The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1876-04-27
For The Anderson htelliqeneer.

For INC Anderson intcttigencer.
MEssRs. EDITORS: Much has been said
through the public journals of the State on
the course to be pursued by the Democracy
at the next State election. Some advocating
straight out ticket, and some advocating
coalition, and Us this is free country, one
in which every man is guaranteed freedom
Of speech, not only by the Constitution Of
the State but by the Constitution of the
United States, hope may have the privi-
lege of advancing few thoughts upon the
political situation of the State, and to make
some suggestions as to the most advisable
course to be pursued in the coming election,
although that course may differ from the
one that you have so earnestly advocated
through your columns.
In theory the plan advocated in your col
umns might do, but it will never do in prac-
tice. It is all very we'll to talk of running
an Independent Democratic ticket" "a
white mans ticket" &C., but an effort to do
so will only insure defeat.
The Republicans have a majority in this
State of thirty or forty thousand voters, and
to talk of overcoming them in square o,a
fight is perfect folly.
We may talk of what every white voter
can do if he will only use his efforts, but ex-
pericnce has proven that the colored man
will vote the Republican ticket. 1t is natu-
raj for him to do so, and to abuse him for
using that suffrage that has been bestowed
on him, as seems to him best, will never
cause him to vote otherwise. To talk of
drawing color line only shows that he
who so speaks does not permit his better
judgments to govern him, but is governed
more by prejudice and feeling. In politics,
especially at this day, it behooves every citi-
zen to look at the situation in its true colors,
and then to devise, if possible, the best plan
to be pursued for the interest of the whole
State; to view the condition without preju-
dice, and if finding that condition bad, then
to study the best remedies to that condition,
and when found to apply it, and it behooves
every citizen to act as he conscientiously be-
lieves the necessities of that condition de-
mand.
Here then arises the question what course
of action will be most advisable for the Dem
ocrats to pursue in the coming election? I
have already intimated that square out
fight will not effect the best interest. Then
what will? While fail to be able myself
to definitely mark out that course, yet by,
hope, an unprejudiced view of the situation
I have come to the conclusion that the best
plan that have seen suggested is the one
suggested by Hon. B. F. Perry sometime
since. At least I believe that stronger
fight can be made next fall for good govern
ment in South Carolina than has been made
since the late war, and believe that it can
be done by supporting Gov. Chamberlain in
his efforts of reform, and at the proper time,
should such an opportunity be offered, to
meet Gov. Chamberlain and all the Repub-
licans who desire reform, and to make con-
test not for party but contest for honesty.
But many will disagree with me. What !
Is it disgrace to sustain Republican
Governor in his efforts for reform?
But, perhaps, many will say that the Re-
publicans have had control of the State gov
ernment since 1868, and that they do not
seem to desire reform.
This charge is made against them as q
party, and yet many fail to give any credit
to those of the party who have for the last
two years been working earnestly in behalf
of the State. Has Gov. Chamberlain made
nc efforts for good government? Has he
not attempted to carry out the pledges that
he SO earnestly made before his election?
Then why not sustain him in his efforts in
behalf of good government.
But many love their own cherished feel
ings of hatred and contempt 80 much better
than they do the interest Of the State, that
they would advocate and support an Inde-
pendent Democratic State ticket, though
with no hope of success, rather than lend
their aid in supporting an honest effort for
honest government made by the better class
Of the Republicans; and by 80 doing, unite
solidly the Republican ranks, and give them
full sway to elect whom they please to fill
the various State Offices, although they may
belong to the worst element of their party,
when the balance of power might bo held
in the hands Of the minority.
Messrs. Editors, do not propose to en-
gage in politics, yet have thought that some
good might be effected, by giving you in
these few words my reasons for not advocat-
ing straight out fight; and have done SO
with the hope that the good citizens of An
derson County who have been aroused in
behalf of good government may think over
the matter, and discuss it in their organiza-
tions. I, too, believe in honest government,
and commend any and all efforts to obtain
it, and while others may differ with me in
reference to the best plan to obtain it, am
always ready to accord them the same priv
ilege that take myself-that is, to think
and act for myself, and never censure any
man for his honest opinions. But while I
agree with you, Messrs. Editors, in the
object to be obtained-an honest govern
ment-yct 1 do not think We are likely to
secure it by o straight-out fight.
Organization will do very well, and do
not oppose it, but let these organizations be
ready to avail themselves of whatever may
be to the interest of the State, even though
it be coalition with the honest Republicans
of the State. Let there be a free and unre-
served discussion in these organizations in
reference to the best way out of our present
condition. Let every man feel that he is a
part of the State, and be not afraid to express
his honest convictions. If We fight forg good
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