The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1895-02-27

the history of the State when it shall be
recorded that sensible, practical, patriotic
men would not meet on such com mmon
ground as exists and cease their strife
for time in the interests of the State and
of posterity."
"You have just spoken of conditions to
which the Conservatives must subscribe.
What are they ?"
The main one I have already mention
ed-the preservation Of white supremacy
by qualification of the ballot. Another
is that no delegate shall be elected who
does not pledge himself to vote against
submission to the people of the Constitu-
ton adopted, for it goes without saying
that the fight which we are seeking to
avoid would be precipitated in such an
event. Next that every delegate must
subscribe to the general proposition that
no white man should be disfranchised,
except for crime. Still another that the
Constitution shall deal only in general
principles of government, and leave the
Legislature absolutely untrammelled on
the questions of police regulations and
free schools. With all the delegates
Loyalty supporting these general ideas.
together with the preservation Of the
homestead, it becomes matter Of indif-
ference to the people whether the Con-
servatives or Reformers are in the major
ity in the Convention. There are various
other questions which will enter into the
discussion which will precede the cleo
ton of delegates, but they will settle
themselves, and the people can instruct
as t., their wishes"
'How will the division be nader" was
my next inquiry.
I NJ onI, tn r71
settle that for itself. One other i'm portant
matter is the reuniting the people in sup
port of the primary for the election OF
delegates. Give both sides representa-
ton on the boards Of managers, or If the
delegates are chosen by convention let
it be understood that all parties are COM
mitted to- the support of the nominees"
"Would you be willing to take the
stump in advocacy of these general prop
ositions ?" was asked him.
"If 1t becomes necessary, yes; but
trust the matter can be adjusted by the
good men In each county getting together
without any such necessity, The only
trouble see that may arise is that those
who have sought to betray the people
under the guise of paci6cation may en-
deavor to throw obstacles in the way. ]
would cay further that these views are
not new and have not resulted from any
recent developments. Last fall, when /
was straining every nerve to have the
Convention called, expressed practi
cally the same ideas. 1t will depend
upon the spirit in which the Conserva-
tives meet our people. "a soft answer
turneth away wrath and If we begin a
race to see which shall outdo the other in
obliterating the scars of our past battles
satisfactory results are bound to follow.
The Reformers can be persuaded il the
right means are used.. They cannot be
bullied or driven"
"Suppose after the primaries were held
or the nominations made II were found
that the Conservatives had not secured
half Of the delegates 2" was the next
question.
"Well, as matter of simple justice
they could not feel any great dissatisfac-
ton If they received wo-fifths-their
strength in the primary of 1S92-but by
proper conduct and advocacy Of the de-
mands of the people they can obtain
more than proportionets representation.
men who have not made themselves spe-
cially obnoxious, and should that faction
show willingness in Charleston, Sum-
ter and Richland to do by the Reformers
what they ask the Reformers to do by
them, it would increase the chances of
the idea of an equal division. At all
events 1t is worth while for US to try, and
we will succeed in electiDg satisfactory
Convention beyond doubt, and one that
will do nothing rash or unreasonable,
and the Constitution which it frames will
command the respect and support Of all
people just in proportion as it shall rep
resent all the people. I have been ac-
oused of being an element of discord and
strife. If am allowed I will endeavor
to merit the blessings promised the peace
makers, and if I fail I will at least have
clear Coincidence"
''What do you think the forty will
nor do?" I suggested.
"I don't know. / was never taken
into their confidence, and therefore am
not aware Of what schemes they have in
view. But it has seemed to me that any
effort antagonistic to the action OF the
regular Democratic party or an attempt
to nominate any set of delegates by eau
Gus, such as they have called, would pre-
cip5tate the very conflict they claim to
wish to avoid. Our people should frown
down any effort along this line"
"What do you think Of the address OF
the subcommittee Of the executive COM
migtee of the Democratic party?" I ask
ed.
sfI think 1t sn able and timely presen-
tatlon of the case from Democratic
standpoint. It is especially timely and
strong in recalling the scenes and incl
dents of the struggle of 1876 and the evils
suffered at the hands of carpet baggers
and negroes. If the memories of those
days will not bring our people to their
serlses and cause them to forget and for
give the hard things said and done du-
ring the last four years then nothing will.
If both sides cultivate catholicity Of spirit
and charity and muzzle the hot-heads
our people will come together"