The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1871-12-07
MINORITY REPRESENTATION.

MlNOHIt1 REPRESENTATION.
The subject of minority representation en-
gagged the earnest attention of the ''Tax Pay
ers' Convention" and they presented many
cogent reasons for its immediate adoption into
the elective system of this State. In accor-
dance with my promise to them, I present this
important matter for your gravest consideration.
I recognize the principle of minority repre-
sentation as both wise and just. 1t secures to
the several party divisions in the State direct
and proportional representation in its admins
tration. 1t thus institstes-a check and balance
against that injudicious- or oppressive exercise
OF power that is too apt to ensue where its un-
divided possession is held by large party ma
jority. The advantages of the system have
been recently exemplifed in practice at elec-
tions in England and in the States of Pennsyl-
yania and Illinois. In. those States, however,
citizens divide into parties upon questions
merely affecting the State or national policies,
and they seek only by legitimate means to ele-
vate to power the exponents of their views.
There no mans party affiliation furnishes any
just presumption against, his loyalty to his
country, and no citizen-who is loyal is, for that
cause, subjected to the hazards of murder,
exile and the lash, or~the certainty of public
and social prescription -
Here, on the contrary the minority are Or
ganized upon basis which practically calls in
question the very principles, and the funda-
mental law upon which the State and National
Governments repose.
The end sought by the. proposed system could
long since have been practically accomplished,
but for the bitter spirit of intolerance engen-
dered and fostered by party leaders of the op-
| position among their followers.
! / have been at all times ready, as is well
known, to cooperate Rith.all moderate men
| without regard to party affiliations, in securing
the election to public Office of those only who
we're worthy and well qualified. My OWL
course in this regard has~not only been illus
I trated by the Executive appointments, but by
the personal aid that have invariably exten-
ded to elevate to public position those native
whites who, although classed, at the time, with
kthe opposition, were gentlemen of character
and intelligence, and fair and temperate in
I their political views. In proof of this 1 in
stance, with great eradication, Chief Justice
| Moses, and Circuit Judges Ex-Governor J. L.
I Orr, Green, Melton, Graham and Farmer 1.-THE
I last an ad interim Executive appointment to
whose elevation to the-benGh gave my cordial
support. These gentlemen were all trusted and
1 honored under the ancient regime, and will
7 compare favorably, in, point of personal char.
| aSoSA fsAAN SDPe'SAVy, WAeh any SAeiISh Va eAiS
State. ,-,.-.,
/ submit, however, for your deliberate consid
/ Grafton, whether the men who are now deman
ding the establishment by law of the system O
minority representation, are entitled to this &C
! Of magnanimity at your hands. It is for vol
to determine whether the line of policy pur
sued by them since the adjournment of the
Tax Payers Convention, tends to commend tht
speedy adoption by you of an elective system
which must largely increase the number O
those in the General Assembly who are hostile
to our system of free government.
CONCLUSION.
In conclusion, gentlemen of the General AS
sembly, desire to express my earnest hope
that in all your deliberations you will remem
Der that the only path of safety is the path o
duty.
\ thrust and believe that you will so legislatt
in the interest of the whole people of the State
as to prove to the country at large that Repub
lieanismran good government in South Garo
lima are not, as is falsely alleged, inconsistent
With each othe er. nan,i,m Iso5,m
| Governor.