The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1875-01-21
Our Columbia Correspondence:
, CoLuMBIA, Jan. 18, IL

COLUMBIA, Jan. IL, 1874.
Promptly after the holidays the members OF
both branches of the Legislature were in their
ssats. "a week has now passed, and t is appa-
rent that there exists general feeling to 60 to
work and get through with, the business before
the two Honses.
The members of the Conservative party have
endeavored 30 to act, and so far as they were
able so control the sction of the opposition as
to keep out of the House every disturbing ele-
ment. Experience has taught them that when
ever these disturbing elements in the shape OF
political issues could be kept out of sight, a
much better feeling pervaded the Republicans,
and they were more willing to enact just and
general laws.
Paris Simpkius' Bill to tax Edgefeld County
for the support of those laborers who were
turned out of service on account of their coz
nection with the recent difficulties in that
County, come like thunder clap upon the
House q few days ago. Keith, Of Darlington'
moved that It be placed upon the Calendar
without tho usual reference, but as this motion
repaired swo-thirds vote to pass It, 1t was lost.
He then moved that 1t be referred to the com.
mittee of the whole, which was carried by a
strict party vote. This Bill is the mcss infa-
nous measure which has been attempted to be
perpetrated almost since Reconstruction. Con-
trary to every usage, it ignores right and JUS
tice, and for party purposes seeks to trample
upon every right and privilege guaranteed by
Law and order. This Bill may come up at any
time, but am glad to say that the feeling of
excitement is considerably toning down. l
understand, too, Gov. Chamberlain has been
talking to the leaders in this measure, and to
him we will be indebted should this wicked
measure fail.
There have been several Bills of Importance
passed the House during the week, which no
doubt your readers have had the opportunity
of reading. One nefarious Bill, the Leslie
Liquor License Law, which passed the House
before the holidays, I am glad to say failed to
pass the Senate. This Bill related alone to the
regulating of licenses outside of cities, towns
and villages, and was calculated to do more
harm to the farming interests of the whole
country than almost anything that conld have
been enacted. Under that law shops would
have been established at every cross roads to
barter whiskey for the farmers produce.
Mr.. Orr, member from your County, advo-
Gated very ably the Bill consolidating the Off
ces >of County Treasurer and Auditor, and
making the Office thus consolidated elective.
The House, however, voted the measure down,
and it is altogether possible that Bill will be
passed making the Office of County Treasurer
elective, and to reduce the salary of the same.
From q careful observation of the weeks
work, it is clearly manifested that the feelings
of part at least Of the Republicans are much
more bitter and ultra than before the holidays.
This is manifested in the kind and class of leg
islation sustained by them. 1t is to be expect
ed that dominant party having the reins of
government in their hands, will seek, by the
enactment of popular laws, and by judicious
use of the appointing power, ETC., to perpetuate
their power and control. But it is altogether
wrong and is evidence of weakness to legislate
only in the interest of one class, race or party,
and to seek by such legislation to perpetuate
party rule, is destructive to the common inter-
est, and will end in anarchy and confusion.
Though such is the tendency of the Republi-
cans SO far, yet it is gratifying to known that
there is power behind the throne, which has
so far proven itself able to ward off these vicious
influences.
The Bill for the better protection of Land
owners, &C., has passed to third reading, and
no doubt will become law. This Bill pro-
vides simply for the correction Of a clerical
error in the Act passed at the last session.
There are Bills both in the Senate and House
TO abolish the Lien Law altogether, or to mod
ify it so as not to require persons renting land
to incur the expense Of having their contracts
recorded.
SENTINEL.