The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1892-03-24
Why Not Have q Primary ?

Why Not Have Primary?
The outlook for the Democratic party
in this State is anything bit eucourag-
ing. There are at the present time three
distinct factions-the regular Democratic
organization, the Straightouts, and
another faction yet named, but which,
until further developments, might very
properly be called "March Convention
ists." The bone of contention be-
tween the factions is Governor Till
man. he is upheld by the regular Dem.
ocratic organization and opposed by the
other two factions. There is really no
other important issue before the people
of the State, and it is the question OF
Tillman or anti Tillman alone that is
threatening disruption and division.
The platform of the Straightout ele-
ment is "down with Tillman at any cost, "
and the platform of the March Conven-
tionists is "down with Tillman if that end
can possibly be accomplished within the
party" The platform of the regular
Democracy is, We hope, "the men and
measures advocated by the majority Of
the white people of the State"
The strength Of the Straightouts at the
last general election was about $4,000,
and the strength of the March Conven.
tionists and advocates of Tillmau, who,
combined, formed the regular Democ-
racy, WAS something like CO., 900. The
March Conventiouists, as rule, sup
ported Tillman, not because they be-
lieyed he was the best man, or even a
good man for Governor, but because he
was the regular Democratic nominee.
The Straighouts voted against Tillman
for reasons so varied that we cannot un-
dertake to mention them all. The short
est way to get at it would be to say, be-
cause they could not see single reason
why they should vote for him. The Till
NANTES voted for 1'illman because he
was the exponent of the platform that
they favored, and because they admired
him as a man.
The developments of the past two
years have not, in our opinion, served to
alter the numerical strength of the re-
spective factions to any great extent
With very few exceptions, the Tillman-
ties are Tillmanltes still, and the anti
TiIlmanites are as much opposed to Till
man as ever. The only important change
in the situation is this. By the March
convention coup d'etat for two years ago
Tillmsn'S opponents we're 80 thoroughly
demoralized that they we're unable te
marshal their forces again until it was
too late for any effective opposition ts
bis nomination. This year, organization
has been commenced in ample time, and
to say the least of it, stout resistance tc
Tillman's denomination may be expected
If matters are allowed to go on in the
channel in which they are now drifting
there is no telling what may be the re-
suit. The leaders OF the March conven-
tiopists are no doubt honest in theil
intentions to fight out their grievances
within the party. But with the bitter
ness already in existence, and that which
may be aroused, there is possibility
that something may happen that will
place the movement beyond their con-
troll. and eventually land the March con-
ventiopists in the Straighout party
Though, of course, the combined factions
may still be in the minority if this should
happen, anybody can see the result-ar
oniuous black cloud looms up at the bare
suggestion. Both sides will appeal tc
the negro, and white supremacy, politi
cally, in South Carolina, will be at ar
end forever.
Now, without considering who is re-
sponsible for this state of affairs or lay
ing any special blame anywhere, we beg
to suggest that there is an efectual rem
edy, which, if applied now, will settle al
differences. Let there be primary-t
primary from Governor down to Coroner
Let all Dem ocratic aspirants for office e
before the people-the whole white peo
ple of the State-aud if they receive {
majority Of the votes cast, any maa Wit
refuses to support them in the genera
election is not worthy of being called
Democrat.
Even if the present fight be actually
against Tillman and Tillmau alone, b.
should have no hesitation in going befor'
the white voters of the State and allow,
ing each and every one to express hi
individual preference. And no supporte
of Tillman should object to his doing so