The Newberry herald. [volume] (Newberry, S.C.) 1865-1884, 1874-10-07
For THE IIEkALD.
To the People Of NeWberry
COUnfy.

Having been repeatedly solicited by Ill
classes Of citizens TO become candidate for
some position. within the gift of the people,
at the ensuing election, have up 20 this
this date steadily refused to allow the use of
my name for any place, though assured in
the most positive terms that i nom ination
could be secured, either as member Of the
Legislature or for the office of Probate Judge.
Grateful for the interest manifested and the
complimentary manner in which that regard
is conveyed, take this public method Of
reply. have not been Il candidate for any
office, desire none, but in epochS like The
present where the diSunlting elements Of
Government threaten disruption on the one
hand or may be made TO harmon;ze and
coaleScc on the otheE- it becomes those
whose opinions are likely TO obtain pre-
eminence to clearly define their position,
renets and principles, in order that such
opinions may be The landmarks of political
guidance for those less fortunate in ability to
fUleCaSte the future.
The c0lorcd race is passing through try
ing ordeal. Through ITS representatives in
public life it is subjected to the severest tests
of capacity for self-government. The world s
verdict has been held in abeyance. Possibly,
that mistakes may be retrieved. errors Of
Ignorance and in ineXperience corrected, and
while have aimed to inculcate the broadest
spirit Of liberaltv towards all men. assert,
as cardlna principle, that any successful
working out Of this problem must be accom-
plishcd through the colored people, achieved
by individual elevation of character and
education. Legislation cannot do it, the
general government is poWerlesS, save that it
guarantees the means, and adequate protec-
ton in the Use Of those means, but the status
of the people in the final outcome is with us
Our future position in the scale Of ciIiZcn-
ship will be regulated BY commensurate
ability and d positive fitness for the duties Of
offic ial life, experience and training should
do much for u, inwrought discipline and
seit-cul!ure will DO more, but respectable ac-
qurementS TO all will only come through
patient industry and an honest conservation
of true Republicanisln.
Ideas and not men represent principles
and parties, to put down onc class OF indi-
viduals and elevate others representing the
same ideas, is ! pre-oaatirc which every
party reserves TO itself public Offices are the
property Of the people, not Of the Individual,
whom chance or fortune may elevate. Office
holders are the servants, simply The agents
Of the body polite. the term of Office should
neither be perpetual or hereditary. Long
terms are detrimental to public policy, crea-
ting arrogance and imperiousness il the in-
cumbent; systematic rotation and iueiiebility
for reelection, by common consent, if not
by law, should be the rule, and is the ouly
absolute security for life ard liberty, in our
transition state. At no time hus the great
heart of tho people throbbcd more in unison
with these sentiments of rcpublicanism than
now, and for the future that sentiment de-
manIs an Intelligent discrimination in the
selection Of men, as we'll rs q wide spread
Intelligence among the people. These are the
only safeguards against political vandalism,
for the colored people. once the slaves Of
physical bondage, chst;cls of traffic, are
now not unfrcquently pilitical slaves. the
subject of bargain and sale in the hands Of
poIitca! deml mlgogues. In view of these facts
and that the supremacy of Republican p in
ciples mast be paramount to all other con-
siderations, we propose TO emancipate the
people from political seryitude by the teach
ings of virtue and intelligence, and thereby
have liberty in fact for the people Of the
whole country.