The Abbeville press and banner. (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, August 03, 1892, Image 4
The Press and Banner
ABBEVILLE, S.C.
.380-Published every Wednesday at
ft year in advance.
Wednesday, Aug. 3, 1892 :
The Met'tlii;; on Sale Itny.
The Tillman meeting on Sale Day was alum, i
dautly satisfactory to theantis.
The crowd has been variously estimated, we
believe, from six hundred to sixteen hundred.
lu comparison with the antt meeting two
weeks ago. some place the crowd at less than
that meeting and others think it was from
one hundred to onc-thlrd larger than the anti
meeting.
We give no estimate ourself, but quote the
estimates given by others, leaving each reader
to form his own conclusion.
The behavior was excellent. As far as we
are informed, no anti interrupted any speaker
with a single question, and in this respect
the conduct of the antis was in notable contrast
with the acts of the Tillmanltos on the
occasion of the anti meeting.
As we have undertaken to give a full account
of the Lowndesville meeting, we did
not even attend the meeting on Sale l>ay, mid
are unable to give a report of any ot the
speeches.
We hear, however, that some of the speakers
urged a strict drawing of the lines in the
election between the Tillrnanites and the
antis.
We make mention of this fact for tlie reason
that the hundreds of antis in the county
may be a factor in the coming elcctlou, and if
the lines are to be drawn strictly against the
antis thej may draw a line or two themselves.
If we are not. mistaken the antis of
this town at the election in 1S:?> save their
neighbor Tillrnanites a very haiulsotuo vote,
but if they do not want our votes we presume
other Tillrnanites will be glad to get them.
At present it seems that there will be but one
anti candidate for the Legislature, and if our
town Tlllmanite friends object to our voting
for them we presume the country Tillmanite
candidates will not object to our casting a
vote for them.
There is no rubbing it out. that the antis
have some votes, which they will not force
upon those who object.
(Jetting Their Eyes Open.
If the sentiment against the Press and Banner
is a true index?and we think it is?the
Tiilmanltes are awakened to the fact that the
anils will be at the polls oh the suth.
The antisare gaining ground every day in
every county, and the more public affairs are
discussed the more converts to theanti side,
and even if we should have to throw away
the anti votes, we will at least not be compelled
to vote for gentlemeu who publicly announce
that they do not want our votes.
Another thing: If tbe bosses or dictators
do uot forbid the great multitude from reading
the anti newspapers, they may be actually
beaten at the polls. This campaign is one
which can not allow the endorsers of the administration
to read. If they read both hides
they are almost sure to join the an lis.
If the leaders, therefore, do not take immediate
steps to exclude tbe Press and Banner
from the houses of tbe Tillman Ites dire consequences
may result to the Tillmanitc gentlemen
who are running tor office.
"President Stokes when a?ked about the total
memberships declared thai he could give
110 tlgures with any degree of accuracy, lie
said however that the Alliance was making
great headway and was right now able to vote
in solid phalanx 'J.OUO men more than ever before."?The
State.
Wbllfe we believe there are still many men
in Abbeville County who think that education,
fltness, and respectability arc ' bars
against holding public office, yet we also believe
that tbe Alliance In Aboeville County
is virtually dead, and this conviction is forced
upon us by the last meeting of the quarterly
Alliance. Very few of the better class of its
former membership were present, and a large
per cent, of those who were here were caudi"
dates for office. The people are recovering
their senses in this part of the world, audi
have about concluded to do their own thinking
and their own voting.
Their eyes are being opened to the fact that
the Alliance itself Is lamely controlled by
town people who may not be averse to holding
office which they have heretofore not
been able to get.
mm ^
"Draw the I.inc'N.**
We believe these an; the words of some of
the speakers yesterday. That of course is
equivalent to saying that the votes of the antis
are not wanted. It is to be hoped, there"
fore, that no self-respecting anti will vote for
any man who does not desire him to do so.
Ntiirlling;.
President J. Wi lliam Stokes in his annual
address is reported to have made this assertion
in reference to the Alliance:
' Men of acknowledged ability and honesty
have openly joined our tight.*'
Does the learned Doctor mean to say what
is implied? If so, the true and loyal A111anceinen
should lynch him on sight.
