The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1886-06-16

cats. but to organize it and WELD It as class
power for class purposes. This power Is
lie welded thin the lines of the Democrat
ic party. That is the avowed and, believe
the sincere intention of the movers and Or
sanizers. VIII such a movement contribute
to the harmony and efficiency of that party:
l. there any conservatism, and spirit of con-
cession in it? Is there not the shadow OF the
spirit that would rule Or ruin?
AgaiD-it is a farmers organization to car
ry out platform political in its chara ter
and other than that of the Democratic party.
How is the membership Of such an orSanlZa-
ton limited to Democrats? Is it not nnfurl-
ing flag that might attract even a judlcious
enemy of Democracy and under which he
could iudiciously fl ght? There is no pro1is-
ion against it. Can we afford this sort OF
thing in our condition? Fearfully handicap
ped by the weight of a newly-hedged and de-
based citizenship, is it not suicidal to frltter
away our strength for such purpose, when
it is all needed to uphold the thin veil OF the
law between US and a icentlous and de-
bauched government, and with 1t, II 1t ever
comes again the debasement OF our standard
of free citizenship? From such q condition
there can be no restoration for n.
The situation here in South Clrcllna de-
wolves on us of the white race the highest
duties Of citizenship-requlres the malnte-
nance of the highest standard OF citizenship
While orators, writers and sentimental phi
lanthroristS theorize at a distance on the
race question, it is our fate to be in the fore
front in the practical solution of the problem.
The vital question with US is-can we under
the load thrust upon us, maintain healthy,
liberal, enlightened public and political SEN
timent, OF are We to succumb and be drag
ged down to its level? By taking care of our
selves in this matter, we render the highest
service and do our full duty to the State
and, indeed, by thus holding up to his view
high and worthy standard we render the
only aid in our power to the ''man and broth
er" in working out his own destiny; that Re
must, under the laws of nature, do for him
self But the point is made for application
10 ourselves and our duty in working out our
own destiny. Is it not the part OF wisdom,
is it not the dictate of self-preservatlon, to
concentrate our force-our intellectual and
moral force, our educational and political
force, our Anglo Saxon race force--and ap-
ply it to the accomplishment of this purpose
How can We do it? The only agency in
our reach for effecting this combination IS
the Democratic party-the organization not
of any class, hut of all classes-the organlza-
ton Of the people. It was framed for the
purpose and used effectively to lift the polit-
ical sentiment Of the State from condition
of ruinous and disgusting degradation to O
healthy standard, and thereby restore to its
allegiance to the Constitution the Govern
ment of the State It is the only means at
our command for maintaining the fidelity of
Government to the expressed will ofthe peo-
pie. 1t is the only iustrumentality through
which We can concentrate our strength for
the supreme duty of the situation. SO long
as it Will require OF the officials of Govern
ment fidelity to constitutional obligations IN
the conduct of their offices, and maintain the
rule of their Constitution, so long may we
await in calm security the development OF
the destiny of the black race. The Demo.
cratic party, with all its faults and shortcom.
ings, is our sole reliance, our forlorn hope,
in the conflict with the difficulties and dan
gers of this critical period in the life of the
State. Can We afford any movement thai
will cripple and impair its efficiency?
But enough has been said to indicate my
views on the subject. am forced to the
conclusion that the movement will operate
in the opposite direction from that intended
and is O most unfortunate mistake. Its full
est success would sacrifice the substance fol
the shadow, and, far from benehtting the ag
ricultural interests of the State, would bt
detrimental to all intere st.
and especially to the agricultural. But the
particular misfortune of such q moTemen
| lies IN the fact that success is not necessary
to enable it to do harm. The mere persist
ence in it will be like fire in the rear ant
will distract and cripple our strength in th'
great conflict in front.
In my Judgment the action of the Conven
ton was ill-considered and inconsiderate
radical and unreasonable, and utterly re
gardless of the difficulties and complication!
of the situations here in South Cirolina.