The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1878-06-27
From the Charleston News Sand Courier.
There is a Remedy.

1nere Is q Kennedy
Two weeks ago, in an article
headed, sis there no remedy2" CAL
ling attention to the outrages commit,
ted upon the people Of the up-coun-
try by ruffians in the guise of reve-
hue officers-crimes that for ten
years past have called forth, again
and again, the denuncia,irns of the
press, but which have again and
again been committed with impunity
we said:
"The Acknowledgement should be
authorized, at the expense of the
s -.te, to prosecute all offenders un-
der color of the United States ALI
thority against the rights aud liber-
ties of the people, to the full extent
Of the law. If the same splendid
talents and weight Of legal lore that
wore brought to the defence of the
Ellenton prisoners were used in the
prosecution of these revenue ruffians,
tney would not much longer 20 un-
whipped of justice"
The recent atrocious murder of
young man on the threshold of his
home by a gang of these bullies, in
Pickens County, has again called our
attention to this matter, and, on ex-
animation, we find that the Attorney
General is authorized to do Just ex-
actly what is above recommended.
Section 81 of Chapter XVI of the
Revised Statutes, speaking of the
duties and powers OF the Attorney.
General, says:
"1e shall consult with and advise
the Solicitor in matters relating to
the duties of their offices; and when,
in his judgment, the interest of the
State requires it, shall assist them by
attending the Grand Jury in the ex-
animation of any case in which the
party accused is charged with cap
ital offence; and when, in his iudg-
ment, the interest of the State re-
quires it, he shall be present at the
trial Of any cause in which the State
is a party or interested, and, when so
pl esent, shall have the direction and
managem ent of such prosecutions and
Suits"
In every criminal prosecution the
State is party and is interested, and,
therefore, it is within the discretion
Of the Attorney General to take
charge Of such caees, or not, as in his
view the interests Of the State may
require. In capital cases he may 90
before the Grand Jury for the pur-
pose OF obtaining tire bill against
The parties accused, and thus have
the case under Ills control from it's
inception to Its close.
The Attorney.General is, of course,
the best judge of his duty in the
premises, and the learned and able
lawyer who now fills the Office COM
mands the respect and confidence Of
the whole State. But we venture to
say this much: The people iu the
mountain regions Of his State had
been 80 harrasSed and prosecuted by
the many debascd aud ruffianly men
in the employ Of the United States
revenue service, that they were in
constant state of alarm and excite
ment. This last crowning outrage
has changed that condition to one Of
Indignation and fury. which will lead
to serious trouble inIthe future unless
the people can see that there is pros
lection and safety to be had by law
tul means. The revenue officers al
ways have powerful protectors at
hand. Already the mnrderers OF
Amos Ladd have champion in VIM.
e. Earle, cx-Assietant United States
Disuiet Attorney, who is to be their