Acknowledge* that Wnrel'nrc Exist*.
President J. William Stokes said in ills
address:
"It may not be out of place lo refer to another
scarcely less menacing phase of the
tight between monopoly and tlie masses."
<>ood Report.
The readers of the Press and lianner are Indebted
to Mr. James M. linker for the excellent
account of tlie l<owndcsville meeting,
which we publish this week. It was the first
meeting of tbe campaign, and Mr. linker has
been to considerable labor in presenting us
with so good a report.
? mm ? ?
What Does this Mean?
The Tillmanites charge the Haiiroad Companies
with discharging their Tlllmanite em-i
ployces. Mr. Campbell, section master on
the Abbeville Krnnch, is an anti. Last week
he was discharged without any known cause.
Can it he that he lost his job 011 account of
his politics?
To Cor respondent*.
We beg your indulgence. We haven't room
this week for your appreciated favors. They
will have the best places next week.
There is 110 truth In the assertion that the
editor of the Press and Manner intends to boy.
cot any printer, or anybody else, for his political
opinions. We have in our ollicc only one
voter in the primary. We do not know how
lie will vote, bin lie is a regular render or t lie
State, anil takes that paper in preference to
all others.
^ wm ?
J( is Fail) that some of the Tillmanite candidates
want the lines drawn. II' they . indrawn,
then lie does not want any antl voic
Anti votes, as lar as they go, are as good as
any, and men of ordinary sagacity are glad to
get votes.
If our Tillmanite friends In town insiston
our not voting for them, we shall not complain,
as it is quite probable that some of Hie
country candidates will be glad to get them.
Mks. si.uan, of Columbia, and Mrs. a ilea,
of Clinton, are visiting their lather, .Mr. i'. i
A. Wilson, of Warrenton.
Miss Li/./.ii-: Kki.i.ki: and .Miss Annie Wil-i
sou are vititing relatives in Abbeville.
mmmmmmmmmmmmmm m mm?wmmmmnmm turn
LOINDESVILLE'S MEETING.1
~ J
THE CAMPAIGN IS OPENED ON THE SEVEN
HILLED CITY.
? - Kpmkrrs
From all I'arts of I tic Comity
Kn lighten the Voter*on flutters
Political ? Reports of ilie S|ieeclieN
?Tin' Catechism -Anmvors-llM'liirut
ion ol'Tillman Principles.
I,own<lcsvHle, S. July -7, l?HJ.
Th<> campaign for litis county is on, ami by
order of (lie Oiuniy Kxi'cutive Coin mil
the caiuihlates for liic various olliecs. numbering
about lorty-livc. not Inctuillii;; the
electors of either faction of tlie parly. met at
I.owtuiesville to-day to begin the campaign,
it was a gooil beginning, ami it is to lie hoped
.. in ..i,,! wot! Th?i best of lecling prevail
I'd anions; the various candidates, ami the
audience was one that nave good attention.
The day was a representat i\e .1 illy day. and
the thertnotr vter registered about '.HI degrees
in tliu shade. The speaking took place In
"Mitchell's Grove," famous tor just sucii
gatherings in the past, and the people who
assembled to hear the discussions of the day
seemed to tie more attentive than is usual at
such meetings.
The crowd is estimated at about 700 or SO I,
there being a great many ladies present. *
J>r. A..I. Speer presided as chairman of the
meeting, and called it to order at 10;:Sf? o'clock.
The Rev. ii. I\ Franks was asked to open the
meeting with prayer, and lies..id:
o thou who art the maker and preserver of
us all, in mercy look on us to-day as wo are
assembled this beautiful and bright morning
in this grove to transact business of a secular
importance, also religious as well. May all
be done as in the immediate presence of the
all-seeing one. May we remember that righteoustiess
exalteth a nation, while sin is a reproach
to any people. May there be nothing
rash in oureo.iduct here to-day
(io(| bless our land and nation. Guide at
the helm in national affairs, God tdessSonth
Carolina in all her interests. G?.d bless Abbeville
county. Give to this county good legislators.
that we may have good laws, to this
end rule our people and our rulers and teach
our Legislators and Senators wisdom.
