The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1870-05-05
The June Convention.

| NeWs dissent from the views expressed BY US
a fortnight since. We have carefully weighed
the reasons assigned by those journals as to the
propriety Of organizing State ticket in the
approaching canvass, and have not been con-
vinced that there is hope of success in the
programme of our cotemporaries. To our mind
there are Overwhelming reasons to the contrary
and we shall proceed to state them briefly.
It must be conceded that movement of this
character, to secure an affliation between Dem
ocrats and Republicans in an effort to bring
about reform in the administration of public
affairs, must necessarily be controlled and urged
forward by conservative members Of the Repub-
hcan party. We think there is no hazard in
affirming that it is out of the question to expect
the election ofany Democrat to fill the Executive
chair for the next term. The nominee of the
June Convention, with the remotest chance of
success, must come from the ranks of the Re
publican party, and must procure the votes of
every Democrat in the State in order to insure
triumph over the disciplined forces of the ex-
treme Radicals. Such being the case, we are
led to inquire as to the individual likely to
place himself in the hands of party organized
in this way. Is there prominent Republican
yet connected with the movement? We con-
fess that there is no indication to that effect
Unless we have an available candidate, who
can unite the entire Democratic vote, and at
the same time secure more than $4,000 voters
heretofore aligned with the Radical party, de-
feat is certain and inevitable. These are plain
facts that it will not do to ignore in our calcu-
lations.
The Radical Convention will assemble in
July, for the purpose of nominating candidates
for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. IF
! there is breach among the leaders of that par
ty, and one that viii likely prove efectual, the
white people of the State will hold the balance
of power, and can determine the election by
their votes in favor of the least Objectionable
candidate. In doing SO, there would be no
sacrifice of principle on their part. 1t would
not only present choice of evils, but prove an
entering wedge to the dissolution of the i'm
mense patronage and power now controlled by
that party. Unless there are strong and infu.
ential men in the Radical party, opposed to the
corruption, profigacy and misrule of the pres"
ent administration, and who are willing to
manifest this opposition boldly and unhesita-
tingly in their primary meetings and nomina-
ting conventions, there can be no hope of secu-
ring an honest and economical State govern
ment for the next two years. Otherwise, the
cohesive power of public plunder' will pre-
serve intact the Radical party as at present or
ganized.
Admitting, for the sake of argument, that
the Radicals will elect the next Governor with
out opposition, we cannot perceive that this
will fasten Radicalism permanently upon the
State or make it reputable. The campaign of
1872, involving q Presidential election, must
necessarily be fought upon national issues. 1t
is entirely uncertain as to the significance OF
Democracy and Republicanism at that time, as
the platforms of 1868 will be eschewed In
great measure. The issues of the next Presi-
Dental contest, however, are not likely to in
yolve questions upon which the voters of this
State will be divided by races, andin the mean
time earnest and practical work will convince
the colored people that the declarations of
friendship and good will On our part are honestly
meant and faithfully adhered to. The distrust
and alienation of the past must give way to
better feeling, and this cannot be hastened by
imprudent efforts to control their votes in ad-
vance of their confidence and faith in these
pledges.
| In advocating the policy Of striving to secure
the election of honest and incorruptible men to
the Legislature, without reference to contest
for Governor, we think there is safety and hope.
In many counties, it would stimulate Republi-
cans to put forward men without regard to po-
itical distinctions, and on these the people
could unite heartily. Itwould prevent heated
canvass which results disastrously to the agri-
cultural interests of the State, where labor is
disorganized and rendered uncertain. Itwould
allay bitterness and assuage prejudices not yet
overcome 1t would place us on better foot
ing to enter the campaign two years hence. 1t
would undoubtedly take away the motives for
organizing the militia, and in measure disarm
the present Executive and his cohorts, and es-
pecially would this be the casein the event of a
split in the Radical party. We might enumer-
ate other and more potent reasons still, but it is
unnecessary. We take it for granted that this
policy willnot be adopted, without the endorse
ment of State Convention, and while differing
from our friends as to the necessity for an as
sembly of this character to determine such a
course, we beg leave to announce that the col
umns of the Inteligencey are open to those favor
ing a State Convention in June, and we will be
glad to hear from them If there is desire for
Anderson to be represented, we trust that the
friends of the movement will at once inaugu-