The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1875-05-20
Gov. Chamberlain.

Niles G. Parker has elected much comment
beyond the borders of South Carolina, and
there seems general tendency to predict dis
graceful failure in the prosecution, on the sup
posed ground that Parker's disclosures must
inevitably connect Gov. Chamberlain with the
corrupt practices of the Scott administration.
We are not certain in regard to the present
status of the case against Parker, but it is
hardly apparent that an early investigation
will be made into the alleged frauds of the
Ex-Treasurer and his associates The trial is
not likely to take place sooner than October,
unless an arrangement is made for special
term, which is not yet announced. In the
meantime these frequent imputations against
the character of Gov Chamberlain will re-
sound throughout the country, and the cause
of good government in South Carolina will
become weakened and impaired just to the ex-
tent of their disproved circulation. We are
disposed to accept the asseverations of Gov.
Chamberlain and his friends that honesty and
economy are the watchwords of his admins
tration, and the fruits of the last six months
demonstrate their ability and purpose to end
the shameful reign of public dishonesty and
official peculation, which every one is bound
to concede. Yet, in ascribing merit and capac-
ity to the administration of Gov. Chamberlain,
we cannot blindly pledge allegiance to his po-
litical fortunes, nor traInmel ourselves with
unbounded promises Of support in the future
He is an able and earnest Republican, with
much culture and shrewdness as politician,
whose motives cannot be less selfish than the
generality of ambitious and aspiring men in
public life. His redemption of the party
name from merited infamy does not give us any
peculiar satisfaction, for we have never be-
longed to that organization, or felt any sympa-
thy with its plans and purposes. We accept
him as an instrument calculated to assist in
ameliorating the frightful condition of affairs
in South Carolina, and so long as the Governor
adheres to right line of policy, we are willing
to uphold his hands against the corrupt elements
Of his oaon party, for he has nothing to fear
from the opposition in this respect Indeed,
the brief history of his administration clearly
proves that political opponents saved him from
inglorious defeat on more than one occasion,
and we will never consent to ignore the fact
that triumph and victory over thieves and
scoundrels was made possible only through the
strength and support of conservatives But
the fight is not yet ended, and it is we'll enough
tohave clearer understanding of the battle
ground. The allegations to which We alluded
in the beginning must exercise some weight
in determining the sincerity of Gov. Chamber
lains efforts to make thorough reformation
There must be no lukewarmness and indecisive
conduct in pursuing the host of plunderers,
who are represented in the person of Niles G.
Parker at this time Silence and inactivity
will not convince any one that there is no fear
of the result, and hence we direct attention to
these important facts, so that misunderstanding
winter between the opposing factions of the
Republican party, when the conservatives will
be expected to lend their assistance in favor of
Gov. Chamberlain's adherents. His innocence
of all faint as Attorney General in the dark
transactions of that period must be firmly es-
tablshed, which will alone perfect his right to
our confidence. The pressure of his official
influence must aid in bringing the guilty to
punishment, and this can be done most efectu-
ally through the unwavering assaults of Attor-
ney General Melton, whose pledges in behalf
of the present administration are not forgotten.
We are not writing in an unfriendly spirit, but
with sincere desire to create an atmosphere
of healthier tone, which will not overlook past
offences for the sake of meagre results at the
present time. The outraged people Of South
Carolina should demand vigorous measures
against the thieves and plunderers, who made
the name of the commonwealth synonymous
with bribery and all manner Of corrupt dealing
throughout the civilized world 1t is not the
fashion just now to investigate the motives or
assail the integrity of the present administra-
ton. But we believe that unmeasured praise
is worse than criminal when duty requires calm
and unbiased judgment, and we have an abiding
faith that the highest and noblest performance
of our duty is to make the authors, aiders and
abettors of corrupt government in South Caro-
lima feel the weight and terror of the criminal
laws. With nothing less will we become salts
fed, and to-day the standard of rectitude
among public officers should be gauged by
their efforts to fill the penitentiary with rogues
and plunderers.
The State Agricultural Fair.