The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1895-07-03
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE ?

stitutiopal Convention has caused p0li.
ticians more or less worry 10 every
county in the State, and it is still an
unsettled question in majority of the
counties. In Edge6eld, Aiken and
Chester steps have been taken to divide
the delegates equally between the fac
tious, aud some action has been taken
in that direction in Richland, but We
believe that aothing definite has been
dcne 10 that county as yet. ln Able
vile the Reformers have proposed to
give the Conservatives two of the six
delegates, aud in Orangeburg the same
proposition has been made. But 10
Abbeville the Conservatives are hold
ing out for an equal division, while the
Orangeburg Conservatives appear to be
willing to accept the terms offered
The other counties, as far as our 10
formation goes, have done nothing. aud
in these couoties. where no action has
been taken will be the field where the
Conservative organization will have
work to do. aud can do effective work.
1t was for work in such counties that 1t
was proposed to organize the Conserva-
tive Democrats Those people who
could see no reason for organizing the
conservatives will have much light shed
around their beclouded political under
standings before they are two months
older. If things are allowed to drift
along, the Constitutional Convention
will be absolutely controlled. and cut
and dried instrument carried to Colum-
bia in some mau's pocket will be rail-
roaded through. regardless of protests
and in disregard of right. justice, hon
est elections, the future Of public edu-
cation aod deceucy. It will be tissue
of political schemes on par with the
dispensary law.
1t will need an organized effort to
prevent the adoption of such Coosti-
tuition, therefore We say orgauize.
The question is asked frequently and
With considerable interest by meu who
reside in Sumter county aud in other
counties as we'll, "What are you going
to do iu Sumter County in reference to
selecting delegates to the Constitutional
Convention ~ Thus far We have
heard Of 90 positive answer being CIV
en-, and we do no, believe that any man
or dozen men could give such an an.
swer. We koow, however. that not
less than se7en-tenths OF the white peo-
pie of the county. irrespective OF fac
tion. desire cessation Of partisan
strife and political turmoil, and are out
spoken in expressing their determine
ton to do anything in reason TO briug
abort this highly desirable condition of
affairs. With this state Of public opin-
ion as groundwork we can advise
what should be done, while not able 10
fore,ell what action will be taken.
Since Sumter is Conservative county
by safe majority, having been so
proven in hotly contested elections dur.
ing the last five years. the Conserva-
tives should take the initiative aud offer
to divide the delegates With the Re.
formers. Each side should select three
meo. and the consolidated ticket should
be supported at the general election.
This would be fair and just aud We do
not see how the men who say that they
want peace could refuse to agree to the
proposition.
The Conservative Convention which
will be held on July 18th, will have
the power to speak for the Conserva-
tive faction 10 Sumter county. and we
trust that it will be attended by full
delegations from every club. and that
the question of division of delegates
will be fully discussed and such action
taken that the Reform faction can meet
US on a common platform whose prln-
cipal planks shall be peace justice and
unity.
.But suppose, says au Inquirer,
that the radical men among the Re
formers shall dominate that faction, :,
aud, not desiring peace aud justice aud