The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1875-06-15

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thing possible for the city to do under the
circumstances, and I believe now that in
time it will be found advantageous to
the city in more ways than one. The
bond-holders would certainly have more
confidence in the credit of the city if one
Of the principal banks was trustee for
the reception and disposal Of certain
portions of its revenues, and the people
would be better satisfied than if left to
the management Of men whose Offices
were liable to be taken from them once
in two years.
So much, Mr.. Chairman and gentle
men, for the report of the Citizens Com
mittee. That it is partisan and unfair,
every right-thinking man will admit, and
that it was intended as q political mea-
sure, is evidenced by the fact that the
meeting which adopted it would hear
but one side, and then, to cap the eli
max, adopted a resolution calling upon
the present Council, against which no
charges have been made, for this report
only covers the period from 1866 TO
April, 1874, the very month the present
Council went into Office, to resign and
vacate the Offices to which they were
elected by the people. What should this
Council resign for? 1t hns done nothing
wrong yet, SO far as the public is in
formed, and yet n meeting of citizens
adopts resolution asking it to step
down and out for faults and errors which,
according to this report, belong cxclu-
sively to its predecessors. I do not
stand here to defend the Council against
the charge of extravaganza, for I am
painfully aware that such charge is but
too true. Every Council since 1865 has
been more or less extravagant, nor is this
state of things confined exclusively to
Columbia. Extravaganza in the manage
ment of the affairs of corporations, large
and small, prevails everywhere, and no
more here than in almost any other city
of like character and surroundings.
And have we nothing to show for all
these large outlays of money during the
time covered by this report? Are our
1870? Have We not water pipes now
scattered in nearly every portion of the
city? Have we not fire department
very much improved over what it was
four years ago? With three engine houses
built with city funds, q new City Hall,
which, when completed, will be nm orna-
ment to any city, with well-lighted
streets, and general tone of improve
ment apparent on every hand? Are not
these things to be taken into cousidera-
ton in the final summing up of this
case? And if not, why not? Is the pre-
sent City Council and its predecessor to
be held responsible for the issuing of at
least $50, 900 more of city scrip than it
terest to the amount of $4,000 during
the years 1865 to 1870? Is there no blame
to attach to any one for this 'slightp
matter of failing to pay nearly Sl0O,s
600 Of the just debt of the cityp
l think there is, md I am inclined
to believe the sensible people of
this city will not be misled by any
such unfair, partisan reports. Men
must not seek to profit by legislation
which they themselves urged and in
many instances secured, and then at
tempt to shirk all responsibility for the
part they may have performed in the
unpleasant drama. It may be regarded
by some men as sharp trick to deceive
inexperienced men with the belief that
they are doing right in paying out to
corporation alleged to be due for various
purposes, and then after payments are
made, turn and accuse the men who fol-
lowed their advice with fraud and knnve-
ry; but there are people everywhere who
look upon such triokery rs but little
better than downright swindling. Some
Of the very men who are now loudest in
their dehundiatione Of the city govern
ment are among those who have never
lost an opportunity to bleed the city and
to proffer such advice as would best Sc
cure their own ends and aims.
And now, sir, in conclusion, permit
me to say iafew words in regard to the
resolution adopted by the citizens meet
ing, relative to the lawyers who might be
called upon to defend the Council. A
more unjust or tyrannical resGation
could not have been proposed and
adopted, even by an inquisition, than
this one, aud am glad to know there
was at least one lawyer (Col. McMaster)
who had the manliness and courage to
stand mp in defence of his right ns
professional man and citizen; and he,
think, has had less to do with the City
Councils than almost any other lawyer
or law firm in this city. Let there be an
equal opportunity afforded to all, and do
not resort to snap-judgments without
giving but one side an opportunity to be
heard. That there is blame attaching to
every Council since 1866 for extravaganza
md unneceasarv expen nditure of puhlic