The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1878-05-16
Editor Anderson Mtelligeacer:

| For the information of your readers, L
desire to state that the article which ap-
peared in your last weeks issue, above my
| signature, was written for and sent to the
Charleston Ncrs and Courier for publication,
but that paper delaying to publish as early
as wished, (although intended,) remain
ded the communication.
It, with an explanatory note accompany
ing, I handed in to you personally. AS
matter of course, expected its insertion
along with the communication, or at least
an acknowledgment in your criticism.-
This would have been but common justice,
and would have shown all absence of in
tention on my part to provoke discussion
in this County, as also that had anticipa-
ted 5he structures of the local press upon the
programme of the State Executive Com.
mittee.
1t il proper furthermore. 70 state that it
was agreed, that an interchange of views
should be conducted "s1iaviter in n,odo," and
with libertslity. To the discriminating
reader leave it to compare the tone. Ian
guage and animus Of the article with the
critique.
Thus much I venture to say of myself,
that my whole life and conduct, and all my
antecedents, identify me with the honora-
BILE and virtuous of my species, and yet
there is not one syllable of recognition of
the fact, OF bare intimation that an honest
difference cf opinion is possible. My arti-
Gle is characterized es fanciful, unwise,
simple, absurd, preposterous, deceptive,
foolish and destitute of argument-te ju-
dice. Yet you devote nearly column and
half to its refutation, without reaching
the argument. This were compliment
indeed, and confession, however reluctant,
of the estimation placed on it. Ignoring
its main features, and in contravention to
all fair discussion, you gratuitously get
clear outside and back of 1t, and lug in the
action of the Democratic Club at this place
on certain resolutions introduced by ME
more than two months since, and already
given what publicity could be given them
in your sheet. Would you say nothing of
the refined courtesy wherewith they were
received? the noble scorn and indignation
with which they were treated? or the mag
unanimous bearing towards veteran Demo-
crat? Why not have said also that one
third, or less, of the Club was present, and
that the vote was by no means unani-
nous response? Let Us conhne ourselves
directly to the issue made.
Passing without consideration other OBJ
jections, which will be met hereafter, 1 will
notice just here only the reflections upon
my condemnation of the resolutions and
programme of the Executive Committee.
The INTELL1oENcER ITSELF after time,
mildly excep:s. That Committee spoke
either with or without authority. If with
authority, then their action should be ac-
quiesced in; if without authority, then
they are amenable to the charge of an at
tempted usurpation of p0Ser. But wheth-
er the one or the other be true, it is clear
and patent beyond doubt, that they in
tended and expected endorsement. They
promulgated the resolutions, with what
object? For rejection? No For accep-
tance2 Yesl No reasoning, no logic can
set aside this conclusion. A mistake was
made; an error committed. Apology is
impossible.
Fellow-citizens, realizing in some meas
ure the political situation in South Caro-
lima, have hitherto ventured to suggest q
course to be pursued, and plan to be adop-
ted, (when more fully matured and devel-
oped,) looking towards stability and perma-
nent paci6cation, seeing that parties were
in formation and transition state; that
differences existed on local subjects and
questions threatening division; that the
Democratic party in the State represented
by the Clubs compared with the whole vote
was in minority of perhaps 10000; that
in our last general election we had carried
this number, who were unconnected with
any strict organization; that in our own
County from 1900 to 14O0 more voters sup
ported our nominees in the general election
than in our primary that our system of
primary election unmodifed excluded these
from participation in the selection of candi-
dates; that Hampton and the Legislature
had recommended, and virtually pro-
claimed, amnesty for all the late past, even
towards the ring and chiefest offenders
that the liberality and broadness and cath
olicity of the views expressed in the last
campaign, and reiterated in the beginning
of this, by our Governor brought victory,
and would insure future success; that the
Radical party is in state Of disorganiza-
ton, and without leaders.
/ These constitute some of the reasons
why modification should take place. If,
as in New York or Massachusetts, party
lines were already strictly and rigidly
drawn, then it might appear there was con-
tradiction between party right and the
recommendation. But surrounded by
anomalous and peculiar circumstances. we
should shape our policy accordingly. IT.
minority, we must, by superior address and
management, il possible, secure majority.
1t has been urged that any relaxation
would lead towards disintegration; that de-
signing men would take advantage of it;
that some would come into the Clubs with the
sole view of promotion; that "radico-demo'
cratic Democrats might be selected by the
primary elections, and that if any are out
side the Clubs the fault is theirs" Granted
that like the gates of Janus during the pre-
valence of war, our Club doors always
stand open to receive members. The invi-
tation is standing and general, yet it is
fact that many good men, many who helped
on to victory in the late canvass still remain
unaffiliated. We may not be able to see
why this is 80. They may not be able to
satisfy us for their non-afiliation, but the
fact is still unchanged. Is it not expedient,
without the least compromise of principle
on our part, that we retain the strength and
| ,,ou,ar IF the am Or 1i0n yOtpre who united