The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1895-06-05

An Old School Democrat
Thinks Hampton's Coun-
sci Golden.
10 M> Editor OF The State ::

he t'' ter or Oenerai hampton Is
characteristic of the Grand Old Man.
His words SO fifty spoken are like
apples Of gold in pictures Of silver. !"
Would that his mantle could fall on
some one with the physical ability to
lead Us in this, our time Of need.
The article by Hampton Demo
crat" is also spendid sequel to the
Generals letter and both should be
read, pondered and inwardly digest
ed by every intelligent Democrat in
the State
The action of some Of the young
leaders in Richland County is looked
upon as inopportune and unwise
Richland County may have a safe
Conservative majority, but if they
take separate and independent action
and commit themselves to the llby
primary, they will be tied hand and
foot in the event the Conservatives
of the State determine to make an
open, square fight Will it not be
best to take Hampton's advice and
make a desperate effoIt to redeem
the State from that anarchy into
which she is fast drifting, while we
have the opportunity? Shall we
make use of the means providential
Iy placed in our hands for our own
political salvation, or will we foolish.
ly cast them aside and risk the dam
ger of those very means becoming
the instrument of onr destruction.
IL The continuance of white suprem-
acy an assured fact: May there
not be danger lurking in our !ancied
security The negro has been
aroused by the threatened. danger to
his citizenship. lie is appealing to
the Conservatives for protection from
political annihilation. lie has pub.
llcly avowed that he is not seeking
Office, bnt simply the privilege to
cast his ballot. Shall We turn deaf
ear to his piteous pleadings aud
! leave him again to shift for himself2
We should remember that the late
decision of the courts throws the
ballot box wide open to every male
citizen twenty-one years Of age.
That we have made open confession
to the world that the use of illegal
means were heretofore necessary to
restrict the colored vote in order to
prevent them from dominating the
government. That, through the
press, we are now appealing for
honest elections and fair count
That we are on the eve of most
important election in which there
will be but one ballot box and one
ticket, requiring no intelligence or
education TO vote Alright
Suppose. in the face of all these
facts the whites consolidate in the
interest Of white supremacy, and the
negroes, fearing the direct conse-
quences to theil race, turn in de-
spair to their former white Republi-
can leaders and put in the field full
ticket. With All honest election and
fair count, what will be the result ?
We must also remember that in view
of Judge Goff~ decision the eyes Of
the whole country have been attract
ed to this State, and the conduct of
the coming election will be watched
with the most intense interest Mr..
Editor, it is not theory that CON
fronts US, not mere sentiment, but
hard facts that stare US in the face
What is the remedy? Follow
Hampton's advice Have nothing
to do with the lrby primary. Ignore
it as completely as though j. had no
existence. Organize in every coun
ty hold county coventions and nom
mate as candidates for the Constitu-
tional Convention the best and Brain
lest men in the State Promise to
see that the negro is protected in all
his rights, then accept every vote
offered without regard to race, color,
or previous condition of servitude
If we can persuade the co'ored peo
pie to vote with US. and prove to
them that their rights are SAT ande
secure, and thus gain their conf
dence. the race problem will be
solved in this State in so far as the .
political status of the negro is con-
cerned
The duty Of the hour is upon u.s.
We must either adopt the policy
outlined above. risk the danger Of a
return to negro Republican rule, OR
become the abject politica! slaves of
the most treacherous, tyrannical ring
that ever cursed the State Of South
Carolina.
Which will you choose? !?
OLD SCHOOL DEMocRAT.
Bishopville, May %.
Crisp's Monetary Views.