The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1872-08-08
Political

Political
For the first time in many years, thanks
to the wise forbearance of our people, we are
permitted to be spectators, merely, Of des->
perate struggle for political ascendancy be-
tween contending powers, which embrace
the people of this whole country, outside of
South Carolina. More vitality interested
than any other people, and yet standing
aloof from the excitement and agitation of
the canvass, perhaps we have vantage
ground from which clearer views Of the pro-
gress of events, and the varied successes of
the combatants may be enjoyed, and sound
er opinions formed of results attained.
Hitherto it has appeared to us that the
movement has all been in one direction
Grants successes, if he has obtained any,
have not been apparent amid the smoke Of
battle His red war-aag still Aaunts to the
breeze-the midnight raids Of his armed
hosts still harrass the otherwise peaceful
slumbers of the unhappy denizens of tho
p-ase-;bed counties of South Carolina, and
the bloody denunciations of his chosen ora
tors still thunder in our ears, but the white
banner of peace waves majestically onward
its way, and leads mighty and increasing
host toredeem the land from tyranny, cor
ruptionand hate.
The results Of the last week are most en-
coursging to the liberals and damaging to
the fGrantites. There seems to be no doubt
that the old North State has gone Conserva-
tive by most decisive majorities, having
elected tho Governor, two-thirds of the Le-
gislature, and 6vo.eights Of the members
Of Congress, Of that party, When it is re-
membered that the most extraordinary pow
ers Of the government have been put in mo-
tion, spd kept in operation for more than
year past, to compel the State to support
Grant, this result is indeed most astound-
ing. It can only be accounted for on the
ground that the American heart still, as in
1776, resembles the rabel flower, the Camo-
mile, which becomes the more vigorous the
more it is trampled upon. The letter of
Mr.. Sumner to certain colored men who
asked his advice as to their duty in the
campaign, is perhaps greater disaster
to Grant than the loss of North Carolina.
1t is a mastery production in style and mat
ter, but that which is its most striking fea-
ture ia the lofty strain of patriotism and
philanthropy which pervades it. Rising
above all personal considerations, Mr.. Sum-
ner scars into the rare atmosphere of states
manship. He sees in the liberal move
msnt, the mighty hand and the bene6cent
spirit and purpose of the Supreme Ruler,
and ssizes the opportunity. He lays down
the proposition, so often and 80 vainly urged
upon our misguided; rogue-ridden coloroed
people, that reconciliation is essential to the
well-being of all honest Americans, and re-
eognized In the Greeley movement, deter
mination of The People to trample under
foot the puny band of corrupt and malig-
nant politicians who would keep open "the
bloody ohasm," and to restore peace, unity
and common Amerieanism to all sections
and to all clases. He recognizes his duty
rs citizen and statesman to aid in this be-
ne6cent work, and addresses the most mov-
ing arguments and most solemn warnings to
the colored people, as their best, their pecu-
liar champion, friend and counsellor, to
throw themselves into the movement, and
rally to the support Of their persistent and
devoted advocate, Horace Greeley. Mr..
Sumner may we'll say to these people tn; ,
sGeirs is situation of extreme peril, when in
obedience to the dictation of few selfish
and corrupt local political adventurers, who
care for nothing but place and plsnder,
they turn their backs, upon such men as
Greeley and Sumner, to whom, under God,
most of all, they owe, the privileges of free
men and citizens, which they so fearfully de-
base, to the ruin, shame and aegreda' on ,f
their race, their State and coautry. Where
are they to turn for aid when these, and
such as these turn from them forever, as not