The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1867-05-28
decentralization In this state.

article on political affairs in this
State, from which we extract:
Such of the people of South Caro-
lima as feel called on to possess politi.
cal opinions, ut this time, are divid.
ing themselves into what may, per
haps, be called the Orr and Perry
parties, upon the question of recon
struction-both agreeing in the inde-
feasibility of the Polandizing, bills,
but the one counselling n co-opera-
tion with the Republicans in carrying
them out; while the other-the fol-
lowers of Gov. Perry-proclaim their
preference for perpetual military
control over the Haytian Govern
ment with which South Carolina must
be cursed, under the practical work
ings of these acts.
It 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 n
question that has not yet arisen.
We are called on to consider very
variant propositions at different
stages of this great political revolu-
tion-questions so entirely indepen-
dent of each other that.it is not only
unnecessary but altogether inexpe-
dient to consider them together:
A man may very we'll take the ne
cessary steps to insure his right of
suffrage without ever designing to
exercise it. He may resolve, also, to
exercise it, without, ut this time, de-
termining whether he will vote for or
against convention, much less for
what particular candidate he shall
cast his ballot. And although con-
vention be agreed on, he may very
we'll reserve the question what action
he shall take on constitution, the
provisions of which no living man
can foresee. Many reasons conspirc
to commend the application to our
case of the maxim, ''make haste
slowly" and chief among them is the
very manifest reaction that is taking
place at the North. At present, the
people of the South have but one
matter connected with reconstruction
to consider, and that is the propriety
of registering.
a natural indignation at tho entire
systematic disgust which every free
man must feel ut its fragrant infrac-
tions of almost all the rights which
the world has regarded as peculiar to
our form of political administration,
and, lastly, desire to avoid all re-
sponsibility for the anarchy that i'm
pends, have driven many men to the
resolve to decline registration, and
thus formally and finally sever their
connection with the defilements of
mob politics.
1t is impossible to imagine "A more
fatal delusion. It is worse-it is q
disgraceful one. 1t is throwing down
our arms in the presence of the enc
my. 1t is wicked abandoning of
our friends, who have resolved to
fight with what weapons they have,
for freedom. 1t is playing into the
hands of radicalism.
Let us be admonished 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 President to prolong the time
of registration prevented the consum-
nation of the outrage.
In Washington, however, the mis-
chief is completed, and it is beyond
the power of any authority, as it
would appear, to save the white
voters of that city from the conse-
quences of their foolish resolve to
decline registry.
1t this is not to be the fate of the
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
are free to vote or not, cas- you please,
and have the further, the greater
freedom, as time will show, to use
your power when you desire to use
it. Refuse to register, and you can
never help yourself, your friends or
your State. The time is coming, in
the progress of this revolution, when
the solid vote OF the respectable peo-
pie of this State may throw on Con-
gress the responsibility of a perpe
tual military government, or practical
disfranchisement for Virginia.
When that day comes, every voice
and vote will be needed; but that is
question of the future. Suffice it for
the present to say, that without re-
gistry you are as impotent rs the
dogs at your door to strike blow for
freedom here, or help the friends who
are battling for your freedom else
rI,a, al, 4