The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1874-02-18

H
man r. B. Elliott addressed Ward Club
Nc. Q Monday evening, c: Carolina Hell,
the following report of which we take
from the Union. A large number Of
persons were present, who were not
connected with the Club, and who
speak we'll of the address:
The speaker referred to the Tax.
Payers Conventions; he believed that a
great mistake had been made in think
ing that it was place where buncombe
was to be found. It was the duty of the
Republican party to accomplish the
objects they sought for.
be referred also to his course two
years ago, and that he had been before
the people, pledging honesty and fair
dealing. How we'll this administration
had performed those pledges, tho peo-
pie could Judge Of. So far as lie was
concerned, he had carried out every pro-
mise and every pledge. He had found
out early that he had no pert or lot in
that administration; that ho was
stranger in his own camp. His con-
science approved of the course he had
pursued.
As to the selection of candidates for
the next election, he submitted that now
was the time to begin to select men who
would reform the abuses il the Rspubli-
can party. 1t was duty to do it; that
the salvation OF the party depended
upon such efforts; that there was no
doubt of a change taking place in the
politics of the country, and that it was
the duty of his hearers to understand
this, aud SO conduct Themselves that
they may have foothold. If you go
to the North-in any Northern State
aud mention the name of South Caro-
lima, you will find the estimate that they
will put upon it there. To mention
South Carolina is to merit the snecrs OF
the commonwealth of the North.
When corruption is spoken of in other
States, it was different thing; but
when it was spoken of in South Caro-
lina, it was laid to tho blame Of negro
government 1t was, therefore, the
duty of the colored people of South Ca
rolina to demonstrate to the world that
they desired al honest government. It
was tine that they did something to re-
move this stigma. There are men of
ability, character and standing in the
Republican, party to do this. All that
was needed was for u movement to be
earnestly set ON foot to do this. His
conversations with oil statesmen were
impressed with tho idea that something
was to be done. There must be o
change, rectiGcation and relief, and it
must come from the colored men of
South Curoliua. This is not boon to
be conferred upon any one else, but
upon yourselves. No class of mon could
suffer without all suffered. It was the
time when the colored people of South
Carolina shouid place themselves in line
for the battle Of life. The time is fast
approaching when the black man shall
he regarded for his worth as man,
morally and Intellectually; whom they
shall stand up for themselves, labor for
themselves and provide for themselves
us other citizens do.
He d." cit ut length upon the question
Of labor, and argued that it would
amount TO nothing 80 long as directed
by bruto force. md not by the agencies
tiiaL control il in other parts of the
world. Regarding immigration, he said
there Was cause TO be fearful oi the re-
suits, II labor was not made intelligent
and skilled. If it was made skilled, the
people of the State would prefer the
colored laborer. If this cannot be done,
then the white employer will psefer to
have white labor. This is the only plan.
1t lays with you to remedy. Men are
coming into tho State who nre skilled,
and the skilled mechanic will alwaye
command better rates than the un-
skilled. It is a practical question, and
lays with the people. 1t was nonsense
to talk about the immigrants doing any
thing There may be some politics in
the movement, but he was not afraid of
that; it was the natural effect only tha,
he was afraid Of. These immigrante
were not men who came here as slaves,
or as men who were dictated to as to
whom they should vote fol. It was moi
the political effect-only the effect il
would have upon industry.
Speaking Of the character OF the Go.
vernment, he said:
The negroes having been in the na;o
rity aud voted the element into power
they are responsible. They have been
deceived; will the people be deceived O
second time? Will you permit this
state of things to continue? It canno
be hidden that there is something rotten
in Denmark. There must he no pro.
missed reformation, bat practical reform
If there be any one in the way of that
reform, ho should be ut once removed