The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1878-04-24
Democratic Meeting,
Eloquent Speeches by Capt. White,
Col. Cothran, Hon. D W. Aiken.

The distinguished speaker who has
kindly consented to address us tonight
is as well known to You all rs to myself,
and needs no introduction at my hands.
Many q time and oft has the magic ct his
rcsistlcss, burning eloquence thrilled our
hearts and kindletl to q fame the patriot
ic fires of our bosoms.
The stirring scenes Of 1876 arc still fresh
in our memories. We do all well retnein-
Der on what Il heavy, t"multuous and I'M
certain sea the barque of Democracy
sailed during that eventual campaign a
baruue freighted with the hopes and as
pirations of u people long oppressed and
anxiously waiting to be free. We know
full we'll too, who was at the helm in
Abbeville County. To the discretion,
wisdom, sagacity, and tact of our honored
leader Is in great part due the peace, hap
pineSs and freedom we now enjoy.
"He put 50 much of his heart into his act,
That his example had Il magnets force, -.
And all were swift to follow whom all
loved"
It would be sup%erfluous in me to ask
fol- our speaker a patient and an attentive
hearing. You cannot fail to be interested
in what he may have to say, because he
never makes any other than a good
speech.
| now have the honor of presenting to
you
A man Of letters and Of manners too
our greatly beloved townsman, fellow
citizen and neighbor,
Col. James s. Cothran.
M. President: Lest I forget at a more
appropriate time, allow me to thank you
now for the flattering terms i'll which you
have been pleased to introduce me 20 this
audience. I should feel proud indeed,
were l only conscious Of deserving such
high praise. But I cannot in view OF
many Short comings in the past shut out
the whispcrings of q still small voice,
which condemns me ven upon. this Occa-
sion rs All ~"unprofitable servant
For the past two years l have been O
sort Of political rover, connected i'll some
degree and equally with all and ut the
same time identified with no particular
club in the county. ,
1t was not MY purpose to make aspcech
tonight, but to come among you ana
identify myself by enrolment "a a private
in the Abbcville democratic club. Some
kind friend has anticipated me in this
purpose for my name already appears
upon your roll. There is really
NO ISSUE
vet before the country. The battle is not
vet Joined. The lists are not set; and VIC
are rs it were just entering the camps OF
instruction.
The time is favourable for. viewing
both the retrospect behind us and the
prospect before us.
That retrospect is full of accomplished
facts-in its contemplation no county
in South Carolina has aus OF greater or
ulster pride than Abbeville. You have
the right to exuit in a victory, complete
and .that addeth no sorrow herewith
The history Of that
MAGNIFICENT CAMPAIGN
is still fresh in ours memories, and Is
fraught with useful lessons for our future
guidance. These arc the lessons of ex-
p~erience and if properly used will light
our path to even a moro glorious victory
before the leaves wither and foil again.
AS the deer stalker in quest OF his
carries the fire pan behind him, so
let us throw the dry, bright light OF these
upon the path Of the untrlcd 1u-
ture.
Let us for o little while relume those
fires. Just two years ago, he first con-
was held ut Columbia.
TuE AIAld VT E1- '-
APPALLING.
A wily. INSCRIPTIONS and adroit chief
magistrate had well nigh ingratiated him
self in the esteem of o plundered and
people.
The sentiment of that convention was
for inaction-the dclusive phantom Of
hope shone lever brighter and an
to watch the current OF events
and to meet again in August, was all that
done. In July of that year occurred
what is known in history rs the
HAMBURG HORROR
and OF which so much that is lamentably
rue and basely false has been written
md said. lam no apOlogist for some Of
he dark deeds that were perpetrated
here even under the great proyocation
which was given. Bot let that pass. 1
have only adverted to 1t as q factor in the
problem Of that memorable
year, by reason OF which moro than any
hing else, the scales were made TO drop
orr ewes, and Governor Chamber
ain by his !!
FALSE ExPARTE AND MALIGNANT RE-
It was disclosed to people in all the
of his base, misshapen and
1ypocritical deformity.
The August convention met. Public
opinion did not form and crystailze then
IS rapidly as it has been wont to do since,
md il cannot be forgotten that down to
he eve Of that assembly many of the
Nisest, truest, and purest Of our people,
we're iii doubt as to the best policy to be
pursued. Many a brave heart quailed
,efore the Herculean task Of q complete
leliverance and entangling alliances with
raitors were freely and favourably talked
#.
The official report of the Hamburg az
air was found to be
AN ~IMPAsSABLE III
# separation. and with such rapidity was
t made, that the retreat of some from the
adical camp was cut of. We would not
{ we could 90 to them and it was difficult
or them ocome to us.
The meeting which was held in this
building to send delegates to the August
convention, whilst 1t did not in terms in
truct them, did resolve that it was, in
he judgment of the meeting, inexpedi-
mt to nominate q straigltout democratic
icket. BY your kindness was
DELEGATE
O that convention also and responding to
invitation Of personal and political
went to Columbia on the Monday
preceding the convention. Apreliminary
'aucus was held and aftera calm and care
ul consideration Of the situation and the
and in the conscious belief that it
vas right for us, 7 pledged Abbeville
County as far IS I had the right to speak
or her to the straightout polictoy "Hamp-
and Home Rule.
I shall never forget the anxiety with
which I looked for the coming of the
rain which was to bring the other dele
gates from this county to the convention
nor the
INExPNESSIBLE RELIEF
which I felt when each of them express
ed his unqualified approval Of the pledge
which I had made for them and you in
the preliminary caucu The proceed
Of that convention, are known n
read of all men and the splendid results
followed had an suspicious origin
in the harmony and the wisdom which
characterized its proceedings.
Following fast upon it's adjournment,
even within the ensuing week, came aday
more memorable than all other in the po-
litical career Of Abbevilie county and
ard which will stand forth most promi-
ncntly in the coming years, by its appro-
pirate name Of
'DIG TUESDAY"
On the Friday previous the Governor
IF tho State with his chosan pallad;nS |