The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1895-09-18
Constitutional Convention.
A Review of the Week.
What has Been Done and
What May be Done.
From our Special Correspondent.


most IMPORTANT gathering of Caro-
linians that has assembled in this
State in the last quarter of century
is now in session in Columbia.
Much of the future glory of the
Palmetto State is now in the hands
of the hundred and eighty delegates
who have been elected to frame the
fundamental law of the people of the
State The convention is one that
represents the people of Carolina as
well as could be expected in this
day, in view of the peculiar political
situation. All classes, political faiths
and conditions of men are represent
ed in the convention. Out of the
hundred and eighty representatives.
six are co.ored. There are about As
Conservatives in the body, but GER
tain matters many of the liberal Re-
formers will vote with them.
The convention has spent the
greater part of the week in ge,.ing
in thorough working order aud from
now on the proceedings of the con-
vention will be on the discussion and
adoption of the various matters that
have been proposed for the conside-
ration of the body, and incidentally
it may be mentioned that there are
already couple of hundred measures
under consideration.
The convention was organized by
the election of Governor John Gary
Evans, as president of the conven
tion, of Congressman W. j. Talbert
and Speaker Ira B. Jones, as vice
presidents of convention. Up to the
evening before the assembling of the
convention it was expected that Cou-
gressnan Talbert would make the
race against Governor Evans, but he
declined to become a candidate.
The first weeks proceedings have
developed the fact that there are a
number of strong and able men in
the convention and if those who are
there will consent to put their heads
and hearts together they can make a
constitution of which any State may
feel proud and which will suit the
present condition of Carolina
There has been one considerable
disturbing element since the as
sembling of the body-the rush
after the creation of new counties.
The convention realized that there
was only one way to get out of the
trouble aud that was by passing a
resolution by which it was announced
that the convention did not wish to
create any new counties. Before the
resolution was offered SaIuda county,
which has been knocking at the door
for years, had made out its case and
as there was no opposition to the new
county, except that it would create a
precedent for the admission of other
counties. it was admitted There
was however fight over it and dur
ing that contest it was that the
memorable speech Of the first weeks
session was made by ex Congressman
George D. Tiilman In that speecll,
which electrified the body. he honor
ed the distinguished Butler name and
glowingly recited the services Of
Gen. N. G. Butler. There is but
little idea that any attempt will be
made to change the name of the new
county from Butler to Saluda on the
third reading. Whe:i Butler"
was approved and the door
was closed against the admission of
other new counties there was sigh
of relief among those who were fear
full that some of the other dozen
applicants would occasion trouble.
Aside from the spirited fight over
Butler county there was no contest
that will mark the future history of
the first weeks session
The convention has appointed
twenty committees, which are to con-
slider the various subdivisions OF the
and the expectation is
that the committees will map out
much Of the work OF the convention.
Senator Tillman is chairman Of the
on the right of suffrage
and TO this committee and its work is
pubic attention mostly directed.
Every morning when the President
calls for resolutions or other papers
here is anxiety to see what new
solution of the suffrage problem is
proposed. In the hundreds of pro
positions that are made on ali va.
-ieties of subjects there are but few
hat relate to the solution of the suf
rage enigma.
Nr. E6rd, of Lexington, proposes
o give the voter five chances:
First. If he is able to read any
;:ause of the Constitution hc shall be
entitled TO vote.