The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1872-06-04

more Convention. That the adoption
Of the Cincinnati platform and the nomi-
nation OF Greeley and Brown >ill purge
the movement of its taint of Demo
oraoy, and that thus door of reconcilia-
tiOn between whites and blacks will be
opened.
Unfortunately, this cannot stand scru
tiny, for mono can doubt that the only
point at issue between the Cincinnati
and Philadelphia wings OF the Republi-
can party, which exoites any interest
here, is that as to the Enforcement Act.
But this is just precisely the issue which,
If introduced here, will widen the breach
between the races, extend and confirm
the influence of the most extreme and
Impracticable men on both sides, and
utterly destroy every reasonable hope of
bringing about harmony among our
people, and such mutual confidence be-
tween the races as is universally recog-
nized to be essential to the political re-
form of the State, and the peace. happi-
ness and prosperity Of her population.
| But If the movements referred to will
certainly defeat all hope of reform
through the State elections in October,
do they promise US compensation
through the fundamentally of the Pre-
sidential election? Tako the most ex-
treme supposition. Suppose the Presi-
DENTAL election turned upon the nomina-
ton ut Baltimore, and this depended
solely upon the casting vote of the
South Carolina delegation, and that this
vote being given for Greeley ard Brown,
they come in due time into Office. Now,
what will this delegation have really ao-
complished for themselves, their imme-
dlate constituents, or the people of the
State generally? Some changes NAV
occur among Federal office-holders, but
even If the new appointees should be
acceptable, which is to be very much
doubted, the result would be greatly out
Of proportion with it's cost to us.
None can suppose that tho mere moral
force Of Mr.. Greeley's election will con.
strain the State officials here to become
different from what they are, or that
kind of subtle influence will be radiated
from Washington, which, penetrating
the Republican party here. will purify it
by converting it's dishonest elements or
eliminating them.
II anything practical in the way of
local reform can be expected from Mr..
Greeley's administration, it must be
looked for In somo other than superna-
tnral way-but what other way is there?
First, tho Cincinnati platform forbids
| the President or Congress to meddle at
all in State affairs. Secondly, Mr.. Gree
ley, II untrue to his principles, must be
supported by appropriate congressional
legislation Thirdly. if both the Fresi-
dent and Congress coliude to do what it
is intended to make the Baltimore Con-
vention declare unconstitutional, name
~, to interfere with the regularly consti-
tuted authorities of q State. what can
they do that will be beneficial? Usurped
powers can generally be used to oppress
and lnlure, but never to reform and
benefit.
If we do not reform our State Govern
ment, and improve our local administra-
tion at the polls in October next, they
will not be and cannot be altered after
the 4th of March.
If we run mad after the Liberal Re-
publican declaration against the Enforce
ment Act, we sell ourselves to O new
party for the only political concession
that is not only absolutely valueless to
us, (since the public sentiment of the
country has already condemned it,) but
which carries with it the elements Of do
mestic dissension and disorder.
If we revive the Democratic party in
South Carolina, we prolong the hopeless
| struggle which has brought Is to our
present condition.
What, then, shall we do?
With all difidence, recommend:
l. That we make no organization
whatever, and have no meetings or con-
ventions, and conduct no discussions
concerning the Presidential election. It
is matter in which we are powerless to
accomplish anything, in which our inte-
rest is remote and minute, and about
which we really know little, and may we'll
care less.
2. That in the calm thus produced,
good citizens use their best exertions to
harmonize old antagonisms. to improve
the character OF the local officials and
members Of the Legislature to be chosen
in October, and to bring into the public
service at home or in Congress the best
Of the available men.
Respectfully. W. T.. T.