The Orangeburg news. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1867-1875, 1867-09-07
POLITICAL.
Wade Hampton's Letter,

General Wade Hampton has written long
letter in response to an appeal from Mcssrs. d.
w. Ray, VIM. Fl. Talley, j. p. Thomas, e. NJ.
Law, and about sixty others, for his advice
with regard to their action in the very impor-
tant matters soon to be submitted to the people
of this. State. Those gentlemen say
| We have no intention to oppose the cxccu-
ton OF any law, even were it in our power, but
under the Reconstruction Act, certain latitude
Of action is left us, which entails upon us cn-
tire responsibility for all consequences which
may flow thcrelrom. We believe this rcspon-
sibility to be very grave, and these consequent
css vital to every class Of our community, in
scp2rably connected us arc the interests of all
| Recent events show that there is no longer IL
| possibility Of that entire harmony of action
among Or people, for Which you and VIC have
heretofore hoped and strivcn. The views OF
the whole community are unsettled by the new
| aspect Of affairs, ant. the people look to those
who command their confiu,ncc for course of
action upon which all may agree; who truly
desire the prosperity of the State.
General Hampton replies as follows:
Gentlemen Il beg to acknowledge the &c
| ccipt of the letter, III which you do me the
action i'll the very important matters soon to be
submitted to the people ofthc State" Though
cannot but feel that many Of those whose
names arc signed to this communication arc
far more competent to offer counsel OH the
grave topics BOW agitating the public mind
than myself, lis [ deem it to be the duty of
every man, whcn called OH by his tcllow-citi-
zcns, in times OF peril, to contribute all in his
power to promote the general welfare or to
ward off the common danger I willingly com
ply with your fattcring request
Recognizing, then, the duty imposed on me
by your call, and npcllcd, also, by the great
respect feel for those who have thus honored
me, | shall state with perfect candor the inmi-
ncnt dangers surrounding us ard point out
with equal frankncss the only course which,
with any hope of ultimate safety. Before pro
cccding to the discussion Of the present condi-
ton Of affairs, it is proper to let you know
what were the views entertained by myself i'm
mcdiatcly after the cessation OF active hostili-
ties, and what was tho course thought our
-people should-tbcna follow. This cannct be
zduuc conciscly than by giving to you
copy of letter addressed to James G. Gibbos,
Esq, chairman OF public meeting, which was
held here in August, 1868. Not being il the
city mt that time, 1 wrote the following letter
which. yielding to the views of others. after
| wards determined not to publish:
AUGUST 20: 1863.
TO Ills Honor James G. GiJJcs, Mayor Of Co.
lunbiu:
sin-IInving been absent when the late public
meeting was held in the city, take this method of
expressing my views OIL the subjects discussed
| that occasion 1t is with some reluctance that
express thcsc views, do not concur III the policy
| advocated by the meeting Is it desirable that the
people of the State should take any action looking
to restoration Of civil government at present? i
think ;:ot; anu FOR these reasons:
The State Is either q member Of the Federal
Union or it is not IL mcnH"r, then not only is 1t
work of supererogation for hci 10 ask 'uhi'ssioh
to the Union, but she is, by the Constitution ol
United States, guaranteed Republican form OF
Government, and she has the right to administer her
Government under such Constitution and by sucn
laws as she chooses Bnt if she is, on the contrary
not n member Of the Union she must be regarded
| either Territory or US conquered province
In either condition, the United States arc
charged with the duty of providing n proper Gov
ernment for her, and think the true policy of the
State is to remain passive until such Government is
given to her, or is forced upon her If the course
indicated by the meeting here is followed by the
State, what will be the result! Will it lead to the
restoration Of the Union it existed and to the re-
establishment of the Constitution and laws OF this
State? do not think that such will he the case
70 restore the State TO the Union by the plan CON
empated i'll the resolutions adopted by the meet
ing here it will be necessary to call Conven-
On Of the State. That Convention, chosen rs
,hn II be- will represent the wishes Of the people
Of tho Sio,". is an impossbility. But passing over
tbis rrovc oh, ,tion there remains the still gr,,vcr
one as to The adopio Of Constitution. Are Tic
people of The State wing, by me adoption OF
and totally different .onstiutlon TO ignore all
the teachings Of The pnst, 10 s,'bveri the whole OF
der Of society, 10 change in n moment us wholc or
ganization, and, i'll word, to comm. Z! tAe c:-
preston may be uscl) political suicide? c: ihis
is the inevitable tendency Of the rccom,. end
cd by the meeting No one, for moment. sup
poses that the State will be admitted into the Union
with its present Constitution. To gain admission,
the State must come with Constitution represent
ing, not the views and interests Of the people of
South Carolina, but those Of Massachusetts. Ii
may be urged that the State must come with suc
Constitution, not come at all If such is the fact,
then let her come at all. The United States
Government will hold the country, it does,
by military occupation its troops will be present
to inauguratc and enforce the new system of labor
dccrced by the President of the United States. and
the people, though conquered, will not have the adj
dtonal humiliation and rcprOach which they
would bring upon themselves, if they consent
to destroy their own Constitution, which was be-
qucnhcd to them by their fathers
Besides .hcsc various reasons against the policy
advocated by the meeting il appears to that it is
premature for the people to move at present The
authorities at Washington have not indicated the
| A. tt.t,