The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1874-09-16
COLUMBIA, S. G.
"Wednesday Morning. Sept. ls. 1874.
A Ralding oonventlen.

just adjourned, incorporated in its
platform an expression OF its gratitude
to the General Government for it's in.
terposition in the affairs OF this State.
But this was felt to be too cold and in.
definite to produce the desired effect.
Resolutions were accordingly adopted
in favor of President Grant for q third
term. But even that was not enough.
according to the fitness OF things,
Wbittemore iptroduoed other resolu-
tions, which reoited. first. terrible
iovasion of the State, which endan-
gered the lives OF Republican voters.
They further state that inasmuoh
sas the Government had rescued
these voters from destruction and
'happily saved them for the exer-
oise OF the suffrage in the interests
of RAJ. al rule. it was eminently
fit that thanks be returned all round
first, to the President. for doing it;
and next, to Senator Patterson and
Judge Mackey, for asking it.
Nov, we do not deny, nor is it ne
cessary to apologize for the fact, that
few armed men from neighboring
State came to Ridge Spring, prepared
to aid their friends against the dangers
which they supposed were then threat.
ening them. No doubt their presence
helped to prevent them. There was
strong apprehension Of trouble; threats
had been freely used, and armed COM
-panies or squads OF the State colored
militia were drilling and marching
about by night. What had produced
this commotion? The negroes. il let
alone, are peaoeable and friendly. But.
while this is true, they are easily tam
pered with, easily .persuded that their
rights are in danger. and can be easily
moved &o deeds of violence. Some
thing of this sort Of influence must
have been exerted upon them, and we
find the key to the excitement under
which they we're laboring in an affhla-
wit of three citizens of Edge6eld,
Messrs. Oollett, Wise and Covar, sworn
to before J. L. Addison, Notary Pub
lie. These reputable citizens swear
that Paris Simkius, Wallace Morgan
and John Il. McDevitt used incendiary
and inasmmatory language at politi-
sA meeting held in Wise township.
The affidavit was copied into our
columns on the 18th instant. The lam
.gusge attributed to the implicated
!psrties is extremely violent, bloody
and revolving. We will not reproduce
it here, as peace and quietneas now
reign where it was uttered. But it
stands upon the record. It explains
the sudden outbreak of violent feeling
and vindictive utterance which alarmed
a whole neighborhood and made men
.iRstiMctiveIy prepare in self-defence
sand to protect their homes.
We deprecate violence as much as
any one can. We long for tranquility.
But itcannot be enjoyed as long as
men address hasty and inoonsiderate
Language or insidious appeals and
sstudied expressions of malice and
wicked purpose to u race Of people
who are, when improperly aroused
and excited. as reveugeful and bloody
minded as they are otherwise gentle.
quiet and affectionate. The conven-
tion, in passing over the well-known
facts to which we have alluded, and
which were the foundation of all the
troubles. and in unduly dwelling upon
one of the innocent consequences as
justification for the interposition of
the military arm of the General Go.
vernment. proves itself also to be no
peace.maker, but fomeuter OF dis.
cord between the races. It might have
got at the facts. The afIidavits have
been made public. Two of the per.
sons charged with. the gross offence of
stirring up bad blood we're members of
the body. But, instead of fair state.
ment. instead of going to the bottom
and getting at the truth, it prostitutes
its high powers to make accusations