The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1877-02-01
OUR POSITION.

OUk PUSIIlVN.
The communication of our friend, ct.
II. b." headed Governor Hampton's
Policy" renders it necessary for us to
state plainly the position of the INTELLI-
GENcER upon the Jury Commissioner
question, that no man need misconstrue
either our real views upon the subject or
our motives for disappearing the appoint
ment of Samuel johnson at this time.
We do not yield to any man in admira-
tion of Gov. Hampton, nor have we
questioned the sagacity of his admins
tration. On the contrary, the ISTELL1-
GENcER has steadfastly espoused the
defence of the Governor, and we do not
think he is responsible for local appoint
ments made upon the recommendation OF
Democratic delegation from county.
Again, we wish it understood that we
have made no "thratst' at the delegation
from this County. In our opinion they
made great mistake in their selection
for this Office, but we do not think their
action was criminal by any. means. The
delegation is composed OF able and relia-
BILE gentlemen, but they are human and
liable to err, and We are sure that they
have sufficient practical sense to know
that they are not attacked when persons
differ as to the propriety of an appoint
ment. The appointment itself was at
tackled by us last week, but we had no
censure in our article upon the delega-
ton. Our objections to this appointment,
when made two years ago by Governor
Chamberlain, upon the recommendation
Of Senator Cochran, were approved by
nearly every Democrat in the County.
To show that our opinion at this time is
not formed with reference to politics, but
simply upon the propriety of the appoint
ment, we quote extracts from the INTEL
LIGENcER and CoNsERvAToR, of which
the present editors of the INTELL1GENcER
were respectively editors:
"Gov. Chamberlain has been exceed
ingly unfortunate in the selection of q
Jury Commissioner for Anderson County,
in failing to give satisfaction to a large
body of our citizens. We are informed
that the Governor has stated that he was
aware the appointment was not good
one, but he was urged by Senator Coch-
ran, as personal favor. to make the ap
pointment, in spite of the protest of the
three Representatives, whose opinions
were sought by the Governor. As Sena-
tor Cochran was elected by the people Of
Anderson, without regard to party lines,
we are astonished that he has exercised
his official influence to secure personal
favor at the hands of the Governor, in
the appointment of public officer, whose
selection ought to be made on the ground
of fitness and capacity for the position."-
anderson lnteligencer, February 1S, 1875.
Samuel johnson, colored, has been
appointed Jury Commissioner for this
County, vice Mr.. S. Bleckley, whose term
has expired. This is a miserable appoint
ment, and was made in such deliberate
manner by the Governor after careful
investigation as to make him deserve the
condemnation of all good citizens. The
Representatives in the House from this
County fled written protest against the
appointment before it was made, setting
forth that they objected to the appoint
ment, because Samuel johnson was in
competent for the position on account of
lack of education, on account Of the
habitual use of intoxicating drinks, and
because of lac, of acquaintance with the
people. A prominent Republican of
high position also informed the Governor
that the charges were true. 1t is to be
hoped the Senate will not confirm this
appointment. If they must have col
ored man, let them seek out the most in
telligent and sober one, who will give
satisfaction in this important position. y
anderson Conse,-uator, February IL, 1875.
Johnson has no more education now
than he had then. His habits of temper
ance are no better now than then, and
we doubt that his acquaintance with the
County is any better. Hence, if the ap-
pointment was bad then it is no better
now, and as public journal we cannot
stultify our record by acquiescing in an
appointment to-day which we have fire.
quently condemned. We insist that
there must be proper qualifications to en-
title any man to public appointment,
and the judgment of both political par
ties is that johnson does not possess
those qualifications. The fact that we
have had good juries is not enough to
satisfy our people, for we know that the
chairman of the County Commissioners
and the Auditor have voice in the
drawing of the juries; and, moreover,
whatever of credit is due to the Jury
Commissioner properly belongs to Sena-
tor Cochran, for he has controlled john
son, and virtually dictated his part in
the drawing.
Again, we have to take issue with our
correspondent as to Johnson's part in the
CANVASS. He did not come out squarely
for the Democracy, and was not overly
jealous for Gov. Hampton himself. He
did not signify any intention to support
any of our ticket until he was beaten il.
the County Republican Convention as
delegate to their State Convention, and
whatever he did we believe was done for
spite.
Again, we wish it understood that we
do not oppose recognition of the SER
vices of the colored Democrats, and so
far from opposing we favor giving them
such positions as they are competent to
fill, but if one is to be appointed it ought
to be straight-out Democrat. One who