Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1852-08-18
DIVISION OF PENDLETON.

We notice IN the Anderson GaZelle 4 pelllloH
which is to be circulated in Anderson and Pick
ems districts, praying the Legislature to alter the
Constitution of the State so as to divide PEN
dleton into two election districts. The reasons
set forth by this document for the desired change
are the following:
aBecause, since the apportionmcnt of repre-
sentation, to wit: by y treaty with the Chcro-
kee Indians, concluded in 1916, two hundred
and twenty thousand six hundred acres of ter
ritory was acquired by the State, which, by sub
sequent amendment of the Constitution, was
made portion of Pendleton district, without
corresponding equivalent in representation.
Because, by reason Of this large accession
of territory, it now contains nearly 100000
acres more than any other electoral division in
the State.
"Because, of the 28O.3S5 white inhabitants
of South Carolina, the large number of 26,229,
being nearly the one-tenth part Of the whole,
reside in the electoral limits of Pendlcton dis
trict, whilst she is now only allowed one forty
fifth part of the representative power of the
State in the Senate.
because, if Pendlcton district was divided
into two election districts, the districts of An
derson and Pickens, respectively, would rank rs
the fifth ard sixth election districts in the State
in point of population.
Because, in point of taxation, Anderson and
Pickcns districts are, respectively above tho
average Of the political divisions Of the State.
because, in all other respects, the districts
of Anderson and pckcns are Independent Of
each other, and this act alone is required to
complete their separate organization, and elevate
them to the position of the other election dis
tricts of the State.
"Bccause the public convenience and the ne
cessity of preserving the harmony and good
feeling of the citizens Of the two districts, re-
quire that this division should be made espe-
ri,llv rs it is in strict accordance with justice
and political equality, and no infringement upon
the constitutional rights Of others.
1t will be rccolected that the House of Rep
resentatves passed this bill at the last session
by 4 large votc-yeas l0l, nays l2 The Sem
ale had also given it two readings, but on the
second reading, had added an amendment to the
effect that no present judicial district of the
State should he divided into two or more ndi-
cial districts, without the constitutional maorIty
in both Houses. This amendment WAS rejected
by the House, and on its return TO the Senate
in its original form, it was defeated by vote of
% yeas to Is nays; two-lhirds of that body not
voting in the affirmative, the bill was lost.
The considerations above specified should
have their weight in influencing the members Of
the Senate to accord to the people of Pendlcton
what they ask The facts and statistics sci forth
by the petitioners show the propricty of their
prayer, and from the votes given in both houses
last session, we are inclined to believe the next
Legislature will give the measure its assent.
We do not think that the people Of these two
large districts should be debarrcd from privi-
eges which they consider their right, by any
apprehension of contingencies that may never
occur. We have all confidence in the political
integrity and conservatism Of the people of the
upper districts, and therefore would do nothing
to foster sectional jealousics. or TO estrange
them from those whose interests it is the duty
of all to protect and maintain.-South Carolin-
inn