Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1886-05-13

ADDRESS OF
Capt. II. R. TILLMAN
BEFORE THE
FARMERS CONVENTION.
Columbia April Goth.
Columbia, April Goth.

Columbia, April Goth.
Gentlemen of the Convention: l have
been told that it was my duty, under the
circumstances, to call this body to order
and get it into working trim. 1t is, per-
haps, fitting that I make few remarks
before doing so. After much travail and
vexation of spirit, especially to the politi-
clans and editors, "Moses," in spite of Pha-
roah and his Egyptians, has at last succeed
ed in getting the Israelites together prepar-
atory to taking up the line of march towards
the land of promise, and it seems that, al
though we "tuck the wrong road, by thun-
der" we have got to the Convention IN
time and have come, even at this busy
season of the year, in such numbers, that
scarcely hall can be found large enough
to hold US. I deem it due myselfto explain,
before going further, how 1 came by this
name of Moses. Many of the newspapers
have charged, and many of you no doubt
do not know how false that charge is, that
assumed it of my own accord, led to do so
by egotism or ambition.
The facts are simply these: The name
was given me in derision by Col. d. T.
Duncan, president of the State Agricultural
Society, in letter to the Ne,cs and Courier
last December, and it has stuck to me ever
since. 1t is likely to continue to stick, for
my friends and acquaintances in Edgetield
do not call me by any other name. l only
hope that no one will doubt the honesty OF
the prayer, which comes from the bottom OF
my heart, that 1 may in even so small
degree resemble the grand old Hebrew law
eiver and be the humble instrument to ac-
complish something for the good OF my
State and its agricultural interests. God,
who sees my heart, knows speak nothing
but the truth when 1 say that, from its in
ception at Bennettsville last August till its
elimination to-day, this agitation has had
for its object just what it claims on its face
the elevation, protection and advancement
of our farming interests.
There have been accusations and abuse IN
plenty. Misrepresentation and slander have
been busy with my name, charging every
motive as impelling me rather than the
true one. Little, greedy men, office-seek-
ers and their satellites, judging me by their
own low standard of selfishness, and fear
ing a possible rival, have cried: "Office,
Office, he only wants Office" Oh, it is pitt
full, that in the short space of ten years the
purity of motive, ardent patriotism and USE
full devotion to duty which made possible
the redemption of the State in rs should
be succeeded by this political leprosy
which now permeates our entire govern
mental fabric. If ofice-seekers were not so
plenty, men would not be so ready to bring
that charge against every one who raises
his voice to point out abuses in managing
our affairs, and that it is brought-too often
truthfully brought-is mortifying confess
sion that our public morals are at low ebb.
Patriotism and public spirit seem lost vir-
tues, and it is high time for US to begin to
cultivate them and give more heed to our
duty as citizens.
ANY reasonable man, not blinded by pre-
judice, who has kept pace with this agita-
tion from it's beginning till the present time,
is bound to acknowledge that if have had
any selfish object in view, have gone about
gratifying it in queer way. I drew the
sword and threw away the scabbard at Ben
nettsville, and have never looked for it since.
have attacked friend or foe, whoever and
whatever got in the way, and with truth
and right as my guiding stars, shall move
straight onward till l reach the goal. l
may not accomplish my purpose this year
or next, but the cause is a holy one, and
death alone shall make me loose my hold.
The temptations thrown in way by friends,
and enemies also, in suggesting my name
for Governor, are devices of the evil one to
lead me astray; but have told the devil to
get behind me. l commenced this fight
pure and honest, and "only farmer" l
will end it as 1 began, and for reward /
only ask your good opinion and confidence.
Give me those now and you will aid me to
consummate the work I have set out to
accomplish so much the sooner.
History tells US that the heroic Curtius
leaped into the gulf which threatened
Rome's destruction and saved his country.
There is no gulf for me to leap into; but |
shall not consider it sacrifice to remain
private citizen, if thereby my power to do
good is strengthened and the tone of our
politics is elevated and purified If our pub
lie can even be made to love self less and
South Carolina more.
But you are going to see that even this
will not satisfy some men. They will hunt
other accusations, and continue to pick on
my poor bones just because 1 have shown
them how little and contemplate politici-
ans are, and what is to more purpose, have
shown the people the same thing. Ofcourse
I understand that much of the venom dis
played by some Of the newspapers has been
the result of official influence and because
it was feared Farmer Tillman was about
to get ahead of the lawyers and politicians
one time. l have not minded their abuse
myself, but whenever a paper contained
anything particularly malicious or exasper-
ating it has been sent by some one, the wrl-
ter, suppose, and somebody at my house
has been as mad as setting hen for three
months. Oh, but you don't know how many
Caudle lectures l have received! II told
you not to 60 into this thing, you can't do
any good, and you had much better be at
tending to your own business and looking