The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1878-04-18
Rsvenue OHicials.


directed to thGseonduct of the mon en-
gagged in the release of prisoners, who
were under charges for violating; the
revenue laws. Tho apprehension and
indignation OF the public fall Justly
upon the band Eof qawless, Feckl6ss
marauders who invade q peaceful
community and rescue from the, cusv
tody of officials their partners in crime.
We have no patience with this class
of offenders against the laws of the
State and the United States, and there
are fewer extenuating circumstances
for this lawless band than almost any
other set of men. They pre engaged
in illicit traffic themselves, and ale
daily infringing upon the laws of their
country. Such high>handed proceed
ings as were witnessed at Pickens,
when the jail was broken into and
prisoners wero released cannot bo ttl-
Grated for 26ne moment. The welElre
and good order of the community de-
mand that swift punishment DO visited
upon thoir heads, and the utmost Wig
lance must be exercised 10 procure
the arrest of such conapirators against
the peace and well-being of an orderly
community. .,...,,. Co.,. :
These are our candid sentiments re.
specting the :lawless gang engaged in
the release of revenue prisoners. But
the account we publish to-day from
Che PICKENs SENTINEL.--an honorable,
trust worthy Journal-shows that the
iaw'o ssness in that vicinity was not
COZ hned to the marauding band who
ct iree the prisoners. The revenue
officials supplemented that act of vio-
ouco and turbulence with other acts
'os9 excusablo and moro disgracefil
because committed in the name of the
law and under the @gis OF the FEEDER,
al government. 1t is the familiar
story of meddling, pertinacious .anc
Insulting officials, who invade private
rights and strike down, the liberty O
the citizen. The people of the noun
'"in COUNTIES Of North and South Ca,.
= oIina nave been goaded by the pres
cmcc md conduct of such officials fo
many years, and mach Of tho prcju-
dice and animoslty towards tho Fed
orni government, existing in tho mind,
= Of thc ignorant classes, arc due to the
=. rl"t"Ns, brutal conduct of tho repre-,
! Fcntntives of the government.
Tho insignia OF authority, whom
"or" by those who respect law, al
" !Ja overcomes prcjudices which arc
u"'ounded. But when this power is
i" nc hands OF those who are defiant
~ law, the difficulties are Increased
ton~iold to eradicate the false impress
%Ions, SO stands the government in
ITS relations with the people and the
r"Tonue officials, who come in contuct
with The prejudiced classes. But this
does not apply to Pickcns County
and especially that portion in which
these recent optrages have been per-
pcirat"d by representatives Of tn.
Fcdctal government. Tho people
therI are not 'prejudiced, neither are
th"y ignorant Of their duties as law
"bidjhg citizens. AS general rule
none are more intelligent, industriou.
anu peaceable in their department
Il o section of the State deserves NOR,
cr"dit for its development than Pick
ems County. In such community
without the authority of law and !,
violation Of individual rights, the re.
vcnuo officials have invaded the sacre,
precincts of an humble home, epdan.
" gc'ed the life OF a wife and mother BY
thoirhrutallty, and set at nuught tn,
highest llivilego Of an American citi
z'o. Such an outrage ought 10 NEE
prompt and severe punishment. Th,
Hmo haS passed when the people o
South Carolina can be expected t,
brook such insults and depreciation
from underling officials Of the United
States, clothed with little brief au-
thority. These men must DO taught
that they AFRO represen tatives of lawfn
authority, and not the masters of ev-
cry man who chances TO fall under