The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1890-04-10
THE SHELL.TILLMAN CONVENTION.
HOW SHALL THE SITUATION BE
TFII


NET!
In reply to this query we have
very decided views. We are con-
fronted by q condition which de-
mands unequ;vocal and decided ac-
ton. There are to-day in South
Carolina party and a faction with
in the Democratic ranks, with two
platforms and two committees. The
one is known rs Tillmanism, the 9th.
er, the regular party organization
The Tillman faction have thrown
down the gauge and the regular or
ganization must meet it, or surrender.
There is no parleying-no hallway
ground The action OF q few men at
Ridgeway last Saturday in organic
ing q Tlllman club, indicates pur'
lose to organize such clubs, for it is
fair to presume these men are acting
under Instructions from the Shell
committee. We shall thus, from all
indications, have in the near future
our present Democratic clubs con-
fronted via Tallman clubs, and thus
the breach promises to widen. Is
this a proof of their protestation OF
fighting within party lines when they
deliberately go to work to organize
outside of it? A few years ago just
such a breach began in Virginia to
be fought out within party lines. 1t
ended in MuhoneiSnl. Were Mahone
and his line of democrats, at that
time, less sincere than Tillman and
his friends arc to-day? They do not
mean it, but men drift and circum'
stances force them into positions
which at the outset they never con.
tcmplated. It is the result Of the
much derided term logic Of events,
but which is an unerring law OF po'
litical dyuam;cs.
Til!man and Shell hare accom-
plished their purpose of giving him
the excuse, and quasi right, to stump
the State, arouse agitation, incite dis
satisfact;on organize clubs. and car
ry on vigorous campaign. They
have forced the issue, and it must be
met. The regular organization, COM
posed Of all classes OF Democrats,
and overwhelmly opposed to Tillman-
ism, must place in the field some ex-
ponent OF their views. No represen.
tative Of their views will take the
field on q mare newspaper nomina'
ton, nor is there such q concensus
Of opinion among the regular i'emo-
Gratis rs 10 the candidacy Of any one
man, to warrant him in assuming
that he is their choice. The State
Executive Committee have no author
ity for calling a Convention TO "sug'
cest" name, nor would It probably
be prudent. If they had. We suggest
that q meeting of the Comfy Chair
men be held in Columbia at 4 very ear
ly date. and that they fix time when
convention or caucus shall convene
to suggesta candidate to represent the
party as against this faction. When
this is done the body should adjourn.
Or, if number Of the farmers of the
State who oppose Til!manism will is.
sue call to select q candidate who
will represent their views and thus
feel authorized 10 he their spokes.
man, it will answer the purpose equal,
ly as well. Nor can the State Executive
Committee sit down and take no &C.
ton. As to what shape it shall as.
sumo they must decide. No faction
can be permitted to assum. thc airs
anl proceed to organize the machin-
cry this one is doing ard 20 unrc-
buhed. II is no time for political
shrinking, but & bold, pruG ent front
and determined action. If T;llman
can carry the State, aftor what lie
and Shell and party have done, over
the regular party. then every true
Democrat must acquiesce. aut we do
not think for q moment he can carry
il. Their platform is y mild, ana in
some respects, unohjectionable one,
without special fore save as 10 utit-
zation OF our phosphates and the
as to school districts, but
hey will not con6ne themselves to it.