The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1875-09-02
Governor Chamberlain.

One of the editors and proprietors of
the Charleston Ners and Courier lately
held conversation with Governor Cham
bcrlain, and the public is regaled with
the views and opinions of his Excellency
upon topics connected with his admins
tration. This interview as reported APP
pears in full on another page of the In
teligcncer.
His explanation begins with refer
cnce to his recent prolonged absence
from the State, which occurred at time
when important events were transpiring
within our borders, and which evoked
unfavorable comment in many quarters.
He sought relaxation from official cares
and labors, and remained away no
longer than was absolutely necessary for
his health. We regard this admission as
extremely unfortunate for the Governor,
since the heaviest cares and most anxious
labors were already passed long before
his departure. Beside, it would seem
that the inviting breezes and tempting
attractions of our own mountain region,
within the State he processes to serve with
such loyalty, might happily restore his
mental and physical equilibrium, and
lend aid and comfort to his recuperative
powers. Greenvillc, Spartanburg, An
derson, Walhalla, Glenn's Springs and
other noted points would have contributed
most beneicially to the health of the
Executive, and at the same time afforded
him an opportunity for commingling with
the masses, by which he would learn the
temper and tone of our people towards
his administration not forgetting the ad-
vantages, too, for personally meeting any
emergency like the ugly charges of the
Parker trial, for instance, or the unhappy
failure of Solomon's bank. His presence
within the State, moreover, was likely to
be more in consonance with the Act OF
the General Assembly, which provides
for the absence of the Governor only in
cases of public necessity, and only so long
as the public welfare demands. This
plea of the Governor, therefore, must fall
to the ground, for he does not pretend
that matters of public moment induced
his protracted absence from the State.
Besides, he knew that the Parker tFal
had been set down for the first week in
July, and that his name had been freely
used in connection Herewith. Moreover,
he admits that Hardy Solomon was likely
to become embarrassed in raising funds
to pay the July interest upon the consol-
idated bonds, and that the money was
placed in that bank to meet this interest.
These were matters concerning the pub
lie welfare within the State, and to our
mind Gov. Chamberlain was derelict in
his duty to remain away at that partlc-
ular time.
The facts in regard to Parker's trial
and release do not relieve the Governor
from pcrplexing situation. The car
pers and malcontents were wondering at
the absence of the Governor, when Ladd's
testimony was given to the world. This
did not hasten his return to official duties
and personal defence, for he was waiting
the proper time to meet the charges
| The trial ended in verdict against Par
ker, which compelled him to remain in
iail. Still the Governor did not come,
although announced from time to time.
Finally, when Parker had made his es-
cape on Wednesday night, we find that
the Governor arrived at home on Satur-
day afternoon following, while Parker
was vet in the vicinity of Columbia. On
that very night he was advised to get
away from familiar haunts, and he was
re-captured on Monday afterwards
Judge Mackey was now sent for and put
in his appearance without delay; the writ
ofhabcas carpus was invoked, and the hear
ing fixed for the following Monday, when
Parker was discharged from custody, and
went on his way rejoicing at the benign
appearance of reform i'll South Carolina.
Shaking the dust from his sandals, and
jumping aboard the first train towards
Georgia, Parker vanishes from the gaze
of longing and uneasy associates, and UNI
der an assumed name hies away
to the North for recration and relaxa-
ton from such Il strain upon his men
tai, physical and material resources. 1t
was reported in the newspapers that
Judge Mackey was closeted with the Gov
ernor in the Executive office, and the
very latest information of Mackey's
whereabouts is that he was confined to
his bed at the Governors residence. Ger
tainly, the facts look damaging enough,
Notwithstanding the emphatic denial
made by the Governor upon the coupon
question. We do not charge him with
receiving dollars worth of coupons or
consolidated bonds, nor do we remember
that any Conservative has ever done So
That allegation was made, if made at all,
bv one Niles G. Parker, who is now non
ext. But it does concern the Taxpayers of
South Carolina to know the reasons and
the motives for the release of Parker so
speedily and uncercmoniously immedi-
atcly after the return Of his Excellcncy
to this province, and for one we will not
hesitate to cast suspicion upon any man
whose skirts arc 10 clearer before the
public than Gov. Chambcrlain's when he
attempts bv sophistry and special plead
ing to delude the people into the belief
that he is in no wise responsible for this
travesty upon judicial proceedings. His
political friends concocted and secured
Parker's release, and the unpleasant sit
uation of the Governor is mainly attribu-
table, we suppose, to the fondness and
faithfulness of his Excellency for and to
these political bed-fellows. We predicted
the result months ago, and it will be re-
| r,orohoro6 that the (IoyprnOr's Orpan re-