The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1867-11-22
COIsUTMB BIA.
Frsday Motning,. Novshber q. Ia87.
The south,er.. i,conlventIens.

Inc Telegraph lnIOrLnSu ub, Jcstcr-
day, that the Alabama Convention
haI receded from its previous pro-
hibitory and disfranchising action,
and that this modification was tocca-
stoned by the counsels of the leaders
of the party in Washington. No
matter what was the cause which led
the body to take this step in q con-
servative direction, we are gratifed
that it has been taken, and we trust
that it will have it's due influence on
the course of the other State Con-
ventions yet to assemble. The action
of these Conventions viii pe watched
with profound solicitude, not only by
the South, but by the North and
West. That action, Of course, more
Immediately concerns the Southern
people, not only in their political,
but their material interests; yet its
effects must extend to Q, cry section,
as the injury done to the people of
one section must be felt in greater
or less degree by the people in every
part of the country. Moderation,
therefore, should characterize all the
proceedings of these bodies; consti-
tutions should be adopted not merely
to promote the interest of q party,
but for tho benefit and welfare of the
States, and for the protection of the
just rights of all, without distinction
of race. IF this be done-if disfran-
chisement of any set of: men, for
former political opinions or actions,
be abandoned-if the bill of rights
adopted by these conventions in
framing their constitutions are based
upon those of other States having ga
republican form of government"
and the disposition made manifest
that it is the desire of the party now
in power at the South and in Con-
gress, that the people-the masses
who will be chiefly instrumental in
framing these State organic laws
desire to concede equal rights to all,
and to live in peace and harmony,
and become co-workers for the well
fare of their section; then will the
road to reconstruction be made plain
and easy, and the now excluded
States, being recognized, take their
rank and position as equals in the
Federal Union. On the other hand,
if contrary course of action be pur-
sued, it is painful to contemplate
what would be the inevitable results.
Conflict of interests would arise,
affecting the well-being of oil classes
those of the Iaborer as of the land
owner, of the operative as of the
mechanic OF manufacturer; and this
conflict would take place among O
people who have already been pros
trated and impoverished, and who,
above all others, should be united for
the common veal. But, beyond this
conflict. of interest, strife would be
engendered, passions aroused, and
consequently collisions unavoidable
The severest blow from these results
would, of course, be to the prospe-
rity and peace of the South; but
there is not nook or corner of the
whole country that would not feel the
direful effects of such conflicts or
collisions.
It is true, that the action of these
Conventions, in the Constitutions
they may adopt, have to pass through
two revising processes-they have to
be submitted to the people for con-
frnnation, and if confirmed--as doubt
less they generally will be-they must
again be submitted to Congress for
revision or acceptance. 1t will be
seen, therefore, thGt Congress, in
reality, is the Constitution making
power for the present excluded States.
This is novel process in the legisla-
ton of our country; but it is so, and