Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1867-05-29
Reconstruction.
THE ORR AND PERRY PARTIES IN SOUTH
CAROLINA.
T TFrou The PicLmoud Eyomiucr.

From the Richmond Erumimcr.l
Such of the people of South Carolina as
feel called on to possess political opinions, at
this time; are dividing themselves into what
may perhaps be called the Orr and Perry
parties, upon the question Of reconstruction
beth agreeing in the indefensibility of the
Polandizng bills, but the one counselling q
cooperation with the Republicans in carrying
them out, while the other-the followers OF
Governor Perry-proclailh their preference
for perpetual military control, over the Hay
tian government with which South Carolina
must be cursed, under the practical workings
of these acts.
1t appears to US, with all Difference to the
views Of the very distinguished leaders OF
these two parties, that they are wasting their
energies on question that has not yet arisen.
We are called on to consider very variant
propositions al different stages of this great
political neutrality-suspicious. SO entirely in
dependent Of each other that it is not only
unnecessary, but altogether ine1pedient to
consider them together.
A man may very well take the necessary
steps to insure his right of suffrage without
ever designing TO exercise IT. He may re-
solve also to exercise it, without at this time
determining whether be will vote for OR
against convention. much less sor what par.
ticular candidate he shall cast his ballot. And
although a convention be agreed on, he may
very we'll reserve the question what action
he shall take on constitution, the provisions
of which no living man ran toresce. Many
reasons conSrire to commend the application
70 our case of the maxim, make haste
slowly" and chief among them is the very
manifest reaction that is taking place at the
North. At present, the people of the South
have but one matter connected with recon-
struction to consider, aud that is the proprie'
ty Of registering.
A natural Indignation at the entire system
the disgust which every freeman must feel
at its fragrant iniractions of almost all the
rights which the world has regarded as pecu-
liar to our form of political administration,
and, lastly, desire to avoid all responsibility
for the anarchy that impends, have driven
many men to the resolve 10 decline registra'
ton, and thus formally and finally sever their
connection with the de6lements Of mob poll
tics.
1t is impossible to imagine a more fatal de-
lusion. 1t is worse-it is disgracetul "ne.
1t is throwing down our arms in the presence
of the enemy. 1t is wicked abandoning OF
our friends, who have resolved to fight with
what weapons they have, for freedom. 1t is
playing into the hands Of Radicalism.
Let us be admonished by the case of New
Orleans and Washington. In the former
city the apathy Of the people seconding the
enormous abuses of Sheridan's rule, had
given the absolute control of the vote Of al.
most every ward to the blacks; and nothing
but the order of the President to the barn
burner to prolong the time of registration,
prevented The consummation of the outrage.
In Washington, however, the mischief is
completed, and it is beyond the power OF any
authority, as it would appear, to save the
white voters of that city from the couse
quences of their foolish resolve to decline o
registry.
If this is not to be the fate Of the South,
every citizen, old snd young, who is qualified,
should register, who is entitled by leave Of
of our masters to that privilege. Register,
and you are free to vote or not as you please,
and have the further, the great freedom, as
time will show, to use your power when you
desire to use it. Refuse to register. and you
can never help yourself, your friends or your
State. The time is coming, in the progress
of this revolution, when the solid vote Of the
respectable people of this State may throw
on Congress the responsibility of a perpetual
military government, or practical dsfranchisc-
ment for Virginia. When that day comes,
every voice and vote will be needed; but
that is question of the future. Suffice it
for the present to say, that without registry
You are as impotent as the dogs at your doors
to strike blow for freedom here, or help the
friends who are battling for your. freedom
elsewhere. Surely no demand of right or
honor calls for so fatal sacrifice.