May all the county ollices be tilled with
good and ellicieni men. May this day's exercises
be an example to guide the canvassing
in all the county. In that prudence and man
I in ess which is the heltpr part of valor, nuip
us toagree to disagree in all things where we
honestly dilfer in our views. Come gracious
Lord ami preside over Utis days exercises.
May all he finally electetl of tiod.and all we
ask is in t lie naineof Christ tiu; l.fird. Amen.
Statement by the Chairman.
The chairman here stated that the citizens
of this community met last Saturday evening
without regard to party dillerencc, and
an reed to make this the first meeting of the
campaign, one that we may all feel proud of.
A committee on programme was appointed
and a resolution was unanimously adopted
that :<o questions would he allowed asked any
of the speakers from the audience, but any
one desiring to ask any questions could do so
by putting same in writing and haudlnu to
the chairman, and when the speaker tias tinished
his remarks, the question would be
handed him for an answer.
Candidates for Congress, Solicitor and
House ot Representatives would be allowed
thirty minutes time. Candidates for other
county offices will be allowed ten minutes.
Tlie chairman asked the audience to bear
In mind the request, and introduced J>r. t\
1$. Carwilc as a candidate lor re-elvctlon to
the House of Representatives. Dr. Carwlie
spoke in substance as lollows:
Dr. Cartvile's Speeeli.
Mr. Chnirfnan, Fellow Citizens, Ladies and
Gentlemen.
I had not expected to be the first speaker on
this occasion, this the Ilrst meeting of our
campaign, and It seems a little strange, hut
ill n.iniimhi.r two vniirs aco tilt; catll
pnign closed on this very spot.auil I made
ttic last speech of The day. Therefore, il
seems, the tirst shall ho lust and the last
shall be tirst.
Happy am I to-day to meet the brave men
and lair ladies ol Lowiidcsvillc. 1 came today
to give you ail account of what has been
done by your representatives durum the past
two years, and 1 thank you lor the handsome
vote you save me two years ago, with the
hope it will not grow less on the :iUth of August
next.
li you will remember I took the position
two years ago that our government could be
so changed that il would be of great benetit
to the people, and more especially to the farmers
of our State. We have always had a
silting government, 1 mean since ISTii, but il
?an be greatly improved in many respects.
The demand lor Just such Improvements as
are needed in our government Is what has
brought about this resolution, and what lias
il done for the people. It is endeavoring in
emancipate the peopleirom political dinners
and conventions for all time to come. While
we have gotten as near a direct primary as
we can. in justice to the low country, vet I do
..^.i 1...1 ihu nonnlfi of South I'srolina will
ever lie satisfied without a direct primary
lrom Governor down to coroner.
The opposition to ttiis present administration
clamored for a direct, primary for Governor
and all State otlicers. but it you will remember
just as soon as tln-y begin to breath
the air of Columbia and lo mingle with that
ring crowd, they dropped it and not one word
has been said about a direct primary since.
Let us review briefly what bus been done
by this administration.
The first thing done was the re-establishment
of our lnstitutfous of learning, upon
business principles. The South Carolina College
was reorganized and is to-day during lis
legitimate work, together with the Citadel
Academy of Charleston. The walls of Clemson
have been going upand will be completed.
It seems strange to me Indeed, my friends,
that the opposition have demanded the completion
of Clcmson College, and I cannot see
for what purpose except a bid tor your votes.
The establish men t of the Industrial School
for Women has too long been neglected by
our State, but its establishment to-day is assured,
and its completion will fill a long felt
need. It is useless to speak of the benefits of
such an institution, and let us congratulate
ourselves on the tact that it is to be established
in our adjoining county, in the city of Anderson.
