The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1868-04-01


AT q meeting of thu citizens of Anderson and
vicinity the above named gentlemen were selected
TO represent the Conservative party as candidates
for the Legislature mt the approaching election
In presenting this ticket for the support OF the
people generally, the meeting authorized an ad-
dress to be issued, explanatory of the reasons IN
ducing this course, and urging the Importance OF
every man having the welfare of his country at
heart making some sacrifice to secure the election
of men identified with the permanent prosperity oil
this section. The apathy and Indifference of the
people generally to entering into political strife
has been a source of deep regret TO enlightened
statesmen who descry the worst results following
in the wake of total neglect of duty and poWerless
inaction With political power passing into the
hands of ignorant and mischievous aspirants Tor
Office, and intelligence and virtue standing 'loof
in sullen despair, future legislation is destined to
be directed against the best wishes of the whole
people, and in favor of particular class of oflce-
seekers and adventurers. Such will inevitably be
the result, when good men voluntarily fetter
themselves and allow the control of public affairs
to pass into the hands of ambitious demagogues.
To avert this calamity fellow citizens, needs the
strength and support Of all rightlnnded men, and
for this purpose they are earnestly imporuned to
throw off dependency and lcthargy, and unite in
the elevation of men who have not sought the po-
sition, and whose lives are guarantee OF their
fidelity and faithfuness in the discharge of duty
At the coming election, it is required that the
question be submitted to the qualified voters OF
this State whether or not they will accept, as the
organic law of the land, the Constitution recently
framed by the assemblage convened under au-
thorty known rs the Reconstruction Acts OF Con-
rress. This Constitution is before the people for
ratification or rejection, and every man casting
his ballot will be required TO endorse upon his
ticket "Por Constitution or against Constitu
,ion." Without entering into any elaborate argu-
mcnt 10 prove that the mnj jority of the people had
no influence in framing this Instrument, 1t is snfh
cienl to know that the "pomers that be" have pre-
sen,ed before us such Constitution, intended for
orr government and guidance in the future. ard
that the privilege is accorded 10 every voter to en-
dorsc or reject the same 1t may be frankly adj
mitted, without derogation of right or justice, that
this Constitution contains some provisions alike
acceptable TO all classes; but while conceding this
much, there are other and more important con-
siderations involved, that makes an endorsement
of this Constitution measure Of oppression and in
justice beyond any rcqnircments'o of right or reason
For instance, the privilege and sacred right to
manage one's own household is ruthlessly invaded
by the compulsory clause in regard to educa-
iion; the perpetual disfranchisement of the most
intelligent and capable citizens is not justified by
common sense or sound policy, and is vindictive in
the extremes the establishment of an extensive
mitiu system, in times of apparent peace, and the
conseoucn. taxation of the people in their inipov-
erished condition to support this useless appen-
dage, is proaigate and reckless, TO say the least
and the delusive character Of the Homestead
clause, which alone comncnds This Constitution to
many otherwise opposed TO its adoption, is the
work of men intending to deceive by honeyed
words and hatering promises. But why pursue
the investigation ? The origin. history. progress
and effect Of this instrument are already before
the people, and it is for them to decide whether or
not they will lend their assistance in perpetuatng
wrong, and engrafting upon our State this foul
blot of shame and degradation.
Finally, fellow-ctizens it is highly important
that every entitled to register his name as
voter should exercise that privilege ut once This
important object will not only avail him now, but
will be powerful weapon in the future. The bal
lot is the highest privilege of American freedom,
and should not be lightly esteemed. In order to
exercise the use of that ballot, it is necessary to
register the names of voters, and every one should
see to it that he is duly registered and that his
neighbor is urged to perform that duty likewise