Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1890-12-11
rlLLMAN TALKS.
The Reform Governor Of south Carolina
Tnika PLAINLY In HIS Inaugural Address

The Reform Governor Of south Carolina
Talks PLAINLY In HIS Inaugural Address
COLUMBIA, s @, Dec. 5 5-Governor-
elect Tlllman, who was elected on the
reform ticket, composed OF the Farm-
ers' Alliance aud other Democrats who
wanted a change OF government was
inaugurated in front OF the State House
at one o'clock yesterday in tho pros
ence OF large crowd from all parts OF
the State. The ceremonies took place
on a large balcony which was erected
for the purpose. This is the second
time in the history OF tho State that a
Governor has been inauguraled in the
open air
In his inaugural address Governor
TillmaD referred with pleasure to the
National victory OF the Democrats
party. and In regard to the election in
his own State saids ''ln Our own State
OF South Carolina the triumph Of De-
mocracy and VIII TO supremacy over
mongrelism and anarchy, Of civilization
over barbarism, has been most complete
and II is gratifying TO note the fact that
this was attended by political phe-
nomenon which was a surprise 10 all OF
us-our colored fellow elt'zens abso-
lutely refused TO be led 10 the polls by
their bosses The opportunity OF hav-
ing their votes freely cast and honestly
counted, which 1t has been claimed is
denied negroes, caused ripple OF ex-
element and the consequence is that
to-day there is less prejudice and more
kindly feeling between the white men
and the black men in South Carolina
than has existed any time since 1865.
When IL is clearly shown that ma
iority Of our colored voters are no
longer imbued with Republican
ideas, the vexed negro problem will be
solved and the fear OF a return OF
negro domination will haunt us no
more. Can not appeal TO the magnan-
unity OF the race? Can not plead in
your behalf thatwe white men Of South
Carolina stand ready to listen kindly to
all reasonable complaints, to grant all
just rights and allow safe privileges to
the colored people-that they shall
have equal protection under the law and
a guarantee OF fair treatment at our
handsp That the colored people have
grievances IL is idle to deny. That the
memory OF wrongs and insults heaped by
The whites upon the blacks during eight
years rule has provoked retaliation and
often injustice is true. 1t was natural
and inevitable. But we owe it to our
selves as Christian people, we owe 1t
to the good name OF our State which has
been blackened thereby and its prosper
ity retarded, that these wrongs should
be stopped.
ave whites have absolute control
the State Government and we intend t.
retain it. The intelligent exercise of
the right OF suffrage, at once the highest
privilege and most sacred duty OF the
citizen, is as yet beyond tho capacity OF
the great majority OF colored mon We
deny that all men are created equal
1t is not true now and 1t was not true
when jefferson wrote it But we can
not deny that it is our duty as the gov
erning power in South Carolina to in (
sure to every individual, black and /
white, the right to life, liberty and the /
pursuit OF happiness With the ma
chinery OF the law in our hands, with +
every department OF the Government |
executive legislative and judiciary
held by white men, with white juries. +
white solicitors, white sherfFs it is sim.
ply infamous that resort should be had
to lynch law and that prisoners should be
murdered becr1se the people have gtc~n
weary OF the laws delay and its in
efficient administration. Negroes have
nearly always been the victims and the
confess on is blot on our civilization.
Let us see TO it that the finger OF
scorn be no more pointed at our State
by reason OF this deplorable condition
Of affairs Let punishment for crime,
by whomever committed, be prompt
and impartial and with the removal OF
the cause the effect will d sappear And
as last desperate remedy to be used
only when others fail grant TO the ex-
ecutive the power OF absolute removal
Of any sheriff who fails to prevent any
such act of violence in his county after
the law has taken control of prisoner.
have thought IL wise to speak in EN-.
phatic terms on this subject because
avery Carolinian worthy the name must
ong to see the time when law shall as
'ert its sway, when our people will not
De driven into hostile political camps"