As to the three dollar poll tax, It may be
heavy on the poor people, but something
must be done. It is my opinion that the poll
tax as now collected is misapplied. I believe
that t-in; poll tax should go into the lianas ot
the County Treasurer and be applied lo the
payment of the county expenses. I.et the
two mill lax stand, and require a per capita,
u'" " ?W? *? /mnctil Ml iith Mini ill firdiH' If*
get. it we must have a Constitution convention.
When we i?t?t this we will he able to do
away with and get rid of that dirty sheet
given lis l?y scalawags and negroes, and
frame us :i constitution of our own, by the
people and for the people.
Tlie recent March Convention ami the cn-'
tire opposition press have charged that the
credit of our State bus been damaged, \ilien
J say such is not the case. Tins administration
has met every just obligation made upon
it. and has protected the phosphate Interests
of our .State by having t lie t'oosaw lease declared
null and void, thereby saving the
State an immense sum of money.
My friends, I will not detain you longer,
this administration is on record, and if you
will examine it carefully von will vote for I!.
K. Tillman lor your next Governor. lama
candidate for re-election to a seat in the
House of Representatives, and will appreciate
your support.
?
Speech of Mr. II. J. Kitinrd.
Mr. Chairman and Fellow Citizens :
1 am glad to meet the good peopcle of
liowndesville. Living on one extreme ol
the county myself, causes inn to leel a close
sympathy for others who labor under the
same disadvantage. On account of the dlslance
from our county seat we ure put to
greater Inconvenience and more expense in
|attending court or any other business. We
are deprived ol that acquaintance witii all
the people of our county that those enjoy
who live nearer tlie center, and when we appear
before them as candidates we feel the
want of that acquaintance. This is the first
tunc 1 have ever appeared oeiore un1 people
to ask lor their sutlrage ??r votes. Never in
tny llle before did I attempt a public speech
on (lie stump.
since my college career was ended, nearly
twenty years ago, I have lived a quiet business
life. J shall make no cllorl at oratory,
norshall I speak ol the ureal heroes of other
dsivs. whose fume and names and deeds shall
live in history lor uenerations to come. I?cing
no public speaker I shall talk in a plain
ami simple way with you ahnui mutters that
concern us at this day and lime. Ileitis in
name and heart one with tin- reformers of
South Carolina, 1 deem it my duty as well as
privilege to speak of the lalse charges that
are brought against us. 1'ei'ow cili'/eiis! let
me say here, at the t.cginninj: ol' our county
campaign, that I hope thai every man in the
county will conduct hitiisclt in such a way
as that when the election is over and the result
published, tliat not a daik spot shall mar
ttie beauty and pleasant recollections of a
single man or woman. I.el us have th:it
Christian spirit and liberality thai belongs in
such a grand old county as Abbeville. The
very center of education ami reliuement. l.i l
abuse and unfairness have no place among
us. Let us show to all men that we have
brai ., reason, and business capacity. It has
been charged that, our leaders who represent
us, arc enemies to the Kail Koads, Hanks, and
Factories, and every other industry in South
Carolina. 1 wish to show here to-day that
such is not the case. We are told that they
are doing all in their power to oppress the
Kail Koads, J do not believe that Gov. Tillman
nor any other otlicer In power to-day
would Impose a single dollar of unjust, taxes
on the Kail Koads or any other institution.
They want these corporations simply to pay
the same proportional taxes on their property
thai is paid on lauds and other real estate, it
makes no difference how large the mortgage
on your land the valuation for taxes is the
same, and all corporations and institutions
should fare alike. The burdens bearing evenly
ou all clai^Lk.
The Hail Knnd.s have been given special
privileges by our law makers and they have
made millions for their owners north anil
elsewhere. What have our farmers maile?
Have we not-shown our friendship to these
I loads tjy voting hundreds of thousands ofl
! dollars for their construction ? Take for example
one county that of spnrtanburg, siie
voted a subscription of three hundred or
more thousand dollars, and other counties,
towns and townships have given large subscript
inns.
