Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1875-09-09
administration, reconstruction policy and the
relations of the races, and Mr.. Corbin spoke

relations of the races, and Mr.. Corbin spoke
as follows:
"The ku.klux spirit has entirely died out,
and organizations for the purpose of obtaining
political control of affairs by force have ceased
to exist. This is due alone to the prompt &C.
ton of President Grant in dealing strongly
with the evil in such manner as to enable
the courts to annihilate it. The conviction
of large number of this secret organization
was the death blow to anything of a similar
nature and purpose in South Carolina. A
better feeling exists between the races to-day
than has existed at any time since reconstruc-
ton. Things generally are seeking their
level, and there is more general and intl-
mate exchange of opinions without the ami
mosities between the races that have until re-
Gently characterized their political intercourse.
Although much has been said Of the feeling of
caste that exists between the blacks and the
mulattoes by people at the north, we 90 not
lay any great stress upon the fact so far as our
political situation may be affected. 1t amounts
to nothing. 1t is the cause, perhaps, of some
local bad feeling, but so far as the general sit.
uation is concerned, it has no bearing at all. !"
At this point Mr.. Corbin again touched
upon Ine QlSseuSlOus III tue uouin"u1 Po''J
saying: .
LAS have said, the only drawback at
present is on account Of the jealousy of the
masses headed by few prominent republi-
cans, who see in the reform movement the d.
version from them of what has been in times
past their only support and means Of getting
Office. Corrupt and incompetent officials
have been removed and brought to an ac-
count, and their places supplied with trust
worthy men. Ofcourse this has caused much
complaint and opposition, for in many in.
stances the officers thought themselves beyond
the reach of power, and believed the offices
belonged to them as their reward for intrigue
and political services in the several counties
in connection with preceding administrations.
These polical tricksters have found out that
it is useless to hope to continue in Offices that
they have de6led, and that honesty and COM
potency are the requisites. Another cause of
complaint with the discontented is that the
Governor, when unable to find suitable men in
the republican ranks, has selected them from
the other side for local Offices. These instan-
ces are not, however, over common, and they
are approved of by thoughtful, sober.minded
republicans. The time is fast passing away
when any corrupt and venal officer can base
the tenure of his Office upon his shrewdness or
financial ability to control the more ignorant
portion of the masses. Fitness for the posi-
tion and the removal of those who have pros.
tituted their offices are the rules now, and as
consequence the party is again assuming
respectable standing"
Mr.. Corbin was questioned regarding ma.
tional politics and the presidential candidacy,
and answered:
"In regard to national politics there is
remarkable apathy. The people generally
are for President Grant, and it is doutful if
any selection could be made that would suit
the majority as we'll. They know that he has
come to the rescue when it was feared that
the intents and purposes of the constitutional
amendments we're about to be irretrievably
robbed of all their force, and they know fur
ther that he is not to be hoodwinked by any
specious pleas of cliques, local or general.
Ultimately, Mr.. Corbin touched upon the
currency question, and during his remarks he
said:
"The majority of the white population, the
business portion, desire more currency. and
will probably join issue on this subject. There
is, however, large and influential class who
are in favor of gradual contraction of the
currency and return to specie basis. The
feeling prevails that any sudden movement in
that direction would bring with it great dis
aster to trade and much suffering among the
people. 1t cannot be doubted by any reason.
able man that there will be any sound con-
duct of business of any kind or substantial
prosperity until firm and sure bottom is laid
from which to build up"
"How about the Vice-Presdency
"From what know of the South, I do not
believe any claim for the Vice. Presidency will
be urged. Itis too early for that. The same
reports that are now in circulation were started
fonr years ago. They do not amount to any
thinv"