The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1880-06-30
The Rhinehart Resolutions.

We publish these resolutions elsewhere,
together with the comments OF the &esc'
field advertiser and Monitor OH them
Before We say anything of the resolutions
themselves let us dof II hats to our
confrcres above mentioned for the plain,
manly, honest, outspoken words III
which they condemn this unwisc action
Their words are forcible and brave and
their advice is sensible, honorable, and
right.
We deplorc the spirit which prompted
these resolutions. We arc panied that
there could be found III the old county a
set Of men capable of being swaycd by
prejudice so intense, and passion so low,
that they prefer rather to see the country
lost through the action Of independents
than forego their personal preferences
and ambitions. 1t is unpatriotic. 1t sa-
-voiso II treachcry. Last week there APP
peared in the New York Times u letter
from Charleston which we republished, III
which the writer said he had it on the au.
thority Of a prominent politician from
Edgeield that great dissatisfaction
with the nominations existed in the
]up-country, and named particularly
Abbeville, Edgefield and other coun'
ties. Nearly every paper i'll tho
State gave the lie to the foul SLAM
der We said then that we did not be-
3ieve it emanated from any politician Of
Edgefeld, and we prefer still to believe
that tho Advertiser and Monitor represent
tie sentiment of Edgefield, rather than
the citizens of Rhinehart Township, who
passed these resolutions.
They are unwise and impolitic. AL
ready Judge Townsend, a shrewd, sharp
and disgrunted Democrat has inaugu-
ruted an Independent movement. Do
the citizens of Rhinchart desire to aid
and abet him ? What else does their &C.
ton mean7 Above every other county
in the State Edgefcld orght to give the
ticket a warm support. One of her citi-
zens' was a candidate for Governor, and
wa defeated. Her delegates took part
in all the proceedings of the Convention,
and the county is bound by their action.
But higher. than this is the demand OF
generosity, Of patriotism, aud Of party
loyalty. The generous when defeated in
a contest like this, throw all the weight
Of their ability in support Of the party's
choice. Some designing d~emagogue has
played upon the fancy of the people OF
Rhinchart, and made them ridiculous in
the sight of the State.
AS much to be deprecated as the spirit
of Independentism is that other spirit
which charges that the nomination in
June were made at the dictation Of "Aris-
tocrutic masters" We arc heartily sick
and tired Of this foolish talk. 1t is the
stock in trade of the very lowest order OF
demagoguc. 1t has been and is the boast
of America that her citizens are free and
equal. This idea has brought over to our
shores millions Of emigrants, who have
found it true. Desert and ability are
the criterions of excellence, and the
means which fetch position. The worry
distinctions Of aristocracy II peasantry
are unknown in our midst. The men
who make use Of this poor claptrap to
vent their spleen, confess themselves de-
void OF the pride of true manhood, and
conscious integrity. 1t is humiliating to
the people who use it, and the men OF
Rhinehart Township who confess them
selves inferior to any man, arc not made
of the same stuff out of which was made
the men who have upheld the dignity and
honor Of Edgefcld.
They who have the right to know, as
sure us, that the spirit which prevails in
Rhinehart does not prevail elsewhere.
That Edceficld will take that place in the
campaign and election, which is hers by
right of what she has done in the past.
and that place is at the head of the col
0mn.