The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1867-08-07
ma. TRRscoTs IETTEB pom REeoNsTRUe:
-T,YoW. AND "a REvIEW OF THE SITUATION.

neopIe of this District rs invited to ancabe and
forcible letter from Hon. W.. a.. TREscoT, of PEN
dleton, upon the subject Of Reconstruction; and
which will be found in our columns: this morning
Itis unnecessary thatwe should attempt toreterate
his formerlconstituents The distinguished writer
has presented them SO concisely and plainly as to
leave no room for improvement, and we are hear
tiy content TO urge upon the people q thoughtful
and calm perusal of the arguments presented for
their consideration. 1t is for them to decide what
one will appreciate the solicitude of their former
representative in this momentous crisis. He has
discharged the duties imposed upon him with fdel-
ity and zeal, and now that circumstances, beyond
the control of either himself or the people, have
severed this relation he has done well in endeayor
ing to afford light to the masses of the people,
many of whom ore perplexed and in doubt as to
their action at this tme We trust that every voter
in Anderson District will give Mr.. TnEscoT's
views On earnest and patient consideration. shar-
ing the solicitude however, of our late Representa-
tive, we would be derelict to duty in failing to
present some thoughts, in this connection, upon
the vital subject now before the people. This VIC
shall endeavor TO lin the briefest possible man
ner, and as We desire to utter few plain words to
the people, let them lay aside prejudice, passion
and preconceived opinions, and read and study
them in the light of reason, common sense and
stern facts.
In the first place, it becomes US to recognize the
fact that we are in the midst of revolution, and
that the whole social fabric is threatened with de-
struction. Having been defeated in contest for
freedom and independence, on attempting to return
to the government from which we had separated,
we find that government in the hands of party
which dsregards the Constitution and the rights Of
the States or people. This party has denied ad-
mission to our representatives in Congress-, set
aside our State governments, and placed u.s. for the
time being, under military rule. In addition to
this, it has proposed plan of reconstruction to the
Southern States. The question as to whether South
Carolina shall accept this plan, we regard as
foregone conclusion. AS that plan is framed, it
carries within itself the power to force its accept
ance, or, at all events, its execution If we had
the numerical power, at present, to vote down this
plan, and reject it, the effect of such course would
only be to postpone it for time, and not to pre-
vent its execution. The idea that by its rejection,
we shall be able to escape from the wrongs this
plan inaicts, and live under military government
until reaction takes place and the Radical party
shall be overthrown, we regard as the absurdity of
absurditics. That party does not intend that we
shall live under military government, and it has
also determined upon the reconstruction of these
States If the plan now offered should be rejected,
we do not believe that confscation will be resorted
to, and have heretofore expressed that opinion.
But IN additional clause will be enacted, dsfran-
chisng sufficient number to insure its execution,
and this will effect the object that party has in
view This will not be necessary, however, for
the negro vote will undoubtedly be thrown almost
unanimously in favor of the Convention, and there
is hardly the possibility ofa doubt but that it will
be held. Reconstruction, then, being inevitable,
it is useless, and worse than useless, to discuss
now the justice or injustice, the consttutionalty
or unconstitutionalty of the proposed plan.
Practically these questions belong to the past, and
if we ever obtain redress for tho wrongs inflicted
by this plan, it must be in the future, not in the
present.
What, then, is the question before the people to-
day Not the acceptance or rejection of the pro-
posed plan, but by whom shall the action of the
Convention be directed and controlled? Shall it
be by men who are conservative in sentiment, and
whose interests are identified with those of the
ebo11 hob b,, yho rodfn in
their views, have no fixed residence, and are mere
adyenturers in the political world, pandering to
oil that is low vicious and agrarianf Shall it be
by men of intelligence and ability who will honest
ly carry out the reconstruction bills. but at the
same time do all they can to preserve what moiety
of liberty may still be left, or shall it be by
principled and ambitious men seeking to oppress
and enslave the people still farther and ever ready
to sacrifice the general good, provided they CON
raise themselves to power, or secure firmer hold
upon it? On this question there should be no di-
vision among men who are true to the South and
faithful to Constitutional liberty. But alas they
arc not united While the adversary is organizing,
and bringing to bear every possible energy to con-
troll the negro vote, and thus attain their ends
are quarreling and fighting among ourselves, in
dulging in true but vain complaints, or writing ell
oquent but ridiculous appeals to stand up for hon
or and chivalry. While we are slumbering, the
enemy is at work. While we are hcsitating about
accepting this plan of reconstruction, the enemyis
arranging to secure the fruits Of victory, knowing
that reconstruction is inevitable. While We arc
complaining and weeping over lost rights and pri-
vileges, the enemy is preparugto take from US all
that has been left from the common wreck and ruin.
Lay aside, then, all differences and together pre-
sent IN unbroken front, conending for The control
of the few remaining rights and the destiny of our
own loved State. Let us accept the irresistible
logic of facts, and enter the fight together upon
issues which may still bo made with some hope Of