The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1870-11-17
Judge Carpenter aud General Butler

1t was evident from the beginning of the
late canvass that the. Scott Radicals could
only be defeated by the united efforts of the
whites, seconded by large colored vote,
and when the Reform Convention was held
the prospects Of the opposition, in the public
mind, were so desperate that any man OF
reputation might have found plausible ex-
cuse for declining nomination where the
only certainties were hard work and the bit
ter abuse Of the whole Radical party. With
a full knowledge of all the circumstances,
the gentlemen nominated by the Reform
Convention accepted the leadership OF the
party, and, with patriotic ardor, opened at
once the political campaign. Their whole
conduct proved that they were animated by
the purest and most unselhsh mOtives-by o
generous desire to do all that might be done
for the political regeneration Of the State.
General NJ G. Butler, the Reform candi-
date for Lieutenant Governor, already en-
joyed the esteem and goodwill of his fel-
low-citizeus. There was nothing in the
position for which he was nominated to
tempt ambition. At the best, the reward
must be small in comparison with the heat
and burden Of the canvass Yet the gal
liant soldier spared no time or pains in what
was not his cause, but the cause OF his peo-
pie. Nearly every county was warmed by
his eloquent words, and cheered by his man
ly vindication OF the integrity and worth OF
South Carolina. And we only; express the
sentiment of the, people when we say that
heavy debt OF gratitude is due to General NJ.
G. Butler as knightly combatant in the
arena of politics as on the field OF war, o
man whom the older citizens respect and
trust, and to whom the younger men look up
with confidence, admiration and love.
Judge Carpenter, the Reform candidate
for Governor was almost stranger in the
State, where he had. nevertheless, lived
long enough to bring new honor to the judi
clal ermine, and to prove himself worthy OF
the faith of the people. AS Republican,
standing high in the councils OF his party,
as man Of large abilities and strong mind,
there was no position in his party to- which
he might not aspire But the venality and
trickery OF the so-called Republicans COM
posing the Scott clique were foreign, to his
sentiments, and, at the call of the Reform
Convention, he accepted the leadership OF
the minority, resigned his judicial Office, and
centred upon himself the hatred and maligg-
nifty of the whole faction. which opposed the.
endeayor Of the Reformers to reconcile the,
whites and blacks, and to elect to Office only
honest and intelligent men. How splendid
" Judge Carpenter labored in the cause OF
Reform, all the people know. lie was SLAM
dered and abused, with wonderful ingenuity,
from the beginning OF the canvass to its
close. But the shafts fell harmless. On the
day of casting the vote, Judge Carpenter
stood higher than he, had ever done before.
The ihdomitable courage and vast energy
Of the man had silenced calumny and COM
PEELED respect, and had, besides, implanted
sin the public breast a firm belief in his pub
lie disinterestedness and personal integrity.
Judge Carpenter was never sapguine OF sue
ceeding. 1t was, so to speak, forlorn hope
which he led But seldom has candidate
fought harder to win; and never has one bet
ter deserved victory. South Carolina is
the home Of Judge Carpenter. Here lie ex-
poets to live, and, although he may not
again be willing to enter political life, he is
entitled, at all times and under all circum-
stances, to the grateful remembrance OF our
people. -, ,se .i5..,.-,,4 I