The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1877-04-12
OUR POLITICAL DEL1yERANCE.

D1GlcuG Va puos pN'HiS va ~
rewarded in short time.
OUR POLITICAL DELIVERANCE.
The telegraph announces the glorious
news that our political deliverance has
been finally accomplished, and that the
administration chosen by the people of
South Carolina is now in undisputed pos
session of the State. After a weary and
protracted struggle in which the hopes
and aspirations Of our people were hung
in q balance, and the most exasperatihg
delays encountered, the final result has
been reached, and the complete deliver
'ance of the ."Prostrate State has been
effected by peaceful agencies. The pa
'tience, forbearance and stern endurance,
through months of trial and tortuous ex-
igencies, have been instrumental in
wrestling from even political opponents
the highest need of praise for the hither-
to maligned and abused people of South
Carolina. Under the advice and guild
:, ance of our trusted and beloved leader,
Wade Hampton, the people have stead
fastly and patiently abided the result,
confidently relying upon the justice of
their cause, and exercising unreserved
faith in its ultimate triumph. That
triumph has been achieved, and with the
Withdrawal Of military interference in the
local affairs Of South Carolina, new
career of prosperity and security arises
before the longing vision of an oppressed
population. Ten years of military rule
and domination has wrought bitter cx-
perience. It has enabled ruthless adven-
turers to prey increasingly upon the vitals
ofthe commonwealth, and has maintained
in ascendency the vilest dregs of igno-
rance, corruption and proaigacy. Hence
forth, 1.-THE State will be governed with in
telligence, probity and economy, and the
contrast will awaken fresh energies, slim
ulate new industries, and open wide the
avenues of an unexampled prosperity.
South Carolina will no longer be looked
upon with suspicion and distrust, and the
growth of liberal sentiments will beget a
stream of immigration into her borders,
by which the waste places will teem with
fruitful crops, the water-powers now idle
and unemployed will become utilized,
and mechanical employments will enlarge
the scope of our industries.
With the eonsummation of our politi-
cal deliverance, there is natural inquiry
as to whom We are indebted for the VIC
tory, and the tendency is almost sure to
look upon the immediate instruments
through which it was effected. In other
words, the removal of military interfer-
ence was directly owing the action Of
President Hayes, and many will doubt
less imagine that he deserves credit for
magnanimous conduct. AS We do not
share in this belief, we will not let the
occasion pass without entering protest
against this idea becoming prevalent
among our people. The moral sentiment
of the American people was outraged be-
yond endurance in the recent campaign,
when the military power of the govern
ment was used with such recklessness to
obtain party advantages, aud when it was
followed by . stronger exhibition of par
tisan blindness and infatuation, in send
ing troops to organize and control Legis-
latures, there was revolt against this
arbitrary exercise Of official authority
such as has never been manifested since
the foundation of the government. The
public sentiment of the country was out
ragged by such procedures, and even the
military inclinations of President Grant
did not prevent him from seeing that his
unlawful interference with State govern
ments had shocked the instincts of lib
erty-loying people. The doubtful tenure
of the position occupied by Mr.. Hayes,
who was allowed to become President
rather than to convulse the country with
revolution, must have caused an uneasi-
ness on his part, and he was compelled to
adopt the policy so much lauded since
his inaugural address was delivered.
Therefore, we look upon his action in
regard to South Carolina as constrained
and coerced by the sentiment OF the
American people, and answering this de-
mand of the public, he will be likewise
compelled to enforce similar policy in
Louisiana. The day is gone forever, we
believe, when President can employ the
army of the United States to coercc gov
ernments, perpetuate party rule and set
aside the will of q free people. MIR.
HAYES was not so dull of comprehension
that this truth could not permeate his
mind, and there was no alternative ex-
cept to defy the public sentiment or
gracefully acquiesce in its demands. He
has chosen the latter. A contrary decis-
ion would not have affected the ultimate
result in South Carolina, for there was
no power on earth to prevent Wade
Hampton becoming Governor of this
State, and such decision would only