Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1878-07-18
For the Advertiser. 'e''r7''.''.>'
THAT EIGHTH ARTICLE.
The Wisdom OF 1t Vindicated aud
Impressed.
OLD EDGEFIEl.D STRONGLY DE.
FENDED.s

OF The NerS &c Courier on fuSeHela III
commenting OH Gov. Hampton's Black
Vile speech. would seem to require
strong refutation and stern rebuke.
This duty ask leave to undertake, as
we'll as I may, because was the first to
outline and advocate this measure
through the columns of your paper, be-
fore the Constitution was adopted and
again, because was one of the Commit
tee who framed that Constitution.
desire first to indicate our people, OF
whom I am proud TO be one (; and Sec
ondly, to vindicato myself. I could wish
that the first task had enlisted m ADLER
pen than mine for the latter feel, and
Shall ever feel, fully competent. occu:
pying the vantage ground OF perfect dis
interestedness, with no axe to guide, and
no office in view, I take only such inter-
lest in public affairs as is the duty OF ev-
cry good citizen, and have never advo-
Gated any measure or uttered any senti-
ment which did not express my own
honest convictions. In battling for those
convictions I fear to offend no man or set
of men, but shall speak what believe
to be true and right, without regard to
consequences. only seek to shoulder
my just share of responsibility, if any
there be, and repel with scorn the asser-
ton of Democrat" that the Committee
were but the tools and mouth. pieces OF
a "Ring," mere puppets in the hands OF
= master spirit" whose object was to
"rebuke" and stab Gov. Hampton. Gov.
Hampton has stabbed himself by his
pandering to Northern sentiment, and
will yet regret the sleer which he has
gratuitously cast upon the County which
nominated and elected him in spite OF
himself. And if I belong to any ring.
it is that of the three thousand farmers,
or more, of Edgetield, who ''know their
rights and dare maintain them," and
who will not be intimidatad by Hamp-
ton, Hagood, or any so-called Demo-
Gratis" here, into swallowing the negro,
to further tho Governors aspirations to
the Vice. Presidency or Cabinet ap-
pointment.
will now prove that the Constitution,
including tho Sth article, was not the
work of packed committee, or adopted
by snap Judgment" and then briefly
give my reason for advocating the ex-
clusion of negroes from the primary
election. This Committee to draft Con-
stitution was appointed by the County
Chairman. Now it is well known, un-
less rumor has belied him, that the dis
tinguished gentleman who occupies that
position was opposed tothis very measure,
though he has gracefully yielded to the
majority, and is candidate, with the
usual pledge, under it. Is it to be pre-
sumed for an instant that holding such
.iews, hewould pack q committee against
himself, or indeed for any purpose,
knowing the Convention would have to
pass upon the work of said committee at
last? Again, as regards the "gagging'
&c when the article was read, an amend
ment was offered to include all persons
who had voted tho Democratic ticket in
1876. This was laid upon the table, arith-
out debate, though perhaps a'fourth OF
the Convention voted in its favor. The
question then required on the article IT.
self, upon which debate could not be
gagged, and Uos not gagged. Its oppo-
nents feeling their weakness, did not az
tempt anv argument and it was adopted
Nv an almost Unanimous vote.
These arc facts which cannot bo refuted,
and show upon what small foundation
the assertion of "gaggins' and "snap
Judgment rests. Where then were
these bold champions of tho negroes?
What clubs did they represent. and why
were they silent? Perhaps they were
elected to stay al home, and hence these
tears" democrat" says he holds no
commission and wears not the livery OF
Gov. Hampton. Is it the hope OF OBJ
tanning one or both that inspires his
zeal? 1t would require great stretch
of the imagination to believe that man
who has breathed the pure, free air oi
Edcefield for the past two years and
claim to be Democrat" could write
such an article, unless actuated by hopes
of reward from some source. Ii
from the Governor, then let him lay
a, d, all claim to that boas;e Inde-
pendence which has no terrors to an
honest mind" and if from the gr"es-
to them I leave him. lie is wcic lac TO
either horn of the dilemma
Democrat says: tie ii p Il" II
this article could have Leon light
about for no o:her rea. o. - the
apprehension of its auth.'.s LAT other
aspirants for Office would have more in
fuence with the negroes than they dld,
&C." ], who have acknowledged and
proved my claim TO u shnrc in its pater-
nitv. will admit that Democrat" Is Cor
rsct as far as I myself am concerned,
with this slight drawback. am not an
"aspirant for Office" and have never
sought popularity with that class of per.
sons only as a cotton planter. I did
however fear that if admitted in the par
ty with the privilege of participating in
our nominations some rotten Demo
crats." having influence with them by
reason Of that very rottcnness, would
obtain the nomination against the wishes
and III spite of the white people. The
more rotten the candidate, and the nearer
a negro he made himself the moro votes
would he obtain. If this be rebuke
and stab tC Governor Hampton, again /
say to democrat: :" Make the most
ruf j..
1T is not SAFE" aye, by no means,
safe to rely on the retiring modcsty OF
our aspirants for pu lie Office. Let us
not tempt them, or think thoy can be
plunged beneath this scething mass of
corruption and come forth untainted.
Among white men they are given to
"ways that are dark and tricks that are
vain" By all means let's guard "the
Innocents" from tho negroes. Their
virtue wouldn't stand it.
Again, there is in Edgefiold an impera-
tive geographical necessity for this 9Th
Article. The Saluda Regiment contains
,ua half or ah-It % OOO of all the white