The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1874-06-07
COETNfBf.A, S: C..
Sunday Morning. June Z. 1874.
Theory and Practice OF Cumulative
Voting.

49, VIZ AAAos @oA-A Gao SOaVOak1Od,
Mr. Chamberlain said that it was ne
.oessary to modify the absolute control
which mere numerical msjority has
obtained over the State, and to secure
for intelligence and property proper
representation in the affairs Of the
Government. He seemed to anticipate
some opposition to it from the Con.
servative side, aud answered it in ad.
vance. He asked: "Are the opponents
OF this measure, on this floor, 80 in
tense in their devotion to political
ideas that they will refuse PROPOSE
'tion which gives to them a representa-
tion of one-third and corresponding
influence in public affairs? T hope
not; for when, by force of political
success. they have gathered a majority
OF the State to their side, there will
then be left to US who differ the same
ri8h's we are now according to them.
1s 1t not fair, just, right? Its imme-
. diate results are relief from present
grievances, and it points to the future,
where oil interests, no matter what
may be the political fortunes of the
State. will be proteoted?" He asked
of the convention something that he
-could take back to his political asso-
ciatee, by means OF which he could in
dnce them 10 concede this right.
Let there be peace between us now,"
he ,eaid, "and prosperity hereafter.
Strengthen our hands, who desire to
do what in us lies, to make South Ca
sel;aa safe for every man in his life,
career and private interests. I say
again, ia Eight. Grant it,"
The conveption treated the speaker
with all proper respect, and adopted
the report and resolutions which he
had advocated before it. This was its
answer. Thus was he prepared and
to make the scheme practi-
cable. What he has done or left un.
done. in making it acceptable to his
party, we are not disposed to discuss.
>!Dhe evils from which it might, if:put
into operation, have relieved us, exist
to-day in greatly increased force and
number. It is more desirable now
than then: it is more necessary in the
degree of the exaggeration and inten-
.sity.of the wrongs which afiict the
people above what existed then. that
they shall be made to cease. A hum
dred things can be said in favor of
some measure which looks to repara-
ton Of injury, and to adjustment of
difficulties on satisfactory basis, than
could have been advanced then.
Now we stand on the verge of preci-
piee. Quiet as things look, the fires Of
a jnst discontent, of whitening indig-
nation, OF fixed purpose, are burn
ing in the hearts of tue people. They
will not stsnd this thing much longer.
They will require more than promises
and pledges, only made to be broken.
They will not be satisfied with honeyed
&. words. They demand thorough re-
form. They insist upon change in
the character and composition Of the
government. II they cannot get in
.demnity for the past, they are resolved
at least to have security for the future.
Without any special authority to say
SO, we say what we believe-that the
adoption of the principle Of minority
zspsssc nts.ion, By cumGlstiee voting.
10y the Republicans, would be regarded
most favorably by the Conservatives.
1t is q concession which the power of
numbers may make to the power of
intelligence, dignity and property,
without injury to their own rights,
without diminution OF their proper
influence. Indeed, if carried out to
its practical consequences. it will re-
suit in good to all and harm to none;
and it would be the olive brunch Of
peace between parties and races here.
Do We not all want peace?
"A word to leading Republicans. Mr..
Chamberlain included. The time for
your nominating convention is draw
iuG near. The Offices. honors and