The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1868-04-06
STATE DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION.
MODERA TON THE ORDER OF THE DAY
THE PARTY ORGANIZED QUALIFIED sUF'
FRAGE ONE OF IT'S CARDINAL DOCTRINES.
THE NOMINATIONS.
THE NEW CONSTITUTION DIssEcTED.
AM EXCITING CANVASS BEGUN
SC, &C., &C.. &C.
IFRoM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT

N1cKERsoS's EoTEL, COLUMBIA, S. c., Apri
4, 1s6S.-Whatever may be said of the policy
of the leaders of the now partially organized
Democratic party OF the State, no one can cal
in question the ability of the men who are here
at the bidding Of their constituencies, to solve
the problem of emancipating the white race
And Notwithstanding these delegates, to
large degree, represent what we used tc
know as the fighting material Of the State
and themselves but few months ago doffet
their uniforms and dropped their swords, the
most extreme Northern Republican would fai
to discover Just cause for complaint that the
''situation" has not been accepted by them
or that in good faith they are moi
conscientiously disposed 10 throw around
the negro, in his new relation to society
all proper safeguards. There are, of course
individuals utterly opposed to concessions Of
any sort; but the mass of thinking men viii
tell you they recognize the necessity, in South
Carolina at least, ofrestraining the wild legisa.
tion of an immense ignorant colored majority
by such qualifications upon suffrage as
shall identify the voter with the property and
intelligence of the State. To this end the ef.
forts of the people will doubtless be directed;
and the great aim Of the whites in the forth
coming elections will be to secure e sufficient
degree Of strength on the floor Of the Legisla-
ture to prevent the negro from absolutely
swallowing US alive. This being accomplished,
we may in time be able to break through the
Ethiopian Wall, I'LL the Offices of the State once
more with trustworthy and intelligent white
men, and then, strengthened at home and
abroad, the Conservative party Of the South
will be in condition to expunge all obnoxious
features from the so-caled constitution.
Moderation" therefore, has become the
keynote OF the party; and not one word has
been uttered upon the floor of the convention
to which exception can be taken by any intelli-
gent colored man, or by any ons:ientious Re-
publican in the country. Without knowing it,
the Democrats of South Carolina have planted
themselves upon the platform of every Conser-
vative i'll the country, North and South. The
doctrine Of qualified suffrage has been broadly
asserted, the policy of recognizing the negro
as en- integral element Of the body polite has
been adopted, and as far as it was possible to
do 80, the most moderate men in the State
have been nominatedfor The State Offices.
You will agree that it is very remarkable that
an assemblage so large, SO thoroughly South
ern in its sympathies, and SO lately imbued
with spirit Of opposition to any form Of suf-
frage that could be bestowed upon the negro.
should, without dissenting voice, adopt q
platform so fully in consonance with the wishes
OF the s'middle men" of the whole country,
and thus place South Carolina at one bold,
brave, frank step foremost among her sister
States in the march Of improvement. 'VerlY,
the world moves !"
Had this movement taken place in Novem-
ber last, when it was proposed by Gen. Wade
Hampton, thousands Of colored men, inteli-
gent and possessing property, would not have
abandoned the white man, sought shelter in
Union Leagues, and claimed the privilege
which, at the eleventh hour, has been ac-
corded. Nor is it probable that the late So
called Constitutional Convention would have
been tinctured with such excessive Radicalism
as marked it's deliberations and foisted upon
the State aliens, negroes and ignoramusses to
represent her material interests.
TIE CONVENTION
Reassemblcd at - O'Clock NJ; Hon. A. Burt in
the Chair. Rev. Mr.. Young opened the pro-
ceedines with prayer, and the journal of the
preceding evening was read.
On motion OF Con. John s. Preston, the
presidents and members OF Democratic clubs
present were requested to take seats on the
floor Of the house.
The reporters of the press were also invited
within the bar of the convention.
Col. L. p. Thomas, from the Committee Of
ten appointed to prepare business, reported thai
they mad duly considered the several subjects
before them, and were prepared to lay the re-
suit before the Convention. He stated also
that moderation and harmony had been their
first, second and third object, and to this
end and the achievement OF o victory in the
coming political contest in view, they he'd most
earnestly directed their endeavors.
The report embraced two branches-frst, {
series of resolutions; and secondly, sundry pa
pers, &c., prepared Tor the consideration OF thu
Convention.
The resolutions were read as follows, con
sidercd se,tatina, and adopted:
Whereas, In the opinion OF this Convention
the interests both of our State and our com
mon country imperatively demand the Uni II
of all good, wise and conservative men, undel
the banner OF the National Democratic party
a party faithful to the principles OF the Fedora
Constitution, as maintained by the fathers
the Republic; he it therefore,
ReSotred, That the Democratic party OF Soutl
Caroline 10 unite with the National Democratic
party ofthe country, andhold themselves ready
under the constitution and the laws to co.ope
rate with that organization IN all principles
and in all measures, that may be regarded con
duciye TO the interests Of the whole countr.
and of all classes of the people,.
ReSolued That the people OF this Stale, IN
Guiding all men prepared TO act with the party
be earnestly invited to fern Democratic club
in every section OF the State
The third resolution was read as follows:
Resotred, That the people of this State b
urgently recomme % 20 to the POLLS ant
vote against tho .tl. Ition of the Radical fac
ton lately promulgated in Charleston, and t
vote for good and true men for all Offices With!
their gift.
not prepared to vote for that resolution in it
present shape, because it seems to me exceed
inplv indefinite. We are here, as representa-
tiyes of the people, to adopt platform upo
which we are to act for the welfare OF the State
We are called upon to vote under positive IN
structions against q constitution, and yet 10
officers authorized by that constitution. Wha
consistency is there in such course: Here
a constitution promulgated by an unconstltu
riopal body, and we turn around and eject me
to 90 to another unconstitutional body. The
are not representatives of the people, and the
are not legislators. What right has any ma
to assume the gubernatorial chair Of the Stat
if elected By our votes? What right has Genera
Scott to fill the Office? None under HEAVIER
And if we put up an opponent, what right ha
he to the Office? For these reasons, am OF
..oanl ~ tbo recolution TT ia irnDracticahl