I li I luul a correct estimate of all that our
I people have subscribed and given In the way |
j oi right of ways to railroads, it would be soi
j enormous that it would almost scare you.
| Does this not prove that there is no unfriendI
liness to the railroads? How many iarrns in
our own county are not paying expenses,
j much less dividends, and yet. their owners
'only ask that these roads bear the equal bur|
den of the t:txe?. I am a Iriend to railroads,
and bid (.Soil speed to every industry in South
Carolina. We could not do well without!
thriii. l>ul legislation is necessary. I waul ItI
jdistinctly u 11<I1TSI<1<ul that 1 believe in pro-'
grevs and pn>h. Iain proud to say that, rail-j
roa<i aeeom modat ions are sucli that we eaii go
, as lai in a <tay as our lathers use to go In two
weeks. That tli?? great capltol of the I'nited
States Is hut a day's journey away. A wee* is
sufficient to visit, ?*itlier of ttie great cities?
Philadelphia, .\cw York, Boston <<r New Orleans.
Who would not. he proud of such accomplishments
anil such Institutions? The
people may sutler from neglect, hut these
great railroad syndicates are able and ever
looking after tlielr own interests. They are
growing so powerful that legislation and a
elo-e watch are necessary to keep them from
oppressing the people. It. has been said that
corporations have no souls, and when we consider
I lie movements of these great combination-',
their greed for money, not satisfied hy
hurrying their great engines with their
weighty burdens to and fro for day and night
through the six days allot ted to man for work
?I hey have taken the holy Sabbat h day of
rest, and the keen shriek of whistles are made
to desecrate the Sabbath throughout the land
and country. Where shall itend?
Now as to banks. The Alliance is responsible
lor 1 he existence of the Farmers Itank at
Abbeville, and they have been the means of
bringing into existence banks at other places.
!..? 1% I I w f t iin kll. e.' i
,>uw uiuj i ii'* ?m? i iv iii uk- inuiim
uihI I would ask, does'tills look like hostility
to banks?
similar fuels could be produced to show
(lint they oppose no institution or industry in
theSlate. They tell you that the administration
is ruining the State, and they cite you to
tile Coosaw ease, attempting to show that the
st.at(> lost heavily hy the loss of royalty.
Well, what, are the fuels in the case? The
Coosaw Company would not pay tlm royalty
demanded by the Slate.and as soon as the
Phosphate Commissioners licensed other
companies to dredge in the Coosaw Illver,
this company claimed they had an Imletinlte
lease and they appealed from our Courts to
the Untied States Court and got out an injunction
to stop or prevent other companies
'from drcdgiiitt in the Coosaw lliver. Now.
what was to be done? Must South Carolina
lay down her dignity and bow to a lit tle corporation?
I say never, and our authorities
dii! right to tight it out In the Courts and to
snow that favored corporations must bow to
the laws of the State.
Would it be wrong In ine to say here that a
large element, in iL'e opposing taction would
have sounded a note of rejoicing, had the
State lost this case, as well as a majority ol
the press.
Would not this same element rcjoice to see
South Carolina deeper in debt, and if possible
disgraced in order to injure the present
ad mill 1st rat ion ?
Where were their sympathies and when did
they oiler a word of encouragement?
Have they not done all in their power to
keep the present rulers troin being as successful
as they might have been, had they given
their sympalhp In the stead ol abuse and criticism,
as was their Christian duty.
We are told by some who want, to rule that
the leading lawyers knew the Coosaw lease
had expired. What a pity these men did not
speak <uit before the courts said so, that their
wisdom might profit them some. lint, alas,
their sympathy was against the State and the
following facts stand out as true: the Coosaw
I', imiuinv lhi> luwvprs u-lio di-lt*iuli<I it, and
I hose wiio were in sympathy with It. cither
did not know the lease had expired or else
they wanted the State cheated out of her
rights.
li the State did lose a little royalty for one
year the rocks are there and a chance fur the
state to make more yet than she lost. They
teli us the State will lost- by her bonds going
down and they try to pack that oil' on the administration.
There are seveial reasons and natural reasons
too why those bonds would go down.
