The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1867-02-15

improving influences Of city life and society, might
perhaps, not be altogether unsuitable for such 8
boon, but the average would not be benefited. He
asked them If the more wealthy of their numbe
would be willing to confer the elective franchise
upon these seven-tenths Of the negro race labor
ing on the plantations? He asked them if they did
mot know that the latter were unprepared to exer-
else this privilege?
The Revolutionary War closed in 1888, and not
until 1908 was the Constitution of South Carolina
altered so as to allow all white men to vote. Prior
to that time none could vote save those who owned
| a freehold Of fifty acres. Why was it that sol.
diers, who fought through the Revolutionary War,
were EXCLUDED from this Pregsi BeoaSss the
Of these men had been neglected during the war,
which had lasted eight years, and they thought it
best that they should wait until they were pro-
perly qualified for the discharge Of this high
duty.
The Governor said that, in his opinion, those
who advised the eolored people to contrary
course counselled them to policy that will not re-
dound to their advantage.
= But as regards politics, he thought it was the
same with the colored man as with the white
mantle more he worked, the closer he attended
to his business, and the more he will find it to be
to his advantage to keep clear OF politics. This
was his advice-they could take IT or not, as they
thought proper; In the remarks he had made
this evening he had followed no particular method
but had spoken of such things as time and circum-
stances suggested. He was much obliged to them
for their kind attention, and the favorable manner
in which they had received his remarks.
Major-G General SCOTT was next introduced, and
said that his Excellency the Governor had touched
on all the subjects Of principal interest. He knew
that the Governor had held these views for at least
year, and that its was his (Gen SooTr's) convic-
ton that he was the friend of bis people-not only
Of the white people, but Of the whole people. He
desires that equal protection be extended to all
men. The Governor spoke Of having interposed
his official shield to protect the colored people,
Gen. scorT said that he had personal knowledge
that such had been the case where the law was not
fairly or justly administered
The prejudices and supsrstitions OF the world
may be called the poetry OF the world argue against
it as much as We may; it is always thus All class
tions they are even greater here than in other Sec
tions Of the country. The white man has grown
up with the prejudice and superstition in favor Of
slavery. The colored man has acquiesced in it, it
indeed he did not believe in the justice Of the ins
in Che last two years. Already great changes have
taken place. One year ago, no citizen OF South
Carolina would have dared to express such senti-
ments, however much he might have felt them.
Now see what change, when the Governor OF the
State can stand up and make such 9 declarationl
Time alone can effectra thorough change in the
sentiments of either the white Or the colored peo-
pie.
: They will now find prominent men, continued
General Scott, everywhere coming forward for
equal rights. They are in favor Of giving suffrage
to all who can read or write, or possess certain
amount Of property. In many States Of the North,
where they have never had slavery, this same
qualifying clause exists. General Scott said that
he agreed with the Governor in thinking that thus
should bo enough for the present, at Least; but he
would not tell them to stop at this. They must
educate their children, for only thus could they
expect to increase their rights, and enlarge their
sphere Of influence.
The great question Of this country, he then said,
is it's material interest. It becomes every one,
white OF black, to develop the resources OF the
State. In prosperous countries there is no occa-
sion for law. Only in densely populated districts,
in the large Cities is there an abundance Of crme
crimes, and the law is all but unknown. In large
cities, men live by preying upon the property OF
their neighbors.
There would now be perfect peace and harmony
between the races in this State, he remarked, but
for the drought and otherwise unfaVofabe season.
The people Of this State last year went to work
with unanimity that could not be expected-was
not expected Most Of the men who said that the
freedman would not work in his new state, relieved
from CONTROL have been compelled to acknowledge
to work, and many Of, them reaped rich rewards
for their labor Others did not. A drought, and
an otherwise unfavorable season, hindered BE
hoped, however, that there viii be more abundant
haryests this year.
He next came to speak of the emigration Of the
freedmen, the restessness Of men, and natural de-
sire to find IN Ell Dorado where they can live in
ease and luxury without labor. But their true
policy, he believed, was to remain, Would they
like land, let them get the money first Industry,
economy, and desire to accomplish that object
here, will be fully equal to it. Let them make every
effort TO compass this end and you will see thou
sands Of coored people the owners Of land In this
State. One race Of men cannot prosper without
the other, where the two are living together. All
must either prosper alike or all must sink and be
destroyed together.
Here the General closed his remarks amid the
loud cheering OF his audience. The bags were
handed round, and cries from different parts Of
the house for Judge EPpNa, brought out the
United States Marshal Of this city, whose address,
however, we did not hesr, as We left the meeting
ut the close Of Gen, sooTTs speech,