The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1871-05-18

| coin. ana WudI UO VIC see III luO H1sos0 'ioLi
which Mr.. Lincoln came. When the govern
ment of that State was very little better than it
is in our State, convention was called to de-
wise some means for the getting rid of the exis,
ting evils. They determined upon the adoption
of the principle of giving representative 50 the
minority, and this was carried by majority OF
one hundred thousand votes. Here, sir: Is not
only an example to US, bat an authority to
many / hope there will be no difference OF
opinion in this State have the honor 20
share with you, Mr.. Chairman, the response:
bility of a representative of the Chamber os
Commerce of Charleston, body in whom the
people of the city of Charleston are willing to
confide, and feel myself constrained; if not
instructed, to conduct myself with great moder-
alton.
Looking at the other side of the question, I
saw that THE Republican party of the North,
which had been the war party Winch had car
ried the country triumphantly through the war
which threatened the destruction Ct this Union,
was destined to become the Nasonal party.
We must not close our eyes to such facts; it
would be childlike and weak to do so. Sup
pose, sir, upon the close of this war, that the
Republican party of the North; having secured
to themselves successes desired, had been dis
possessed of power; and, sir, they would have
been dispossessed of power had they not es-
tablished universal suffrage at the South.
The only salvation of the Repubhcan part,
at the North was the establishment of universal
suffrage at the South. Had this not come
about, every white man at the South joining, as
he would have joined, the Democratic party of
the South, the latter party would have been In
the majority. What has taken place, however,
Is precisely what ought to have taken place,
nor is it any reproach. The people of the
South stood up like men during the war for
principle. AS for slavery, they beheved that it
mas an institution founded by the author of all
good, for wise and good purposes Pious and
good men entertained that belief, and feeling
high responsibility, they struggled against the
sentiment of the world. And, slr, when that
same Providence comes in an unexpected
hour, in an unexpected manner, relieving us
from our charges, the people Of the State ac-
ouiesce in the decree of Providence. No man
believes that the restoration Of slaves in this
country is possible or desirable.
IF such a thing were possible, and it was put
now to vote of this Convention, not voice,
in my opinion, would be raised for it. We
are in the march of intelligence. The sensl-
ment of the civilized world goes to establish
universal freedom as the birth-right Of every
man. We must, and we shall acquiesce in that
principle. But, sir, when we relinqulsh the
principles for which so many have bled and
died. can we not call upon and summon to our
assistance, the citizens of State, who surely
will sustain US in what we now DO. nave
great confidence in the strength OF justice. L
do not coincide with the opinions OF those who
do not trust the opinion of the North. L have
always solicited the confidence of those people,
even if they were enemies. In conclusion, l
would advise you not to abandon IN despair
the benefits of the soil, and your constitutional
rights. Let us cultivate this rich and noble
soil that has given to US so much OF abundance
in the mast and promises so much for the
future.
The motion to lay upon the table was then
renewed, when General Gary asked that
reasons be given for making the motion. Ex-
Governor Manning, who made the motion,
then spoke as follows:
SPEECH OF J. l.. MANNING.
suppose that no man is more lily prepared
to discuss this point than am this evening;
but, having strong convictions. will do so.
The question seems to me, sir, to consist IN
this: Whether we, by this cumulative voting,
shall be confined to one-third the power to
which we are entitled. /. for one, am willing
to bind myself by no such obligation. The
history of the world shows us that the modify
ing influences of intelligence have their effects.
This settlement of the question by the commit
tee prevents any further discussion. To think
that the people who controlled the Government
of South Carolina from the time when 1t trst
became colony-to think that they are to be
confined to this one point, is thought that
seems to me is abhorrent to the mind OF every,
enlightened man. 1t is sort OF declaration OF
weakness to the other element to ask them 10
Weld their influence to control one-thlrd OF the
State. The true interest, sir, of the people of
South Carolina is to enlghten the whole re-
preventative mind in the State to enact laws
for the benefit of the whole people: Whenever
YOU restrict the mind of the individual people,
YOU restrict the liberties of the land. 1t is by
the homogeneous elements of the whole State
only that the State can he formed. When you
con6ne the action of q citizen by incorporation
or restrict it by other means, you restrict the
right of will and the right of action. The prln'
cples of human liberty are just as free, sir, as
the air of Gods heaven.
A compromise No sir: There is better
voice to appeal to, and that is the voice OF the
world. Give us JUSTICE sir, and equal laws,
and YOU will have citizens who will obey the
laws. say for one, that of all the law-abid-
ing people of the United States, this has been
the most. 1t is the mal-administration of the
laws that gives US all the trouble. There is no
qualification to the sentiments | make; will
never compromise my rights as whole for an
integral part, let others modify their sentiments
as they choose Give US equal laws. and we
would have proper representation, then will
we have justice throughout the land, and every
man may sit down under his own vine and hg
General NJ. W. Gary defended the report of
the committed in the following remarks;
SPEECH OF NJ. W. GARY.
I suppose it is expected that should as
member of the Committee give the views that
influenced my mind in bringing the resolutions
before the Convention. What is the cause
that has brought us together? Why have the
wise men of the State assembled from all parts
It? It is because the taxes are so excessive
men ment has passed into the hands, not of Radicals
or Republicans, but of thieves and robbers;