The Orangeburg news. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1867-1875, 1868-08-08
Our Charleston Letter.
CHARLESTON, August 4th, 1876

i
clouds which now. ovorshadow US. For long
time majority Of tho legal citizens of Char
lesion favored, as tho most correct principle
and the highest policy the "mastcrly inaotivi-
ty" dootrine. They thought that general,
though peaceful and passive refusal to rccog-
nizc aud cooperate in the falsely y.stylcd recon
struction proceedings, while preserving their
convictions and feelings from violence, would
appeal to the Northern sentiment with moro
forco than tho most impassioned protest, or the
most energetic opposition, and it was argued
that at homo the negroes and tho few dcspica-
bic adventures and rcnegadcs who represent
Radicalism in the State, having no organized
opponents, TO stimulate thoir energies aud in-
duOe harmony aud concert Of action would In
evitably divide into hostile; and tho party
thus be dsinscgratcd from their informal do
scnsions, or 80 woakouod as to be be easily de-
fcatcd by Democratic uprising at the proper
time. The press and people of other portions
of the State thought otherwise; the Conven-
tion in April urged Immediate organization,
and vigorous action: and the people of Char
lesion, deprccating above all things want of
unity of action among the whites, accepted
the policy and at once began the formation of
Clubs No inconsidcrablc vote against the
| INNS Of fpff 1n1 1,x, l,o - A.
Queen City; and to their efforts it is in great
measure to be attributed that the vote Of the
negroes fell far short Of their registered
strength. Since then, quietly but steadily,
the Democracy has been falling into line and
to-day, in no part of tho country is their or
gnnization moro thorough than in this good
old city.
The incidents of tho Now York Convention,
their noble and patriotic platform, their popu-
lir nominees began to kindlc the warm, hope
full interest which alone was needed to ante
date victory in the coming elections; and this
interest burst into blaze of enthusiasm at tho
Grand Ratification Meeting, held here on the
Gath ult. Never have / seen larger or
moro determined, and, may add, moro san-
onine gathering than that winch on that oc-
casion crowded around the Democratic plat.
form to listen to the reports of our delegates,
to endorse their action, and to pledge their
support to the Seymour and Blair" ticket
Old men whose hairs were whitoncd by the
bleaching rays of many suns; men in the
prime of manlood's strength noui hon,ines in
tho ardor and vigor of maturcd youth; all
were there and to encourage them hundreds
of tho gentlcr sex, x,-mothcrs, wives, sisters,
daughters their presence and uttered their
"God-spccds." From that meeting all retired
with fresh zeal and moro cheerful anticipatons
Charleston is to-day widc-awake and work
ing and when, in November, the great tug
of war" shall come and tho South and the
Nation shall pass through the greatest crisis
in their history, her sons will roll up no insg-
uAAAoohV ih"JotAIJ 1OA VHo VI CilC
party whose principles now, as in tho days of
Calhoun, may bo tcrsely embodied in the mot
to-"Truth, Justice and the Constitution"
Tho uprising Of our people has had very
salutary effect upon the negroes. Large num-
bcrs, forcsoeing the certain downfall of the Re-
publican party, during the past few weeks have
repudiatcd Radicalism, and expressed thoir
resolution to take sides with their former mas
sers, and their only real friends. IN nearly
every ward Colorod Democratic Club has
boon organized; and several of thom have 200
or 800 members. do not think oxaeger-
ate when estimate the strength of all these
clubs at between 1000 and 1900 men.
But more anon. l write this, that Orange
burg may arise to do her duty. Concert of
action over the whole State, is all we need,
and We are sure of six Palmetto votes for
Seymour and Blair" DELTA