The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-08-03

the people has been vindicated in the highest
judicial tribunal in the land and today Coo
Jaw territory IN I'm the hands OF this Phosphate
Commission and IL being operated In the In
terest of the people and not operated by
.'giant monopoly" So much for that prom
ise Again, you were promised that law
oIIna University upon "a com mon sense plan.
At thnt time there wer" about lSO students In
attendance with q professors To teach them,
less than seven students TO each professor.
This Institution has been reorganiZed, the
uumber of Professors reduced TO seven. and
to-day this institution is regarded by friends
and foes alike rs "the pride or the State So
much for this promise.
But again, you were told that the Interests
Of the white woman Of our State had been
long and sadly overlooked, that 1t wasa a cry
ing shame upon our enl ightened clvil1zatlon
that moth ny had ever been done by the state
of South Carolina for the education OF the
white girls. That or the'Reform movement
succeeded some provision would be made for
them. This has been done. The +. /. s.. has
been established and the city OF Anderson
has given a sufficient sum 10 erect the build.
inss to secure It's location at that place. Anu
today the trustees OF the Peabody fund are
anxious to donate to the institution S51oo0.
SO much for this promise.
But again, you were promised that II the
Reform movement succeeded the Agricultural
Bureau would be abolished and the dntles OF
Commissioner OF Agriculture would be i'm
posed upon the faculty of Clemson College
without cost TO the Taxpayers. That has
been done.
But again you were told that II the Reform
movement was successful a reapportionment
of representatio would be had, and those
counties which then had more representa-
tives than they were entitled TO, would be
given the proper number That reapportioli-
ment has been had. and Charleston which
heretofore by reason OF her large representa-
ton in the Legislature welded such power
ful influence, has lost five representatives in
the deal. Her number mas been reduced from
twelve to seven. g. .-
lowered, and an inspection OF the books OF
the County Auditor will show that every tax
payer in Abbeville county now pays on the
same amount of property considerably less
taxes. These, fellow citizens. are some,of the
reforms which have been accomplished by
raw Legislature in the short time 1t has been
on trial and that too In the face Of difficult
ties that would have appalled, q less deter.
mined body. e..
But you are asked to cast oHt as unworthy
public servants the men VINO have accom-
pshed thus much, because forsooth Gov. TIL
then the country y" Bette better school facilities has sug-
gested a So poll tax as the means. Hear the
words of Gov. Tillman and judge for yourself
he has not been egregrSousy sandersa nd req
poor man. Here are his utterances:
"The education and proper training OF the
voters who must choose the public omcers 10
carry on the States affairs Is sacred duty.
the state and society. = = Are we doing
all we can to train our youths and ft them for
the duties of life? 1 answer unhesitatingly,
No! -
I'm our towns and villages by reason of sup
Elementary taxes or voluntary contributions,
the schools are fairly good. Among the farm
ception, while inferior schools, which run
three or four months, are the rule
suggest the following scheme TO improve the
free school system as basis OF permanent
l,nfI fIt,ryc N1a H-n d a
should be three dollars instead OF one dollar
as now, and this will require constitutional
amendment"
These are the words fellow citizens, OF him
who Is represented to you as the poor mans
false friend and whom you are asked to repu.
diate. But, fellow citizens, they never tell
make the poll tax SO. They never tell you
that If you do not agree with the Governors
scheme 10 improve the schools, that you have
an opportunity OF voting down constitution
you. (Mr. Gary here read from the Constitu-
tion what was necessary to be done before the
Constitution could be changed"
vors at;,o11stitStional 1 Convention. Very true.
But my friends you haye also the right to ex-
press your approval or disapproval OF Con-
stituional Convention when such question
is presented 10 you, which must be done. Be-
sides. fellow citizens, IL you should desire
Constitutional Convention the Convention
will be composed of men selected by, you, and
from your midst. -l.r !
They tell you that you must continue to
live under Constitution forced upon you by
the alien and the scalawag, because forsooth
1t Is dangerous TO allow the people to come To-
gether In their sovereign ca pacity. IT Is an
Insult to your intelligence and should be so
rebuked. I'D. M
They tell you If Convention is held Ben
Tillman, by reason OF his great influence with
the Constitution he desires. But why has he
so IN uch influence with the people? 1t Is be-
cause the people have learned by experience
that they can safely rely ON his Judgment, In
tegrity and leadership.
But they tell US that he must be defeated be-
cause he wants servile Legislature deny
That he wants such Legislature. He desires
q legislature composed Of men In genuine
sympathy with the Observation-Disclosures OF
sound judgment and independent thought.
Hear his own words to the Legislature ana
a Legislature to do his bidding. Here are his
words
II have given you the best light have but
l am not infallibie, and have no pride OF
resting on me by reason OF the reliance upon
my leadership. But you cannot avoid the re.
sponsibllity resting on your shoulders, and
T 10 hs
recommendation" Does this look ike ne
wants Il Legislature?
But they tell us again that Gov. Tillman
should be defeated because he has injured the
credit OF the State. But what has done more
to injure the credit of the State Of indeed II
has been iDjured) than the articles appearing
In the opposition papers, and which have
been so freely circulated abroad by his ac-
cuSers? What has Gov. TlIlman done TO
bring reproach upon the State? Hasn't ev-
cry valid obligation of the State been prompt
ly met? Have not the interests OF the State
been carefully guarded? But then Gov. Till
man needs no defence at my hands, and
have said this much, simply to show upon I.
what shallow sophistres these displaced
statesmen are depending 10 be reinvested
with power"
Now. Mr.. Chairman, have about consumed
the time allotted TO me. But In conclusion
let me pledge you that II AIN again honored
with seat In the Legislature 1 shall keep con-
stantly in mind that public Office is public
trust" and 1t will be my endeavor TO enact
such laws as will insure "equal rights 10 all,
and special privileges to none"
Speech Of Hon. ]. n. King.