The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-03-16
A REFORMER'S TALK.
Hon. j. Z. Robertson Not a Candidate
for Congress-NOt i'm Politics from
Choice The March Convention -
Estimate of the StraightOuts-Pri.

for ConSresS-NOt i'm Politics from
Choice The March Convention -
Estimate of the StraightOuts-Pri.
mary Election.
The rumor being current that Hon. j. T.
Robertson, Of this village, might hecome
candidate for Congress from TINS Dlstrlct Oh
the Alliance platform, we thousht tne tnaller
OF sufficient public interest TO ask for an atl-
thoritative statement In reference to the mat
Ter In reply 10 the enquiry which would sat
sfy the curiosity OF our people, the Colonel
said:
and under normal condition of affairs
would have much preferred 10 remai % In pr-
yate lie Tor the remainder OF my days. AS
YOU know, | have Tor many years devoted all
my time AID all my energies TO the pursuit OF
agriculture and In which business have ex-
perienced much pleasure and realized some
profit in a pecunlary way. But the same mo-
lives that prompted me to close my store In
1861 TO go into the army, and the
same principle which actuated me in 1876 In
laying down my business to devote my time
TO the restoration of Democratic rule, induced
me 10 epler politics IN 1890. in the hope that
might then, as In 1876 and in 1861, contribute
something to the success OF movement IN
which | felt great interest. My zeal In the
cause OF the farmers has placed me where 1
II am not candidate for Congress from this
District, nor will consent for my name 10 be
used in connection with that position. me
South Carolina may develop issues OF greater
importance TO us than the national questions
which now excite the public mind. The diff
iercnt factions OF the Democratic party IN
South Carolina may develop Issues not now
In view, and In any event prefer TO give my
services to my neighbors, To the people OF All.
beville county, and 10 my native State. l
hope, Mr.. Editor. that this statement may set
at rest all doubt in the minds Of my friends as
To my course.
Conceding that the answer was specific and
unmis.akable, the Press and Banner ventured
10 ask the Colonels opinion OF the March
Convention, to which he replied:
~ can see no objection To amy number OF
our citizens meeting and conferring with each
ested and certainly have no superstition
about the number Thirteen / Can see no
objection to II convention which may be com
posed Of Democrats who may assemble 10
consider the best interests OF the people, ana
who may have n patriotic desire 10 advance
the cause OF the Democratic party. Now, do
you think the March convention l. called with
that object In view? / will answer my own
question by saying that believe the March
Convention is called tor the express purpose
OF organizing and devising plans for the de-
feat of the chosen leader OF three-fourths OF
the people OF South Carolina When the
March Con vention meets it will represent on
ly fraction Of the white people. perhaps not
| more than one-fourth of the white voters OF
this Stale. In that event minority ora frac-
tion, will be trying to lead or drive, large
majority.
The March Convention will be In all proba-
bihty composed of that class Of our fellow
citizens who have heretofore been styled lead.
erS, but am Of the opinion that they Will
now have very few 10 lead.
Among the names of the Thirteen who
signed the call for the March Convention, Is
that of the distinguished leader of the people
in 1876. We believe IT to have been an honor
and II great privilege 10 have followed him In
the memorable struggle OF that year, but cir
cumstances have changed, and an inclined
to ask where is his following now? Let me
ask your attention to the following words OF
General Hampton's last letter:
IF the dominant party as those members
of the Ring like 10 call themselves, refuse that
ion is that the convention which is to meet
this month should have pri mary, and If the
/ result shows, as have no doubt II VIII, that
the opponents of the present Administration
are in Il majority, they, as the true Democrat
ic party, should assume control. not only OF
the policy tn be pursued in the approaching
ca nvass, but Of the State ITSELF
Who is 10 order this primary election OF
which Senator Hampton speaks? Can col.
| lection OF citizens meet together, without au-
| thority and order an election In the Demo
cratic party? If they should undertake TO do
so, who would be bound by 1t ana who would
cannot believe that the larger portion OF
those who oppose the present administration
can, or will entertain such views and assume
control OF the regularly appointed and lawful
authority OF the Democrntlc party. II seems
that even a hint at a threat To take such ex-
| traordinary action, would injure the c0nserr-
ative movement while correspondngly
strengthening the legally organized Democa.
cy.
Such threat leads US to believe that we were
not only justified in our past efforts to change
our leaders, but that our action was absolute.
ly necessary TO preserve our rights as citizens
and frcemen.
In reply to your question as 10 the strength
of the 'Straigntouls." wonld state that, has
ing my opinion on the best information
which have, believe that their strength is
composed of some four thousand Of our white
ieliOw-citiZens who were once Identified with
the Democratic party, but who withdrew
their allesiu from that party for reasons
which may have been satisfactory TO them
selves. ! think that the remainder OF the
fourteen Thousand which are claimed as
Struight0uts, were made UP or persons who
belonged TO the Republican party, but who
went with the Stralehtouts Ia the hope OF
breaking up the RUE Of the Democratic party
In this Slate.
"D0 you think that the 'Strashtouts' will
renew their allegiance 10 the Democratic par,
typ
IN reply to that question / cannot express
IN opinion. The Democratic party will not
take them back without an oath on their part
to abide Uy the nominations AZ made by the
Democratic party, and cannot see how they
are to take part in the March Convention
without cOnceding the justice Of this require
ment, or else Oh the other hand, the March
10 make their fight within the lines of the
party. My opinion is that 1t is best for the
Democratic party TO allow the StraghtOutS 10
work out their own political salvation.
A small minority OF the party, by with
drawing to themselves and perfecting plans
the great majority of the Democratic party,
WI II do nothing TO heal the existing breach,