The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1870-02-09
PARTY-MAKLNG.

OuT CotoLupoIdEys tuo SuhI1eotOu NcCS,
seems to regard it its special duty to lay
down q programme for the political
guidance of the anti-radicaists of this
State. It has bean beating around for
some time and essaying to hit upon
something definite and likely to prove
acceptable. First, it laid down what it
distinctly called the platform of the
Democratic party Of South Carolina. Now
it proposes platform for "the coming
party"-name to be hereafter fixed
name to be anything, provided it is not
Democrat, and provided it is not radical
or Republican, In other words, the
Neus proposes middle party-a "third
party" Now this we have to say, that
this is q little singular, since scarcely n
week has passed since the Ne,rs de-
nounced, in strong terms, the "third
party" movement. Furthermore, the
NeWs must be aware that ii cannot claim
originality for its present suggestions.
It cannot get letters patent for its inven-
ton. The Winnsboro Ne,us is before its
Charleston name-sake. The News, of
Charleston, is now advocating what our
friend of the Winnsboro Ne,rs has been
putting forth for some time. We dis
sented from the Winnsboro Ne,ps, for
the same reasons we dissent from the
Charleston Ne,rs. We do not accept the
policy proposed by the Ners. We do
not like to repeat ourselves, but it is per-
haps incumbent upon US brie6y.to restate
our argument. We begin by affirming
that we are not welded to any party.
Above party considerations the public
interests rise. OF all times, in our mind
nay, they tower high above. But we
have to look at things in practical way,
and if we desire to exert an influence we
have to act in practical way. 1t so hap
pens that two great parties now divide
this country. Of these two existing Or
CARNATIONS, the Democratic organization
comes nearest our interests, our sympa-
thies, our aspirations, our principles. It
has q past of which no one need be
ashamed. The Ne,cs would consent to
blot it out. We are proud of it and
would lot it stand. We do not approve
of all that it has done. 1t may have left
some things undone which it ought to
have done. But, in the main, it has ad-
vanood the country in grandeur, and
stood by the South since the war. Ithas
fought for constitutional rule, and now
it is the only bulwark between the mad
ness of radicalism and the safeguards of
the people. So much for the Democracy
in general, but let US more particularly
consider the Democratic party of South
Carolina. The South Carolina Democra-
cy was organized at the April Convention,
in 1868. Its past is before the State. It
is true that it failed of complete success,
but can it be demonstrated that any other
movement would have succeeded better,
under all the circumstances Of the case?
It elected two out of four Congressman
and carried nearly one-half of the Coun-
ties in the State. We know whereof we
speak. In nearly every County of the
State, and in euery County achere men did
Meir duty, the anti-radicalists rallied with
fervid enthusiasm and polled their whole
strength. Il was an honorable CANVASS,
and accomplished large and unexpected
results. What, now, was the spirit of
the South Carolina Democracy? We af-
firm that it was high and sagacious. 1t
took bold step forward, conceded quail
fed suffrage, contrary to the opinion even
of Northern Democrats, and conducted
the canvass in manly and spirited way.
The leaders of the party discountenanced
any violence, and if violent action was in
dulged in, they were not responsible no
more than the leaders OF the radical par
ty are all responsible for the numerous
incendiary fires that have occurred III
various portions of the State. SO much
for tho South Carolina Democracy in the