The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1874-08-06
COLUMBIA, S. c., THURSDAY MORNING, AUGUST G. 1874
Our Thermopyl,e.

Our Thermopylpc.
In view of the combinations which
have been formed to strengthen and
sustain tho Radical newspaper organ
at this place, q word IA to ourselves
may not be amies to our readers and
the public. Without referring. in q
notice OF this kind, to the supposed
and probable sources Of supply which
have been laid under contribution to
revive that failing journal, we may
justly take the statements as they up
pear in; it. and draw from them USE
full and valuable lesson. It says that it
''has been recently purchased by seve-
raj influential Republicans, who have
! contributed their means to it's support.
The paper was on the eve Of suspen.
sion. when they stepped forward to
save it, and to nail the Republican
colors to it's, masthead" Here is a
combination of men, who unite their
means, talents, experience, influence
and labors to uphold their party jour
nal. That journal is specially devoted
to maintenance of its party organi-
cation. 1t has rallied every available
element aud brought it into line for
this purpose. 1t has no thought of the
great interests or violated rights of the
people. It moves wholly upon the
plane of party prejudice, party passion
and party ascendancy. It seeks to per-
petuate its domination as of the most
vital necessity aud at all hazards.
With the wrecks of the ruin and dis
grace it has wrought lying round on
all hands; with the condemnation OF
the American people ringing in its
ears every day; with the terrible de-
nunciations Of decent Republican
journals all over this country; with the
frantic desperation of madness it seeks
to prolong it's wretched existence. It
Graves that it may continue to govern
the fortunes of the State Of South
Carolina, not appreciating the fact
that it has, by it's ignorance. corrup-
tion and indecency, by its crimes
against the people, against their liber.
ties, against civilization itself, fer.
feited the right to exist, and much
more, the honor to govern. 1t gives
notice that it will make desperate
struggle for new lease of power. and
1T puts forth efforts corresponding to
the Importance Uf the stake and the
magnitude of the issue. Having mp.
propriated fund. aud made their
journal strong in means; having en-
listed the services and interest of seve.
raj writer's; having made pool, so to
speak, OF the political fortanes of
number OF aspiring men and candi-
dates, they are ready to e1erti it's power
for evil; they mean to disseminate its
corrupting doctrines, and, If possible,
make its sophistries popular and pre-.
valent.
We shall hot speak of ourselves,
further! than to say that we occupy in
this contest no doubtful attitude. We
have certain clearly defined viows and
objects which we seek to impress upon
the public mind. We see just before
us gigantic issues, aud it is our effort to
eniighten and prepare the country for
them. As ws have frequently said,
there is much to be done. If we were
to-day enlightened upon the matters
which 80 nearly concern us; If our peo-
pie fully aod rightly appreciated the
situation in which they are; if they
only saw and felt tile momentons
events which are fastening on il they
were both informed of and sternIy
united upon the duties Of the honr, the
Radical power would melt awsy before
their stern determination. Will our
friends think Of the great cause which
they. as we'll as we, ought to have at
heart? Will they strengthen our hands
by their sympathy, encouragement and
support Our means are moderate,
our resources small. We are unit
against multitude. We are alone in
the midst of etrong combinations. We
depend entirely upon Legitimate bu-
siness. We have nothing to rely
upon but subscriptions and advertise.
ments. These we want, aud it il not
too much for US to say. these we are
entitled to have. We ought today to
number ut least 5000 subscribers in
this State. That would bring us nd
vertising. That would make us pecu-
Iiarily independent. That would
enable ns TO employ and pay for talent
in employees and writer's in nnmber
and force sufficient to make strong
impression on the side we espouse and
defend. we should like to send forth
strong and able journal. the power
ful adyOonte of truth the iDfexihle