The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-09-07
The Spirit Of Intolerance.

There is abroad in the land spirit OF into.-
erance which is unprecedented in this coun-
try.
Asarule the people OF the country seem
solidly arrayed against the people OF the
Town. and especially against all persons who
do not hold to the political views OF the ma
jorlty Of the people Of this state.
No matter what the merit OF the Individual
his merit, his ability and his trustworthiness
goes for naught If he does not pronounce the
shibboleth, and no matter what his purposes
or what his aims may be. he is regarded rs
public en- emy If he does not fail down ana
worship their idol.
Although the National Bank Of Abbevilie
has yearly loaned the farmers Of this County
sums OF money about equal 20 their capital
stock, yet the existence of that institution Is
regarded as public calamity, and as conse-
ouence the demand is made that It's doors be
closed.
Although there is not merchant In TINS
town who has not advanced to the farmers
money and goods far in excess of his own es-
tate, yet the merchants are regarded as pubic
enemies, deserving OF no consideration.
Although hundreds Of unfortunate debtors
nave D6eD. IN lhc past, uIihoiS ~ A'NSN $780,
bill and pay their liens and mortgages, yet'
as far rs we know. not single Debtor mas
been pressed to the wall ny any merchant.
On the contrary, the merchants or me dller-
ent towns have renewed the obligations ana
carried" the farmers in some instances, lor
wears, thus inconveniencing themselves ana
imperilling their own credit and their o%n
estates. Besides this, there IL scarcely mer-
chant ho has not loaned out his goods on IN
sufficient security, trusting more TO the honor
and integrity Of his customer than 10 the Sc
curity, and there is not merchant IN our
acouaintanc who has not had reason 10 re-
gret such act in trusting some individuals
vet, as a rule, those who have failed to pay
their lust and honest debts are sometimes
most pronounced in their intolerance of mer-
chants and bankers.
In cases Of misfortune, the unlucky lndl-
vidual or his friends have often appealed to
the citizens of the towns for pecunary aid to
make good losses by fire or deprlYaliohs os
the deaths Of animals.
In many cases, and perhaps all CT tnem'
the unfortunate individual has mol
been sent away empty. and yet today we %
not know OF the recipient of such favor, VINO
is not solidly arrayed against his benefactors.
The people of the towns have often he'ped
to build churches In the country, and ID re-
turn for this, there is scarcely a member Oh
any church in the country who has not Join-
ed the crusade against the people OF the
towns.
Hundreds ofpersons in need OF money have
been accom- modated by citizens OF the towns,
and while they have paid interest. yet it Is OF
ten great accommodation 10 get what we
want. even when paying for it.
These are only a few OF the facts that occur
TO US. The town people have never been 9th
erwise than friendly to the country people.
They have always desired the respect and
good will OF their neighbors, and they are nn-
conscious OF having done anything which
should excite the enmity and illwill Of their
neighbors. They are sorry to recognize the
existence OF the present spirit OF iptolerance'
and they are unable to account for The action
OF those who are indebted TO them. Warfare
against the town people by their debtors may
not always be p oftable, and constant nag
ging may finally awaken corresponding
spirit on the part of those who are indulsing
their adversarles.
While all sorts OF warfare has been made
on the people OF the towns, we are glad that
weknow OF no single instance OF retaliation
on the part of any citizen OF the town.