The Fairfield herald. [volume] (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1849-1876, 1867-06-05
mo-. so
Reconstruction in this State.

Such ofthe people Of South Carroll
ma as feel called on to possess political
opinions at this time, are dividing them
selves into what may, ncrhaps, be called
the Orr and Perry parties, upon tho
question Of reconstruction-both agree
ing in the defensibllity of the Polandi.
zing bills, but the one counsellng {, CO.
operation with the Republicans in carry
ing them out; while the other-the
followers fGov. Perry-proclaim their
preference for perpetual military control
over the Haytian Government with
which South Carolina must be cursed
under the practical working 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 at different stages
OF this great political revolution-ques,
tions so entirely independent of each
other that it is not only unnecessary
but altogether inexpedient to consider
them together
a man may very well take the neces-
sary steps to insure his right OF suffrage
without ever designing TO exercise it
lie may resolve, also, TO exercise It,
without at this time, determining
whether he will vote for against con-
vcntion, much less for what particular
candidate he shall cast his ballot. And
although convention be agreed on, he
may very well resorvo The question
what action he shall take on a constitu-
tiol, the provisions Of which no living
man can (oresce. Many reasons con.
spirc to commend the application to our
| case OF The maxim, "makc haste SLOWLY"
and chief among thom is the very mani.
Test reaction that is taking place at tho
North. At present, tho people OF tho
South have but one matter connected
with reconstruction TO consider, and that
is the propricty Of registering.
A natura! Indignation at the entire
systematic disgust which every free.
man must feel at its fragrant infractions
of almost all the rights which the world
has regarded rs peculiar to our Of politi.
col administration, and, lastly, desire
to avoid all responsibility for the anar.
chy that impcnds, have driven many
men to the resolve to decline registra-
ton, and thus formally and finally sew,
cr their connection with the deflements
of mob politics.
Il is impossible to imagine moro
fatal delusion. 1t is worse-it is dis.
graceful one. 1t is throwing down our
arms in tho presence Of the enemy. 1t
is wicked abandoning Of our friends,
who have resolved to fight with what
weapons they have for freedom. Its
playing into the hands OF radical.
| ism.
Let us be admonishcd by the case Of
New Orleans and Washington. In the
former city, the apathy Of the people
had given the absolute control of the
vote OF almost every ward to the blacks;
and nothing but the order of the Presi-
dent to proong the time Of registration
prevented the consummatior Of the out.
rage.
| In Washington. however, the mischief
is completed, and it is beyond the pow
er OF any authority, as it would appear
to save the white voters of that city
resolve 10 decline register.
IF this is not to be the fate Of tho
South, every citizen, old and young,
who IS qualified, should register, who
is entitled by leave Of our masters to
that privilege. Register, and you arc
free to vote or not, as you please, and
have the further the greater freedom
as Time will show, TO uso your power
when you desire to use it. Refuse to
register, and you can never help YOUR
self, your friends or your State. Tho
timeis coming, in the progress Of this
revolution, when he solid vote of tho
respectable people Of this State may
throw Oh Congress the responsibility Of
a perpetual military governments, or
practical Acknowledgement for Virgin.
ia.
When that day comes. every voice
and vote will be needed but that is o
question oflho future. Suffice it for
the present to say, that without regis.
try you are as impotcnt as the dogs at
yolr door to strike a blow here, or help
tue friends who are battling for your
freedom elsewhere. Surely no demand
Of right or honor calls Tor SO fatal q
sacrifice.
Three immense Railroad Companies
the Grand Trunk Of Cnaada. The Lon
don, Dover, and Chatham Finding it's
terminus in the very heart Of London
the Atlantic and Great Western, havo
one by one, gone down into the gulfof
bankruptcy. The Grand Trunk, on an
expenditure Of some $4,000, 900, is
now fancy stock Oil the London mar.
ket at twenty cents on the dollar. Phe
l,ondon, Dover and Chatham, on cost
OF $50. 100000 or $40, 900, ,OOO,,is spec.
u!ated in at the same figure, whilo tho
Atlantic and Great Western, with one
mortgage debt OF $50. 900. 0OO,, largo
amount Of other obligations and verv
considerable amount Of paid.up capital
/ l.