The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1876-05-11
n make some suggestions, which the citizen

to make some SuS6eSClOIlS, WiliCi tie Nlu1eh
can either approve or disapprove. If they
disapprove them, then we simply do not
agree in our judgments, that's all. But If
your reasoning is correct, then for the same
reason AM not the person to suggest to the
Republicans what course to pursue, because
do not belong to any Republican organiza.
ton. am, therefore, where desire to be
no partisan, but free to adopt whatever
seems to me right and expedient; no politi-
cian but free to cast my vote as my judg-
ment may dictate. This position I should
have retained in silence had it not been for
the pressure brought to bear upon me to
induce me to Join Democratic Club, and
some reflections cast on myself and Others
for refusing to do so. There are some men,
Messrs. Editors, that cannot be driven, and
if there is one thing that I do glory in it is
the moral courage to follow the dictates of
my own conscience, even though it be
against popular clamor. When 1. was
asked to join the Democratic Club I was
asked to sign a paper pledging myself to
stand to and abide by the nominations of
the Democratic party, and to denounce
every independent candidate as Radical
negro office seeker.
am not nor will not be a candidate for
any Office, therefore, if desire for office is
the motive power to action, it did not infu-
ence or control my actions. Had desired
any Office in the gift of the people of Ander-
son, and had been governed by that desire,
irrespective of every other consideration, I
probably should have signed my name to
the paper, contented for a straight-out fight,
and denounced every other sentiment rs
being prompted by some selfish interest.
This at least would have seemed the more
practicable course, if the motive power had
been desire to obtain Office did not do
so, however, and consequently am unfit even
to suggest to the Democracy what seems to
ME the best course in order to obtain the
best government.
We who have not Joined Democratic Clubs
have no war to make against those who
have. They have the same right to do so
that we have not to do so. I doubtless
would have joineda Club myself had only
been required to assent and ascribe to an
enunciation of Democratic principles, leav-
ing the course to be determined after the
organization was complete. But not desir-
ing to feel myself bound by any pledge, but
to be at liberty to vote as seemed to me best,
and not believing straight-out fight as an
ticipated practicable, refused to sign the
paper requisite to become member of the
Club. Had others been content with my
simple refusal should have been, for de-
sire no political publicity-it is treacherous,
it is dangerous.
If your reasoning be correct, that none
are Democrats but those who belong to
Democratic Clubs, then the Democrats in
Anderson County are considerably in the
minority. But, Messrs. Editors, this is not
the case, for there are many Democrats who
refused to pledge themselves who, when
they cast their votes, will not be ashamed
to vote an open ticket if necessary. 1t is
not necessary to belong to Democratic
Club to know how to vote. / do not cast
single reflection on those who have Joined
Clubs. 1t would as little become me to do
so as it would those who have joined to CEN
sure those who have not.
If, therefore, my reasons are understood
for not joining Democratic Club, am con-
tent to accept the position that you would
assign me, and to take no part in politics,
leaving it for time and the judgment of the
people to decide whether coalition is any
more wrong or sin than it was four or two
years ago. and whether straight-out fight
will effect more than to ascertain positively
the difference in the Republican and Demo-
cratic vote of the State, and to decide wheth-
er the Republican majority will be more
than Chamberlain's over Green at the last
election.
Having replied to the personal illusions
contained in your answer, at least satisfacto-
rily to myself, and desiring to end this un-
pleasant controversy, 1 shall silently assume
the position that you would so graciously
accord me, and which is more than agreea-
BILE to me- am, therefore,
Most respectfully.
JOHN E. BREAZEALE.