The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1895-02-13
PLANS OF THE ENEMY.
THE REPUBLICAN PROGRAMME NOW
DECLARED.
An Acknowledgement of White Suprcm-
acy-Down With Democracy---The Adj
dress to tho reaple ofthe State.

dress to the Teeple o. the state.
COLUMBIA, S. c., Feb. Especial
The Republican convention which
finished it's work this morning was in
something's very similar to its many
predecessors in this State. Of course
a new set of delegates appeared. There
are few of the cid leaders left now.
But most of these were here-Brayton
of Columbia. Shrewsbury of Chester
field, Fred Nix of Barnwell, Fordham
of Orangeburg. Among the accessions
since 1876 were present DR.. Clayton
and Mr. Melton of Columbia, and
Russell of Anderson. B. 0. Dun
can also took a hand.
There was lots of speech-making-
the burden of the talk being an ac-
acknowledgement for present purposes
at leasD of white supremacy, and a
wish for the protection of the colored
mans right to vote.
The organization was effected with
little trouble. E. NJ. Brayton was
elected temporary chairman. tie ad-
dressed the convention as follows:
BRAGION D SfEECH.
Brayton thanked the convention for
the honor, and said he would dis
charge his duties so that no exception
would be taken. He asked the con-
vention to aid him in serving the de-
corum of the convention. They had
assembled at crisis in the politics of
this State. They had come in response
to call as broad as it could be. They
asked all men who wanted their polit-
ical rights preserved to come in. They
were not here to exclude anyone, nor
were they assembled in any factional
spirit, but they wanted everybody in
this organization. All could feel that
in this organization they could do
their best work. The Republican par
ty stood in need of energetic work.
For many years the Republican party
had been stagnant. 1t was not right
to cast reflections on any one for it.
They had been subjected to a tyranny
unheard of. But now the crisis had
been reached when the powers would
try to take away from them the very
lights which were dearest to them
he rights of the citizen. The time was
low at hand when they must speak in
meaning way and try to prevent the
threatened disaster.
1t is apparent to us all that with a
voting strength of 100000 we can be
overcome. But we are absolutely pow
erless; numbers do. not count. We
could not by ourselves prevent this
Constitutional convention from carry
ing out it's purposes. 1t must be done
through others than ourselves. We
must support those who wish the
rights of the people preserved. We
have to support them. So we will for
the present have to listen to the best
minded white people. We must await
the awakening. We must impress on
them that We see the necessity for not
using our powers and numbers, but
show them that we will join in with
them to look to the best interests of
the entire people Of the State-of all
classes. 1t seems strange indeed that
this Constitution under which we have
lived for twenty-eight years should
now be attacked. For twelve years
we have had the Democratic party in
power; surely it is strange that it has
only been recently that it was found
that this Constitution must be set
aside. Now, when the people are in
famed, it is indeed a most unfortunate
time to tampcr with the organic law.
One of the purposes of this convention
affords hard contrast. The same way
that the people now in power have the
power to frame constitution, so did
The convention which framed the old
Constitution. How differently did it
act. They took care of the rights and
interests and liberties of all classes.
We are here for a definite purpose.
We ask that this Constitution should
rot be finally determined by that con-
rention. We want it submitted back
to the people There was chance
enough in the Legislature for parti-
sanShip, but in this convention there
should be none. Without going fur
ther into details we want our proceed
ings of such nature that they will
appeal to the outside voter. 1t is ne
cassity to call convention to inform
the people. The colored ministers of
the State have been called upon to
take this matter to their hearts and ex-
plain to the people the matter of regis
tration. They, alone, can do it in the
limited time allowed, and whatever
might be the result they will do it.
This is a question which affects the
life and death of citizenship. If they
can't do it, then there will be disfran-
chisement in this State by the ten
and twenty thousands. The only way
it could be done was by the ministers.
/ believe that out of this convention
there will finally grow a Republican
party that will be strong, able and
calculated to serve the people of this
State in the way it should do. The
Reformers have turned the minds of
the people by the thousands to this
party, and have driven them away
from the measuees which have domi-
nated them. l believe we will have a
party of vigor. We want it known
we want all to know-that we invite
them in, and that there is an oppor-
tunity, and that there is a chance to
do something.
The manufacturing interests are
looking to the South. They can only
thrive through the principle of protec-
ton of which the Republican party is
the father. Even in these Democratic
times, depressed as is the condition of
the people, I am glad to see such a
gathering here. Thanking t,ie con-
ve.i;ion he declared it ready for bust.
ness.