The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1871-05-12
with a spirit OF moderation, and, aooveal
things. that politics should be avoided.

things, that politics should be avoided.
General James Chestnut was in favor of tax
ing an immediate vote upon the report, De-
cause ne believed the mind Of the convention
was already fixed Oh the subject, and it only
consumed time to prolong The discussion. Al
his suggestion, the report was.read SECOND
time. whereupon he movedlts adoption. Hon.
D. H. Chamberlain now took the floor, and
held The undivided attention and interest o.
the convention. while he addressed the body
as follows:
Gentlemen-I an! aware. from the length o
this deSate. that the convention are aaXiolis
10 reach vote on the subject. While mac
hoped TO have spoken upon it at some length
shall better promote the object which have
at heart by contining myself 10 few remarks
We are here, ii we are honest in our deelara
tions, Simply as citizens Of common Stale
and not as members oil political parties. We
are interested alike in the welfare OF thal
State. Ny position here is peculiar, and in
many of lis features trying. On all sides am
surrounded by members OF a political party 10
which do not belong. and in coming here
have left behind me those with whom nave
hitherto been associated in my political career.
But anxious as I am TO save The common
peace. and welfare of the Stale, say 10 those
who taunt me for my conduct, that neither
they nor any one else can read me out Of my
political party, with which have chose to as
sociate myself. Pardon me for saying again,
however, that outside of this convention am
Republican, and IL ls because desire to vim
dicate the decency OF Republicanism that am
willing to hazard all political prospects IN an
honest effort to promote the cause o. right,
and 10 save the State.
.l,x Acct tr,1n
10 modify the absolute control which mere
numerical majority has obtained over the
State. and 10 secure for intelligence and prop
erty q proper representation IN the affairs OF
the government. And, looking about 10r
some device which, without violence TO the
fundamental principle upon which our gov
ernment rests, will bring relief from the
grievances which aiillct our people, have
fixed upon this system Of cumulative voting
because it is not only just in its theory, but it
will prove itself right IN its results. 1t takes
nothing from the rights Of the majority. 1t gives
them predominating control, but not an abso-
lnte disposition of the entire fortunes OF the
State. Do You believe tor moment then,
when you put into an ignorant Assembly,
many Of whom can neither read nor write,
forty-seven gentlemen whom might select IN
into decency, or irighten them from crime
Applause. Who does not know that the
presence OF one honest man puts 10 flight
band of robbers? Now, according TO this sys-
tenn, yolr deny nothing which belongs, to the
majority, but from the moment yon place IN
the lower house iorty-seven OF your ao!e5t
citizens, bad legislation will cease, and
good legislation will begin. Are the oppo-
Hents of. this measure on this door
so intense in their devotion to political ideas,
that they will refuse proposition Wnlcn
gives TO them a representation OF one-lhird:
and corresponding influence in public affairs!
cess they have gathered majority oil the
State to their side, there will then be LETT TO
MS who differ the same rights we are now nc.
cording 10 them. Is it not fair, just, right ?
Its immediate results are relief from present
grievances, and il points to the future, where
all interests, no matter what may be the
political fortunes Of the State, will be pro-
tected.
Now, say to you, gentlemen. give lls who
have to do with making this practicable, some
thing that we can honestly take back to our
political associates, and, in the name OF the
property and intelligence Of the State, secure
this right. Let there be peace between us
now, and prosperity hereafter. Strengthen
our hands, who desire TO do what In US lies, TO
make Sc nth Carolina safe for every man IN his
life. career and private interests. say again,
II Is right. Grant it.
The question occurring on the adoption OF
the report, it was agreed 10 BY a large MAORI
ty, not more than five or six voliDgin the neg
alive.
Various reports from the executive commit
tee were read, and ordered lor consideration
tomorrow TIE convention then adjourned.