The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1871-08-10
The Charleston Election.

The Charleston Election.
On Wednesday, End of August, the election
for Mayor and Aldermen of Charleston took
place, and has resulted in triumphant victory
for the anti Radical element of the population.
BY an Act Of the Legislature at its last session,
the election was ordered to be held on the first
Wednesday in August, instead of during the
month Of November. The purpose Of this
change was evident The Radical leaders
knew that large numbers Of business men and
pleasure-scckcrs were absent from the city du-
ring the month of August, and as the white
and colorcd voters were nearly equal in point
Of numbers, an easy victory might be obtained
over their opponents. But, i'll this shrewd cal
culation, they were doomed to disappointment,
as the absent voters hurried from the springs
and mountains, and shortened their business
trips, for the purpose of taking part in the re-
demption of Charleston from the hands of ig-
norance, incompetence and misrule. Scores of
Charlestonians sojourning in this section of the
State threw aside business and pleasure to reg
lister and vote in the late election. This self
sacrificing spirit, added to the indomitable
perseverance displayed in the organization Of
the anti-Radical party, assured the complete
victory of last Wednesday. All honor to the
noble efforts of the Charleston people for this
great result, as it is destined to exert whole
some influence upon the future of our beloved
State.
The Radical party entered the contest with
the present incumbent Gilbert Pillsbury, as
their candidate for Mayor. The ticket for AL
dernen on the Radical side had to be remodeled
few days before the election, to meet the
views of the most intelligent and respectable
members of that party, who were openly con-
demning the trickery and low cunning Of the
candidates themselves, and denouncing them as
totally unfit for the positions to which they
aspired. On the other hand, the Citizens par
ty under the lead Of Gen. John A. WAGNER
the successful candidate for Mayor, brought
out an Aldermanic ticket embracing staunch,
reliable citizens representing every class of the
population, white and colorcd. Tho registra-
tion occupied three days before the election,
and stood as follows: Total registered vote,
O,999-whites, 5,155; colored, 5,S44, showing
q colorcd majority Of $50 votes.
The most strenuous efforts were made by the
Radical leaders to keep the colored vote COM
pact as heretofore. But the superior organiza-
tion of their opponents effected inroads upon
their ranks. Then commenced the work of in
timidation, always shamcfully practiced by the
colorcd Radicals upon any of their number
breaking loose from that party. Riotous pro-
cccdings were imminent, too, and the most
respectable white citizens promptly consulted
the city and State authorities, and the officer
commanding the United States. troops, and
firmly declared their intention of protecting
every man in the exercise Of the right of suf-
fragc, if "thc powers that be- were unable to
afford such protection. All manner of busi-
ness was suspended, and there was thorough
determination on the part of the whites to in
sure fair and peaceful election. To this do
termination may be ascribed the happy result,
as those disposed to disturb the public peace,
and intimidate others from voting as they saw
fit, were quickly brought to their senses.
This was the condition of affairs on the
morning of the election. One company of the
United States troops was divided into small
squads, and distributed at the various polling
places. The ordinary police forco Of the city
was likewise distributed to tho best advantage,
and acting in conjunction with the Federal
soldiers. the best order was maintained, as
general rule. Early in the day, an incipient
riot was souclched in Ward l. A colored man
openly voted the Citizens ticket, and imme-
diately the Radical negroes accused white
man of influencing the vote, and one OF them
struck the white man, who returned the blow,
and general row ensued. Five soldiers, sta
toned at that poll, charged tho crowd with
fixed bayonets, and put an end to the dis1ur-
bance. A fatal affray occurred at precinct in
Ward s, in which colored man named Grant
lost his life He became incenscd with some
white men at the polls, and not content with
abusing them with his tongue, endeayored to
break their heads with heavy club. He was
ordered to desist, and not obeying tho order,
an attempt was made to arrest him, by the SOL
dicrs and police. He started to run, and in
making his way through the crowd, o soldier
discharged his musket, and Grant fell mortally
wounded. Then ensued scene of the widest
excitement, and tho negroes swore that they
would have revenge. A company of artillery
men, armed with muskets, made their appear
ance in short time, however, and the mob
was speedily dispersed. Other incidents are
related of the summary manner in which tho
soldiers kept unruly negroes from interfering
with the rights of others, and maintained the
peace. Altogether, considering the exciting
nature of the election and the teachings of
Radical leaders heretofore, the day was remark
able for order. And now for the result.
The majority of Gen. Wagner for Mayor is
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