The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1886-02-05

MR. EDIToR.--I have read with much dissat-
isfaction the strong condemnation of the Legis-
laturo by number of the up-couutry papers
in regard to the census BILL Nor. indeed,
has Union been exempt from loud clamoring on
The subject. 1t is undoubtedly fact that the
Legislature cannot make laws to suit every man,
and it is equally true that il fails to make some
which are desired by many. Yet Legislators
should not be condemned because of their Gu
actment OH the one hand and failure of enact
ment on the other, of certain laws without jus,
cause.
In the great noise and confusion Of sounds
which have been heard about the census bill
lately, three different sounds Gu be distin-
guished the Scream, the Yell and the Howl
The 'Screamers' attribute the failure of the
census bill to the influence of the Charleston
members, and condemn the Legislature for
allowing such Influence, and the Charleston
members especially for using such influence
The Iellers speak Of the re rcquirements of the
Constitution, and (not being afraid of Charles
ton inauence) they accuse the members of not
keeping their oath properly, and thereby con-
demnng them on that ground The 'Howlers
have nc particular pretext upon ich to base
their accusations, but simply condemn
With all due respect to those who had the
welfare Of South Carolina at heart, and doubt
less there were some who honestly thought and
expressed themselves that the Legislators had
not done their duty but while it is highly
honorable and justly meritoricus for men to
guard the welfare of their State aud the rights
Of its people, be those rights invested in what
ever body they may, yet they should not con-
denim that body for their enactment or non-en-
actmcnt of laws without first inIu!ring into the
cause of such action Oh the part of that body.
AS TO the influence Of Charleston members be-
ing The ofthe failure Of the census bin, the
letters of Gen. Ed. McGrady aud Maj. Brawley
have surely exploded such assumption.
And may say just here that such IN accusation
is not only groundless, but it is an imputation
upon some of our best and most worthy Legis-
| lators. If they are ever anxious for the inter-
ests of Charleston, they are none the less anx
ious for the whole State, and if they have
representation larger than is due them it could
not be in better hands. Wi hout noticing the
last kind-that is the 'Howlers'-I will see if
there is q justification for the noise set up by
the 'Yellers.
If thero is cause for complaint, it certainly
belongs TO this class. And the Legislators rec
ognized the fact that there would be cause for
complaint if there were not some provision for
the enumeration of the inhaLitanis of this State
The Constitution commands that enumera-
tion shall he made at certain Periods but does
not prescribe the manner in which it is to be
done. Then, what are the considerations the
Legislator must have when he comes to deliber-
ate upon the census bill? 1t must be first, to
secure the enumeration at the least cost possible;
and second, to secure correct an enumera-
ton as possible. Upon these considerations,
think, originated the bill for taking the Unit ell
States consus as the basis for apportionment.
Let us first see if this bill meets the require
| mehto OF .ho Constitution, Will ch is silent to
the manner but definite rs to the time of the
enumeration. If the Legislature IN made ON
appropriation for such enume ration the appor-
tionment could not be made until the meeting
! of the next Legislature, and if the United
| States census is taken as the basis, the appor-
| tionment can be made at the meeting Of the
next Legislature. Therefore, in point of time, it
accomplishes oil that an appropriltitn could do
AS to the manner in which the enumeration is
made, the bill passed by the Legislature and to
be submitted tc the judgment of the people,
| completely meets the requirements 1st that
| it shall be done at the least cos. possible, and
I'd, ii shall be done correctly as possible
| If the United States census is taken as the
| basis there is no cost, and it is almost abso-
lutey correct. The first of these propositions
| il evident, while the second is easily shown TO
be true. When the census is thus taken, there
is no desire on the part Of the United States
that it should be made too large, nor is there
cause for it 10 be made less than it is The
United States wishes, above every thing, to OBJ
| tain the true number of the people and q just
! account Of :hcir growth and prosperity. While
on the other hand if it were taken by the State,
for the purpose Of apport onmcnt there might
be some counties which would over estimate
! their number in order to obtain large repre-
| sentation, and thereby a greater influence in
! the State.
Mr.. Editor, / think that our Legislators
They have met the requiremencs of the Consti-
tuition. They have met il in such manner rs
| to show that they are int cligent, and have the
good of the State at heart NJ
| For the Times.
An Insult to the Tax-Payers Of Union.
The ladies' Of the Baptis, Church in this town