The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1895-03-05
THE COMPROMISE PLAN.
AN ADDRESS TO THE CONSERyA
TIVE VOTERS OF THE STATE.

AN ADDRESS TO THE CONSERVA
TIVE VOTERS OF THE STATE.
Reasons Why this Arrangement,
should be supported by All the
Conservative Democrats
To the Conservative Democracy OF
South Carolina:
The commercial, industrial and
political welfare of South Carolina
State TO work together. They speak
tho Same tongue, they cherish the
same traditions, they are governed bv
the Same lava and institutions, they
owo al alegiance to tho Same State.
During tho. last four years we have
boen sorely divided on public ques-
tions. We do not deem it necessary or
proper to attempt any review Of the
causes which have tesulted in the
dhvision Of our pe6pfs~>into
factions. This is not the the ~, :
occasion for elimination or recrimina-
tion. Tho crisis confronting us is far
too serious to admit OF partisan treat
ment. We desire 10 bring about re-
conciliatlon. We would promote har-
mony. We would counsel a spirit OF
self-sacrlfce as the surest means OF
self-preservation, and would urge upon
all our people the patriotic duty OF
uniting now for the good OF the State.
Let us have a truce between the poll
tical factious In tho State. We can
secure peace without the sacrifice OF
principle or self-respect-peace on
fair conditions, peace with honor.
At the last session of the General
Assembly, in pursuance of vote Of
the people, an act was passed provid-
ing for the holding of @ Constitutional
convention This convention will re-
construct the fundamental law OF the
State. Its powers ere unlimited. The
result OF Its deliberations woll affect
for good or i'll every department OF our
| political, social and industrial life.
| 1t should not represent any political
| faction. 1t should be composed of the
| wisest, safest and best mon III the
State, without regard to factional af-
citations. This great work should be
undertaken in the spirit OF patriotic
| devotion to the State, and not with a
view to party success or partisan ad-
vantage. Tho interests committed to
its care arc too Important to incur the
pertls OF bitter and angry campaign.
The convention should be controlled
In It's work by a spirit of calm and ju-
dicial fairness, 80 that whom its labors
have been finished it will meet with
the approval of all good citizens OF the
State.
For the purpose of securing this end,
patriotic citizens in different groups
throughout tho State and of varying
political opinion for months past have
been counseling and comforting with
zach other, and as the result OF this
earnest thought, We are prepared to
advise and urge upon you the accept
ho ~
| action for the election Of delegates to
tho convention, which it is believed
will meet the acquiesoenco Of all who
desire cessation OF political strife
amongst white Democrats.
First. That each county, acting for
itself as to the question Of election, by
primary or otherwise, as deemed best
by the county executive committee,
shall give each faction equal represen-
tatiOn In the convention.
Second. That in those counties
whore primary elections are held all
persons participating in the same shall
take pledge to abide the result and
support tho nominees at the general
election. In counties where tho nomi-
nations are made otherwise than by
primary both factions in such county
shall be pledged in like manner to sup
port such nominees.
Third. In all counties where tho
delegates shall DO nominated by
primary election at every voting pre-
cinct or In every club shall be equally
divided between the factions.
Fourth. That the delegates from
both factions shall be selected with
the understanding that they shall be
pledged to the following principles
(a). Such qualification Of tho suffrage
as will guarantee white supremacy,
and that no white man shall be dis
franchised except for crime.
(b) A Constitution OF principles,
and not dealing in legislation, but
leaving the Legislature full control of
the FREQ schools and requiring the
Legislature to literally support them.
The Constitution shall not provide
system OF police regulation, but this
garded as within the scope OF legisla.
tive authority.
(c). The Constitution when adopted
shall not be submitted to the people,
such course being unnecessary IL the
convention be representative Of tho
whole white people of the State.
(d). The convention shall provide
for the preservation OF the homestead.
Upon this basis and these prin-
ciples the Conservatives and Reformers
will secure equal representation, in the
Convention, and the delegates will be
chosen under absolutely fair conditions,
the Conservatives and Reformers being
guaranteed equal voice in the selection
OF delegates.
We desire to impress upon the Con-
| serVatiyes and Reform votors of the
State the value OF this basis of repre-
sentation and these principles which
will bury discord and confusion and
bring peace to our people.
We urge upon all patriotic citizens
without regard to factional lines that
1t is their highest duty TO accept this
solution of the differences between
our people. We are satisfied that 1t
will secure peace to the State and q
| Constitutional convention represent
| ing no faction and committee to no
policy but the preservation OF good
government In South Carolina and
honest and free elections. In this
movement VIC are friends OF all whose
! aim is this cessation of strife and
who will unite with us upon these
principles.
Ilu nr,ler NJ tho nonfarenca &. +ttT.