The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1868-05-16
,ne Demoeratio mass, iniuso into

that mass the spirit Of Democratic
principles, and use the power thus
obtained for the good of both races
and She good Of the country at large.
Against the army Of Fadicalism We
must bring every column we can get,
and it matters not whether these
columns be composed OF fair Saxons
or dusky Philippians. We want vic-
tory, for country is to be saved.
and constitutional liberty ia atstake. ..
EpaKFIE1D, s. G., May 8, 1868.
To the Editor Of the Columbia Phe-
air: Will you permit me to dissent
! y, yes with the greatest respect,
from the conclusions ct which the
Central Executive Committee of the
Democratic party Of South Carolina
appear to have arrived, in opposing
another convention of the people Of
tke Site sSs.c.c, Ssssoo-ss q, t.ie liee.ing .; eiIo
National Democratic Convention in
New York, on the 4th of July nextp
1 think that O mistake has been made
in not having some of tho questions
disposed of in the late Columbia
Convention more fully discussed and
canysssed. That body was assem-
bled on very, short notice, and was
but a partial representation Of the
people. Before we are committed to
a position involving such grave poll
tical considerations, it is proper that
the entire people should have full
hearing.
With the appointments cs that
Convention, I have no objections to
urge. Had I participated in its deli
berations, I would have voted for
most of its appointees. Nor could
anything be further from me than to
reflect for moment upon the cha
raoter, intentions and perfect good
faith of that body; but from its posi-
tion upon the question of suffrage, I
will venture to withhold my concur
renee. It is unfortunate, in my poor
opinion, that that subject had not
been left in allegiance, and, if acted
upon at all, only after the fullest and
freest discussion. Qualified suffrage,
to which this Convention committed
the Democrats of the State, is to us
two-edged sword. If adopted, it
must be uniform; and if uniformly
applied, it acts both ways, and de-
prives many of our worthiest white
voters of the ballot, at the same time
that it curtails the negro vote. To
this could never consent, for req
sons which are too obvious to men
tion.
But, Mr.. Editor, it occurs to me-
that the occasion for the agitation of
this question has not yet arisen with
us. 1t would have been time to have
discussed it when the subject shall be
referred to the States for their action.
We, the white people of South Caro-
lima, have now no voice in the ques-
ton of suffrage. That is regulated for
us by the bayonet. If the Democratic
party should be successful in the No
vember elections, South Carolina
might find herself in an awkward and
embarrassing position, by having
prematurely taken ground less ac-
ceptable than that taken by the con-
trolling wing of the same party
North. 1t is in the recognition of
this right of each State to regulate
the question of suffrage within its
borders in its own way, with no other
restriction than conformity to that
provision of the Federal Constitu-
ton which guarantees republican
form of Government, that the Demo
cratic party differs so fundamentally
and irreconcilably from the radicals,
who claim that the General Govern
ment is paramount in all things, can
make and unmake States, depose
executive, judicial and legislative
officers at will, as mere dependencies
upon the central Government, and
enforce syys.eiIl syysst.eeiIl Of suffrage in direct
conflict with the expressed will of the
people of the different States. If, on
the other hand, radical President
should be elected, universal suffrage
will be the inevitable rule; and wher-
ever in these United States, North,
South, East or West, any attempt
shall be made to abridge it, it will be
enforced by the bayonet.
It is only through the Democratic
party that we can hope for deliver
ance. BY its agency, the ancien
regime, the dignity of the States, the
equilibrium of the Government may
be restored. Its failure will be their
death-knell. We should, therefore,