The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1878-03-28

ton at the ensuing election, and that we
pledge him our undivided support; SEs'
Resolved, That We recognize only two
political parties in this State, Democratic
and Radical, and that we will hold in
contempt all who shall seek under the
name OF Independents, or any other
name, to divide the Democratic party,
and thus re-establish Radical domina-
ton and plunder.
These resolutions were, upon motion
of DR.. W. G. Brown, unanimously adop-
ted and most Justify cheered. After
their adoption, Governor Hampton, who
was not present at their consideration,
was escorted with the other speakers to
the stand, and as they ascended the steps
theloudest cheering greeted them.
Maj. E. B. Murray then introduced
Governor Hampton, who was received
with deafening and vcciferous cheers by
the immense crowd that had assembled.
He spoke in substance as follows:
My Friends of anderson: If my voice
could reach this vast crowd, and give
uttsrance to the emotions that fill my
breast, I could not thank you adequately
for this hearty welcome and grest dem
onstration. I came not to inaugurate the
political campaign ; ] came not to dictate
to you who should be your candidates for
Office in the coming campaign. I come
to meet the people cf Anderson and to
express to them my thanks for the unan-
imous support rendered me in the cam
paign inaugurated at this place, to remind
them of the pledges made two years ago.
The flag they then placed in my hands
on that bright September day was carried
successfully and peacefully throughout
the State, and was placed VIGOROUSLY
upon the Capitol at Columbia. 1t was
the most startling campaign in the his
tory of this country. It was because you,
the people of Andepon, came out then
in your determination to succeed that
victory crowned our efforts. When l saw
stalwart men who stood by me on the
battle field enlisting in that cause; when
7 heard men, women and children shout
ing the battle cry of freedom, I said that
we would be successful. I then deter
mined to be true to the people who inau'
gurated this grand movement. You
know the result, and all that followed ;
and that though We passed through the
whole State, and every County of the
State, there was no bloodshed, no riot, no
disturbance; no, not even fist fight.
The people dedicated themselves to the
service as they would to the service Of
their God. When on the seventh Of
November the news was flashed across
the wires that ne had been successful in
our efforts to redeem South Carolina,
when We knew that \ peaceful victory
was perched upon our banner, we looked
about us and found armed troops taking
possession of the Capitol building; the
halls were filled with United
States troops; the legal House of Rep
resentatives were keps out of their place
of meeting at the point of the bayonet,
and the Office of Governor was occupied
by q man who had not been elected. 1t
looked then as if the, country would be
dsluged in blood, and q revolution inau-
gurated, for the people were determined
not 10 be cheated out of their rights. /
knew that we had won the victory, and
said that ne should secure the fruits of
it, or have military government. If
but single shot had been fred in Co
lumbia civil war would have begun, and
would have spread not only over this
Stlte, but over all the country. Blood
would have flowed like water. I knew
that if q revolution was begun that re-
publican government would 60 down to
a bloody grave, and our hopes as freemen
forever destroyed. AZ this critical time
/ appealed to a people who had been
faithful to me so long 10 trust me little
longer. And they did trust me, and
whatever may hefall me hereafter, am
amply compensated for all that have
had to endure. ] am not able to tell all
that transpired during that time. The
lower House of the Legislature was not
allowed to take possession of their hall,
and therefore could pass no laws. We
determined to call for q contribution of
ten per cent. of the tax paid the year
previous. I now tell you for the first
time that have ever told it in public
that we expected about $130, 900, but We
received $4,000. The people paid
more than their quota, and had to stop
the collection. We had more money
than we wanted, as it was used only for
Stats purposes, aud the State officers did
not propose to steal it.
I was left alone at the adjournment Of
the Legislature, without an officer in his
position, while Chamberlain and his SUBJ
ordinates were in possession Of the gov
erament upheld and supported by the
United States army. I was left like q
mariner sailing in the dark on. an un-
known sea, with nothing to guide NE
but hope and an humble trust in Al
mighty God. Ono false step would have
ruined all, and, people of Anderson, if l
have made mistakes, hear this in mind,
that I was working for the good of South
Carolina. called to my aid the other
State officers, and if I made mistakes
they made them too. We have always
been united in our opinion. There was
never shadow of difference between US,
and all shared the mistakes if any were
made. We all make them. If any man
does not believe it, let him try it. at is
human to err, divine to forgive" And
I know the people, realizing the circuu,-
stances at that time, will forget the mis-
takes for the good Of South Carolina.
There is one point to which desire to
refer, because Of mutterings in this State
and throughout the United States coz
cerning bargains aad compromises.
Men Of Anderson, I tell you there was
not the shadow of q bargain or compro-
mise with Mr.. Hayes or any one who
represented him looking to the seating of
the Governor of South Carolina. l went
50 Washington because I was invited
there, and through respect to the Presi-
dent. asked no recognition at his
hands, except tnat he remove the troops
from the State House, and that if my
government could not stand let it fall. I
will do MIR. Hayes the justice to say that
hs had too much respect for his own po-
sition and for the people of South Care
lima to make any bargain. There was no