The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1892-08-26
Excerpts from Campaign Speeches.

From the reports Of the last meetiu Reof
the State Campaign, hold at Laureus, we
take the following
In speaking Of Gov, Tillman's scheme 10,
hold constitutional conventions, ex-Gov.
Sheppard said:
"lf Tillman's judgment prevails, q con-
stitutional convention will meet, aud Till
man is not in favor of referring its action
back 10 the people. -
Governor Tillman arose aud asked that he
be allowed to explain the matter. He said
the question of such convention would
bave to be submitted to the people. and they
would instruct their delegates what they
wanted. Suppose the convention puts in q
provision disqualifying three-fourths Of the
negroes and some white men, and it is re-
ferred back to the people-such men as
Sheppard and those who think as he does
will 60 out iu the highways and byways to
the negroes and disaffectcd whites, and
vote them against the ratification of the new
constitution, and you will have had your
work for nothiug.*
Sheppard-I said Tillman was not will
ling.
Governor Tillman-I am willing for it to,
come back to the white people, but am not
willing to refer it back TO the 100000.
negroes. :
Sheppard-He is throwing sand in your
eyes when he tells you that. You know it
can't be referred back to one without the
other If that convention adopts q provi-
| sion limiting suffrage, there are thousands
who will never vote again.
Truly was Gov. Tillman "throwiug sand
In the eyes of his hearers when he said
that "such men as Sheppard and those who
tIs..i h~ loo --;ll 50 A. ~-a
disafected whites" etc., for no man knows
better than Gov. Tillman that that would be
game in which both factions would have
| equal chance to work and win at, and as
| two-thirds Of the negroes are either renters
| Of farmers or employed as laborers by the
farmers, the chances would naturally be
that Tillmau's followers, the farmers, would
Influence majority of that race to vote
iciM them. But what about the :'disaffected
Whites" who Gov. Tllman classes among
| the negroes, in the matter of voting upon
the Constitution? Have they no rights
| that the Tillman faction should respect 2
Or is Gov. Tillmau afraid that Constitu-
ton adopted by a convention composed of
men "who think as he does" would fud a
large majority of the intelligent people, of
| all classes, so "disaffoced' at the autocra-
| -" r~"~'' - ~""la -.~far urnn tho Coy.
ernor, and its many unjust provisions, they
would defeat ii at the polls irrespective of
| the negro vote?
1t is plain that the farmers can control a
majority of the negro vote, and Gov. Till
man knows it; but it is not so plain 10 him
that majority Of the farmers he claims to
have in his breeches pockets would ratifv
constitution that would accord with his
arbitrary demands.
Again he said
They have man on their ticket who did
not vote the Democratic ticket, and belives
in Laurens.
Humbert-Do you refer me?
Tillman-Yes sir.
Humbert-l was called TO the bedside of a
sick son AZ Spartauburg, and / voted no
where.
Foice-lhats all right Humbcrt, We know
about il.
HumLert-Not only that, but | was go
gr1SsI5n ggr152srIS5Anate as to lose that boy on that
=. Governor Tillman said he would apologize
II Hum6ert would say thai he would have
voted for him had he been at home. ~
A more unfceling charge and unmanly
request could hardly have been made.
Tillman asxsd: Thst did that row over
there just now start about? don't know.
out 1t appeared to me that some one was
Trying TO get c'ose to mo and prevent me
from speaking, or to put bullet in ms il he
could get sly opportunity.
There was not particle of excuse fore
suoh remark from Gov. Tillman; but two
reports OF the proceeding explicitly eays:
There is do doubt, however, tLat We came
dangerously near having a tragedy, for in
the midst OF row between several men
near the stand a Tillmanite jerked out his
pistol and
STARTED FOR SHEPPARD,
WIN threats, but he was forcibly restrained
from carrying out his rash intention.
While Mr. Sheppard was speaking he YES
grossly annoyed by impertinent questions |
and howling.
Voice-You won't be elected.
ShePpard-1t will hurt you worse Than |
1t Will me, because | desire to have YOU
retain the privilege of voting.
Ihe Iillmanites started their howl;no
again. Governor Sheppard said he saw
mat ne was beginning to pour little light
On some questions and that was the reason
they wanted to drown his voice.
SHEPPARD HowLED DOWN
AFTER trying in vain 10 get proper hear
n2, Governor Sheppard took his seat. say
ng that he would not try 10 sneak any more.
when they had clearly and persistently
nHnifested their disrespect for him.
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