The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1894-10-31
Constitutional Convention.


Constitutional Convention.
1t is now nearly time for men of South
Carolina to align themselves under the
banner of political progress OF that Of re-
progression and decay.
Grave dangers are besetting the civil
rights of our population-dangers involy-
ing not only the control of the affairs Of
government. but vitality concerning home
interest and domestic ties.
Dollars and cents and ascendeucy in
politics are not the issues at stake il the
contest of November 9Th Principles and
interests higher than these, appealing
strongly to all that is sacred in the minds
and hearts Of freemen, demand support at
the hands Of the good old States children
and defenders.
The right, the privilege and the duty
of guiding as time and occasion, reason
and Justice demand, are instincts of Anglo
Saxon character, renowned in peace and
war The constitutions Of States and ma
tons are the sheet-anchors of safety to the
populations thereof-populatcd by lot CT
choice
New occasions teach new duties"
Rules of sound statecraft safe in the regard
and competent in the estimation of one
generation are disabled by new environ
ments and no mere instrument Of govern
ing capacity can be competent for all time,
for the world moves.
The State of South Caroliua is populated
by an ardent, strong-willed people. Love
OF home. traditions and home institutions
is predominating characteristic and all
that is foreign excites displeasure, and as
the world knows, sometimes raises furious
storms For more than score of years
the State has been governed under the
auspices of Il constitution of foreign origin
and provisions. 4 constitution reeking
with mercenary feutures Of New England
politics It has been patiently borne
borne longer than it should have been. It
is foreign to the nature of our people. Its
provisions are cumbersome and difficult Of
apprehension. making eAtravangance and
confusion inevitable It is unsafe from
the fact that it has no abiding place in the
hearts of the people.
4 change of constitution is needed and
demanded, and the State of South Caro-
lima can never be secure and strong until
a ckangei is made. It is too much to expect
Gus scope for the exercise of the vicious
and easily moved, bad impulses of an
ignorant alien race should be properly rev.
erenced and duly protected by a homege-
neous and chivalrous people. The white
people must rule and will in way suited
to their surroundings and principles.
The present constitution is not o satisiac-
tory one, all will admit and delay will
avail no good. There are homes to pro-
tect and civil, rights to be kept inviolate
There are children to be educated and wise
provisions made for the coming, rising
population There are industries to cher
ish and sound foundations to be laid for
future prosperity. How can these things
be done u der constitution made, un-
lawfully, By strangers, thieves and coward
ly politicians?
There is no real opposition to constitu-
tional convention by the white people Of
the State except by the politicians who see
in it the destroyer Of their hope. That
which is paraded as opposition is prejudice
and spite IN active expression through
ignorance and evil perversity. Opinions
may differ as to time and as 70 minor de-
tails of action, but that convention should
be held is denied in honor and sincerity
BY few.
Unfortunate political feeling drives many
to oppose the needed convention, and
others lift up their voices against it because
they think it is not liable to be held. Many
favor delay and offer apparently good rea-
sons for such inaction but ore convinced
of its coming rs we'll as of its necessity.
The white people are supreme and must
remain so. Delay and neglect only render
more desperate the chances of being free
from alarming ills. Negro domination is
not an illusion, but an overshadowing sub
stance of evil. 1t is useless to dilate on its
horrors.
Education is not dream Of theorists,
but living duty, a prescntand increasing
need, AID responsibility sacred and bind
ing. A change Of constitution is needed to
provide an adeqate school system.
Economy and simplicity in public affairs
are not fanatical propositions, but reforms
conductive to the general peace and pros
perity. a constitutional convention is
necessary to simplify and cheapen the
of government
The reasons for these assertions are plain
and need no rehearsal, and ole visible to all
who study the problem of good govern
ment.
An opportunity is to be given to the
people to state their choice as to holding |
the convention \ full vote should be had.
The issues should be thoroughly stated, |
with these, the call for a convention is as
sured and very certain voice given for
a better bill Of rights. Let the need be re-
allied
We appeal to every voter to study these
things, to disregard the time-servers hypo-
critical professions, and cast ballot for
the calling of a constitutional convention.
Be assured that our own representatives
are more competent to frame constition
suited to our people than the alien and the
The need is not denied. The occasion
is at hand, and duty must be done. Con-
slider the future. Let truth dictate and
honor act Thus, we fear not the result.
Vote YES.-Aiken Times.