The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1871-06-01
E5r tie anderson Iatelziacneer.

MR. EDITOR: With your permission, wish
to occupy somo space in your columns, for the
purpose of commenting on the proceedings OF
tho. May Convention, which has just closed its
first meeting. In the outset, wish. TO say that
mako no claims to superior wisdom or sagaci-
ty. Nor Is it to indulge il captious criticism,
that these letters will bo written. ] think nc
ono doubts the desire of the Convention to coun-
sci for tho best. Butwhothcr it's members could
err, or could TOO hastily advise steps which
might entail unforeseen and undesirable con-
sequences, is quite another matter. =
This effort to reach our reading people, Is
made by one who as much desires reform as
any citizen of South CaroIina-by one whose
sympathies are all with those amongst whom
lie was born. It is made in the hope that some
will be induced to seriously consider OUR pres
ent condition, and our future as State and to
calmly and faithfully take counsel with each
other, before they allow themselves to be COM
mitted 70 any new political theory, or to any
now moves on the political chess board, II any
such be in contemplation.
This writer is aware that newspaper commu-
nications are not the surcst means to roach the
great mass of the people. In tho absence Of
other means your kind indulgence will bring
this important subject more In detail, before
many who viii, it is hoped, be stimulated TO
active thought, and to an active public spirit
The experience of our young men may well
cause them to question whether, in the past,
enough calm consideration was given to some
steus, which led to consequences as momenta"
ous as have ever oyertaken any people. This
should make them cautions In the future.
Reason teaches that the manner in which tho
people of republics should progress is first
TO fairly and fully discuss all proposed new &C.
ton. Any proposition involving new prin-
ciple, should be viewed from every standpoint
and al its probable, and even possible conse-
ouences looked full in tho face. Then, if il
shall appear that its adoption will result in pro.
noting the greatest good of the greatest num-
Der, and will work oppression to mono, it is safe
to follow the properly expressed desire of the
majority, and make it of effect. Any other
course Of proceeding is not in comonance With
the spirit Of democratic institutions.
1t is not necessary to comment on the COM
position of the Convention. Many of its MEM
bers are we'll known to tho people of South
Carolina. Some of them made their first ap-
pearance in political circles; and OF somo oS
these, it may be said that the Stata will be the
better, for our knowing moro of them III tho
future.
The first day was mainly occupied in eFsc-
ting an organization. The address OF Mr.: Por-
tor in taking the chair as permanent President
was neat, and contained no definite PROPOSE.
tions. He explained that the Convention was
without legislative powers, and was simply "an
advisory body" It's duty, nc claimed, was to
investigate, and to represent matters with .ar-
ness and justice
He further advised the Convention to avoid
party politics. Now, this advice was perfectly
proper, so far as the deliberations Of the Con-
vention were concerned That body came TO-
gether with the tacit understanding that it was
to be mingling of members Of both parties.
This, of course, excluded all questions of party
policy and party management. But if this ad-
Vice, and The few remarks which followed it
had any further meaning thar this, it is well
that it be now understood. If it means that
there is to be no party name for the proposed
union with "lair-minded men," who arc ".our
friends" CT, in other and plaiucr words, if it Is
intended to announce that there is to he no
Democratic party known in next year s canvass
in this State, the people ought TO know 1t.
Thoy want time to consider and consult, before
making any moro political experiments.
We oil remember tho Reform Party OF the
last canvass This writer favored that move
ment, because he believed it was right to otter
the colonel voters Of South Carolina what
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