Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1867-09-14
What Shall Be Doneg 1

Up to this timo, there has been the express
sion OF but two opinions in this State, SAYS
the Camden Journal" One, the opinion
represented by Gov PERRY, which is attrac-
tive to some because it is a species OF resist
ance, and which, in his last letter has; taken Il
shape which can only initiate Tho other,
that represented by the latc colorcd loonyen-
ton in Columbia, which processes to,sppport
the reconstruction acts, but endeavors at the
same time to use that support as means of
forcing upon the State negro supremacy and
agrarian legislation.
between these two opinions the Republican
party cannot, and will not hesitate, however
convinced they may be, and there is evidence
Of the fact, that this alliance is dangerous,
however much they may desire to avoid re-
sponsibilty for the folly and confusion which
will inevitably result from the negro rulc, the
instinct of party preservation, the mainton-
ance of parry power will not allow opposition
or resistance to the reconstruction act IF
then there are but these parties in the State
thst represented BY the radicals at Cofimbis,
If this is inevitable we must bear it Of course,
as wehave burue. -Tlrut aftur 1uuol,- differing,
such monstrous condition of things Will pro-
ducc reaction, is cf course certain. But res
action after such c0nsuumaton will OhlYbe
another revolution and in the meantime who
can measure the ruin that will have been eff
fected
Now, if possible, this ruin should be avoid
ed. We think there is third party in the
State who do not follow Gov PERRY on the
one side, or tolerate the policy of the Columbia
Convention on tho othcr--who believe that
the war has decided certain issues against US,
that tho abolition of slavery has entaled Ger
tain consequences which may be wisely di-
rected but cannot be resisted-that universal
suffrage, however mischievous, can now only
be corrected by doing our best to fit thefrecd-
men for its exercise, and SO obtaining his con-
fdence that he will not desire to use it against
us. In word, that the Reconstruction act
is the settlement of our late civil discussions ;
not the one we wished for, but the establish
ment Of the new conditions to which tbs wise
for us to conform. Suoh party it. organ
lied would embrace the bulk of the character
and Intelligence of the State and effect three
things.
lst 1t would put the State right before
the country, which is mised by extreme Ian
guage on either side.
I'd. 1t would secure the support of large
body of quiet, orderly and respectable negroes
who at present having no support from us,
are either forced or cajoled into joining the
Union league.
3D.. 1t will satisfy the Republican party
that negro supremacy is not necessary to the
faithful execution of the reconstruction acts,
and will either enable them honestly I'd with
draw their present support of radical agitation
in the State or compel them to take the: full
responsibility of the unnecessary confusion
and folly which this enforced negro suptena-
oy will occasion.
It seems to US US that some such action can
the control Of the State by such a party ms
was represented in the Columbia Convention
threatens.