The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1892-04-14
s'We Fools Of the SOuth."

the Greenville Nevs of Saturday. The
article is so replete with truth, and ex-
presses our views so fully, that We insert
it here and ask our people to read it,
ponder it, aud then grapple with the sit
ustion like men, free fiom prejudice.
There is great need for craftsmanship,
patriotism and unselfsh devotion-for
leader or leaders possessing these quail
ties.
| Looking q! the present political condi.
tions in the South and remembering that
the same kind of thing nov going on has
gone on in all ages, we may we'll wonder
that the human race has made 80 much
progress, that so much good has come
from 80 much bad.
Here we are in the South flying at
each others throats 90 free silver and
anti free silver, sub treasury and anti
sub-treasury. In Alabama Kolk and
Jones are fighting desperately. In Loui-
siana it is McEuery and Foster. In
North Carolina, Georgia aud Texas the
third party has been thoroughly and
fully organized.
What fools We are.
DemagogueS are stirring strife and
working harder to make class issues than
they would work for the salvation of
their own souls. The South needs Of
all things capital to develop and build
up her resources and such confidence in
the stability and character of her State
governments as will invite capital and
immigration. Yet no effort is spared to
create prejudice against capital and its
representatives. Every energy is being
devoted to divide US in hostile classes
to force one part Of the white people into
position where they will have to choose
between practical disfrsnchisement and
abandoning their party. Every effort to
heal these breaches, to bring about COM
promises while it is yet time, to get our
people together, is met with showers of
abuse and derision. The men who at
tempt it are pointed out as public enc
mics.
And the shadow of the force bill is
hanging over US all the Time.
Ifa Republican Congress and President
are elected next fall the force bill will
come and the negro masses in Southern
States will be backed by federal bayonets.
Take South Carolina, for instance. A
nice position we are in now to meet the
fnrce bill and determined radical effort,
In 1876 we won because we were all
together. Rich and poor, country and
town, rode and worked together. The
people turued out a. one man and offered
their lives and gave their votes. The
rich poured out money to make the fight.
With. The lawyers we're ready to defend
men accused Of political offences, to reps
resent the cases of the white people in
the courts without fee or promise
What shape would we be in now? We
are being taught to hate and distrust
each other. Revenges are being planted
in our hearts. Unless there is change
for the better. trouble, if it comes, will
find US powerless. Not only are we una>
bic to do anything to increase the pros
perity of our State aud hasten her pro.
gress, but we are practically helpless to
prevent her from slipping back into the
clutches of the radicals.
Two years ago we could tell the Re.
publicans to pass their force bill if they
choose; that 1t would accomplish Moth
ing against solid, united white race.
We can not Say so now.
Perhaps it will come out all right.
People have struggled through dangers
as threatening, through trouble as thick,
and have continued to go forward. On
the other bad, people who persisted in
folly and blindness and following false
leaders have decayed to destruction.
In every. part of the South every man
who really loves his country and people
who can see beyond little Office or
temporary grain or the qualification of
his hatreds OF prejudices should give his
every effort to preparing the people for
the trial that may be just ahead. Never
has there been more urgent demand for
wisdom and patriotism than there is now.
Demagogues and cranks and agitators
ought to be suppressed by the strong
force Of public sentiment. The people
of all opinions, positions and classes
ought to come together with mutual con.
cessions and fair promises that we may
be ready TO present solid front when
the assault comes.