The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1874-01-14
COLUMBIA, S. G.
"Wednesday Morning. January IA, 1874
A,vs,unble suggcation.

A respected correspondent, who
warmly commends the course of on,
pnrnal, and whose name stands
aneongst the highest in South Caroline
for patriotic feeling and practical saga
city, writes us private letter, which
smbodies suggestion that We think
proper to make public. Our friend is
distrustful of the benefit of anonymous
communications, and hence asks us
questions as to the responsibility ol
''Vidette" and "Bunker Hill." care
they men capable of securing the conf.
7enoe of the Taxpayers, we're their
names divulged?" We take PLEASURE in
answering, that they are in q high do
gree. care they men who could stir up
the embers. but would shrink at the
eonfagration?" In our opinion, they
are not men who would shirk the full
consequences of their advice upon them
selves. Their motives are honorable,
their objects the good of the country,
and they shrink from no responsibility
which may rightfully attach to their
suggestions. So much upon that point.
Our correspondent also questions the
likelihood of relief from oppression
coming to the people from tho re-assem-
bling OF the Tax-Payers' Convention.
'.Its MATERIAL" he says, isis by no
means just representation of the suf-
Ssrars." We have felt thie objection,
and by suggestions to the Executive
Committee, made more than once. have
sought to have it remedied. We have
good reason to think that the represen-
sation' will be greatly enlarged. and
avery honest effort made to secure
convention which will, in deed and in
truth, be one of the people, qualified
by numbers, intelligence. patriotism,
experience, stake in the community, by
an overmastering sense Of RESPONSE
6ilisy. and by commanding character
aud prestige, to speak and act in its beat
interests aid for it's highest honor.
ghis is all,important. of course. This
10 q point which ought to be we'll
guarded.
We proceed to give an extract from
the letter. containing suggestion
worthy Of serious consideration:
''The people are opposed to paying
tSs exorbitant taxes levied upon them,
Dat they are equally averse to resisting
the laws of the land. Already, thou
sands are rushing to the court houses.
10 pay up promptly and escape the'ima-
Sined penalty. A Justly legitimate levy
would be an1iously met by every tax
payer in the State; but when the tribute
demanded subverts the fundamental
principle of Republican Government,
she opposition to its payment ia uni
versal. Crushed by taxation, and not
represented This is the position of
she property holders of South Carolina,
and it is a position that would not be
endured for moment by any State
North Of the Potomac. Then, why do
we submit to it2 Are We afraid of the
monsters that constitute our State Go.
vernment? Why not resist them? Will
it bring down the General Government
upon us? Then let this be the oonse-
9uence. Infinitely better were we gar
zisoned at every court house, and be
serritorialized by the Government, than
have our grievances ignored as they are,
whilst we are heeced of our bread by d
set of ignorant, malicious Legislative,
judicial and executive officers.
"Our anomalous position is not known
throughout the Union, and we need not
anticipate relief, except from ourselves.
It soems to me the boil is now ripe to
the core, and should be brought to q
head. The work should begin at our
sapital. To whom do the people natu-
rally look for advice when oppressed by
corrupt Legislation? Is it not to those
who have most to do with the construo-
zion and execution of the laws? The
legal profession should be the advisory
board of the people at this juncture.
Gan they give rs no counsel? Will they
soy, obey tho laws, lie they ever 80 un-
just or oppressive? Or will they mol,
can they not, suggest method by
which our people can be relieved Of this
oppression. and yet support tho laws
sufficiently not to clog the wheels Of
Government? Property has rights ns
NELL as people. Is it lawIessuess TO de-
-nand those rights?
''Let tho native members ot tho bar in
Columbia call for mass meeting of the