The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1895-05-22
A Call to the Forty.
Congressman McLaurin Or.
ges Immediate Action.

1S.-HOn. d. L.. McLaurln mas 0eeu
in the county of Marion all this week,
taking testimony in his contested elec-
ton case. Many of his friends insisted
that he agree to deliver public speech
in che county Oh the politicel situation.
BE agreed to speak here at Dillon TO-
day at IL o'clock. The announcement
vas made 10 tue county paper and to-
day the town hall was filled with intelli-
gent white representatives from differ
ent sections of the county.
Mr.. T. 3. Stackhouse presided al the
meeting aud introduced Mr.. McLaurin.
Everyone seemed anxious to hear the
Congressman. The large audience
VAS about equally divided between
Conservatives and Reformers.
Mr.. McLaurin began BY indu'ging in
sone pleasantries in reference to the
growing town Of Dillon aud then en-
phasized the gravity and seriousness
Of the present situation. He said that
he always spoke plainly and that the
sxigencies Of the situation demanded
truthful aud dispsssionste utserauces.
Up TO 1890 our condition vas placid
aud serene. Some Of Us thought that
We could manage the affairs Of tate
better. We got control aud some mis-
takes have bsea made. Our people are
divided aud se mnss reunite.
Thirty years ago our white men re-
turned from ; bloody var, having suf-
tered ths loss Of many lives and much
property. BE warned chem to learn a
lesson from past experiences. The
moral effect vas worse than the Lose
Of lives and property. The oegro
question seems farther from solu-
don than is uss thirty years ego. We
then had to deal With Norshernsrs and
feusgades, bat it 10 now white man
asaioss White man. With the negro
holding the balance Of power, aad il
us remain divided the result will be
different. II reason and wisdom had
prevailed 10 1860. the bloody war could
have been agerted.
Just SO now. if our people will listen
to reason instead Of obeying and fol-
lowing the instructions of dangerous,
designing politicians, We can get to-
gether and perpetuatc white suprem-
acy without injury to the negro.
Some mea are afraid to give utter.
ance to the sentiments 10 their bosoms
for fear of ineursing the displeasore of
some wonld-be leader. Last winter, a
few Of as Refo.mers met in Colambia
and discussed the situation. We deter
mined to do something. If possible,
looking towards the reunion Of oar
people. This number vas increased to
forty and took the name of the 'Forty
Movement" I have been cursed and
abused by tricksters aud demagogaes.
who are afraid that q union of the
~bi,e people will place them ous of
Office.
The ..Forty's" plan is the salvation
Of this State. They bold the key TO the
situation. TIE Hempbill-Tillman con-
ference seemed like ap attempt to get
ahead of the Forty" He did not care
who received the credit, he only de-
sired results.
We must not forget that We are
part of Che United States. It's no use
to blow and kick-we tried that once.
The demagogue can talk such stuff,
bat true men realize the sisnation. No
State cap abrogate or nullify single
clause Of the Constitution of the United
States. We must face the fourteenth
and fifteenth amendments It is best
for both races that white intelligence
rule. Tie negroes recognize that fact.
We must be just to the negro. We
must not attempt to elevate ourselves
At the expense Of the negro. He is a
citizen of this country aed the sooner
we bury prejudice and face the situa-
tiou like sensible men the better it will
be. Designing white men may by
their extreme exactions drive other
white men to desperation and force
them to take the negro.
You cant drive aud bulldoze intelli-
gent white meu The equal division
idea has become fixed and aey arrange
meus made by the people will be all
right. The noise made about delegates
to the constitutional convention Is made
by men vbo are afraid that If they do
NOT coatrol the convention they will
lose the deal for 1896. Some men say
they will DOT crawl to make peace. If
there was an Office at she end of the
line they would crawl through the ante
chamber of hell.
If she people of the Sixth district
want man who can't rise higher than
factional prejudices, then they must
get some one else to represent them.
IF you want demsgogue, say so, and
I viii retire.