Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-09-28
An Independent view of the Situa-

SAVANNAH, September 2S.-Edtor Morn
ing Ne,Os VIII you allow one who calls
himself an Independent, not an Independent
Democrat, nor an Independent Republican,
nor an Independent Neutral, but one who
drives his own political cart on the road that
suits his fancy or judgment, word on the
questions now agitating the Democratic par
tY OF Chatham county? will premise by
saying that intend to support the Demo
cratic ticket, and will give my reasons there
for in this article.
1 am never a neutral where principles or
policies are in question. have always voted
the Democratic ticket since the war, for |
could vote none other with my views OF
State rights, Southern honor and self-re-
spect.
The call of the meeting to meet at st.
Andrews Hall was only a question of
place. When the place proved unsuitable,
the only sensible move was to adjourn to
more roomY and comfortable one. The
Theatre was the only place suitable. No
principle was involved In the place. So all
this talk about the Theatre being voted
down is simply puerile, and shallow argu-
ment-very weak because it is so shallow.
To business. Mr.. Schwarz's resolution
presented three names to the people as can
didates for the Legislature. Mr.. VIM then
presented a resolution for q committee of
seventy-fve to prepare a ticket. The vote
was taken, and, according to my impartial
and independent ear, his resolution was car
ried. l should have SO ruled had been in
the chair. Mr. Waring Russell called for a
division, but the me ting was so large
that 1t would have been hard to
tell or count. But it was very evident
that those for and against the Schwarz reso
luton were equally determined. Then, at
that time, there should have been manifested |
a spirit OF compromise, for no principle was
involved; though, to be honest, could not |
see anything fairer than the selection of |
seVenty-five men picked from the meeting, |
and the first twenty-five acting as a commit |
tee to select candidates.
just here allow me to say | had no idea |
that my name would have been selected |
among the seventy-fve, and l was as much |
astonished at my name being among the |
twenty-five as II my next neighbor had |
knocked me down. He told me my name |
was the first, for did not hear it called. l |
thought rapidly, and as there were |
no resolutions or principles announced, |
or party platform presented, | thought |
the object was the selection of three |
good and able men to represent |
Chatham county. concluded to serve on |
that committee, and aid to the best of my |
ability by my vote on the committee to pre-
sent such men. The three names presented, |
Messrs. Robert Falligant, j. II. Estill and /
Thos, Ballantyne, are certainly good and |
true men. Had Mr.. Russell and his friends
remained, there would have been perhaps
different ticket.
- To go back from q personal explanation
In the contention and confusion which pre-
vailed, Mr.. Russell, not being satisfied with
the ruling Of the President of the meeting,
and not having his views carried out, said,
81 will appeal to the ballot box" left the /
meeting, his friends following. The Theatre
was crowded after he left. That was a bold,
open, clear and defiant declaration of dis
organization on hts part. l have on several
occasions witnessed just such scenes in the
old capitol at MilledgeVille in days past. 1t
was his right and privilege as an in
diVidual so TO act, and the same to those
who went with him. Many men must have
leaders, for 1t is not every one who thinks
for himself. There must be followers If
there is a leader. Mr.. Russell became the |
recognized leader Of the disorganizers. He
may call himself Democrat or any other
name, but he stands as an open political
enemy to those who remained In the Theatre
and recognized the call of a Democratic
meeting.
He is now disorganizer, independent Uf
the binding obligations Of the regular
called Democratic meeting. He has put up
oAOJuPL blChSGy anu ppCdlb lEOA 4 regular
meeting to the people at the ballot box.
Very good. The regular organized Demo-
crazy accepts the challenge, and those who
did not attend the meeting Of the regulars
or disorganizers, will vote as they may elect.
Now comes in the question Of men and their
peculiar fitness as legislators. Those voters
who do not recognize any man as a leader
will doubtless vote to suit themselves. The
regular organization has no leader. The
twenty-five who constituted the committee
and presented the names had no leader, and
the thinking men of Chatham county recog-
nize no leader, though they may recognize
party and constitute an integral part of that
party
Mr.. Russell In his present attitude is sim
ply disorganizer. 1 use the right word,
for know something of party discipline,
for once as an editor, defed the action of
the Wing party in Baldwin county re-
fused to indorse the nomination of General
Scott for the Presidency. l was a disor-
ganiZer, and helped to break up the Wing
party. A regular organized party can never
compromise principle Of the parry, for If
1t does then there is no virtue In organiza-
ton.
have, Mr.. Editor, given you my views as
to the present status Of affairs. l have no
bias or prejudice resting on my mind but
having been trained to politics, the study of
government as a science, and having been,
in days past, partisan, sticking to my party
fright or wrong" regardless of principles,
give to your readers my independent view
OF the situation, and submit 1t for what it
is worth. r. M. QRME.
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