The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1875-03-19
UnwarrnasnhIa.

a8alnes Mr.. thompson, OF the Union-
Herald, presents itself to ne In scarcely
any other than lrdiorous light. II
it be seriously meant. then 1t is
proper to say that il is o DANCE
rous and unwarrantable stretch OF
power ovor the rights and liberties OF
citizen. Free speech is guaranteed
every one under the Constitution and
by the equally high law of universal
usage and enjoyment. He is respon-
e'ble only for the abuse OF that right
under the law, by indictment for libel.
Calling up q man from his private
business to place him before the bar
OF the House as criminal guilty Of
contempt, arresting and holding him
as prisoner, because he has exercised
the privilege OF comment with sup
posed undue freedom upon the pro.
ceedings or persons of q Legislative
body. is an nnheard-of proceeding,
lustifiable by no special privileges Of
the party attacked or reflected on, and
indefensible in the forum OF either
law, usage or reason. We were pleased
to notice. yesterday, that Gen. Wal
lace. OF Union. struck the right key,
in calling attention to the extravagant
and injurious character Of the step
about then to be taken against the
editor of the Union Herald. We trust
that the matter will go no further.
The press is as free in it's sphere as the
Legislature. The privileges OF the one
do not lap over the rights and privi-
leges OF the other. Star chamber man
dates are out Of order and behind the
times. No other process can accom-
plish--what no law can be enacted to
do-any restraint or abridgement Of
the liberty OF speech or of the press.
81 Told You So" The Carolina
Spartan says:
HE PROoF FURNISHED. The most
casual observer cannot fail TO mark. in
the course and conduct OF present OF
very many Of those who we're very
lou6-mouthed in the advocacy Of
Gov. Ohamberlain's election, the utter
insincerity of their protestations of
honesty and reform made during the
campaign. The Governor, it turns
out, meant what he said and WAS sim
cere. These boasted reformers, by
their subsequent attitude and evident
purposes, say that they did not mean
what they said, and that they are tho
roughly and unmistakably inaincere.
From his inaugural down to the pre-
sent time, the Governor has stood
squarely aud firmly upon the platform
upon which his party placed him.
But those who were to assist him, to
stand by him aud carry out the pledges
OF that platform and fulfil it's pro-
mises-where are they to-day? Fail.
ing utterly in their legislative capacity
to carry ont the wholesome and needed
reforms recommended 80 earnestly by
the Observation-Disclosures every
possible obstacle In the pathway of re-
formation-the language of their con
duct plainly says We intended to de-
ceive tue people. The language of the
Governor. 80 for, has been that his adj
ministration shall not be living lie.
For this we honor and admire him.
The reading. thinking and honest
public will stand by him. both in and
out OF the State. The people of this
County will give him united support
in any and all efforts to make his ad-
ministration success. in advancing
the best interests of the State, and
their full sympathy in the trying fight
he is making against the thieves and
practical traitors of his party.
New Yorkers are just now expe.
riencing their annual panic about the
execrable quality of Croton water.
Says the Herald:
"Men who could face O cannon's
mouth pour out their glasses of water
at their breakfast tables and hesitate
before they drink. The dread of subtle