The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1878-02-13

6usqhe Paratus-prepared in mind and
mcans-1and there is no 'tair. escape from
the debt.
A broad distinction is to be made be-
tween fraud ON the part of the agent
of tile State and fraud on the part
of the aereditors. Fraud on their part
is not even alleged. Fraud in the agent
is cured by the ratification of the princi-
pal. The debt recognized in the CONSOLE
dation Act was ratified not only by the
disagreement, but by that august and
really sovereign body, the Convention of
Tax-payers-the very State-the body
which represents it's real majesty, and es-
pecially its levying and taxpaying sover-
eignty-a ratification all the moro solemn
form its usual ~concomitants. 49,
THE HOUR OF TRIAL-TnE DUTY OF II
HOUR.
Now for the first time the real people Of
outh Carolina, and her real representa-
tives, are subject to temptation.
The Confederate debt was declared in
valid under duress; it was not tho act of
the people Of South Carolina.
Even the fraudulent portion Of the Con-
version bonds We're not r%epudiated by the
real people. The authors Of the fraud
were the authors also of the Reputation.
Now for the first time the question
comes home to the real people. The stain
of reputation has never yet touched
them. The writer Of this article has not
one dollar Of interest in her debt. He
was too poor himself to invest, but he en-
couraged it by others. Though not a
South Carolillian by birth, her University
wasbis lima Mater, and he has ever fol-
lowed her history with the interest of a
foster son. Many of his near relatives
and dearest friends among her citizens.
Long a source of pride, in her history for
the last few years there has been much TO
excite sorrow and sympathy, but nothing
to excite shame.
Why this appeal now? Not from any
apprehension lest friends 80 trusted
should err in their own position. The
writer knows too well men who are the
soul Of honor, the embodiment Of chiv-
airy, ut whose feet he would sit again to
take lessons in all that is noble and ele-
waited in public and private life. ~.
In South Carolina he saw the highest
ideal of State pride and its grand reflex
influence upon its people.
But.tbese true men have fought enough
many long and bitter struggles, and are
weary OF conflict. One looking from
without can s%urvey.the field perhaps to
the a~dvantabestge.
I write from Virginia, where q similar
contest is raging, Here it is the topic OF
all conversation, and SO brings home to
me the present trials and temptations Of
South Carolina. I have only feared lest
the good men and true of the State re-
ceive harm. So splendid is the past
of the real people OF South Carolina that
she has a great treasure to preserve. Her
recent political victories have beer hailed
throughout the South, and we might say
by many throughout the whole country,
with joy and qualification. The very
name of Hampton brings thundcrs OF APP
plause.
But in vain the great Hampton victory
if, after all, the honor Of the State should
not be preserved.
There must, if needs be. be O rally to
defend the honor OF South Carolina gran
der than the recent rally to defend her
7Ights-evcn rs you would defend the
honor of your daughter moro than her
fortune. -
Public faith is full OF analogies to chas-
tity. Not ravishment but consent it Is
that disgraccS. You are now asked to
conSent-for the first time to consent!
Conscience is quick to perceive the
right-it is casuistry which is slow. In
Bunyan's powerful allegory one Mr.. I'll
Pause is represented rs the orator Of the
Devil. In 4 question Of honor first I'M
pressions are ever the safest guido.
CONSEQUENCES.
The consequences are endlcss-on rep
~utation, and on what lies much deeper
on character itself.
AS affecting reputation, Reputation
lasts like a fossil imbedded in all subse-
quent history. Observe Senator Lamar's
recent melancholy utterances as to its
lasting effects OH Mississippi.
Its effect on charactcr-on the real fu-
tnre Of the State and people-is even
more pernicious. The reflex influence OF
public on private morals is all powerful,
exhibiting itself in private reputation,
evaded taxes, loss of all State pride, and
loss Of moral tone-the highest heritage
of a people and no people have this
heritage more complete than the people
OF South Carolina.
Its effect on business, on credit, on the
influx Of people and OF capital, OH the
respect of mankind, is huge and perma-
nant.
This is to a State what uncllastity is to
a oIna Reputation is the u%npardon-
able sin of j State.
Nor are the consequences to the bond
holders themselves to be unconsidered.
Under your " representations they ac-
cepted your terms. The holders are not
all bloated Observation-Disclosures are those
whose little all that way, from con-
tidence in you. The endorsement of the
Taxpayers Convention, the understood
position Of the Democratic party as the
party II honesty and virtue. the pledges
in the canvass and in the House of Rep
resentatives all these were the
commitment of the real people.
Indeed, the election Of Hampton, it
was thought, settled it all, and the credit
ors Of the State thought their 50 cents OF,
the dollar safe. o..
A GREAT MORAL QUESTION.
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