The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1867-05-09
Gov. Perry's Posl.ion---Public seat,-

Our views in relation to the policy
advocated by Hon. B. F. Perry ap-
pear to be those generally of the
press and people of the State. We
present below few extracts, show
ing the prevalent tone and temper in
relation to the reconstruction Acts,
and our duty under them.
Rev. James p. Boyce, after review
ing the situation, says:
"Thus it appears to me, that either
by supine indifference, or by oppos-
ing the holding of convention, we
will bring upon the whites of this
State an entire loss of that amount
of political power which is still left
to them. Following upon this will
come, not confiscation from Congress,
but taxation from n radical State
Legislature, which will be utterly
merciless; and until this comes, n
despotism must be endured, such as
our race has never submitted to for
nearly two hundred years--one which
even leoves the life of every one of
us-the most innocent and virtuous
at the will of two irresponsible
men. Looking at the matter calmly
and disPassionately, am sure that
we are at q most critical point of
affairs. If we act not wisely, oil is
lost. My advice to all who ask it is,
to register Us soon Us possible-to
wait until the registration is effected
and the election ordered, before
pledging yourselves to any candi-
dates-and thon to select tie best
men you can, and by voting CON
vention' OH the ticket, require them
to meet and save us, if possible, from
our present evils. If we act thus, 1
am satisfied we have nothing to fear
from votes or other action of the
colored people among us, for I am
sure that they feel kindly towards all
who ill deal with them Justly and
fairly and mono others should be
sent to the convention.
The Carolina Spartan, in remark
ing on Gov. Perry's letter, says:
cit is onr impression that carrying
these military Acts into court hns
enlarged and complicated the field OF
controversy, and the great question
of Southern deliverance is postponed.
God only knows how long. We can
not live forever, and under all cir
cumstances, on our dignity and
honor, and as for liberty and State
rights, we have none. The people of
the South are looking to restoration
and harmony on the terms now
nff 1,r- 1,.,x
cal destiny in their hands; aud the
people are not prepared at this time
to press their moral or personal claims
to distinction. What we want is to
get back into the Union on terms of
equality, rs soon rs possible. 1t is
generally conceded that Congress
alone has the power to admit or reject
our claims. They have offered terms
or conditions, by the adoption Of
which, on our part, declare that the
seeded States shall he restored. 1t
is our opinion that we can gain no.
thing by delay. Everybody will think
and act for themselves. For our
part, we think it would he best for
the country to receive and carry out,
in good faith, the provisions Of the
Acts OF Congress.
The Bennettsville Etsiern .JomnM,
in publishing Governor Perry's first
letter, says:
Compress has now submitted q
plan by which the States can be re-
stored to their constitutional rela-
tions with the Government. This
plan can either be accepted by the
South, or it will be pressed upon her
people. There is no alternative left
us but to abide by the decision of the
Legislative branch of the Govern
ment, and carry out in good faith
the provisions of the military bill.
We think, therefore, Governor Perry
is mistaken in his judgment to vote
for no convention. If we do not call
n convention, it will be called by
others. We should not evenly, and
throw no obstacle in the way of the
reconstruction of tho Union. We
think it is our only salvation, and,
therefore, feel constrained to express
our direct opposition to the views of
Governor Perry"
A correspondent writing from
Aiken to the Augusta Press says.
"There is no humiliation-no de-
gradation-in submission, when sub
mission is unavoidable. If terms are
harsh and unjust, they react ulti-
mately upon those who impose them