The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1868-06-02

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ed, and, after long and earnest con-
sultation, it was agreed that they
should take no other action at that
time, save to put forth an address to
the white people of the State, in
tended to strengthen and encourage.
That address was caught up, and
republished throughout the whole
country, North, South and West.
The highest encomiums were passed
upon it, and Immediately the whole
South followed the example Of South
Carolina Similar Conventions we're
held, and Democratic organization
commenced. Charleston dlone shut
tie door IN our faces, and parted cont
pany aoih us. Time went on the
negro Convention soon assembled
within her own gates, and, ere long,
put forth an ignoble document,
called Constitution. White men
were to be ruled by negroes, and
taxes were to be imposed that would
wiring the blood from the hearts of
our impoverished people. Not yet
one word from Charleston. We
looked and hoped in win. In four
teen dnys the election was ordered,
and the iron WAS to enter our souls.
What was now to be done ? How
shall we resist this enormity ? Shall
we submit, or shall we make an
effort to resist ? How shall we resist !?
Shall we go to the polls, or shall we
remain Mt our homes Congress had
recently changed the law, and the
quiet ncgatice was no longer available.
Shall we unite our fortunes with the
Democratic party? Shall we nomi-
nate officers for the State Govern
ment to aid our party organization :?
These, and n hundred other ques-
tions, coming home to our peace
and happiness, our families
and our fesides, we're presented for
consideration. Overwhelming issues
these; aye. the issues of life and
death. What did Charleston say,
upon whose very soil this internal
drama had been enacted? She spahe
not acord. We do not mean to up
braid her inaction-it was difficult to
say what was wise or expedient.
But the little District of Newberry
did speak-it was an occasion for
wise and calm consultation-let us
assemble and commune together.
The people of Richland took up the
call, and the largest and most re-
spectacle meeting that was ever as.
sembled in Columbia, responded and
extended the call to the State Mt
large, to meet in Convention. \
committee on invitations was np-
pointed. The time within which
that committee could act was very
limited, as we have seen, and not an
hour was to be lost. The committee
walked from the meeting and tele-
graphed the news of the cnll-where?
WY, first Of all, 10 Charleston. So
that on that very day the information
reached Charleston; and they had
the invitation of the meeting in Co
lumbia. the next morning, at their
breakfast tables, while messengers
had to be employed to convey the
same informstion to the people of
Richland. Every part of the State
that could be reached, was commu-
nicated with by the telegraph. And
everywhere the action was prompt in
reply. What more could Charleston
expect? Did she think that it was
we'll enough to communicate with the
country by the telegraph; but as to
her, that cards of invitation should
be issued in rose color and gold? II
she did, then she was mistaken, and
must continue to complain. But
what was the result? While some Of
the most remote parts of the State
were represented, Charleston again
shut the door in our faces; she sent
us no voice of encouragement, gave
us no word Of counsel; and no man
appeared to greet us with friendly
smile. The question was asked in
every direction, "Where is Charles
ton?" Echo answered, "where?" A
Convention Of IL hundred or more
delegates went earnestly into the
work OF consultation upon the great
questions that had called them to.
gether 1t is but due to say, that
the Mercury is not responsible for
this second mistake on the part Of
Charleston. That able journal nd
vised different course, and urged &
representation from Charleston il
that Convention. Now, what wa.
. the Convention to do? Was it. tt
adjourn and 60 home, because
Charleston pleased to sit idly by
, and make no sign. It was composed