The Big Stone post. (Big Stone Gap, Va.) 1890-1892, 1890-09-05
CAROLINA TORN UP.
Political Factions to Fight to the Death,
all of which Treatens the Supremacy
OF the Democratic Party.
WHAT HAMPTON SAYS.
Columbia Specially

cratic supremacy. Two factions divide ut
present the regular democracy, and, with
an overwhelming black vote constantly
menacing the control Of the whites, di-
vision means defeat and rctrogression.
The movement led by Capt. B. r. Tillman,
of Edgcfeld county, has grown to such
proportions that it now virtually controls
the machinery of the party, and it ap-
parently has the majority of the white
voters. Both parties claim to be the only
true democracy, but in political parlancc
they are known as Tillmanites and
clearinghouse" or anti-Tillmanites. The
differences between them are serious and
seem irreconcilable. Personalities more
or less offensive have been INDUCED in
freely by speakers and the press, and un-
doubtcdly there is much soreness and re-
sentiment Senator Wade Hampton did
not pour oil on the troubled waters during
his visit in July, but widened the breach.
The adhercnts of Tillman Indignantly re-
sent his description of their leader as
the "Mahone" of South Carolina.
The Tillman movement is not of yestcr-
day. 1t originated in the summer of 1883.
1t was then called "the farmers move
ment." Capt. Tilman introduced at a
meeting of the State agricultural and
Mechanical Society held in 1885 resOlu-
ton which declared that the farming class
should have Il larger representation on
the state board of agriculture. He sup
ported it in IL speech which was among
his earliest efforts. His resolution was
voted down by Il large majority. He then
expressed determination to continue the
agitation. Prior to that meeting he was
not known beyond the limits Of his cOun-
ty. In the latter part of 1885 he pub
lishcd in the News and Courier series of
articles which attracted much attention.
He did not confne himself to Il consider
alton of the interests of the farmers, but
demanded reformation in the state gov
ernmcnt. He did not charge corruption,
but extravagaDce, and urged that con-
yention Of Farmers and those who favored
his views be held. 4 convention was ac
cordingly held in April, 1886, and 1.-THE
farmers movement" as it was then chris
tened began. In some Of the counties Of
the state the measures advocated by Till
man Zone of which was seperate agricul-
tural college, were made issues in the
election held that year for members of
the legislature. The farmers movement
was represented in the legislature of 1856
by fair proportion of members. Several
measures advocated by Tillman were in
troduccd. but all failed. The fight was.
however, continued, and Tillman gained
steadily. In the legislature Of 1855 50
the Tillmanitcs secured the establishment
of college for the education OF farmers
sons. The state had nov been aroused by
the Tillman movement, and it was evident
that new and strong element had en-
tered activity into state politics. Nothing
further of moment occurred until the
executive committee Of the farmers
movement in February last called con-
ycntion to meet here the following month
for the purpose Of Suggesting state
ticket" All but one or two counties were
represented in the convention, and it con-
tented itself with Suggesting" bat two
candidates. 1t named Captain Tilman
for the governorship and also suggested
candidate for The governor
ship. 1t was declared that the action Of
the convention was subject to ratification
by the regular nominating convention Of
the democratic party. Subsequently the
executive committee of the regular dcmoc-
racy arranged preliminary canvass for
the nomination for governor. and Gen.
John Bratton, Of Fairfield county, and
Col. Joseph H. Earle, of Sumter, entered
the lists. 1t became thus triangular con-
test. The campaign lasted eight weeks
and was one of the most heated and bitter
ever held in South Carolina. When the
convention met on the 18th instant it was
found that T'illman had carried thirty out
of thirty-five counties in the state, and
that the vote in the convention stood 26l
for Tillman and So anti-1illman, showing
u majority of 202 for Tillmau. The scs-
sions of the convention were stormy and
only the GOODNESS OF old heads prevented
bloodshcd. The antiTillmanites left the
convention and set up independently. The
convention adjourned to meet on the 10th
of September, aud it is forcgone con-
clussion that Captain Tillman will be
nominated for governor. 1t remains to
be seen what action his opponents will
take. Senator Butler has been called in
az peaccmaker He is experienced in
politics and diplomicy, but his task is Il
difficult one. The democrats Of South
Carolina realize the absolute necessity for
united action. The Tillmanites deny the
charge that they are not true democrats,
and express their belief in their ability to
elect their candidate Meantime the re-
publicans are waiting and watching.
They may take advantage of any breach,
and counsel and aid from republicans at
the North will not be wanting. The legis-
lature to be elected in November will elect
a successor to Senator Hampton. Capt.
Tillman has expressed admiration for
him, but fears that he may be sacrificed
are entertained. His high character and
the great value Of his services to South
Carolina are universally recognized, but
ambitious politicians may seek to displace
him. A Tillman delegate offered in the
recent convention resolution denying
the truth of reports of contemplated re-
pudiation Of the State debt and declaring
that it was "a subject of primary impor-
tance," but other business was. uppermosf
in the minds of the delegates and the res
olutiOn WAS referred.
new generation of political leaders is
coming forward in the state, and Captain
Tillman is now foremost among them. He
is successful farmer and is about 4!
years of age, His education was limited
but he has been diligent reader and is
spoken of as being we'll informed. He is
regarded as one of the most effective
stump speakers in this state. He is now
prominent figure, and his future will be
watched with interest. The governor ol
South Carolina is elected biennially. a
brother of Captain Tillman is now in
congress, but has never held Office
No Compromise.