The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1868-01-17

by the representatives OF al who have
minds to think-and toe think for
themselves, or muscle to work--and
to work for themselves. ~ Sgs.S q
| Again. In the five Constitutional
Conventions held in the State, 70
whichSI have already .allnded. the
fundamental law therein framed was
made o finality. The people were
ignored as part of the body polite
! ny the Convention, which declared
itself MS possessed of despotio and
irresponsible authority, and, in every
instance, refused to submit its pro-
ceedings, and the constitu ton which
it'had framed, to, the people for their
ratification. This was butte natural
and necessary result op tie influences
( OF the political sentiment that then
prevailed. II was ,but;consistent that
those who deemed one-halfEof their
fellow-citizens to be chattels should
forget or overlook the manhood of
the other half.
But we, who in these days, when
the rising beams of political truth
promise, after so much storm, a
brighter sky for the Republic, we
! who s-s oIaeIging from tnaG cloud of
false opinion into the fnll sunshine
Of that truth, know and claim our
selves to be only the representatives
of the people. We arrogantly as
sumo no final action, no irresponsible
power, recognizing the rights of all
men, of all races, the poor as we'll as
the rich. the ignorant as we'll as the
wise-of all men who make the State
their home and identify themselves
with its interests. We dare not pre-
sent to them an organic law for their
government, as something with which
they have nothing to do but to hear
it and obey. Our work here is not
to be considered as completed until
the people shall have reviewed it and
ratified it. Not we, ourselves, but
they who sent us here, are to say
whether we deserve the reward of a
"well done, good and faithful ser.
wants" For the first time in the
history of South Carolina, will the
people be recognized as the true
trainers of their own organic law. OF
such n Convention, organized on the
great acknowledged principles of De-
mocratic Republicanism, l anu proud
to be member: far more proud 10
sit here beneath the folds of that be-
loved flag, which is this day floating
from our roof, than 1 should have
been to have been in that other body
which met in this city in 1860, with
no such loyal symbol to protect it,
but which rather sought to tear its
stripes to tatters and to dash its stars
to the earth.
Yielding to none in sentiments of
devotion for that flag of my fathers,
and in adherence Of every senti-
ment of disloyalty and treason to
that Government, to which 1 owe q
paramount allegiance, yet have no
vindictive feelings towards those of
my fellow citizens who were led by
the distractions of their political
leaders to entertain different and
opposing MISUNDERSTANDING
which 1 deemed errors, but which
they believed to be truths. I grant
to them that liberty of thought
which l demand for myself. Hence,
/ profess myself to be moderate
man. am opposed to all confsca-
tions of property, because the con
tiscation of all the lands of rebel
owners in the State can have no effect
i'll promoting the welfare of that
State, i'll elevating it's political condi-
ton, or advancing its commercial
and agricultural prosperity. 1 am
am opposed to any general disfran-
chisement of the masses of the peo-
pie. 1t is too late now to disfran-
chise rs Il punishment for treason.
Punishment should be inflicted for
the sake of reform. TO inflict it now
would be only to crafty revenge. I
want no more disfranchisement,
either as to number of persons, or rs
to duration of time, than is absolute
ly necessary to secure the safety of
the nation, and if that can he secured
by none mt all, then would favor n
general amnesty.
call God to witness, that in talk
ing my seat in this august body, / do
SO only because L desire to contribute
what little abilities or influence l may
have to the restoration of peace and
harmony, and for the establishment
of such IL Constitution or form OF
Government for my native State as
will secure to every man i'll the Com
monwealth an equal share of political