The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1870-04-07

present time, they would be glad enough to
make such compromise. It is the knowledge
of this fact which accounts for the persistency
of Republicanism at the North, and for the
adoption of plan of reconstruction which
would remove the fangs of the serpent by which
that section had been stung. Still, do not
wish to be understood as endorsing all the Pc
culiar manifestations of that political creed
which have been exhibited in the South, be-
cause Republicanism has gone to extremes here
which would never be accepted at the North.
A reaction must necessarily take place, and is
already in progress.
-. ,REPUBLICANIsM TO PREDoMrNATE.
So. @. But will q true Republicanism gain ac-
cessions to its ranks from the native white men
of the South 2 ze
A. Most .unquestionably, but it will be a
work of time. 1t! is every day becoming evi-
dent to men of shrewdness and foresight that
there is no organization antagonistic to the
Republican party which can be successful in
South Carolina for the next ten years, and the
remark is equally applicable to every Southern
State in which there is q large colored majority
The results of the last three years have satisfied
the people that all the present evils of which
they complain might have been ayerted by
to maintain their new rights. Large numbers
of the best men in South Carolina are even
now willing to espouse Republican principles,
and would doubtless do so but for the distrust
which, as gentlemen of character and intelli-
gence, they naturally entertain toward those
who, by accidental circumstances, have been
placed in the lead of the Republican party
menwho, do not, and never did enjoy public
confidence; men who are ignorant, corrupt
dishonest and unfit, by reason of their early
associations for decent society. They were
adroit enough, however, to make the more ig-
norant among the negroes believe them to be
their best friends, and by employing all the arts
of the demagogue, and an unscrupulous use of
disgraceful agencies, they succeeded in being
elected to the, most important Offices in the
State. or5 ,s.~f v ;,-,g..et
THE CoLoRED PEOPLE. el Il,
O., Is it your belief that the negro can be
controlled7 .a. ..4i =
A. Itdepends upon the material you work
with, and the material you work upon. The
most ignorant are the most radical the most
intelligent are the most conservative; and my
experience with them, in the capacity of legis-
lators, satisfies me that as far as lies in their
power they mean to do only that which will
rebound to the best interests of the State:
Naturally, much Of their action has been based
upon the determination to strengthen their
party some of their measures, such as legisla-
ting q City Council into Office over the head OF
another Council perhaps equally Republican in
character; ); or such as extending the limits of a
city or town in order to embrace more votes,
have been extraordinary in their purpose; but
even these have found sturdy opponents among
the race, who will not lend themselves to any
policy, however advantageous, tina: is not fully
sustained by precedent or principle. As said
before, the ,colored people may Tor a while dis
trust the professions of white men, but when
they see them in earnest, and discover that it is
not merely matter of politics, but of practical
benefit to the State, which is involved in o
combination of strength, confidence will be re-
stored, and the two races will work together In
harmony. rs
@. Is there disposition among the colored
people to improve their opportunities?
; A. Undoubtedly; large numbers of colored
children are attending school; many of their
parents by economy and industry, have accu-
mulated means; as selass they dress better
than before, and there are general evidences of
improvement There is of course large class
of idlers, lazy men and women, who have no
ambition to do more than live from hand to
mouth. These prey upon society, and bring
their race into disrepute; but this is an evil
which only time can cure. 1t is the brighter
side of the picture which our people are pleas
urably contemplating, because they see in the
advancement of this large colored element
corresponding degree of advantage to them
selves and the State. We want intelligent
labor. AS an agricultural community we must
depend upon it for success, and, if it cannot be
brought from abroad, our policy is to promote
all educational influences at home. 1t is q re-
alization of the fact that the interests of the
Two races are common, that each depends upon
the other, that the black man is essential to the
welfare of the white man, and that both must
work together in the business concerns of life,
which has brought men to their senses. We
are, in short, becoming progressive.
THE FIFTEENTH AMENDMENT.
O. Allow me to ask, Governor what is likely
to be the operation of the Fifteenth Amend
ment throughout the South?
A. 1t is my belief that in q few years Con-
gress will find that they have put into the hands
of the South two edged sword; that that
with which they intended to deprive the white
man of power has only doubled it. And should
the question of repeating the clause be raised,
its strongest opponents will then be those who
live South of Mason and Dixon's line. So
identical will the interests of the two races here
eventually become-all local causes of irrita-
tion being removed-that the South will so in
to a national contest with all her armor on,
carrying with her the balance of power, and
the ability to determine every vexea question
of national politics Ideas do not always cul-
inmate in day or generation, and we can
we'll afford to await the issue, knowing that
mind will at last triumph over muscle, and Sc
cure for us, as a people united, without respect
to color, all the rights to which we are entitled
In other words, New England will not always
dictate to us from the floor of Congress, and
the North generally will not enjoy the blessings
of partial legislation. In this light, looking to
the future for results, I think we should be
grateful for the Fifteenth Amendment.
THE FATE OF THE NEGRO.
@. I have frequently seen it stated in the