Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1868-03-26
CHESTER CONTRIBUTORIAL.
AZ VIM. H. BRAwLEY.
ACTION Oh INAOTI0H 2

have never been of graver character han now. In
a few months will be inaugurated government,
called into existence by Constitution which the
intelligence of the country has had no part in fra
ming, and containing principles which are odious
to the vast majority of the white people OF the
State. Radical reconstruction will be nm accom-
plished fact, and no human power can save ust from
the government which has been framed in aceor-
dance with the wishes of our eonquerors. 1t be-
comes then, matter of vital interest to know what
out duty is, and whatour policy should be towards
this government, which, for years to come, is to
dispose of our lives, our property and everything
that we hold most dear. Shall we continue to
stand aloof and supinely permit all the machinery
which, for veal or woe, is so seriously to affect our
destiny to pass into the hands Of the ignorant or
incompetent; or shall we accept the situation and
make an effort to secure for ourselves the best gov
eminent possible? Such is the issue nowupon us,
and upon its determination rests our fate. The
question is not whether the Reconstruction Acts
Of Congress were wise or unjust, or generous or
the contrary; or orwhether the Constitution, framed
in accordance with them is good or bad but simply
whether the black race or the white shall rule the
State of South Carolina. Those who counsel in
action, believe that nothing that we can do can
save us from negro ascendency, and look outside
the State for help, and trust to the Democratic
party of the North for deGverance. We are not
of those. We believe the Democratic party to be
powerless to help us, and its success in the Pres'
Dental election to be extremely improbable. From
1860 to the present tme it has lured us with proml.
ses which have never been fulfilled.
Besides, in this hour of supreme trial, when
issues are pressing upon US for immediate solution
is it wise, is it prudent to fold our hands and place
our faith and all our hopes of salvation, in an ir'
political organism without policy and
without head?
We believe our only hope to be in ourselves,
and if we are true to ourselves, and make proper
use of those means which God has placed in oul
power, the day shall never come when those who
served us as slaves shall rule us as masters; and
we urge people who have once been free to rouse
themselves from that lethargy which has envelopeo
them in its baefu fold, to organize and to act
The crisis is the most momentous ever known II
their history it must be met as becomes men
not Stunned as by cravens. There never has been
q time, since the world began, when intelligence
wealth, courage, and moral worth have failed tc
make themselves felt in the government Of coun
try and for Gods sake, let not our supine negi
gence form the first example. 1t is time that We
should prove that all our manhood was not surren
dered at Appomatox We are environed with
dangers let us prepare for them. Let US look
not mournfully upon the past, its errors and fail
ures and disappointments, but accepting manful
" the humiliating fortunes which have befaller
us, let us labor earnestly to make those fortunes
brighter
The Constitution formed by the dominant party
in this State will be adopted, whether we approve
of it or not However odious it may be, it vii
soon be the law of the land in which we live. i
is in ourpower, even at this late day, in the Legs
lature which is soon to meet, to make such modIi
cations as will permit US to liveand prosper. X
that Legislature should be sent the very best mel
to be found in South Carolina. In all the uppe
Districts of the State, such men can be sent if tn
proper effort is made. IF the people value thei
freedom, as freemen should, failure is impossible
There is no sacrifice that men should not be wiinl
to make to secure this object Their lives, thei
liberty, their honor their worldly goods, all are a
stake. If the people of the State will but rise
their might, and with the proper spirit, an escape
may yet be found from the dark clouds which an
settling around us.