The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1871-08-07
The Greetings to Charleston.


The Greetings to Charleston. 20
This good city tastes already the first
sweets of the priceless victory won at the
polls on Wednesday. From all parts Of the
Southern country come pleasant words Of
hearty congtatuiation. There has been' at
times even in the South, q suspicion OF
doubt and misunderstanding; but sympathy
and love, born of battles gained and pangs
endured together, rise above the current OF
political thought, and find expression in the
booming OF artillery on the shores OF the
Savannah, as in the plaudts which every
Southern State bestows, with no muffied
voice, upon people who have, through toll
and travail, worked out their own redemp-
ton. Our joy is theirs, as their joy shall be
ours. They are nearer to the goal, but
South Carolina, after weary delays, has en-
tered upon the long walk where opens
broad vista of righteousness and peace.
This, to the peoples of the South, is the
plain meaning Of the overthrow, in this city,
| OF the league whose rule has encouraged
ignorance, and set .brazen infamy in the
high places Of the public temple.
Nor are South Carolinfans laggards in
giving tongue to their content. Every
county in the State greets Charleston with
phrases as candid as sincere. The Palmet-
to State, from the passes OF the mountains
to the golden sands OF the coast,
lis breathed upon by Hopes perpetual BREATH"
For Charleston was regarded as q city for
saken and lost; as city all whose glories
belonged to the ever memorable past. 1t
was believed thai Charleston must be slow
to shake off the yoke because upon her
broad bosom pressed with grievous force the
burden OF Radical wrong-doing. All earlier
struggles for deliverance had been vain.
Her own people spoke as those who have no
confidence in their own energy and skill.
The political situation was, upon the sur
face, as discouraging as in 1868. But when
the hosts were marshalled and the banners
raised, doubts and fears were put away, and
the whole line moved forward with a quiet
enthusiasm which cheered the souls OF the
people. The fight was won against tremen-
dous odds. All the powers of Radicalism
were leagued against us. No wonder, then,
that South Carolina is buoyant and light OF
heart this day.
What Charleston has done the whole State
may do. The campaign was short anu
sharp, and is splendidly decisive. Our can
didates were wisely chosen, representing all
classes, and commanding the respect Of the
opposition. Work and fair dealing did the
rest. 1t is true that the opposing party, by
the infamous character OF their candidates,
and by the riot and marauding which caves q
bad pre- -eminence to the last, hours OF the
contest, depressed their worthiest leaders
and gave corresponding encouragement
to the phalanx which moved forward to en-
coanter them. This, however, does not ac-
count for our marvellous. success. That is
the fruit OF nominating good men; and OF sup
porting them with brain and muscle. Is
the result OF devoting three days OF time to
watching the polls and protecting timid
voters. And it is our own fault il Charles
ton ever have again government conduct
ed in the interest Of political party, and
for purposes Of personal profit. Two years
Of just and equal government will convince
all classes and all races, as no words can
convince them, that it is to their interest. to
keep the city under the control OF just, hon.
orable and experienced men. The colored
people will be satisfied before many months
are past that city government has not the
power, if it had the will, to return them to
bondage. They will find that they enjoy
more comfort and security, and earn more
money, under Wagner than under the '.pa-
eternal rule'' of Pillsbury. And they and
the whites, acting together even more gene
rally than at last election day, can at any
time defeat the disturbing Radical faction,
and can make Charleston model OF rational
progress and steadily increasing prosperity.
In this way Charleston may exert an intiu
ence which will be felt at every election in
every county in the State.
For the good words which reach Charles
ton, for the kindly phrases in which we and
the city are praised, we are deeply grateful
They are garnered up in the heart OF hearts
of this people, and, as an evidence OF gener-
GUS confidence and affection, shall never be
forgotten.
The Spirit OF the Defeated.
From the beginning it was evident that