The Sumter watchman. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1855-1881, 1870-06-29

manipulated to secure a confession
which it was supposed could be effeotu.
ally used against tho people of the
State. What followed The murderer
was permitted to escape, and public
opinion believes, from all the oircum-
stances, that it was with official oopni.
vance. He goes at large, and finally
returns to his home, where.he is permit
ted to stalk abroad in defiance of the
law until his mouth IS forever sealed BY
a pistol shot discharged by ono of the
representatives Of the Government
There was no Investigation and to day the
blood of Randolph stains the hands Of the
Executive of South Carolina, aud his
spirit calls in tones Of vengeance for
judicial redress.
Yet it has been found convenient for
that same public fnnotionary to charge
this assassination upon the Ku Klux of
the State. Is he a member of that or
ganization {? IF not, why did he fail to
bring the criminal to justice2 Why
was Talbert permitted to esoape7 Why
did he roam at large filled with secret
of death and political machination
until his own life was suddenly brought
to an end.
And with such circumstances staring
us in the face, we are asked to lie su-
pinely on our backs, and make no sign
of relief. Sir, believe such is not the
will or determination Of the people Of
South Carolina. We are bent on reform
and reform we will have Enthusiastic
applause
Look at the Land Commission
Thousands of dollars have been expend-
ed to buy homes for the homeless. But
the cry has arisen and will continue to
rise, louder and more powerful. "Where
arc the homes they have purchased 2"
For one, want to see that law executed,
but executed in spirit of justice, exc.
cuted SO that poor colorcd men and
white men throughout the State may
enjoy its benefits, which is not the case
at the present time. We want the
truth in this matter, but the citizens
of South Carolina have been debarred
from the enjoyment of tho privileges
promised. They know nothing of the
manner in which the money appropri.
atcd has been expended, but they do
know that il the records could be exam.
ined tale of corruption would be told,
that neither mountains nor caverns could
hide. [Applausc.]
must apologize for trespassing so
long upon the time of tho Convention.
(Crics of ego on" Ego on.") I have
only this to say in conclusion We may
honestly differ as to the policy that
should be. pursued in the present con.
tingcncy but we have reported plat~
form and adopted party name. Now
what will be the effect Of on adjourn.
ment without nominations 2 My own
conviction is, that having exhibited our
earnestness and sincerity, having de-
monstrated to the colored people that VIC
do not intend to interfere with their
vested rights, it is our next duty to
nominate candidates for Governor and
Lieutenant Governor in order that we
may have standard bearers who will
personify the principles we havo enun~
ciated, publish them to the world, and
be the standard bearers around whom
the people can gather in their contest
for the right. TApplauso.1 Let us then
proceed to make these nominations as
soon as the platform shall have been
adopted; aud when that is done we will
chang out our banners on tho outer
walls," aud sound those clarion notes
which will rally all who love peace,
prosperity, an honest Government, and
desire the administration of equal and
exact justice to all men. [Grcat APP
plause.
We want the government in the
hands Of a man who will recognize his
responsibility to tho pcople-the source
of all power-and not sit upon his
throne issuing procamations which are
but "airy nothings," and consider not
the interests Of the public. Let a man
occupy the gubernatorial chair of South
Carolina who will soy to all the people,
1 hold the agis which protects you, who
will perform his duty fearlessly and
faithfully, who will see that the laws
are executed and rights are preserved,
and l believe We shall succeed. have
confidence in the good sense of the
masses, and when oil the facts are set
forth, when men are no longer intimi-
dated by the rabble, and are permitted
to enjoy free discussion of the prin.
ciples embodied in this platform, when
tho influence of Union Leagues no
longer trammels an American citizen
and he dares to break free from the
slavery of that organization, we shall
succeed in securing to South Carolina a
government just, generous and potent
in which her humblost citizen will feel O
pride.
REMARKS OF MIR. F.. s. KEITT.
Mr.. President II do not wish thst my
former remarks should he interpreted
as indicating any opposition to the pur'
poses of this Convention. / only wan,
our platform to be broad, deep and. COM
prehcnsive, no that all good men may
stand upon it and do battle for the right
AS regards the nominations am ii
favor of them, and whoever thu
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