The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1895-11-05
IRBY MAKES HIS FIGHT.
HIS OBJECTIONS TO THE SUE
FRAGE PLAN.

The Principles of the Reform Move
mcnt Are Eiolated-He Max es II
Direc" Attack Upon Senator Till
man.
Senator Irby took part in tne suf-
frage debate on Thursday, and his
speech is given in full herewith
MIR. President Il have been sick
for two weeks and have, therefore,
had no opportunity to take part in this
debate. Last night during my alb
sence from indisposition, | understand
there were some slurs by Mr.. Wilson
and othess on this floor against my
Inconsistency" accusing me of OPP
posing the measure | myself had pro-
posed in caucus. Mr.. Wilson, not
withstanding the fact that he praises
the report of the committee with this
exception, suggested this very amend
ment in the committee. and / only re-
ply in defense of myself. He suggested
this amendment. | promptly and
frankly told him that would not vote
for it., because it contained the wor ds
read and write,' and that under my
pledge to the people of Laurens
County, and for that matter to the peO-
pie of South Carolina, | would stultify
myself and betray their cause, il |
voted for any such discrimination
against the poor and illiterate in South
Carolina.
| say now, Notwithstanding some
slurS put upon me in my absence, that
| am not the migrate who would ac-
cept the highest Office in South Caro-
lima from the poor and illiterate white
men, and then tramp them beneath
my feet. They have been my friends,
sir, and so help me God | intend to
be their friend, and endeavor to pro.
tect them from what | believe to be an
iniquity politically. say that by way
OF preface. Fearing to trust myself,
indisposed rs / have been. have
written what [ conceive to be pro-
test against the perpetration OF this
outrage. L have to say, sir, that | am
not governed by what other men may
do. Thank God | think and act for
myself, and | stand here to-day to tell
the members of this convention that
will vote with the negroes when they
propose to indefinitely postpone this
bill. If we leave the conditions of Sec
tion 4 as they are, shall vote against
| the whole report, If am the only
white man on the floor who does so
| cOnstrue that to be my duty, sir, and
in spite OF anything to the contrary,
am willing to do it before the people
OF South Carolina aud their verdict |
can abide by, but [ can not be fright
ened, or ridiculed or driven from my
position of honesty or gratitude, be-
cause the members of this convention
| think otherwise.
But, Mr.. President, with proper re-
spect, for L mean no disrespect in any
sense, of the right OF this convention
Individually or collectively, notwith
standing this reputation OF this agree
mont by the people, | am here to day
TO tell you, sir, that this convention
is dominated by men whose names are
attached to that written agreement
J The Governor of our State is now the
conventions presiding officer. The
junior member of the United State.
Senate is the chairman of the com
mittee of suffrage. The presen
speaker of the House Of Representa-
tives is vice-presideht of this conven
tion. Members from Abbeville ant
Greenville Counties are also member
OF the suffrage committee. A membe
from Charleston, distinguished
lawyer, though not a party to thi
agreement, is the appointed attorne,
to represent the suffrage committee
on this floor upon all legal questions
A member from Charleston Is tn
chairman of the committee ON educa
tion. A member who signed tn
agreement Is the chairman of the com
mittee on corporations.