The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1868-01-22

people were ignored as part OF lHe oou y
polite by the Convention, which declared
itselfas possessed OF despotic and irrcspon-
siblc authority, and in every instance, re
fused to submit Its proceedings, and the
constitution which it had framed to the
people for their ratification. This was but
Il natural and necessary result of the IN
. huenccs Of the political sentiment that then
prevailed. 1t was brt consistent that
those who deemed one-halfof their fellow
citizens to be chattels should forget or
overlook the manhood CT the other hall.
But we, who in these days, wien the
rising beams of political truth promise,
after so much storm, brighter sky Tor the
Republic, we who are emerging from that
clond of false opinion into the full sunshine
of that truth, know and claim ourselves TO
be only the repres entatives Of the people.
We arrogantly assume no final action, no
irresponsible power recognizing the rights
of all men, OF all races, poor as well as the
rich, the ignorant rs we'll as the wisc-ot
all men who make the State their home
and identify themselves with its interests.
We dare not present 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, OF we, ourselves, but they who sent
us here. are to say whether we deserve the
reward of ''wcl done, good and faithful
servants For the first time i'll the his
torv of South Carolina will the people be
recognized as the true trainers Of their own
organic law. Of such n Convention, or
eansed on the great acknowledged prin-
ciplcs of Democratic Republicanlsm, am
proud to he L member; far more proud to
sit here beneath the folds of that beloved
FLAG, which is this day foating from our
root, than should 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
tattcrs and to dash It's stars to tile earth.
Yielding to none in sentiments of devo-
ton for that flag Of my fathers, and III ab-
horrence OF every sentiment OF dlsloyalty
and treason to that Government to which
| owe paramount allegiance, yet have
no vindctive feelings towards those OF my
fcllow-cilizcus who were led by the alb
stractions of their political leaders to en-
tcrtain different and opposing sentiments,
sentiments which deemed errors, but
which they believed to be truths. grant
to them that liberty OF thought which
.lemand for myself Hence, profess my.
self to be Il moderate man. am opposed
to all contsrations otpropcrty, because the
contiscatcn ofall the lands OF rebel owners
in the State can have no eilectin promoting
the welfare OF that State elevasing It's po-
litical condition, or advancing Its CONNER.
cial and agricultural prosperity. L am
opposed to any general dstranchisement
of the nasscs Of the people. 1t is too Late
now to ,listrancI,isc us u punishment for
treason. Punishment should be inflicted
for the >ai,e Of reform. 10 :niict II now
would be only to crafty revenge want
no more d;stlachiSement, either as to
number of persons. or as to duration OF
time, than Is absolutely necessary to secure
the safety of the nation. and ifthat can be
secured by none ut al, then would favor
general amnesty.
| call God to witness, that i'll taking my
seat in this angus; body, | do so only be-
cause desire to contribute what little
abilities or influence may have to the res
toration of peace and harmony, and for
the establishment OF such q Constitution or
form OF COY crnment for my native State
as will secure to every man in the Com.
mon wealth an equal share of political
rights, will protect MS in the future from
the errors which have led to our present
unhappy condition, and will speedily re-
bubitalc the State, as Il constituent part OF
the great national confederation.
With this expression Of my sentiments,
which will not. however, control me in the
important administration of the Office to
Which YOU have assigned me, am now
prepared to take my place as your presi-
dino officer. at the same time invoking
your indulgence for any unntcntional cr-
rors that may commit, and your earnest
cooperation in preserving the dignity and
decorum Of the body
The speech was frequently interrupted
Will, applause, and occasionally with cries
of Hear! hear!" and the speaker took
his scat among loud plaudts, having evil
IDENTITY acquitted himself to the satisfaction
of the Convention.
w. ]. Whippcr, delegate from Beaufort,
but a negro lawyer from Michigan, and
one the most intelligent members, moved
that tic rules of the United States House
of Representatives be adopted as the rules
of tic Convention. The motion WAS car
ricd.
Tie thanks of the Convention were then
unanimously voted to T. J. Robertson
white, delegate from Richland, Tor his
services rs temporary chairman.
The President LAID before the Convcn
lion communication from +. y. Sawyer
white, delegate from Charleston, rcsis
nine his position, which was excepted.
The rules were suspended, and G. j.
ctnllhnn1nl sai.l To be II Dane who once