The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-12-19

ton not to change the election laws.
Senator Wilson rose to speak on the
amendment the second time. He said
this was no time for changing election
laws. If a change is desired bring in
your bills. We should not change the
laws we were elected under. Let the
people do their own changing. Mr.
Wilson made a mild and humorous
assault on the speech of Mr.. Barnwell
Referring to that gentleman's plea fol
peace he said: "Peace is a beautiful
thing. like it. I love the balmy
DAYS of June when the soft roses are
in bloom and the beautiful birds sing
stirring songs of gladness. Then is
peace, glorious peaces. But such ely
sian circumstances do not exist in
politics. The only peace possible in
politics is majority rule. The minority
must submit. Then is peace. Condi-
tions anything but peaceful have been
brought about by the impression q
few men have that tits their right and
privilege to rule at all times. The
peace Of politics consists in majority
rule and white supremacy. This ap-
parently innocent amendment of Mr..
Finley's is suggestive of the little
worm in Holland which bores through
the dykes with only a view to susie
nance, while it's work means the des-
truction of hundreds of people and
large territories. hisamendment may
open the way for a destructive flood
Of negro votes.
The speech which raised the row and
produced the sensation was Buist's.
Senator Buist rose calmly and gave
expression to sentiments of sorrow at
the alleged transactions in progress.
These were all the sorrowful refec-
tions in his speech, for he made a flu
rious talk, and reached the climax of
excitement. Mr.. Buist said he had
been much in favor of constitutional
convention since the white people
gained control of the government.
"But have voted against it at every
session when it has been discussed.
The reason of this was that l could
not believe fair election was possible
under the control of the faction in
power up to 1890 and I have no reason
to form better opinion of the men
now in control. During my service
of twelve years on this floor l have
not seen men more devoted to duty
than the members of the present Sen
ate, but I have grievances and l am
vet grateful for the few small favors
YOU have granted us (the conserva-
tives.) This convention is to be q mo-
mentous affair. We want the election
of delegates to it fairly conducted and
we propose to make fight. l tell you
now that there is going to be the hot.
test fight you have ever known and
you can not for a certainty foretell the
composition of that convention or its
actions. The present machinery is
capable of the most stupendous frauds.
They tell us convention has been
called by the people and law maker
and a lawyer, accept the showing
made. Still, however, 1 have privi-
lege, that of entertaining an opinion"
MIR. Buist talked excitedly and point
edly. When he finished several Sen
ators scrambled for the floor. Jordan,
of Aiken, got it and held it long
enough to make spirited reply to the
charges of Senator Buist and attack
Mr.. Finley's amendment which would
seem to intimate that fraud had been
practised in the late election. He re-
sented the insulting remarks of the
honored and hoary headed Senator
from Charleston and commended Mr..
Barnwell, the scion of noble family.
Senator Sloan said he could not see
the necessity for so much discussion.
II have today heard sentiments ex-
pressed that hoped had passed away.
1 am sorry to see this warfare among
South Carolinians. I believe the con-
vention will be composed of all fac,
tons who will work in glorious har'
mony for South Carolina. I think
that thes managers appointed by the
popular, progressive young governor
will uphold the laws and give us an
honest election. think the managers
will not object to the sunlight of day
shining on their acts. l 60 further
than the others and say this is the
most momentous question that has
confronted us since the revolution.
There is necessity for harmony and
believe there will be harmony. Con
servatives of conservatives and re-
formers of reformers will work to,
gether for the common good. 1 hope
so and hope that this littleness will
stop. I repudiate the sentiments ex'
pressed by the Senator from Charles
ton.
Senator Norris charged Senator Buist
with getting angry: He charged the
lawyers who had spoken so much
with having killed Finley's amend
ment by confusing it. He bitterly re-
sented Mr.. Buist's aspersions on him
self, whereupon the Charleston Sena'
tor denied having attacked the Ander
son Senator. Colonel Norris said
"You have insulted my people"
Messrs. Kirkland and Finley closed
the hurricane and the question was
put on the amendment to have the
ballot box in view of the voters. The
ayes and nays were called resulting
in the defeat of the amendment by a
vote of 81 to 16.
Tonight the bill passed second
reading after many amendments. The
most important changes was in the
date for the election from July to
March 26th. The convention is to
be held July 30th, giving four
months for delegates to study up in
the. law. The books of registration
will be open in March.
Nine Persons Drowned.
DEsMoINEs, Ia, Dec. 1O.-News
reached here tonight of the drowning