National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1884-02-12
A Son Of South Carolina Visits His State and
Tells What He Saw.
A Denial Of Ex-GoN DingIey's State
ments About District Intemperance,
Reasons Why Congress Should Take Immediate 40
ton for Greely's Rescus
The Inmates OF Washington Asylum Not
Suffering From Cold.
SOUTH CARDINALS DISGRACE.


Special Letter.
1t is very evident to visitor that tho
INCREASING prosperity" of Charleston, as
annually chronicled in the Ne,os and Courier,
exists only inthe imagination Of the interested
personnel OF that journal. The streets are
lined with idle men, clamoring for work,
while there is nothing for their willing hands
to do. Storekeepers are complaining of dull
times, and everything apparently at a stand
still. In the face of this depressing outlook
the licenses have been doubled and taxes
increased throughout the state, neces-
stating n raise of 25 per cent. in all
| rents, thus bringing the entire bur-
den upon the shoulders of tho poorer
classes, who, already reduced to the verge Of
| starvation by tho stagnation in trade, have
no alternative in the future but TO struggle
| for a miserable existence. This condition of
affairs has been brought about in that state
| by the reign of terror and intimidation known
to exist there, which precludes the posi-
bility of capitalists investing in enter
prises where the honest majority are al
lowed no voice OF representation in the
administration of affairs. Even the press Of
the state refuse to give expression to senti-
ment not coinciding with the bourbon rulers,
and only such federal legislation as is favored
by democratic members receive publication;
as q sequel to which | may mention that tho
sixteenth amendment offered by the late
Hon. L. w. NJ. Mackey would mover have
been seen by his friends and constituents HAD
they not read northern papers. Contrary to,
and in opon defiance of, their oft-repeatod
promises. tho bourbons have totally ignored
the foreign element in the distribution of
official patronage, and have filled every posi-
ton under the state and municipal govern
ments, with the broken down aristucracy to
the prejudice Of all other classes of citizens.
As an illustration of the mode adopted to
achieve that end will give an instance.
The case in question was that of Mr.. G. b.
Sigwald a resident of Charleston, who, being
q candidate for chief of police, was required,
as is customary here, to produce evidence
that he had served constantly and faithfully
in the confederate cause. In tracing his war
record the fact was disclosed that he was out
of the service for short period. The oppo-
sition confronted him with the charge of dis
loyalty pending an investigation of which,
his opponent received the appointment, and
he, after proving his allegiance, was installed
lieutenant on the force.
This is only ono instance. In order to
receive any consideration from the powers
that DO one has to establish the fact that he
at one time took up arms to accomplish the
dismemberment of the union. Tho bour-
bons have gone further, and tho
foreign-born residents find themselves
socially ostracised and given to
understand LDnU Lney InubU NOV aspire 10 au
equality with the blue bloods of the Palmetto
state. AS natural sequence the Germans
and Irish feel keenly these indignities, but
are constrained from giving expressions
to their feeling by well founded
fear of personal violence, for. though
| American citizens are comparatively
safe even, in the heart Of China, it is
notorious fact, as well as national disgr ace.
that citizen in South Carolina who dares
exercise his rights as such does so at the
eminent risk of his life. On several occasions,
while conversing with men in the exercise of
authority, ventured the question, why is
it that there 10 no opposition at the polls"
remarking that Charleston had always been
largely republican. In reply was invariably
told that they (the republicans) knew id
we'll they would be counted out"
Thus il is that state whose record in days
gone by shed luster on the pages of American
history has receded to such depth Of polit-
| ical degradation as to become a byword of re-
proach in the mouths Of honest men, allusion
| to which causes blush to mantle the cheek
| of every loyal son who has at heart her true
| interest am filled with sincere grief and
shame ut the decadence Of the state in which
| passed my boyhood and early manhood, and
where am spending few days after an ABB
sence of years. REGRET.
CHARLESTON, s. c., Feb. 8.