Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1871-03-23
Plain Language from Hon. B. F.
Perry to Gov. Scott, ,er

10 ms ETceGte3eCy l1o0. OcoII. rA
! Sir: understand that you are con-
sulting your political opponents, in eve.
ry section of the State, as to the best
means of preserving order, peace and
the enforcement of the laws in South
Carolina. You have invited prominent
gentlemen throughout the State to meet
YOU in Columbia for this laudable and
patriotic purpose. I believe, sir, that
you are now sincere in this purpose,
notwithstanding your Winchester rifle
speech in Washington year or two
since, in which you fe lishly proclaim
ed that this instrument of death, in the
hands of the negroes of South Carolina,
was the mos. trsctive means Of main
tanning order lid quiet in the State. ]
rejoice to find that a change has come
over hespirit of your thoughts and ac-
tons; and I, for one, am ready and
willing, with all the good people of the
State, to sustain you in your present
course. The tone and temper of your
recent message to the Legislature is
evidence of your sincerity.
Permit me to say to you, sir, in all
candor and sincerity, that the signs OF
the times indicate, unmistakably to my
mind, that we are on the eve of abloody
tumultuous commotion, unless some
thing is done to quiet public opinion.
The incendiary destruction Of property
rvr-rv rv--uty1ru;- anu UIIe rUgurry Or Jne-
Legislature in their appropriations and
taxation, amounting ultimately to con-
fscation of all real and personal estate,
cannot be borne much longer. There
is point beyond which human endu-
rance cannot go, let the consequences
be what they may.
know it is not in your power to re-
form the Legislature, or stay efectually
their corruption, bribery, prodigality
and roguery. But there are two things
which you can do and should do, the
sooner the better-disarm your militia
and appoint good and intelligent men
to Office. All the lawlessness and vlo-
lence which have disgraced the State
have been owing to these two sources
of mischief. Never was there more
fatal mistake, or more diabolical
wrong committed, than when you or
ganized colored troops throug ghout the
State and put arms into their hands,
with powder and ball, and denied the
same to the white people. 1t Sas
otrocions THE bloody tragedy at Lau-
rens was owing to this, and nothing
else. The murder of Stevens and other
white men at Union by one of your
negro companies, and the subsequent
execution OF ten colored prisoners was
owinr to the same cause The fearful
killing and murderof Of ahumber rof men
at Chester was likewise owing tc,s your
colored militia. The violence and law
lessness at Yorkvile originated in one
of your worthlessHapppo ppointnents: Here
tofore, your appointments have been
mostly made of ignorant and corrupt
men, who cannot enforce the laws and
preserve the peace.
The colored people of South Carolina
behaved we'll during cur civil war, and
would have continued to have done so,
but for the unprincipled carpet-bagger
who came amongst them and stirred up
hatred to the white race by the most
artful and devilish appeals to their fears
and bad passions. Unprincipled white
men living amongst us, seeing an op,,
portunity Of office and plunder. joined
the carpet-baggers. These two classes
united in persuading the negroes that
they would be put back in slavery, and
that they must apply thetorch to redress
their supposed wrongs It is not
surprising that people soignciant and
credulous as the negroes are, should
thus have been led astray. They were
told that lands would be given them
and their children educated. Hundreds
of thousands of dollars have been ap,,
propr;ated for this purpose, and all
ssouandered and stolen by their pretend
ed friends A multiplicity of offices
haye been created to reward political
partisans salaries have been increased
millions appropriated lor EallIoaus' 1slu
the most extrayagapt waste of public Ii
moneys in every wayl The public oh'
GERS and the members of the Legisla-
ture are charged with the most shame
less corruption, bribery and roguery
1t is impossible for the industry of the
State to pay the taxes. There is no Sc {
curity for property 1t is impossible
for this thing to 60 on and preserve or :1
der in The State. The State bonds vii
, not be paid .--.
earnestly desire the peace and pros
perity ofmy State. I did all that coule
to prevent the secession of South Caro-
lima and the civil war which ensued
My predict is of all the evils whlcl
have enc. ,uwere treated with scorn an
Contempt by those in power and author Q,
ity. You, sir, and those in power at tn,
present time, may not heed my predlc
) ttions again but the day is fast approach
ing when you will realize allthat | hav
said unless some change takes place.