and to ask
Of the General Assembly of South Ca
| rolina its speedy action on the report.
The following gentlemen were ap-
pointed said committee: Messrs. P. 2.
Hamilton, D. Z. Chatfield and ". ".
| Walker
MF. Woodru1, OF Spsrtanburg, offered
series pf resolutions, providing for u
com mittee to present to the Legislature
certain grievances. and calling for Il
regular registration of electors. the
adoption Of cumulative voting, and tho
election Of Justices of the Peace, &c,
instead OF the appointment of Trial
Justices, for which Il substitute was re-
! rnrtAd - the Fvacn.ign Committee. as
! fol'n;s:
-teSO!ce1. That committee of FIVE be
appointed to memorialze the J,egisla-
ture of South Carolina as to the present
impoverished aud depressed condition
OF our people, which is purely the re-
suit of legislation not adapted to our
real wants, and ask the Legislature to
adopt such measures as shall secure til.
good feelings of nli classes and restore
confidence in the Government.
The resolutions ELECTED much discus
sion. participated in by Messrs. WooG
ruff, Screyen. Noise. Galluohat, John
Wallace, Chattield, Chesnnt and Ker-
shaw. Pending the discussion. on mo
tion Of Gen. Butler, the convention ad :.
iourned to 10 O'Clock this morning.
when. it is generally understood, Judge
Aldrich will open the discussion OF the
snme subject.
The RAILROAD TO AsHEy1LLE, n. c.
The Asheville Citizen, speaking of the
Act passed by the North Carolina Legis-
lature concerning the GreepviIla and