The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1895-06-26
Fortunes Of the Forty.
Columbia State.

q. Weston, the secretary Of the State
Working Committee of the Forty, as to
the course ofethe Forty under the new
condition Of things will be found of inter-
est. The interview was given a repre-
sentative Of the State yesterday, Mr..
Weston speaking thus when asked about
the Forty's course
"You ask me as secretary Of the Work
| ing Committee of the Forty what they
Will do since Governor Tillman's recent
surprising interview.
"Yes, I think my position has given
me an opportunity to speak with some
accuracy Of the course Of the Forty in
| this emergency.
"Since 1892 I have been constantly
thrown into contact with most OF the
| leaders of the Forty movement, and l
know them to be men who possess the
courage to act on their convictions re-
gardless of whom may oppose them.
These men by their conduct and utteran-
ces are truly desirous Of restoring good
feeling among the white people and
reuniting the Democracy. In some in
stances / recall the sacrifice Of their per-
sonal ambition rather than compromise
the high cause which they championed.
The spoilsof Office could not allure them
into becoming blind followers of those
sistently sowed seeds of discord. In the
unf1inchlng loyalty Of these men to the
positions heretofore taken by them have
no distrust or misgiYings. The organi-
zation Is far more complete than most
people suppose. There are only two or
three Counties where we are not thor
oughly organized"
dWell, what about the present situa-
tion2"
"It seems to me that the issue has been
narrowed down to plain, simple ques-
ton whether the people or the politicians
are to rule. feel satisfied that the great
majority of the people earnestly desire an
end of strife and contention. Nobody,
save few politicians, have profted by
the unnatural feeling which has existed
between the common sons Of common
mother. think I can say, without fear
Of contradiction, that the industrial de-
yelopment Of this State has been materi-
ally interfered with by these unnatural
conditions, and certainly more Of US are
interested in the prosperity Of our State
than in the advancement Of the political
ambition Of any set of men. All this talk
about the people not trusting the Conser-
prejudice against good men, who in war
and in peace have stood nobly and Loyalty
by the best and highest interests Of the
State of South Carolina. challenge any
man to show where these men have be-
trayeu confidence, or have been derelict
to the service of the people. 1t is an un-
worthy attempt to- bring into disrepute
and to impair the influence Of those who
have never for moment hesitated to
give the best days of their lives to pro-
noting the happiness and prosperity of
the people who trusted them."
'sWill the Forty continue to advocate
division of delegates?"
stMost assuredly we will continue to
advocate the adoption of such policy as
will result in the restoration of good
feeling among our people. 1t may not
he accomplished to-day, or tomorrow,
but it is inevitable because the people
desire it,"
"How about the movement in Rich
land?"
"Of course I will still adhere to the
position have heretofore taken in this
matter. I feel bound by every rule of
honor and manhood, and would as soon
violate my business obligations as my
political obligations. IF the rest of South
CdrOllud OOeS uot HlsA podCeS WY oAooAu
Ricbland County not have it? If recon-
ciliation is really desirable, and I sincere
ly believe it is, what have we here in
Richland to do with those other Counties
that refuse to avail themselves of this
opportunity to eLd fratricidal strife
AS we have never received any comfort
or support from Gov. Tillman, but on the
contrary have encountered opposition
from him and his immediate advisers, we
are not discouraged, or demoralized by
his recent change of position, but are urg-
ing our friends in the various Counties,
through the members of the Working
Committee, to get the people of their
Counties together in convention or mass
meeting and adjust their differences; in
those Counties where equal represen ta'
ton cannot be secured, let representative
Reformers, who are in sympathy with
the platform of the Forty, and represen-
tative Conservatives, who are likewise
willing to enlist under that platform,
nominate men who command the conf
dence and respect of the people. Go
ahead and work for the election of this
ticket, and give the people an opportunity
to say whether this unfortunate strife
shall he perpetuated or ended,O