The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1872-05-30
The Political Outlook.

The momentous issues involved in the ap-
p.osebing political campaign cannot be i'm
pressed too deeply upon the minds of the
people. The questions which so greatly
asitatcd this State two years ago, are now
transferred to the country at large and have
assumed all the Importance Of a national
struggle. The struggle, partial two years
ago, has become universal, so to speak. It's
embodied in the single word Reform" How
is this to be accomplished? The desire is
certainly present, the consideration now be-
ing to crystalizc the desire, give it body and
shape and move steadily forward to its ac-
complshment. No one will dispute the as
sertion- that a Democratic ncmination will
result in defeat, neiihcr is it considered
doubtful that Il will defeat all hopes of Mr.
Grcclcy's success, for with the assistance Of
the Democrats, the disaffectcd Republicans,
Or the Liberals, expect to elect Mr. Greeley.
Certain prominent citizens Of this State have
entered objections to the holding of Demo
cratic Convention in South Carolina Others,
like the Hon. W. D. Porter, advocate the
holding Of that convention and sending Of
delegates to Baltimore, where the National
Convention will meet July II.
It may cause dissension among rs. greatly
to be regretted, which will be the result Of
an honest and earnest difference of opinion
between men who are equally interested in
the welfare of South Carolina but we have
such confidence in our people, that we believe
they will be found united in favor Of the
right. In our estimation, the Baltimore
Convention will not, unless dreadfuly mis-
managed, do more than signify to Mr.. Gree
ley and the Liberals, the desire and inten-
tion of the Democrats to support him. It is
true that Georgia will, in all probability
send delegation'to to Baltimore divided in
tn ir views, and Mr.. Vorhees influence will
probably be excrted to sending such men as
will 90 against Mr.. Greeley, from Indiana:
But, it would be suici ial to nominate Dem
ocrat for President. that we presume it to be
scarcely questionable and such a nomination
will not be made, inasmuch as the entire
South will oppose it and their views will be
adopted by probably a majority of the North
ern delegates.
Mr.. Porter's letter is an admirable one in
many respects, and presents the question in
a proper light. The danger to be appre
hended from convention pertains only to
the State and would arise from the tone CT
the speeches of certain estimable gentlemen
whose after-dinner efforts would be circu!a-
ted extensively and seized upon as rejecting
the views of those who sent them there,
whereas, properly, they would he only reflect
ing their individual views. Iuprsdence is
the danger, because most assuredly, reform
in State politics would be Of greater advan-
tase to us than in National. Having the
power, seemingly in perpetuity, the State
Government, under Radical rule, would not
hesitate to use it, however formed by the
National Government.
The mischief has been done by the callfor
the convention. 1t remains for us to see
that the action of the convention be charae
terized BY wisdom and prudence.