The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1867-06-21
COLUMBIA.
Friday Morning, June 81, 1867.
Our Duty us Cnrolininns.

presumed, the first step shall be takel
in this State for her restoration to
the Union, and this first step we re-
gard as of the utmost Importance,
much more SO in the present instance
than those which follow. We refer
to the act of registration, the omis-
sion of which important duty dis
franchises the delinquent, so far as
the first election is concerned. as well
as those which may succeed it, as
thoroughly rs if nm Act of Congress
had disabled them. Unless regis
tered, no man, We care not what his
opinions-for convention, or against
convention-may be, will be entitled
to express his preference at the ballot
box. For this reason alone-that the
full expression of the voters of this
State may be legitimately and accu-
rately recorded-we desire to impress
upon the minds of those who may
read these lines that it is their duty,
as good citizens of the old Common
wealth they have SO faithfully stood
by in the past, to register promptly,
when the opportunity is presented.
This is the first reason for regis
tration; the others are, perhaps,
more important. And the next ap-
peals to men of all shades of opinion,
either as regards the reconstruction
Acts or the Ipolicy of calling o con-
vention. If any of our readers feel
chafed under the provisions of the
Acts referred to, and feel SO sore that
they are determined to have nothing
to do with politics at this time-are
opposed to o convention and all that
let them remember that they can
not vote against convention unless
registered. They will have flung
away the opportunity to exercise the
right which is accorded to them by
the law-to express their opinion on
that subject So that it is the duty
OF all, whatevermay be their opinion,
to register.
The next step in the reconstruc-
tion policy-and the next duty to the
State-is to UOte. Some may vote,
under the advice of Governor Perry,
against conventions; but our own
opinion, heretofore frequently ex-
pressed, is that a convention will be
called by an Overwhelming majority.
Be this as it may, however, all can
vote for the best men who may offer
and are qualified, and for these "best
men" citizens of both opinions can
vote, thus securing talent and ability
in the body which is to brush up the
old landmarks, and to reconstruct
the organic law of the State.
W. desire to persistently press this
matter upon the minds of the people
of South Carolina. It is one of the
utmost importance-and we use not
this term i'll itscommon acceptation-
that has been brought before them
since the winter of 1860.
Refusing to register will be the
fatal mis-step, and will bring woes
upon this State, which, great as her
physical desolation has been in the
past, such disorganizing movement
will find her in condition much less
able to Withstand the shock than she
was formerly, when it was but par
tial.
Hence, we bring this matter SO
often before our readers, anl urge
them to register and vote-vote for
the best men-and ignore Governor
Perry's advisory endorsement. This
is Written, of course, Oh the suppose
ton that no interference will be used
among the district commanders. and
that they and the citizens will be able
to unite in policy of peace and re-
storation.
HE HOMICIDE OF THE CoLoRED
REGISTER. The Montgomery Adrer-
ISe1' of Sunday hoe fl,o follo,;,o.