The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1895-04-03
White Winged Peace.
She Hovers Over the Forty
Convention.
Toe Columbia State.

The much-talked.of peace and
unity convention Of the Forty was
held yesterday, and peace and har-
mony were written all over both
sides of the menu card. 1t was the
most novel gathering in many re-
spects ever seen in the State AT the
same time, it was perhaps the most
representative, taking it as a whole,
that has been seen in South Carolina
for the past FIVE years. There Were
men gathered in the hall Of the
House, where the portrait OF Ben
Tillman, the Moses of the farmers,
who appeared in the political arena
FIVE years ago. looked down upon
them, who represented every faction
of white people in the State. They
were gathered there in perfect good
feeling, and were as harmonious as
if nothing had ever divided them as
far as the north and south poles are
divided. Tillmanltes of the red-hot
stripe and Straightouts of the simon
pure order mingled in harmonious
conference with Conservatives 'and
ultra-Conservatives and Reformers
and Refawmers. Never a harsh word
was said in personal conversation or
on the floor. White winged peace
was the ruling spirit. and patriotism
was the left bower. 1t was a sight
to make many who have been accus-
toned to hear many men before them
speak of each other in the harshest
language, marvel, and wonder what
had happened. But all the same,
such a gathering it was, and some re-
suits were accomplished. Equal
division of unpledged delegates was
one result, and the formulation of an
organization to carry out the plan
outlined was another.
About 5 o'clock the hall began to
FIJI up, and a good M. y ladies ap.
peared in the galleries. 1t was, per-
haps, the strongest gathering that
has been seen in the State in the past
four years; its personnel was certain
~ the most remarkable for that length
of time Faces were to be seen IN
the hall of the House which have not
been seen there for several years
Among those present were noted
such prominent men as Congressman
McLaurin, ex-Congressman George
Johnston, ex- Governor Sheppard, w.
L. Mauldin and many others.
At 5 Is O'Clock Senator tt. Kirk
land. the secretary of the Forty com
mittee, called the convention to orde.
and read the call Of the Forty, hereto
fore published. Mr.. Kirkland then
said he took it that the representative
body of men here was a clear
evidence that principles near to the
hearts of the people were involved.
Otherwise there would not be such a
gathering. 1t was the idea of the
supremacy of principle owe: the will
of any man or set of men. He was
proud to be here. Let us have no
harshness and v%irulence. Things
have been said about the callers OF
this convention which have hurt
them. Imputations had been cast,
but they did not cherish or indulge
bitterness in any way. White unity
was essential to white supremacy.
This was the sentiment that was
swaying the State. May Providence
give us wisdom to accomplish some
thing that will give to our State pros
perity. He called for nominations
for temporary Chairman.
Ex-Governor haoidin said the
occasion was one Of note. Those
who had responded to the call had
come to the halls Of their fathers as
Sons of a common rnother. They had
come from patriotism. On the floor
there was 40 n who did not wish
to cherish peace and harmony. No
factions should be known. He came
as the representative of no faction.
II come to asset in my humble way
and to put my shoulder to the wheel
for peace and prosperity" He then
nominated the Hon. William H Tim
norman of Edge6eld. The nomina-
ton was seconded by Representative
Robertson.
DIR. T1MNERMAN's SPEECH.
On taking the chair DR.. Thinner
man addressed the convention as fol-
lows:
"To be called upon to preside over
convention of re~nreseptatj-e men