The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1894-01-31

from deSlre-an honest one am ready
tn admit-oD the part OF many to prevent
wrangling in our own ranks and concen-
trato our forces in support of some one
candidate.
"But what then becomes of the grand
principle of free, fair and open fight
before the people and discussion by the
candidates if such Convention be held %
SIN 1890, after being defeated in the
campaign of 1856 and 1883 by reason Of
our disorganized condition, the Reform
Democrats decided to meet in COnvsn-
ton in order to pit organization against
organization and to force discussion of
tho issues because nearly all tho news
papers were against US. The ring at that
time had full possession of all the party
machinery. They were entrenched i'll
tho State House, and it was felt neces-
sary to formulate platform and put
forth eXponents Of tho principles declared
in that platform to canvass the State and
TO arouse the people to carry those princi-
pies to victory. The conditions are en-
tirely changed now. The 'Reformers'
are in absolute possession of the Govern
mont, both in State and county, except
In half dozen counties. We have the
entire party machinery in our posses
sion, and il we Loil Convention with
out q campaign jI which all the candi-
dates shall have hearing we stultify
ourselves, forestall the will of the people,
assume to dictate who shall be the candi-
yates for the Offices, and in truth such
Convention would be in the light of facts
O Convention Of 'Ref0rmers' against
'Reformers.' The machine which we
fought In 1890 is dead; it no longer
exists"
"Well, Governor, what about the argu-
ment in favor of a Convention?"
'sThere is only one argument. and that
Is this: With say half a dozen men
prominent in the Reform Movement
and allied with it all running for the
Office OF Governor, it might be possible
for our opponents to give their strength
to some one of those who would be least
Objectionable and most inclined to trade
with them or make concessions If elected,
and thereby the Conservatives in some
of the counties-and possibly in the State
Convention-might hold the balance of
power. This Is the only argument that
has ever presented itselfto anyone, but I
think the people are sufficiently educated
and can be relied upon to watch the
words and remember the records of the
various candidates so to choose wisely
who shall be Governor and who shall
fill the other offices. On the one hand if
we hold Convention the trouble is that
large contingent Of our people, a ma
jority probably, would take no hand in
it, for 1t is very early and there are no
signs OF any pulturbation among the
Masses. although there is a vast deal Of
effervescing in the minds of those who
want to get Office. In due time after the
crops are laid by, or at least after they
are we'll under way. "The issues
of the coming campaign, which I
take to be the dispensary law and
the holding of constitutional Con-
vention, will be thoroughly discussed by
will. no doubt, elect such men as will
carry out their wishes. If, after four
years discussion and agitation and
another canvass, our people shall not
have become sufficiently educated to
make wise selection and see that only
good men are put on guard, fail to see
how the holding of a Convention and
forestalling their action will better their
condition.
"The danger of some weak man who is
lacking in back bone and nerve to con-
tinue and perfect the reforms which haye
been inaugurated during my incum-
bency being elected Is as nothing COM
pared to the danger OF the people feeling
that they have been betrayed, and that
office is The paramount object rather than
the welfare of the Commonwealth. To
return to the Convention system after
proclaiming our belief in the ability and
right of the people to govern themselves
is like dog returning to his vomit, and
I would be ashamed to go on the stump
as nominee of such Convention.
"Let the men who desire to rule South
Carolina win their spurs as I won mine,
by open discussion and a fair fight, and
all will be we'll. Let any self-consttuted
leaders undertake to call Convention
and nominate a ticket and the order to
the army of 'Reiormers' to advance will
only be obeyed by a small contingent.
Decentralization and recrimination will
surely follow and while the thirty thous
and Conservatives are ranged in serried
phalanx, moving as one man, the Re
form forces will be scattered and divid
ed. If we cannot trust the people they
should not trust US; and if my advice
has any weight they will absolutely re-
fuse to countenance any attempt to cheat
them of the right of seeing the aspirants
for Office face to face and judging them on
their merits.
II do not wish to say more, and, in
justice to myself and those who have
trusted me, I can not say less. OF
course, if the people want to hold Con-
vention it is their right, and they will do
so anyway. No one can object. least Of
all the candidates. Especial to NeWs and