The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1867-02-21
HOW THE RADICALS RECEIVED THE NEW
SCHEME


HOW THE RADICALS RECEIVED THE NEW
sCHEME.
In our last issue the new scheme of reconstruc-
tion vas fully placed before the people. Every
advantage to be afforded, in throwing light upon
the project was readily given to the extent of our
humble abilities. In its incpcncy, we dislikod
TO attack with vigcr Or condemn severely before
action was proposed by some authorized legislative
body. Of Questionable propriety, we doabtedts
effect for good and thought that its practical con.
sequences would be to. placethe South in false po
sition, "supplians at the footstool of radicalism
The sequel amply illustrates this suggestion. Mr.
DixoN,a warm friend and ardent supporter of the
Presidents policy, introduced the new plan of ad
iustment in the Senate, and was congratulated by
Senators upon the progress he had made towards
returning to the Radical fold, but was informed
that his proposals must advance further, much
6arther, before they could be entertained. True,
the friends Of the scheme thought the Senator from
Connecticut had prematurely exposed their plans
and purposes, and at their instance Mr. DIXON
failed to press the measure upon the Senate but
the reception is sufficient to prove that the Radical
party tEas emboidened thereby. Immediately, the
bill placing ihe South under military rule was in
troduced into the House, referred to the Recon-
struction Committee, and by TnAD. STEVENS re-
ported without delay for action The dominant
yarty well understood that the time to strike is
when the irons het, and as the opposition had
conceded thus much in favor Of their views, they
would take advantage Of theccnccssion and inau-
purate their extremist measure. Under the flush
of imemeatary victory, and under the plea of sup
.plication from doxn-trodden people for restora-
ton and government in some shape or other, the
benefcent majority conclude to set their own ma
ehinery to work. We have heretofore expressed
the opinion that the great MIN and purpose of the
Radical party is TO maintain tho ascendancy for
the next few years, and 10 accomplish this design
the South will net be allowed to participate in the
next Presidential election. This ayDsfrary militia
sy establishment is 10 carry eps5fhis design, and
has been incnbating untiles opportune moment
arrived. When .insartial suffrage the great
watch-word of tberHadical party, became the ral-
lying cry of the Executive, supported by leading
Sontherpp politicians, then the happy climax was
e4ined, and the bantling was ushered forth in all
its pride and bonstful, lineage. Mr.. WILSON; of
Massachusetts, said thai the battle for impartial
suffrage had been fought and won and there was
no necessity to consider that measure as doubtful.
His party was progressive, and they must not stop
to quarrel over issues already settled.
"A few weeks since and the country was every
whore perplexed to know the result Of the conflict
between the President and Congress. The South
was hopeful, even in her panoply of woe and dis
tress. The North was divided aud many in that
region wavered and swayed towards the side of
the weak anil oppressed. President JOHNSON stood
firm and mistaken, even with impeachment staring
him in the face. Strife and dissensions began to
creep almost unooserved into the ranks of the
ruling faction, and predictions were not wanting
ds to the speedy overthrow Of this powerful or
ranization In an evil hour, there appeared upon
the political arena certain prominent gentlemen
from the South, and their mysterious assemblage
at Washington strongly indicated pre-concerted
action. Dispatches of vague and indefinite
character announced their mission to the nations
rious gentlemen. A fortnight elapses after their
arrival and the patriotic conclaye is dismembered.
Each prominent individual bears about his person,
bomcward, an authenticated copy of 'the plan,' -
and straightway the unsuspccting Southern people
are astounded by the promugation of this scheme.
like their behavior in all else since the termna-
tion Of the war; the political panacea is received
indiffcrently. Only day or two, however, re
yeals clearly that the Radical majority in Congress
improves upon this visit of the prominent South
erners They accept ''the PLAN as incontroverti-
BILE evidence that the President the South, and all
tb opposers, have sucoumbed to their power and
influence, and having once made the concession
of impartal suffrage, the Executive is too feeble
10 resist further aggressions upon their part The
hosts Of Radicalism are, marshalled for the fray,
and the whip and spur applied vigorously. The
UBIQUITOUS reduction ofStas.s is proposed and sus
tained And in our judgment. all this legitimate
" ensues from the prurient desire Of prominent
Suutherncrs to be reconstructed. The people de-
nanaed nothing they sought only to be let alone.