The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1875-02-06
CULUMBIA, s. C.
Saturday Morning. February 8. 1875.
bad and Dangerous Counss oil.


selves representative men from many
OF the Southern States, have met in a
conference at Washington City. and
agreed upon an appeal to Congress
couched in incorporate language. and
giving a jaundiced and prejudiced
view of the condition of affairs in these
States. They assert that q general
lawlessnesu exists here; that tho lives
and property OF loyal citizens are in
jeopardy; that they look with con-
Germ and anxiety at the struggle now
pending in Congress-; that they en-
dorse the messages of the President
touching revolutionary and murderous
proceedings now being enacted in Ala
bams, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mis-
sissippi, and that they appreciate the
efforts OF Republican Senators and
Representatives to enact such legisla-
tion as is needed to suppress revolu-
ton, secure life aud property, and
furthermore believe that the boldest
policy is the best. Continuing in this
strain Of reproach and objurgatiou,
they finally reach the matter which is
uppermost in their minds. They ex-
press holy horror Of Democratic VIC
tories. They tend, In their judgment.
directly to increase tho audaoity and
iawlessness of the enemies of constitu-
tional freedom and the Union. The
remedy for these painted and fnncied
wrongs. the way to check the tido Of
Democratic progress, to keep power in
the hands in which they prefer it to
remain, is for Congress to pass laws
which will practically prevent it's trans
Ter to those whom they distrust. Be.
fore them, they see the prospect of
there race, unless it be guided and
strengthened by Congress. being
driven into neutrality, or forced to act
with the Democratic party. Another
alternative they are imprudent enough
to threaten.
ut is possible" they say. "that,
stung to madness and desperation by
continued and unceasing outrages,
and seeing no means of escape, q spirit
of retaliation aud revenge may be
aroused, which will fill the South with
scenes Of rspine, blood and fire."
This manifesto Is signed with the
names Of Frederick Douglass. John NJ.
Langston, A. M. Gibbs, Philip Joseph
and Geo. W. Price. It would be worth
considering. perhaps. but for three
little difficulties which lie in the way.
First, it does not appear that these
men are in any proper sense represen-
tative men. They have ability, no
doubt--at least, some of them have,
but thoy afe in no way identified with
the bone and sinew. the working men,
the quiet and better classes of the
Southern colored people. They are
the authors OF no measures or policy
in their interests, which have been re.
eognized rs sagacious or eminent in
any way. They are political agitators,
men who are prone to stir up the
waters of bitterness and strife, but are
impotent to bring their people the re.
pose they need. II we were to ooncede
shat they are capable of being really
representative men-that their minds
could embrace the complex situation.
and could entertain the views which
would bring peace aud blessing to the
colored people-they appear in this
matter to have no warrant to thrust
themselves forward. They represent
no convention, aud do not claim that
they have been instructed to offer their
advice. They assume to aot in a rep-
resentative capacity. but fail to show
any commission. Next, the statements
they make are as apocryphal as their
right to plead them is doubtful. They
picture an awful state OF affairs, bot
peace and order reign everywhere in
the South. The colored mans rights
are Ia the main respected. There are
lnVasions OF their rights, perhaps, oc-
casionally, just as there are invasions
OF other peoples rights; but every.
where there are remedies, and every.
where these rights are admitted. The