Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1895-07-05

and have before you perhaps the most
important work that has ever devolved
upon any people. You are assembled
here for the purpose of taking steps
looking to the selection of delegates to
a constitutional convention. You are
to help make q new constitution un-
der which we, our children, and per-
haps our grandchildren, will have to
live. This work involves the life, lib
erty and property of all in this country,
and a most important work it is. When
YOU undertake to build a house, if you
want a good one, you must employ
only the best workmen. As are the
workmen, so will be the house. The
same rule applies in the present case.
If you would have a good constitu-
tion-one you can live under in peace
and prosperity-you must have it
made by good men. You must select
only such men as are known to be
wise, patriotic, upright and just. You
must be careful to avoid time servers
-politicians-men who are seeking
their own selfish ends.
Continuing, Judge Earle referred to
the condition of politics in this State.
Many Of you, no doubt, remember, he
said, when l was a candidate against
Governor Tillman. When Mr.. Till
man was nominated, I took the posi-
ton that he was the nominee of the
Democratic party, and when he was
elected, l took the position that he
was the governor of the State and
should be respected as such. At that
time tuere was great excitement all
over the State. The people were dis
satisfied with the existing state of
affairs. They were tired of their old
men and wanted new men. l am not
prepared to say that the agitation has
not been of benefit to the State. But
of that, perhaps, it is not necessary to
20 into details. I am before you not
as q Reformer, not as Conservative
but as a Democrat. Ever since the
agitation of 1890, l have done all l
could looking to the restoration of
better feeling among our people.
There is really no difference in princi-
ple between Reformers and Conserva-
tives, and it is time for US to forget
factional strife and consider each and
every Democi :. on his individual
merits.
In conclusion, Judge Earle said that
the people of South Carolina have al
ways been excitable. They are easily
aroused but there are no better or
more honest people on the face OF the
earth, and he has unlimited confidence
in their final judgment. He was will
ling to trust the majority at all times,
though he may not agree with it. He
advised the election of men who will
protect the honor and welfare of the
State and give us constitution under
which we and our children can live in
peace, prosperity and security.
When Judge Earle concluded his
remarks, the conference called on
Solicitor Henry. Mr.. Henry was
rather slow to respond at first; but
when he did take the floor, he made
powerful and most effective speech.
He said he found authority for the
object of the convention in an old
book that said "Blessed in the peace
maker" He could see no reason why
the factions should act like lot of
children, and made strong argument
for the necessity of union. He also
stood up squarely for constitution
based on justice-justice to the white
man and to the Negro-and urged that
every provision of the proposed instru-
ment should bear, in letter and in
spirit, equally on every citizen.
Upon motion, committee was ap-
pointed to invite Judge Witherspoon
to address the conference, Judge
Witherspoon responded in a forcible
speech. He plead for reconciliation
of the factions, urged the election of
the best men in the county, regardless
of factional affiliation, as delegates,
and warned the conference that if time
serving politicians should be selected,
there would be occasion for regret.
About this time, the committee on
resolutions appeared and submitted
its report as follows
Resolved l. That it is the sense of this
convention that, so far as practicable,
there shall be all equal division between
Conservatives and Retormers of the dele
gates to the constitutional convention, as
the best method of securing the best men
to send to that body.
Resolved 2. That we pledge ourselves
to perpetuate white supremacy by fair
and honorable means.
Resolved 3. That the homestead pro-
vision should be retained in the constitu-
ton.
Resolved 4. That the five candidates for
the constitutional convention for York
county, be nominated by primary cleo
ton, and be divided between the Reform
and Conservative factions as follows,
to-wit The candidate of either faction
receiving the highest number of votes i'll
the primary, to be the first or odd dele
gate, and the two candidates from the Re-
form factions, and the two candidates
from the Conservative faction receiving
the next highest number of votes in the
primary, to be the remaining four dele
gates.
Resolved 5. That in the interest OF har-
mony between the factions and united
white people, we suggest that each candl-
date for the constitutional convention
pledge himself to abide the result of the