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

The communication Of our friend, at.
H. r." headed Governor Hampton's
Policy" renders it necessary for us to
state plainly the position of the INTELLI-
oENcER upon the Jury Commissioner
question, that no man need misconstrue
either our real views upon she subject or
our motives for disappearing the appoint.
ment of Samuel johnson at this time.
We do not yield to any man in admiru-
tion of Gov. Hampton, nor have we
questioned the sagacity Of his admins
tration. On the contrary, the ISTELLI-
GEScER has steadfastly espouscd the
defence Of the Governor, and we do not
think he is responsible for local appoint
ments made upon the recommendation OF
n Democratic delegation from Il county.
Again, We wish it understood that we
have made no "Mrusf' 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, aud we are sure that they
have sufficient practical sense to know
that they are no: 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 tho 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
mo- We quote extracts from the INTEL
LIoENcER and CoNsERvAToR, of which
the present editors Of the INrELLIGENCER
were respectively editors:
Gov. Chamberlain has been exceed
ing!y unfortunate in the selection of a
jury Commissioner for Anderson County,
in failing to give satisfaction to q large
body of our citizens. We are informed
that the Governor has stated that he wGs
aware the appointn ent was not good
one, but he was urged by Senator Coch-
ran, rs personal favor TO make the GID
pointment, in spite of the protest Of tile
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 AntelAgencer, February 10, 1875.
Samuel johnson, colored, has been
appointed Jury Commissioner for this
County, vice Mr.. 8. Dleckley, whose term
has expired. This is miserable appoint
ment, and was made In such n deliberate
manner by the Governor after careful
investigation as to make him deserve the
condemnation OF ali gond citizens. The
Representatives in the House from this
County filed a 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 tfur. Il il 10 be
hoped the Senate will no. confirm this
appointment. If they must have col
ored man, let them seek out the most in
telligent and sober one, VINO will give
satisfaction in this important position.'-
anderson Cbnscrrator, February IL, 1875.
Johnson has no more education now
thnn 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 rs n public journal we cannot
stultify our record by acquiescng 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 n public appointment,
and the Judgment of hnth political nar-
ties Is that Johnson does not possess
these qualifications. The fact that we
have had good juries is not enough to
satisfy our people, for &c know that the
Chairman OF the County Commissioners
and the Auditor have q voice. in the
drawing of the juries; and, moreover,
whatever of credit is due to the jury
Commissioners properly belongs to Sena.
tor Cochran. for he has controlled John
SON, and virtually dictated his part in
the drawing. 81, ~ 'hs -
Again. we have to take issue with our
correspondent as to Johnson's part in the
canvass. He did not come out squerely
for tl' 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 in
the County Republican Convention as o
delegate 20 their State Convention, and
whatever he did we believe was done 70.
spite, a. .
Again, we wish it understood that we
donot oppose recognition of the SER
vices of the colored Democrats, and 40
far from opposingswe favor giving them
such positions as they are competent to
fill, but IL one 10 TO beappointed it ought
to be Il straight-out Democrat. One who
joined our clubs and wore The red shirt,