The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1895-02-27
The Compromise Plan.
An Address to the Conserva-
tive Voters Of the State.
Columbia State, February 26.

Columbia State, February 26.
The Conservative pacifcation com.
mittee met in Columbia last night in
room 10 at Wright's hotel and after
a discussion continuing till after mid
night, prepared an address to the
people of the State In view of the
"manifesto" of State Chairman 1rby,
published this morning, repudiating
the compromise scheme IN toto, it
might truly be said that the plot
deepens and the Constitutional con-
v%ention fight will likely take a course
never dreamed of, so far as the align
ment of factions and s%ub-factions is
concerned.
Among those present at last nights
meeting were: Col. L. W. Youmans,
Senator Barnwel1, Major C. Hemp
hill, Richard l. Manning. Col. George
tombstone, H.. Raynsworth, Altamont
Moses. Samuel Dibble, Butler Ha-
good, w. L. Roddey, T. NJ. Raysor,
J P. Mcneil, Leroy Springs, Henry
T Thompson, w. G. MCGOWAN and
others.
To the Conservative Democracy of
South Carolina:
The commercial, industrial and
political welfare Of South Carolina
should constrain the people of the
State to work together. They speak
the same tongue, they cherish the
same traditions, they are governed by
the same laws and institutions, they
owe allegiance to the same State.
During the last four years we have
been sorely divided on public ques-
tons. We do not deem it necessary
or proper to attempt any review of
the causes which have resulted in the
division of our people into hostile
factions This is not the time nor
the occasion for elimination or re-
elimination The crisis confronting
US is far too serious to admit of parti-
san treatment. We desire to bring
about reconciliation We would pro.
mote harmony. We would counsel
a spirit of sell,sacri6ce as the surest
mean of selfpreservation, and would
urge upon all our people the patriotic
duty Of uniting now for the good of
the State. Let us have a truce be-
tween the political factions in the
State We can secure peace without
the sacrifice Of principle or self.re-
spect-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 It's powers are unlimited. The
result of its deliberations will 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 COM
posed of the wisest, safest and best
men in the State, without regard to
factional affiliations 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 advantage. The interests
committed to it's care are too impor-
tant to incur the perils Of "a bitter and
angry campaign. The convention
should be controlled in its work by q
spiri; of calm and judicial fairness, so
that when its labors have been finish
ed i; 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 the State and Of
varying political opinion for months
past have been counseling aud con.
ferling with each other and as the
result OF this earnest thought, we are
prepared to advise aud urge upon YOU
the acceptance Of the following as
the basis Of ac:;on for the election Of
delegates to the convention, which it
is believed will meet the acquiescence
of all who desire a cessation Of poll
teal 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 com
mittec shall give each faction equal
representation in the convention.
Second That in those counties
where primary elections are held all
persons participating in the y
shall take a pledge to abide tie result
and support the nominees at the gen
eral election In counties where the
nominations are made otherwise than
BY primary both factions III such
county shall be pledged in like man
c to support such nominees.