Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1868-04-08

being read, were referred to the Committee on
Business. 4e7ae 'ti,'i
The Convention then adjourned; to meet
this day, at II IN. sf. g. r.
COLUMBIA, April 4.
This body re-assembled at II o'clock, yes
terday, Hon. A. Burt in the chair. The pro
ceedinss were opened with prayer by Rev.
Mr.. Young. The journal of the previous
DAYS proceedings was read and confirmed:
Onmotion OF Gen. Preston, the Presidents
and members of Democratic Clubs present,
were leluested to take seats on the floor of
the house.
On motion, the reporters for the press, were
Invited to seats.
Col. J. p Thomas, Chairman of the Com
mi,tec of Ten, read the report of the Com
sion, was adopted: ~
Whereas, in the opinion of this Convention,
the interests both of State and our com
mon country imPeraiively demand the union
OF all good, wise and conservative meD, under
the banner of the National Democratic party
"a party faithful to the principles OF the Fed
eral Constitution, rs maintained by thefathers
of the Republic; be it, therefore,
Rssolred, That the Democratic party of
South Carolina do unite withsthe National
Democratic party of the country, and hold
themselves ready, under the Constitution aud
laws, TO cooperate with that organization in
all principles, and in all measures, that may
be regarded conducive to the interests Of the
whole country and of all classes of the people.
Re1ired, That the people of this State, in
Guiding all men prepared to act with the par.
iy, be earnestly invited to form Democratic
clubs in every section of the State.
ReSolred, That the people of this State be
urgently recommended to go to the polls and
vote against the Constitution Of the radical
faction lately promulgated in Charleston. and
to vote for good and true men for all offices
within heir gift. AT the same time in voting
for officers under this Constitution, we would
put on record our protest against its validity
Rcsolred, That under the action of the
State of South Carolina, heretofore taken, we
recognize the colored population of the State
as an integral element of the body polite;
and. as such, in person and property, entitled
to inll and equal protection under the State
Constitution and laws. And that as citizens
OF South Carolina, we declare our willingness,
when we have the power, to grant them, un.
der proper qualifications as to property and
intelligence, the right of suffrage.
Rssotved, That committee of five be ap-
pointed by the Chairman to nominate State
Central Executive Committee, consisting Of
seven members; q majority of whom shall be
res dents at Columbia.
Reso,rsd, That the Chairman appoint o
Committee Of FIVE to nominate to this Con-
vention suitable persons--two delegates at
large and one from each Congressional Dis
trict--to represent the Democratic party of
this State in the National Democratic Con-
Yention, to be held in the city of New York,
on the 4th of July next; and that the State
Central Executive Committee be authorized
to fill such vacancies as may occur.
Resolred, further, That the State Central
Executive Committee issue, through the
press, such documents as be deemed condu
Give tothe purposes proposed by this Conven-
ton.
Before considering this report, it was sug
gested that the various papers submitted to
the Committee be read to the Convention.
Whereupon Gov. Perry, Col. Blanding and
Col. Thomas read those papers; and, OH mo-
tion, they we're referred to the Executive
Committee, to be revised and published at the
earliest day practicable. These able docu-
ments, tits believed, will be in print early
next week.
The report Of the Committee on Business
was read by sections. An animated and in
tercsting debate ensued. Mr.. Aiken objected
TO the third section, as indefinite and really
inconsistent. He was unwilling to vote for
officers under an unconstitutional provision.
The section he declared inpractcable and
invalid.
Colonel Thomas replied 1t was deemed
important to insert this section, in order to
bring out the strength of the white vote in
the State. But suggested, that in thus voting,
VIC enter our protest against the entire pro
cccding.
Col. Aiken accepted the suggestion. and the
following amendment was added; But, at
the same time, we enter our solemn protest
against its validity"
Col. Aiken objected, that the fifth resolu-
ton did not go far enough. Let the colored
man know what he had 10 expect; give him
something tangible. Add to the resolution,
that in due time he shall have partial suffrage.
Gen. Chestnut stated that this section caused
some debate in the Committee Room. lie
thought the gentleman from Abbeville was
right. We should say that the colored man
be made to understand that hereafter eshall
have qualified suffrage He also thoughtthat,
in military parlapce, it would be necessary to
accept the African auxiliary"
Hon. B. F. Perry said he believed it was
absolutely necessary to the peace and order
of society that this class of people who had
been elevated, should be permitted to vote.
1t was important to encourage them, and, be-
ing encouraged, they would educate them
selves and seek to acquire intelligence and
property. In Connecticut, two years ago,
when this question was submitted to the pee.
pie, The negroes Themselves went forward and
voted against universal suffrage, on the ground
that until their colored brethren had acquired
intelligence and property they were not en-.
titled to exercise the right The same argu-
meDt addresses itself to large class OF col
ored people now. Qualified suffrage was the
slfetY valve of society in South Carolina, be-
cause it would make good citizens Of intelli
gent men; whereas, if not entitled to the
privilege, they might be distnrbers of the
peace. Besides, the privilege would be exer-
cised by so few that they could not exercise
a controlling influence in elections. He bad
entertained these views for many years, and
when he went to Washington, President
johnson concprred with him, and said thatif
all the Southern States would adopt qualified
suffrage it would diaarm and defeat the fadi-
Gals Of the North. The President likewise
wrote to the Governor of Mississippi and
urged him toemploy his influence in securing
qualified suffrage in that State. 1t wss the
right prlnciple-right, because it is the prize
which the, colored man has won, and it can
do no harm TO society..r 1t was, therefore.