Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1868-04-09
On motion, the reporters for the press, were in

On motion, the reporters for the press, were in
vited to seats.
Col J. P. Thomas, Chairman of the COMMITTEES
of Ten, read the report Of the Committee on Busi
ness. which after some discussion, was adopted:
Whereas, in the opinion of this Convention, thu
interests both of our State and our common coun
try imperatively demand the union of all good
wise and conservative men, under the banner o.
the National Democratic party-a party faithful tt
the principles of the Federal Constitution, as main
tanned by the fathers of the Republic; be it, there
fore, 4
Resolred, That the Democratic party Of South
Caroline do unite with the National Democratic
party of the country, and hold themselves ready
under the Constitution and laws to cooperate with
that organization in all principles, and in all meas
ures, that may be regarded conducive to the inter
ests of the whole country and Of all classes of the
people.
Resolved, That the people of this State, inclu.
ding all men prepared to act with the party be ear
nesty invited to form Democratic clubs in every
section of the State.
Resolred, That the people of this State be ur.
gently recommended. to 60, to the polls and vote
against the Constitution of the radical faction late
ly promulgated m Charleston, and to vote for good
and true men for all Offices within their gift. AT
the same time in voting for officers under this Con-
stitution, we would put on record our protest a.
gainst its validity. .-r.. .'-
Resolred, That under the action of the State Of
South Carolina, heretofore taken, we recognize the
coored population of the State as an integral ee-
ment of the body polite and, as such, in person
and property, entitled to full aud equal protection
as citizens of South SSroEna, we declare our viii
lingness when we have the power, to grant them,
under proper qualifications as to property and In
telligence, the right of suffrage.
Resolued, That committee Of five be appointed
by the Chairman to nominate State Central tx
ecutive Committee, consisting of seven members
q majority of whom shall be residents at Columbia.
Resolued, That the Chairman appoint Q Com
mittee of Five to nominate to this Convention suit
able persons-two delegates at large and one from
each Congressional District to represent the Dem
cratic Convention, to be held in the city of New
York, on the 4th of July next and that the State
Central Executive Committee be authorized to fill
such vacancies as may occur
Resolred, further, That the State Central Exec
utive Committee issue, through the press such
documents as be deemed conducive to the purposes
proposed by this Convention. =,
Before considering this report, it was suggested
that the various papers submitted to the Commit
tee be read to the Convention. Whereupon Gov.
Perry, Col Blanding and Col. Thomas read those
papers and, on motion, they were.referred to the
Executive Committee, to be revised and published
at the earliest day practicable. These able docu-
merfts, it is believed, will be in print early next
week.
The report of the Committee on Business was
read by sections An animated and interesting de-
bate ensued. Mr.. Aiken objected to the third sec
ton, as indefinite and really inconsistent He was
unwilling to vote for officers under an unconstitu-
tional provision. The section he declared imprac-
ticable and invalid. ,
Colonel Thomas replied 1t was deemedimp
tant to insert this section in order TO bring out the
strength of the white vote in the State, but sug-
gested, that in thus voting, we enter our protest
against the entire proceeding. IN, D. -. 80
Col. Aiken accepted the suggestion, and the
following amendment was added: but, at the
same time we enter our solemn protest against its
validity" -
Col. Aiken objected, that the fifth resolution did
not 60 far enough. Let the eolored man know
what he had to expect give him something tan
gible Add to the resolution, that in due time he
shall have partial suffrage.
Gen. Chesnut stated that this section caused
some debate in the Committee Room. He thought
the gentleman from Abbeville was right. We
should say that the colored man bemade to under
stand that hereafter he shall have qualified sui:
frage. He also thought that, in military parlance
it would be necessary to accept the AFRICAN aux
iliary." -. ..,4s,..yss,,s..s... r.. &
Hon. B. F. Perry said he believed It was abso-
lutey necessary to the peace and order Of society
that this class of people who had been elevated,
should be permitted to vote. 1t was important to
encourage them, and, being encouraged, they
would educate themselves and seek to acquire in
telligence and property. In Conpecticut, two
years ago. when this question was submitted to the
people, the negroes themselves went forward and
voted against universal suffrage, on the ground
that until their coored brethren had acquired in
teligence and property, they were not entitled to
exercise the right. The same argument addresses
itself to large class of colored people now. Quail
ifed suffrage was the safety valve of society in S.
Carolina, because it would make good citizens Of
intelligent men; whereas if not entitled to the
privilege, they might be disturbers Of the peace!
Besides, the privilege would be exercised by so
few that they could not exercise controlling in
fuence in elections. He had entertained these
views for many years, and when he went to Wash
ington, President johnson -concurred with him,
and said that if the Southern States would adopt
qualified suffrage, it would disarm and defeat the
radicals of the North. The President likewise
wrote to the Governor of Mississippi and urged
him to employ his influence in securing qualified
suffrage in that State 1t was the great principle
right, because it is the prize which the colored
man has won, and it can do no harm to society. It
was therefore, proper, in going before the people
of the State, to let the negroes know distinctly we
are willing to concede this partial right of suffrage
to those who can handle the tool without damaging
themselves. Say this to the black man and thous-
ands of votes would be secured in the coming cleo
ton, besides doing great good in the preservation
of the peace and quiet of society. i. -
COL Thomas gave his hearty concurrence to the
opinions expressed by these gentlemen. He favor
ed this idea ever since the emancipation of the
slaves He agreed with General Hampton when
he advocated this measure a yearago, and he a.
greed with him now. The speaker had been a
Shareholder; but he hoped he was humane and
merciful one. Men talk fippantly of the approach
ing "war of races" but should it come the speak
er would do his part. Letus accomplish peace
full solution of this question-the solution compat-
ible with the dignity of the white race. The ques-
ton arises, what shall we do with the 1900, 900
colored people in our midst In England, Ger
many and France, difficulties have arisen relative
to the right of suffrage by the lower classes. tits
suggested that the proposed action is inconsistent
with the dignity of the white race he had faith
in the dignity and superiority of the Anglo Saxon
race But while he held out the olive branch to
the coored man, he would let him understand that
he could never govern the South-he should par
ticipate. We should be prepared to say to them,
"this is our land"
Mr. Mullins then moved that committee of
one from each delegation present beappofnted to
select candidates for the various State Offices
The Chairman stated that there were several
lael. 1roI hat ftnr,