The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1875-03-13
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Saturday Morning. March IS. 1876.

@S6tuE1oy MV1u4uEs 0HICN fAOs 4OtVs
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Govsrnor, Oha amberlain Position On
p the Treasury Question:.
In an interview with representative
OF the Charleston Neps and Courier,
and published in that journal on
Thursday. Governor Chamberlain de-
fines his position upon the question
now agitating all minds concerning the
conduct OF Treasurer Cardozo. We
reproduce it's salient points. He
begins by saying that his deep interest
in the matter has induced him to read
everything that has been said upon it.
and to examine all the evidence 80 far
submitted. He does not hesitate to
soy that he finds nothing in it to
shake his faith and confidence in the
Treasurer. Referring to his previous
intercourse with him, he says. that
when other Republicans who seemed to
sJmPasshh;se with him, could be counted
upon the fingers OF one hand, Cardozo
always stood firmly by him. He has
never heard one word or seen one ACT
which did not confirm his confidence
in his personal integrity and his politi-
cal honor and zeal for the honest ad-
ministration OF the State Government.
Governor Chamberlain is not disposed
to think we'll Of the motives Of those
who have instituted these proceedings.
He cav the storm gathering long ago.
but "did not expect to see the element
which views the public service as q
mere chance to make money, able to
'matef feueh headway as they are now
apphrahsyS making Against; Mr. Oar
dozo." He had hoped for better
things. While not wishing to be un-
derstood ;as Implying that ak who are
opposed to q the Treasurer are con-
aoiously striking down faithful public
officer. he says that every man knows
that the real force which urges on this
attack upon him is not a desire to
guard the treasury.
With reference to the attitude Of the
Conservatives. he admits that they in
tend 70 do Justice, as do very many
Republicans. He does not wonder at
their voting to raise committee to
prepare an address. That is probably
the only way to bring the whole case
to q point where Justice can be done.
As.to'the courae Of the Conservatives
generally. he is bound to say that it
has been marked by great political gen.
erosity and patriotism towards him and
his administration. Mr.. Chamberl,in
fully justifles the Treasurer in the
funding of certain bonds and coupons
alleged to have been wrongfully fund
ed. The Act to reduce the volume of
the public debt makes no exception of
any Of these bonde and coupons All
are :e&ohangeabIs 'undefi the Act.s In
FINDING them, the Treasurer simply
followed it's terms. He would have
been ,gnilt33of 10 offence IL be had
funded any and all coupons which
were made fundable by these terms.
IA strict and literal compliance with
the Law would have been all that could
have been strictly required of him. "
Upon this point he admits, however,
that il ''any of these bonds or coupons
were anlawfully, outstanding, and
knowledge Of this were brought home
to Mr. Cardozo. he might we'll have re-.
fnsediso fund them. as he did do in
the case of some oouponsi''' He vindi-
Gates the Treasurer from any responsi-
bility for funding bonds and coupons
reported by the Dunn committee last
summer, as having been hypothecated
without lawful authority. He refers
to the advice Of, the Attorney General
to the Treasurer, as having been ex.
plioit in favor OF his funding them.
He saks why punish Cordozo for do
ing what the law directed. and tho At
torneysGeneraI advised? Upon the
second general head Of the charges,
the diversion Of the interest fund,
Governor Chamberlain sees still less
ground for the removal of the Trea-
surer.