The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1874-10-15
For the anderson MtelEgencer.
A Card.

Mr.. EDITOR: thank you, as the conductor
of the old and accredited organ of the Democ-
racy of this County, for the respect and courte-
sy with which you treated me in your account
of the political meetings held at this place on
Monday and Tuesday of last week, as contras-
ted with-to say the least of 1.-THE ungener
Gus and unwarranted criticisms of your new
fedged neighbor, and also of correspondent
of the Ne,vs and Courier, whose ncognto does
not conceal him, and as to whom might we'll
exclaim, Et tn Brute!
The resolutions [ introduced at the meeting
on Monday, speak for themselves, and with the
remarks made in explanation of them, should
have saved me from the attacks to which [
have been subjected, if the meaning of the
English language is appreciated, and the lber-
ty of speech and conscience is still a guarantee
of the fundamental law. I stated that had
took but little interest in political affairs for
the last four years. but that as citizen, had
recently carefully considered the situation, and
formed opinions as to the best policy to be
pursued, which I desired to put on record for
what they were worth. That some three
months ago, ! had, by correspondence with
some of the recognized leaders Of the Democ-
racy in the up-country, made an earnest effort
to bring about a straight-out Conservative
nomination for Governor and the other State
Offices That my efforts were disapproved, and
was now asked TO rally, for the third time,
under the flag of a boiling minority of the
Republican party. That for one l was unwill-
ing, longer, to accept such lead. That if had
to be driven into the Republican ranks, pre-
ferred the head to the tail, but that my sole
purpose was to suggest policy that | was
thoroughly convinced, after mature delibera-
ton, would promote the best interest of the
Conservative party, and of all the people,
That personally, if I knew myself, my politi-
cal sentiments had undergone no change, but
that seeing no hope Of success in the boilers
movement, or of benefit to the State if success
full, with such Legislature as would unques-
tionably follow heated contest for Governor,
I regarded it as of the utmost importance that
the Conservatives should avoid such contest,
and direct all of their energy to securing an
able, competent and trustworthy Legislature
Entertaining these views, did in one of the
resolutions presented, "in view of his learning
and ability, and more especially in view of the
solemn and persistent pledges made by himself
and by the party which nominated him in his
behalf" as to the manner in which he would
administer public affairs if elected, propose
that We Should accept D. H. Chamberlain as
Governor of South Carolina" The resolution
did not pledge, or seek to pledge, any one to
the support of Mr.. Chamberlain, but assuming
that he would certainly be elected, and that
we would thus be compelled to accept him,
was intended simply to give the election for
Governor the 90 by, in a spirit that, upon his
coming into Office, must have constrained him,
if not less than man, to administer the govern
ment in the interests alike of persons and
property.
This was the extent of my offending, moth
ing more, nothing less, and if by expressing
preference as between two Republican nomi-
nees for Governor, am made RepuDilcan,
cannot perceive why every other man who
votes for either of the nominees, are not like
wise to be ranked as Republicans, to the utter
annihilation of the Democracy in South Caro-
lima Either this or the success of the boilers
ticket must be a Democratic victory, and all
Republicans who sustain it, are thereby made
Democrats. 1 do not concur in either of the
propositions, but acting for myself, whatever
may be the opinions of others, promise that,
in no event, shall any one receive at my hands
the ungenerous criticisms to which have been
subjected.
Respectfully yours, &C.,
J. p. REED.