Abbeville press. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1860-1869, 1867-09-06

TuSt HtS Cotc oS0toS 6e tohoCHttofS o'oS0'
the question will be made Oh that issue.
These, gentlemen, are the conclusions to
which have been brought by the most
anxious consideration Of those important
matters soon to be submitted 10 the people
of the State" They have been laid before
you ut greater length than I intended, but
it seemed to me best to let you have my
premises, rs we'll as my conclusions, in or.
der that you might judge Of the correct
ness of both. can only sny that have
discussed this momentous question with
the single desire to arrive at the truth, and
I hope that it has at least been discussed
in a temperate and dispassionate spirit.
Let me bring one other subject, suggested
by your letter, to your consideration, and
shall tax your patience no farther.
You say, truly, that I, as we'll as your
selves, "bave hoped and striven for entire
harmony of action among our people," 1t
has been my most earnest desire to secure
this harmony, as it has been my constant
effort to allay excitement, aud to counsel
obedience to the laws. This has been the |
prevailing sentiment among our people,
and if it fails of its Object, it will not be
our fault.
As it is Of the last consequence 70 main
tain the same amicable relations which
have heretofore existed between the whites
and the blacks, cannot too strongly reit-
crate my counsel, that all classes should
cultivate harmony ard exercise forbear-
ance. Let our people remember that the
negroes have, as a general rule, behaved
admirably, and that they are in no manner
responsible for the present condition of af-
fairs. Should they, in the future, be inhaled
BY wicked or designing men, let us con-
slider how ignorant they necessarily are,
and let us, only the more, try to convince
them that we are their best friends. Deal
with them with perfect justice, and thus
show that you wish to promote their ad-
vancement and enlightenment. Do this,
and the negroes will not only learn to trust
you, but they will soon appreciate the fact
so evident 10 US, that 1oe can ito aoithout
then, far better than Msy can ao aoithout
r US.
6 On late public occasion, where many
of you were present, I expressed my per-
feet willingness TO see impartial suffrage
= established at the South, and believe tha
this opinion is entertained, not only by {
large majority Of the intelligent and re-
fiecting whites, but also of the same clas
;, among the blacks. 1 deprecate universe
! suffrage. not only on general principles, bu
u especially in the case before US, because
- deny the sight Of Congress to prescribe tn
-. rules Of citizenship in the States. Th
Supreme Court has decided that negro
not a citizen Of the United States, an
Congress cannot reverse that decision b
an, Act. The States, however, are compe
tent to confer citizenship on the negro, az
y | think it is the part of wisdom that SUI
nc action should be taken BY the Southe
~. States. We have recognized the freedo
- of the blacks and have placed this ia
80 beyond all probability Of doubt, denial
" recall. Let US recognize in the same fra'
90 90 manner, and as fully, their political rigt
"e also. For myself, confess that am pc
-" fsctly willing to see constitution adopt
" by our State, comforting the elective fra
"' chise on tho negro, on precisely the sa'
NY terms as it is to be exercised by the vii
Inc man, guarding against the abuse Of 4
lou privilege by establishing slight educ
'eu tional and property qualification for
closes.
ere 1 have thus, gentlemen, endeavored
OF comply, as fully rs possible, with the I
but quest conveyed in your letter. A &c
OF Of duty to tho State, and an eminent de-
zee to show my respect to my fellow-citizt
from whom have received so many MA
say Of kindness and confidence, are The Q
Teas. motives which could haye induced me
tate take any Fart in public affairs. 1fthe or
ion, views thrown out for your eonsiderat
,uld are instrumental in arousing any one
we senss of the dangers surrounding "a, Q
and they Gan be Of tile slightest beneit;to Il
lief, who have CALLED for them, they will
hese accomplished their ,snds. Thanking
ring, again for the honor you have done N
HOLE. nsliug counsel Of me, and praying that
have efforts to save onf beloved State from
suc. may be suecsssfal, I am, with great re,
It be and esteem, your friend and fsllow-eit
. the ., WADE HAMpTOl
, a"e .CoIuxsrA, August I, 1867. :.
= 's':n 70 To Mes.rs; b. W. Ray. W. q. Tale
~ WI ~ r Thomas, =: N. Law, and osheFs.
% see :. -----4 ------' - : -.
,r,sin GIRIs.-Thare are two kinds
p.in- girls. One is the kind that apr
thst1 beat abroad, the girls that are
IN all for parties, rides, visits, balls, &c.,
sd.by whose chief delight is in 'suoh To
, ..nd 1.-THE other. In the kind that apy