The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1893-12-06
SENATOR BUTLER AND THE DEMO-
CRATIC LEAGUE CLUES.
No Harm in Their Organization II They
Are in Line With the Regular Demo-
cratic Authorities-Afraid, How
ever, of Bad Effects.
1Greenville Enterprise.

ever of Bad Effects.
.. lGreenville Enterprise.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 22ud, 1893.
Col. Jas. A. Boyt, Greenville, S. 9.
My Dear Sir: am in receipt of your
letter of the 18th inst. asking nry
"views on the proposed organization
of Democratic leagues in South Caro-
lina." am not we'll enough advised
of the object of the proposed organi-
zation" to give a very intelligent opin-
ion in regard to it. Ny understanding
of the objects of the National Demo
cratic Association or league, of which
Hon. Chauncey Black, of Pennsylvania,
is president; and Mr.. Lawrence Gard
ner, of this city, is secretary, is that
they shall beanxiliary or supplemental
to the regular organizationsin the differ
ent States aid Territories, and are ra-
ther educational than strictly political.
That is to say, they are instrumental
ties for the collection and distribution of
Democratic literature, and are conven-
| lent organizations to assemble and hear
addresses on financial or economic
topics by distinguished Democratic
speakers. If that be the purpose of
the proposed organization in South
Carolina" I can see no objection to It..
We all need instruction in sound DEM
ocratic doctrine, and I should welcome
any movement that would promulgate
or encourage it.
If, on the other hand, the object be
to organize leagues or associations in
dependent of and IN antagonism to the
regular Democratic organization of the
State, think 1T would be unwise and
impolitic. What we most need IL
South Caroliua>is harmony and good
feeling among the Democratic masses.
+ We cannot disguise the fact that there
are two factions in our party. Sincere,
honest Democrats are to be found IN
both, and think it only needs patience
and liberation and forbearance, one for
differences of opinion with the other,
to bring our people together. II is for
| the interest of some men to keep up
dissensioDs, wrangling, angry recriml-
nations and abuse, but the great body
of Democrats in both factions are tired
of it. Of course there are those who
live and thrive on confusion and dis
sension. They have nothing else to
sustain them, and when party strife is
ended and matters settle down to a
normal state, they subside and disap-
pear But, I as have remarked our
people are at heart conservative $nd
want peace. Peace can be secured on
perfectly honorable terms to both fac
tions if our people are allowed to get
together. ...
fear the organization Of the pro-
posed leagues would operate as fire.
brand rather than q sedatiVe--would
be seized upon by agitators to widen
the breach. That at least is my appre-
| hension.
Whatever reform may be desired in
the regular Democratic organization
must and can be effected inside the
organization. I trust, therefore that
we shall go along in the regular way
and close up our ranks to make COM
mon cause for good government.
7 have heard it hinted that one fac
ton or the other has, or may appeal,
to the negro vote to defeat the other.
I sincerely and devoutly pray that no
such calamity may ever befall my ma
tive State. The degradation Of the bal
lot, the decentralization Of the white
people, not yet cured from the expe-
riences of rs, would be something too
terrible to contemplate. With such a
great preponderance of negroes, we can
draw no comfort or encouragement
from experiences in other States, with
white najorities. For myself, I have
struggled for white supremacy and
shall continue to struggle for its per-
manency. Whatever I am I owe to
the white people Of South Carolina,
and by them and with them l shall
survive or perish.
Above all things, let me implore our
people to bear with one another, coun-
sci with one another in spirit of pa
triotic toleration and enlightened for
bearance.
! The political fate of any men or set
Of men is of small concern, when cal
anced against the welfare Of cur people.
Young men are coming to the front
full of political ardor and honorable
ambition. They should be encouraged
on the lines ofsuch political methods
as will ensure good government aud
ready obedience to law justly admin
istered. Upon their shoulders will rest
! the burdens and responsibilities of
maintaining social order and admin
istering the affairs of the government.
They cannot do thi, satisfactorily with
the ballot degraded, as it must be by an
appeal to the negro vote, until this
race has made more enlightened pro-
gress in the scale of civilization. Some
of them are equal to the duties Of
citizenship now, but as a whole they
are not. Very truly yours,
NJ. C. BUTLER. .