The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1867-08-10
Our Proposition for q convention.

In referring to the meeting and
proceedings Of the Convention lately
held in this city, we expressed the
opinion that it was not a fair or full
representation, Of the whole people Of
South Carolina, or that its platform
was the exponent of their political
sentiments upon the issnes now be-
fore them; for, although they, like
ourselves. we are convinced, are in
favor of speedy reconstruction
under the laws of, Congress,ty yet they
also believe that simple conformity
to these, laws is sufficient, without the
organization Of parties, or exhaustine
political discussions. We therefore
proposed convention Of the people
of the State, to be elected and organ
lied by both white aud black citi
zens, solely for the purpose of uniting
our people, and to prevent the forma.
ton of distracting and demoralizine
party cliques or Organizations of any
kind whatever. The Anderson Intel
ltgencer, after noticing the suggestion,
says:
eve heartily approve the sugges-
ton of our contemporary, for the rea.
sons already assigned, and for the
additional reason that there is only
one way to meet the issue before the
people-namely. by united organiza-
ton. All means are unavailing while
the people are divided in sentiment,
and torn by cliques and factions.
The lamentable condition of affairs
admonlshes every man that it is
necessary to be alive to the true inte.
rests of the State, aud not allow
passive, Inactive conduct on our par,
to bring about the destruction pre-
dicted already. Should the worst
ensue, it will be chargeable in the
main to the supine Indifference and
neglect of the masses themselves.
The State should not be allowed
to go by default, and the unity of
her people, in some mode of action,
can alone prevent such misfortune.
The Spartanburg Spartan says of the
proposition:
"We are under the impression that
If suitable persons, and proper
number of them, would take the bu-
siness in hand Immediately, and use
the necessary zeal and precaution, a
convention could be called. But such
a convention rs the Picnic desires
cannot be had in the manner pro-
posed. The people of the country
will not now go to the polls for any
party measure whatever. If there
be any difference between radicals
and conservatives, there must be par
ties. The radical party throughout
the South is thoroughly organized,
and everybody knows that we'll or
gnnized party, though n minority,
can defeat the measures of an unor-
ganized majority. If the conserva-
tive people of South Carolina desire
n convention, to consider the alarm.
ing condition of the country, to
interchange opinions, come to a mu-
tual understanding, adopt a common
plan of defence, aud pledge each
other to faithful and vigorous efforts
for the public safety, we raise both
hands in its favor. If so determined.
we beg leave to suggest that the
better plan would be, through the
newspaper press, to call a mass meet
ing of both races, on sales-day, in
September next ensuing, at each and
every town and village in the State,
and then and there appoint suitable
persons who may be willing to serve
as delegates, equal in number to the
Legislative representation of each
District aud Parish"
We assure our excellent cotempo-
rary that we are not welded to the