The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1872-09-14
Letter from Gov. Perry.
GREENvILLE. s. O., Sept. IL, 1872.
j. II. Rion, D. f. Duncan and s. p. Ha

mf00n, ESqs., Committee, dc.
GENTLEMRN: ] had the honor of re-
ceiving your communication OF the 9th
instant, last evening, informing me that
"the Democratic Convention for the
Fourth Congressional District had una
nimously nominated me as the candidate
OF the Democratic party for election to
the House OF Representatives of the
United States Congress from said Dis
trict." and that you "beg to urge upon
me the acceptance of the nomination"
This unsolicited and unexpected e1-
preston of confidence, on the part of
the Democratic Convention of this Con-
gressionai District, has made a deep
impression on my feelings. and can as
sure the members of that Convention,
representing the Counties of York,
Chester, Fairfield, Union, Laurens,
Spartanburg, Greenville, Pickens and
Oconee, that highly appreciate the
distinguished honor they have conferred
on me. Atthis time, and under existing
circumstances, it is one of peculiar and
extraordinary distinction. The intelli-
gence. education and wealth OF the
State of South Carolina, comprising
10000 or $4,000 voters, possessing, in O
great measure, all the commerce. apri-
culturs and manufactures of the entire
State. are unrepresented in the Congress
OF the United States, and only partially
represented in our State Legislature.
This anomalous condition, in govern.
ment purporting to be republican, has
existed in South Carolina for the last
seven years, and brought the State to the
lowest depths of political infamy and to
the verge of bankruptcy and ruin, the
loss of OWL liberty and personal securi-
tyl This Congressional District is the
only one in the whole State in which
there is chance of electing represen-
tative OF the white people. If elected,
therefore, shall have the proud distinc-
tion of being the sole representative of
the virtue, intelligence and wealth of
South Carolina in the National Congress-
There must be change. This condi-
ton Of affairs cannot last much longer,
without the most terrible results. 1t,
therefore, behooves every one who loves
his country, and values its peace and
prosperity, to exert himself and make
any and every sacrifice necessary to re.
store republican principles, aud the pu-
rity of our Government, both Stute and
Federal. Profoundly impressed with
these sentiments. did not feel myself
at liberty to refuse, few days since, the
nomination Of tho Democratic party of
Greonville County as candidate for the
State Senate; although it was made
against my earnest protestations, on ac-
count of my health, age, and dsinclina-
ton to enter again public life. But my
friends urged that could be of service
in redeeming the State from it's degrade
tion and ruin. Iaccepted their nomina-
ton. This embarrasses me, now, in de-
termining my duty. But as Greenville
was represented in the Congressional
Convention, and consented to my nomi.
nation, feel that it is the wish of the
County should accept the higher and
more responsible position now assigned
me.
In accepting the nomination now ten
dered me, it is proper that should state
all my feelings and principles are in
sympathy with that great national party,
whose purpose is reconciliation between
the two sections of our country, and the
two races which live in the Southern
States; and whose aim is, under the
leadership OF Horace Greeley, to purge
the Government of its corruptions, re-
store republican principles, and promote
the peace and prosperity of all sections
and classes. The Radical party, North
and South, see and know that their
success as a party depends on keeping
up the hatred of the North to the South,
and the hatred of the colored race to the
white race. When these hatreds and
prejudices are crushed out, the Radical
party will lose their ascendancy in the
Government. The colored people will
no longer be the political slaves of selfish
and designing ofice-seekers and holders,
who are basely and most treacherously
using thom for their own promotion and
plunder. The interests aud rights of the
colored people have been sacrificed and
betrayed by their pretended friends and
guardians, the carpet-baggers and scala
wags! The moneys appropriated for the
education OF their children have been
stolen and squandered! The free schools
are closed! The hundreds of thousands
Of dollars appropriated to purchase for
them homes have gone tue same way, to
enrich scoundrels and leave them home.
less and houseless! Their taxos have
been increased, until the burden is op-
pressive and intolerable! It is q we'll
1rr1 -