Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1868-04-16
Democracy in South Carolina


The Cincinnati Enquirer tells US
that the democratic party has been
reorganized in the glorious old demo-
cratic State of South Carolina, but it
failed to give us the platform which
it adopted for its basis of action. We
will fill that omission, that our
readers may note the difference be
tween the two branches, there and
here.
The Convention was held at Co
lumbia, April 4th, and was very gen
orally attended by the rebel element
of the State. Wade Hampton was
nominated for Governor.
But to the platform, or rather one
plank of it. Here it is
"Resolved, That, under the action
of the State of South Carolina, here
tofore taken, we recognize the ne
groes of the State as an integral ele-
ment of the body polite; and, as
such. in person and property, enti-
tied to a full and equal protection
under the State constitution and laws.
And that. as citizens of South Caro-
lima, we declare our willingness, when
we have the power, to grant them,
under proper qualifications as to
property and intelligence, the right
of suffrage"
The discussion upon this resolu-
ton, was interesting. Hon. James
Chestnut was one of the speakers, and
we copy the closing sentence Of his
remarks:
"Now, secure to the colored' man
qualified suffrage in the wisest pos
sible way-it will not interfere with
you, and 1t lciU wake him good citizen
and firm alLy."
The Hon. B. F. Perry followed,
taking the same view of the question.
He said:
ttI consider it absolutely necessary
to the peace and order of society
that this class of people who have
been so suddenly elevated should
enjoy limited franchise"
We may not admire Mr.. Perrys
reasons for his course, but they are
consist with democracy everywhere.
Ohio democracy would adopt negro
suffrage, if they could accomplish
what the South Carolina democrats
think they can by its adoption
make votes for the party. Mr.. Perry
says:
"Say this to the black man, and, in
my opinion, you will secure thou
sands of votes to the democratic
party, and enlist the cooperation of
those who otherwise will cast their
lot on the other side"
Col. J. P. Thompson supported
the same view of the question. He
said:
1t is cur duty to deal with them as
members of the body polite. To de-
prize them Of all participation in the GOV
ernment IS contrary to the genious and
spirit OF tile age; contrary to principle
and contrary to policy.
Others delivered themselves on the
question, but we have not room for
further quotations. There was har-
mony in sentiment and union in ac-
tion, and the democracy of South
Carolina are thus committed to negro
suffrage. The Cincinnati Enquirer
acknowledges the democrats Of South
Carolina to be part and parcel of
the ''great democratic party of the
country, in view Of which fact it must
adopt their dogma of negro suffrage,
or else forego the use of those often
repeated, boastful werds-"democ-
racy is the same every where" /"
What says the Dispatch to this sort of
democracy Does it recognize as
true, branch the South Carolina
growth? Wepause, in view of the
awfulness of the subject to the future
of the democratic party, as we re
member that the South always has
given to that party its principles,
and South Carolina to the South.