The Sumter watchman. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1855-1881, 1870-07-06
years, We, the people Of the State, have
been whipped oil tho time. As Demo-
erats, ws not only have been repeatedly

Gratis, VS. a0t only have been repeatedly
defeated, but are in such a hopeless
minority, surrounded and overpowered,
that We "give up the fight" We have
not surrendered, nor do we propose to
surrender, any principle but we pro-
pose no longer 20 disturb every relation
and interest ofthe State by worse than
bootless struggle. And have yet to
meet the first man who proposes for the
State Of South Carolina stand up
Democratic fight. for this summors q
campaign. This negative position having
been universally adopted, what next
was the important inquiry. Should we
stand still? Ipeotion would soon place
us in the icy embrace of despair, where
sleep is death Should we hold our
selves, as proposed by one of our most
intelligent and patriotic citizens (Colon.
ell Rion), as "balance of power" party,
waiting for a division? A "balance Of
power" party must be a minority. When
it becomes majority, il is power-not
balance Of fpo,oer. IF it wait for divi-
sion, it may perish before division come
Let us look, for our guidance, to the
condition Of our enemies-the present
government Of South Carolina. They
are not Republicans; they are mere
adventurers and plunderers Their
strength is the cohesion of plunder-
their weakness the diuision ofthe spoiIs /!
No doubt Colonel Kion pcrceives this,
and, able in military movement, as he
is lawyer and metaphysical, con-
templates flank movement worthy of
the ''grcat old battalion;" but we all
here know that the division of spoils
has again and again threatened division
among this party, again and again to he
cured by piundering from us another
million to soothe tho wounded spirits of
the disaffeoted. Wo cannot survive this
waiting! Colonel, move up the noble
old Seventh and create division Now,
how is this to be done ? Shall We march
up with colors flying and band dis
ooursing the inspiring charge Shall
VIC seek cover aud try the flank? That
would do, if we intended Democratic
fight and victory but we intend, could
expect, no such result. We believe that
the policy of the Northern Republican
party is fastened on us for the present |!
We recognize the amendments of the
constitution enforced on US as "verities"
or accomplished facts" We do not
propose to combat them, nor docs any
one in the State that know Of. But we
do not therefore propose to ollie supinely
on our backs !" We do propose to re-
form the administration Of the govern
ment of this State. This is our pressing,
great necessity! A necessity as urgent
to all decent Republicans as to ourselves
of the cold line." This motive alone
prompts the action of the "Union Re-
form Party" of South Carolina. A party;
nerved, ] believe, by the most sincere,
devoted and unscl6sh. patriotism TO
evince to all the disintcrestcdnes OF
that patriotism--to gain moral strength
with Republicans at the North, many
members OF the convention were
anxious-nearly all were willing to
nominate only Republicans, and earnest
ly to support them for Office and in
Office. Now, this is our offending
The convention did not reject the pro-
position-it was never submitted to
them. The white representatives in the
convention were, as far as indications
were given, willing to nominate not
only Republican, but colored Re.
publican but tho colored delegates
insisted that, as the lower country had
q Republican nominee for Governor, in
Judge Carpenter, tho up country should
have nominee from the cold line" for
Lieutenant Governor. And they nomi-
mated the gallant and distinguished
Butler-a nomination which was unani-
mously sustained !
The people of South Carolina may be
mistaken in the results of this move
ment. They occupy most embarrassing
position. "Rescue"-immediatc rescue
is necessary. They must win that rescue
by fair, open, honorable meaus. They
cannot and will not consent to try my
other than frank and honest MEANS
Was any other course left us, consistent
with honor, but to say to Republicans,
"We do not ask you to surrender your
principles. We do not propose to
surrender ours. We profess no rcpent-
ance for the past, for that would be to
lie, but We ask all honest Republicans
to join US in saving the State from utter
ruin and disgrace and we cvince our
sincerity by saying, it is your govern"
ment, take it and administer it, fill the
Offices with honest Republicans, and We
will sustain them"
In this wo peceive no desecration Of
the past. Time and events, friends and
foes show us, alike, the truth of the
great principles for which we have
suffered. Tho course Of our enemy
justifes and proves the post, and your
immortal Stephens has already stamped
the record Of history.
CTS SAVANNAH.
TIME.-Whcn l look upon the tombs
of the great, every emotion OF envy dies
in me. Whom l read the epitaph ofthe