Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1882-09-14


ions on this and other issues Let them bold
ly meet and defeat error and prejudice. Any
other conduct would he withholding from the
people what they have right to expect:
>->z>--s
THE-EORT MILL MEETING.
Last Thursday was the day appointed by the
County Chairman for the joint meeting at Fort
Mill. of the candidates before the primary elec-
tion 1t was wet and disagreeable day; but
notwithstanding the fact that rain fell almost
constantly during the day, there was very re-
spectablenumher of citizens present by the hour
appointed for the speaking--all anxious to hear
the candidates declare themselves on the is
sues of the day.
On behalf of Mr.. Brevard D. Springs, Pre-
cinct Chairman, the meeting was opened by
Hon. w. H. Stewart who after stating the
object for which the meeting was appointed,
closed by saying that the Yorkville ENQUIRER
Of that day contained a solicitation for him to
become candidate for the Legislature in the
approaching election. The publication was
made without his knowledge or consent, and
while he felt fattered by this manifestation OF
confidence on the part part of a number of his
fellow citizens, and grateful for the implied
compliment, he was compelled to decline al
lowing his name to come before the people,
and availed himself of the first opportunity to
publicly announce his determination.
He then introduced Col. w. B. Wilson, can
ditlate for the House of Representatives.. Col.
Wilson commenced by saying that he was
glad to meet the citizens of Fort Mill, and his
presence before them as Il candidate was due
to a call of his fellow citizens which he felt it
his duty to obey. He then reviewed the con-
dition of our State Government since Demo-
cratic ascendency in 1876, contrasting the
present political and financial prosperity of
South Carolina with the period of Radical rule
and plunder He referred to the noted decla-
ration by Grant in 1S6S-'Let us have peace )"
and went on to show that every public act of
Grant, as well as all stalwart national admin
istrations after him, had been, us related to
the people of the South, in direct opposition
to this sentiment, and so far from giving us
'sp. ,e," sectionalhostility was arrayeda against
the South. The only way to avert the dangers
threatening us from this source is to remain
firm and united. Efforts are being made to
break the Democratic ranks by the organiza-
tion in our State of Greenback and Independ-
ent parties, both of which mean the same
thing, and are calculated to strengthen Rad
| icalism He warned his hearers to keep clear
of Greenbackism and Independentism, which
are Radicalism i'm disguise, and in the present
campaign to rally as they did 1876 for the per-
petuity of Democratic measures, home rule
and honest government.
He graphically depicted the condition of af-
fairs in Columbia during the reconstruction
era, and down to the overthrow OF the Repub-
lican party, who had increased the State debt,
from five millions to twenty-nine millions
| ,;,3, &c
Moses, who was only recently convicted in the
criminal court of New York as petty thief,
the credit of the State had become so low,
that the Lunatic Asylum and other charita-
| ble institutions would have closed had not be-
nevolent perons stepped forward and advan-
ced supplies for their subsistence. But in
| 1876 the people rose en- naaSSe and hurled OH
the yoke and as the Red Shirts saved the State
in 1876, so is the struggle renewed again in
1882. The danger now is even more threaten
ing than then. We have the combined pow
ers of three parties to contend with, besides
the aid of the national administration which
is extended to break down the Democracy OF
| the State in order to secure q Republican ma
jority in Congress. There never was a time
in our history more demanding the unity of
| the Demoratic party, and he had that con-
lidence in the patriotism and intelligence OF
York to believe that her Democracy would dq1
it's full duty.
There are some questions on which the peO]
pie will differ, but while we may differ on
questions of expediency that may arise inside
the party, calm discussion of them will tend
to enlighten the people, and while we may
have our differences, as has been the history of
every political party, yet they can be discuss
ed among ourselves to our mutual benefit.
He then discussed the proposed Constitution
al amendment for reducing the area of coun-
ties, reviewing the question in it's different
bearings, his argument being substantially
the same as his Hickory Grove speech, reported
| last week, his conclusion being that instead,
4 as claimed, of strengthening the Democratic
: power in the Senate, it would, if adopted,
perpetuate Republican rule should that party
again come in power. But on this, as other
questions as Representative, he should obey
the expressed wishes of a majority Of the Dem
ocratic voters of York county.
He then closed by again reminding his hear
ers that owing to the growing strength OF
Greenbackism and Independentisnl, with the
Republican party and the powerful aid of the
patronage of the national administration, our
success is more imperilled than in 1876 but
if the people of South Carolina will bury all
feeling of discomfort and act harmOniOusly
in the present canvass, it may open the way to
IA national victory in the storm of 1884.
J. c.. Chambers, Esq, candidate for Repre-
sentative was next introduced. He advoca-
ted as general propositions economic legisla-
tion, and liberal appropriations to increase
| the efficiency of the free public school system.
| On the proposed Constitutional amendment,
he said it was submitted for a vote of the peo-
| pie, and whether or not they would adopt the
amendment, it was for them to say. Local
divisions on this subject should be thrown
aside. He was opposed to the proposed amend
ment, and regarded the argument of Col. Will
son in opposition to it as good and satisfacto-
ry. Other arguments could be adduced against
it, one of which is that the amendment pro-
poses to give the right to form new counties
to the Legislature, without any reservation.
The Legislature, under the provisions of this
amendment, can divide your county, whether
you wish it or not, and you cannot prevent it.
They can also equaliZe the Indebtedness OF the
new and the old county as they may see proper,
and the people affected would have no voice
in the matter The speaker said he lived in the
extreme western part of the county-a section
as liable to be affected by the amendment as
the people of the extreme east whom he was
then addressing consequently as to the pro-
babe effect of the amendment he was in the
same condition on the one hand as were they
on the other; but while he opposed it. yet
should he be elected he would carry out in
good faith the will of the people Oh the ques-
tion.
Mr.. George /. Riddle was next introduced.
He said his appearance before the people as a
candidate for Representative was at the solici-
tation of his friends, and should he he honored
with an election, he would serve the people to
the best of his ability. lie was opposed to the
proposed Constitutional amendment for reduc
ing the area of counties argument against