The Newberry herald. [volume] (Newberry, S.C.) 1865-1884, 1883-03-15
Stephens and GarIington.

The celebrated speech of Hon.
Alexander H. Stephens, in the Re-
preventative Hall, Atlanta, Ca, on
the Georgia Democracy and his
relation to it, has been frequently
referred to by the newspapers. The
distinguished Georgian was, on that
occasion, introduced by. our fellow
citizen, Gen. A. G. Darlington,
whose words are given below and
will be full of interest to the people
Of Newberry.
General Darlington, on being called to the
chair, spoke as follows:
FELLOW. w.CITIzENs-The occasion which
has brought ms together tonight is one Of no
ordinary interest; and while / return my
thanks for the honor which the call to this
chair implies, must be permitted also to
express the feelings Of pride which the invi-
tation to take apart in these proceedings
has awakened in my bosom.
The fact cannot be disguised that we, the
people of the United States, arc in the midst
of political events Of the greatest import.
The question Of selfgovernment by the
people of American constitutional liberty, its
maintenance and transmission to posterity,
heretofore the theme of speculative theorists,
has become o great practical issue before the
country. In such an eXigency, it behooves
us to take counsel together. Whatever diff
ferences Of opinion may have existed
amongst US in the past, upon questions Of eX-
pediency, as to the best policy TO bring about
change in the administration of the gov
ernment, as means of arresting its down.
ward tendency towards centralism, It is now
our duty 70 bury these differences, and with
them the feelings which they may have
excited in the broad bosom of an exalted
patriotism. Politics, craftsmanship, is not
to be judged of and measured in haste. Time
is its great test Measures of to-day, the
present policy, constitute but link in the
chain of events, But throb in the great ar
terry Of civilization and progress. While,
therefore, the advocates Of a particular policy
to-day may entertain strong convictions OF
right and truth, they should not forget that
the test OF time is TO be applied to that policy,
and that other views may, in the end, prevail.
make these remarks because, upon ques-
ton of policy which lately agitated this
country, there were those who differed in
opinion from the distinguished speaker, who
also will address you tonight; but while
they differed from him, we all know that
their hearts never failed 70 respond to his
clarion notes in defense of constitutional
liberty and its great guerantees-States
rights aud local self-goyernment. For more
than thirty years he has stood faithful
sentinel on its watch-towers, and hung out
its banner on the outer wall. Af..er years of
retirement, under circumstances touching
the sympathetic hearts of oiS people, On.
which has not been without Its finder in the
field of literature and political science, he is
able again to come out and speak with them
face to face upon affairs Of State. Need l say
that you will rejoice again to hear his fami-
liar voice, the slogan call o. liberty which
you delighted to hear as Of yore?
ancholy allusion, but there is o sad remini-
scence which the associations o the hour re-
call, and of which I may be privileged TO
sreak. The only time ever before occupied
this chair was on similar occasion TO this,
when my college-mate aud friend, the noble
brother OF the distinguished speaker who
will now address you, made these walls rug
in the defense Of the cause OF fright and liberty.
A few short months hsve fed, and those
eloquent lips are sealed foreveri Peace to
his ashes! Homo. to the memory Of the
patriot statesman, the able and incorruptible
juriSt, to the uobleSt work Of God-an honest
man.
II does seem to e work of supereroga-
ton, Of mere form, for me to introduce to
this audience one who is so well known to
his own people. and whose fame belongs 10
America and liberty.