The sun., 1890-01-27
Tho South Carolina Farmers.

The Executive Committee Of the Farmers
Association Of South Carolina has issued a
long address attacking the management OF
the Democratic party in that State. The
Farmers Association Ia composed Of Demo-
Crats, but the State oflceholders do not
belong to It. and the Legislature. especially
the State Senate. Ii not controlled by 1t.
Ever since 1885 the farmers have been try
ing to oontrolthe Democratic State Conven-
tion, and they came very near doing 30 last
year. Next May they will hold Convention
Of their own, and nominate State ticket
which viii be submitted to the Democratic
State Convention. Apparently the farmers
expect that their ticket will have to be taken
by the other Democrats this time.
The announced purpose Of the Farmers'
Association is to "Beoure retrenchment and
reform, and recognition OF the needs and
rights Of the masses" A recognition Of the
needs and rights OF members OF the Farm
ers' Association to hold offloe is implied but
not expressed. II the assertions OF the ad-
dress are true, the Democracy Of South Car
olinR needs stirring up and q vigorous course
Of rotation In office. "South Carolina" we
are told, "has never had real republican
government. Since the day Of the Lords
Proprietors It has been an aristocracy, under
the form Of q democracy, and whenever
champion Of the people has attempted to
show them their rights, and advocated those
rights against the aristocratic oligarchy.
It has bought him with an office. or failing in
that, turned loose the floOdgates of misrep.
reeentation and elander in order to destroy
his influence. The fear Of division among
us and the consequent return Of negro rule
has kept the people quiet, and they have
submitted to many grievances imposed by
the ruling faction because they dreaded to
EiBk such a division"
There certainly used to be an oligarchy or
aristocracy In South Carolina, and 1t pro-
duoed many famous names. but the war put
an end to it. except in SO far as It may still
cherish social pretensions. In politics the
names of some OF the families that ruled the
Palmetto State in the days when Cotton was
King are still distinguished, but we must
suppose that under the new conditions such
distinction is tho work OF personal merit
and not of inheritance. H. however. there
are dry bones that need shaking up and
cliques OF ofiiceholders that need the appli.
cation Of rotation, the movement Of the
farmers may deserve encouragement, al
though any attempt at political solidarity on
the part Of single interest will bear careful
watching.
Probably It will be news to good many
South Carolina Democrats that they are not
living under government by the people.
II the members Of the Farmers Association
are right In asserting that the State is gov
erned by an aristocratio ollgarchy, they
ought TO have no trouble In putting the
oliaarchy flat on its back.
In view Of the remarkable political activity
which has for some time been displayed by
various organizations Of farmers In the
Southern States. 1t may be possible for the
opponents OF the Farmers' Association Of
South Carolina TO show that by government
by the people the association means govern
meIt by its members.