The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1867-06-17
THE POLITICAL PROSPECT.

THE POLITICAL PROSPECT.
The people Of South Carolina-we mean the
white people-as regards the present aspect Of
political affairs, may be divided into three
classes: first, those who ''accept the situation"
as the phrase goes; who see the Importance Of
complying with the requirements of the late
Con gressional reconstruction legislation, and
have been laboring honestly and earnestly to
shape their course accordingly. This class,
we believe, is the most numerous, and includes
the great majority of the prominent and more
intelligent men in the State.
The second class, also counting l4-. m
ber, comprises those who, altogether disgusted
with public affairs, imagine they are dischars-
ing their duty to themselves and to their fel-
low citizens and State, when they declare their
intention never again to have anything to do
with politics. r They attend to their private
business, and believe that in this they contrib
ute more to practical reconstruction than adj
the politicians and newspaper editors At the
first blush, they would seem to be right in this
determination, and we certainly shall not say
that it is not good thing for q man at all
times, and under ell circumstances, to attend
TO his own business. There is always, how
ever, room for doubt as to what constitutes his
busiues uess-whether he does not restrict his
sphere within too narrow bounds This class,
we said is numerous, and, we fear, when the
time shall come for registration, many Of these
people will be Indifferent, make light of this
restricted franchise, and thus entirely throw
q away their political influence. II. r.. - -,
% The. third class. small, we believe, in South
Carolina, comprises those who submit to the
Reconstruction Act under protest; but mas
much. as choice is given under that act, to'
vote for. or against . Convention, they Con
oclnde it will be- more to the interest aef'the
State to vote againstns Convention, and thus
indefinitely prolong The present military gov
sye5pment, than to organize "a State government
with universal suffrage 'embodiedin the Con-
stitution. EAt the head Of this party-if party
ne may rnba call mere unorganissd number Of in
diyiduals-stands Hon. B. F. PERRY, who in
tthree6r four letters, published in the neWspaa-
> pers, rs has communicated 70 the public his views
and the reasons upon which they are based.
These were all examined at length In these
columns some weeks ago, and found untenables;
and there therefor,s NJ reason ' for dwelling
,,pon them further at this time. + .r.f1 sr;ar.
WE d6lnot know how many there arc who
would rally under stspdard OF Ex-doy.-
PSRRY's device, Although differing with him
in some Of the very most fundamental political
duotrines, that brought on the present troubles,
these differences may be considered as buried;
and all who, from whatever reason, cling to the
past: and consult impulse rather than judg-
ment, may be counted on as recruits to such q
party. But again We soy, we do not believe
that this class is strong enough 70 mature into |
o full-blown party in South Carolina. For
practical purposes, therefore, we think We may
divide the white voting population Of the State
into those who will and those who will not
register, T. nos. .Iia. g; ,'..ssy .. q. Z.-'-
ri or course we know there are some few here
whose political opinions are in advance Of even
the. frat of the three classes we have enumera-
ted who are not only Republicans, but Radi-
calls Of the THADDIEsT stripe ). who, for reasons
best known to themselves are doing all they
can, to prevent an approximation and ~ blend
ing politically Of the two races in the South;
and finding the agitation about confscation a
convenient lever, whereby they con accom-
plish their designs, .and lift themselves. into
position and power, they have not scrupled to
make liberal use Of it. ...,s...z
These are few, however, yet unless met with
energy and activity, they have
it within their power to commit much mis-
chief. =: =. ~. "a
Then there is the entire colored vote Of the |
State, and we presume there is little reason for
thinking that the newly citizens will not
oil register promptly, and vote as soon as an
shall be given. How their votes
will be cast, in favor Of what candidates and
measures, in harmony with what party, it is |
too early as yet to speculate upon.
!. Upon one thing, however, we ore perfectly !
clear, and that il, that 1t is fatal policy to lie
on our oars, imagining that have no concern
with politics. Very little reflection will show
ls that industry and business, in ell their |
are PROSTATE because Of our
present anomalous state Of society and gov
ernment; and that we cannot count upon any |
sure and permanent remedy until our political !
status shall have been determined and re-es-
tablished. 1t is the duty, therefore, Of every
one to lend q helping hand, to contribute his
time, his talent, his means, and his influence
10 bring about that consummation. We need
capital, and invite it; there is an abundance Of
i elsewhere seeking investment. Why cannot
,ur demand secure this supply? Because, it is
alleged, our present government does. mot afford
sufficient security and protection to life and
property We know the allegation is false, but
t were needless to contradict it. Our refu-
alton would never reach those for whom it is
Intended.
So with the question Of labor. We have
opened Bureau Of immigration, and sent
agents to Europe to induce the yeomanry Of
Germany, Ireland and Scandinavia, to come
,ver and take up their abode with us. Our
Commissioner has prepared q pamphlet, depict
ng the charms South Carolina holds out to the
,migrant from Europe, in glowing terms, yet
entirely in accordance with fact. We do not
,xpect much success from these efforts, and \