The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1876-05-25
ADVERTISEMENT
To the Democratic Clubs who have
asked Me to resign my Position rs
Senator of Anderson County.


GENTLEMEN: Four years ago, although my
political principles were well known, and
although the Democratic majority in our
County at that time was we'll astertained, I
was elected afiiong others I'd seat in the
Huuse Of Representatives Of thisstate. Two
years ago; after a spirited canvass, 1 was
elected by handsome majority to repre-
sent the County of Anderson as Senator; /;
and now it is with some surprise that am
met with resolutions from few of the
Democratic Clubs of this County, requesting
mo in plain and emphatic language to re-
sign, claiming as reason for their acts that
I have not kept my pledges and have failed
to effect the reform promised. 1 only un-
dertook when I was elected to do and ac-
complish whatever one could do in such
representative bodies. That 1 have done
my whole duty I am willing ready and anx-
ious to prove to the unprejudiced and hon
est voters of this County. AS have said, I
was surprised at your action.
First, at your ignorance of the facts, and
utter disregard for truth when you state
that I have not advocated measures of re-
form.
Secondly, in this that you, but few Of
whom voted for me, should, through preju-
dice, ask for and almost demand my resig-
nation.
Thirdly, because you pass by and ignore
the many measures I have introduced look
ing to good government and to fair rep
resentation of the minority in this State.
Fourthly, that you, but small number
of the Democratic Clubs, and representing
but small part of the voters of Anderson
County, should assume to judge of so great
a question as to whether Senator should
resign his post at your behests.
Fifthly, that in so summary, reckless and
unjust way, that you undertake to judge
and depose one holding high and honora-
BILE position without asking for or hearing
any explanation or defense Of his public
acts or conduct, so contrary to the democrat
ic principles you pretend to represent. I
cannot believe the good, and true, and con-
sistent men of your party will touitehance
or defend It.
I ask no quarter, beg no indulgence.
Upon my own conduct and political course
in Office, upon my measures introduced, my
earnest work, my votes, fairly, impartially,
and justly judged, I rest my defense, not
only before you who have SO hastily and
unjustly judged and condemned me, but
before all the people of Anderson and the
State.
No amount of personal abuse or vitupe-
ration or persecution, on account of my
political principles, shall or will drive me
from what I consider my plain duty to the
people of the State, in quietly advocating
and earnestly working for an honest, just
and economical government, always having
due regard and respect for those who differ
with me as to the best means of securing it,
as well as for the rights and privileges of the
now minority; and by all the means in my
power attempting to secure to such minority
a Just and fair representation in the General
Assembly of this State from all the Coun-
ties, not caring whether this may be accom-
plished by legislation, or by an honorable
understanding between the parties, so that
the result may be attained. Whatever the
captious or extremists of either side may do
or say, I confidently believe that the time is
not far distant when there will be full and
fair understanding between the voters Of
this State, white and colored, and that each
will vie with the other only in the most
practical means to obtain the best and most
prosperous government. In this way only,
can see the approach to what all the good
and true men of the State seem so anxiously
to desire, viz: an honest, just and economi-
cal government, in which all classes and
interests shall bo fairly represented. For
this I have given my time, my energy and
whatever capacity I have been endowed
with. could do no more.
1 have been judged and condemned by a
few, it is true, without being heard; but I
propose to meet even these at the very
threshold and throw down the gauntlet and
demand the proof of their assertions; and
to make and determine the issue, openly
and publicly make the following PROPOSE
tion:
That o committee of three, composed of
two honest, upright, fearless Democrats and
one Republican be appointed, who shall
thoroughly examine the Acts, Journals and
Bills of the General Assembly for the last
eight years, with persons and papers if nee
essary, and if have not, during the four
years have served, originated, introduced
and secured the passage of more measures
looking to good government in South Caro-
lima, and to reform the abuses that existed
ut the time of my election and since than
all the Democratic members in both Houses
of the General Assembly since reconstruc-
ton, then I will resign; but if the commit
tee, after thorough investigation, find to the
contrary, then shall refuse to crafty those
extremists whose personal and political hate
is of such nature that it would stoop to
any means to accomplish its design. I do
not make this issue for political purposes,
but it has been forced upon me, and in self
defense throw down the gauntlet. have
no quarrel to make with any one because
he is Democrat, nor do impugn the mo-
tives of those who through misrepresenta-
ton have been induced to join in this spite
full and unmanly persecution of me solely
in order that vacancy may be created for
those whom the people well know are polit-
ical place-seekers. ask no favors of you,
gentlemen of the Clubs. Ali want is
strict, impartial investigation and just
verdict. You cannot refuse ME this, and
claim longer to carry out q semblance of tho
principles of the Democratic party. am
not willing for men to sit in judgment on
my acts, whose sole recommendation con-