The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1868-04-04

DuSinooo was ieau ny SeCClOnS. An
animated and interesting debate en-
sued. Mr.. Aiken objected to the
third section, as indefinite and really
inconsistent. He was unwilling to
vote for officers under an unconstitu-
tional provision. The section he
declared impracticable and invalid.
Colonel Thomas replied. It was
deemed important to insert this sec
ton, in order to bring out the
strength of the white vote in the
State. But suggested, that in thus
voting, we enter our protest against
the entire proceeding.
Col. Aiken accepted the sugges-
tion, 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
resolution did not go far enough. Let
the colored man know what he had
to expect; give him something tan
gible. Add to the resolution, that in
due time lie shall have partial suf-
frage.
Gen. Chestnut stated that this sec
tion caused some debate in the Com
mlttee Room. He thought the gen.
tleman from Abbeville was right.
We should say that the colored man
DO made to understand that hereafter
he shall have qualified suffrage. He
also thought that, in military par
lance, 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 elevat-
ed, should be permitted to vote. 1t
was important to encourage them,
and, being encouraged, they would
educate themselves and seek to ac-
9nire intelligence and property. In
Connecticut, two years ago, when
this question was submitted to the
people, 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 entitled to exercise the right.
The same argument addresses itself
to q large class of colored people
now. Qualified suffrage was the safe
ty valve of society in South Carolina,
because it would make good citizens
of intelligent men; whereas, if not
entitled to the privilege, they might
be disturbers of the peace. Besides,
the privilege would be exercised by
so few that they could not exercise
q controlling influence in elections.
He had entertained these views for
many years, and when he went to
Washington, President Johnson con-
CURED with him, and said that if all
the Southern States would adopt
qualified suffrage it would disarm and
defeat the radicals of the North.
The President likewise wrote to the
Governor of Mississippi and urged
him to employ his influence in secur-
ing qualified suffrage in that State.
1t was the right principle-right,
because it is the prize which the
colored man has won, and it can do
no harm to society. 1t was, there
fore, proper, in going before the peo-
pie of the State, to let the negroes
know distinctly we are willing to
concede this partial right of suffrage
to those who can handle the tool
without damaging themselves. Say
this to the black man and thousands
of votes would he secured in the
coming election, besides doing great
good in the preservation of the
peace and quiet of society
Col. Thomas gave his hearty con-
currence to the opinions expressed
10y these gentlemen. He favored this
idea ever since the emancipation of
the slaves. He agreed with General
Hampton when he advocated this
measure year ago, and he agreed
with him now. The speaker had
been a stakeholder; but he hoped he
was humane and merciful one. Men
talk HiDnantlv of fha oD,,rooohino