The Abbeville Press And Banner

TAX-PAYERS CONVENTION

One of the most important assemblies, whether we regard the ability and high character of its members, the purpose for which it convened, or the temper and moderation which characterized its proceedings, held its sessions in Columbia during the past week. Though its powers were advisory only, yet composed of such material, actuated by such purposes, and acting with such temper and discretion, it will carry a moral weight, which will lend due force to its suggestions and recommendations. That which especially distinguished the Convention was its non-partisan character. It was composed of members of both the political parties, who assembled not as Republicans nor as Democrats, but as property-holders to inquire into abuses, which alike affected all the tax-payers of the State. The platform of principles adopted was broad enough to meet the approval of all the good people of the State. It recognized the Reconstruction acts as finalities, announced no opposition to the United States or State Government, and proposed merely certain measures of reform to effect which it seeks to obtain the co-operation of men of all parties. Able committees were appointed to report upon divers grievances and suggested various remedies. Their investigations will receive proper credit, and their recommendations carry their due influence. The evils reported upon affect the very life of the State—evils pertaining to the finances and the purity of elections—and about which there was universal and well-grounded dissatisfaction. The effect of these investigations will be to correct much misapprehension, but at the same time to expose more clearly the existing abuses. The total debt of the State is found not to exceed $8,865,908.80. For the redemption of this debt, the Convention holds that the honor and funds of the State are pledged, and makes various suggestions for its proper management. With regard to the Sterling Fund Debt, or any other obligations to be hereafter created, it pledges resistance of payment by every legitimate means.

Various recommendations were made to the Legislature looking to retrenchment and reform—the reduction of State and County officers, and securing economy in the administration in every department of the Government—and various investigations were set on foot, with regard to the alleged frauds in the passage of the Blue Ridge Railroad Bill—in the Land Commission—in the Financial Agency. According to the Report of Mr. Trenholm, the annual expenditures of the State should not exceed $1,200,000, and the Governor is advised to keep them in that limit. Within such proportions the people will be willing to tolerate the onerous burdens; especially as the Governor has promised to delay the enforcement of the November tax until the 1st March. The system of cumulative voting receives the endorsement of the Convention, and a committee has been appointed to memorialize the Legislature on the subject. The present election law comes in for its proper share of denunciation, and Republicans unite with Democrats in calling for its repeal, as a disgrace to the statute-book.

As we have said, the action of the Convention must be productive of good. Embodying the enlightened public sentiment of the State and confining itself solely to the correction of abuses, after a calm investigation into existing evils, it has placed itself not in opposition to, but in full co-operation with the present State Government. The effect will be to increase the State credit abroad at the same time that it serves as a check upon extravagant expenditure at home. It is the opening to the re-assumption by our people of their rightful control of the public administration. Their power now is merely moral. It will soon be something more.