< Hie is. all bonds decrease in value as they mature
and all businessmen know tills; another
is, men whom the people have honored and
given high positions in the-tale, have arrayed
themselves against the Administration
and have proclaimed it far and near that the
state credit is being ruined, these men are
responsible lor any decrease in the value ol
bonds it' any one is responsible <Jov. Tillman
knew before lie took the reins of government
that ho was goieg to meet opposition, in ad
ministering the affairs ot the Slate. He knew
there were matters to be looked into that hail
been allowed to stand so long and that when
he touched the interests of these bonds, they
would give a bitter f^ght.
It there is a class of people on tlie face of the
earth who need sympathy and encouragement
if is the farmers. Upon his shoulders
re?t the corner stones of every industry in
the land, and when over production comes
where are the protective laws? A brighter
day is dawning upon them, i hey are demanding
their rights and will get them as soon as
they will have quelled the terrible opposition
that is trying to force them out. of polities.
The bitterness of two years ago was caused
by the struggle to break down the reformers
the state to-day Is lor the same purpose. I
would not advocate any one class ruling the
{iivernniPiit. nor would I arraign one cla^s
against another, hut that this old ring or club
way of doing tilings he ever done away with,
an?'l every man, no matter what his calling,
have an euuul saying.
ThU is hie and death struggle with them to
get In and rule again. I Jo your duty from now
untii ">0tli of August and then every man of
yon cast your vote tor the Tillman electors
am! for good representatives and two years
hence the opposition will have no where to
go. but with you.
They te'l you they are your friends, hut
they promise you nothing. They tell you of
the faults of your rulers, but they fail to show
you a single thimr they could better. They
tell you they would let railroads and other
corporations do as they please, at least that is
the inference. They say they would Induce
capital to come Into the Stale, but they do
not tell you what inducements they have to
oh'er. It may be they would exempt them
from taxation for a series of years and then
you would have their taxes to pay.
Now my fellow citizens, I am before you a
candidate tor the legislature. If yon think 1
have at heart the interest of South Carolina
ami Abbeville county, and that 1 a competent
to meet, the responsibilities of the otlice,
I would thank you for your support, if you
decide to the contrary and think that I would
lot represent the whole people, 1 will *tay
at home and go to work with as much gracefulness
as y ou ever saw.
Spcccli of Hon. T. A. <>r:tliuiu.
Mr. 'J'. A. Grill mm was next introduced ;is a
candidate for re-election to the House of Representatives.
lie spoke as follows:
Mr. Chairman and fellow-citizens.
1UII countries are inhabited by people who
love liberty. It is right, therefore, that till!
hills <?t l.owndesville have been selected as
the place from which the reform doctrines of
equal rights tor all, anil special privileges tor
none is to be titst proclaimed in this campaign.
As in al! rciorm movements the opposition,
afraid to attack the rank and tile of
those who favor reform, bemoan and misrepresent
the supposed leaders in the figlil, so it
is in tliis.
(iovernor Tillman, they say, has arrayed
country against town and class against class,
liut the * assert ion is suggested neither by a
knowledge of htiinaii nature nor bv ;i (amili..rlty
Willi the history of tills state. l)r.
Katnsiiy in his history of this State very well
says that "the existence of a court anil country
party results from the nature of man ;
and is tound more or less i.i every government."
The troubles which divide our people
re older than Tillman, yes as old as the
State Itself. The issue which divides us in
the state is ring rule; while the national Issue
is financial.
The origin of ring rule is coeval with the
foundation of the charlcstown colony, and
financial hardships were endured also in
those early days. The I*ord's Proprietorsar-l
ranged a pian of government by which they
had the ad vantage. By gilts ol olliccaud 11 !> J
era I grants of laud these proprietors forged ai
I ring hi Charlestowii (Charleston) which
j fought the battles of the proprietors against |
j the tanners and the people. So caiclul were
they ol the ring that the people were all reijuired
to vote in Charleston. Some were!
I ....... i.i. II. ..I I., I.-.I-..I Ill'Kv n>lli.ii hi' till till
I vote. Suppose, my iriends, \vu had to go lilty
miles now to vote and when wegot there were
net by a thousand nod one nulls working
like heavers willi whiskey and diluted argu-'
mi-Ills lo get us lo vole lor Sliep|>nrd, what i
I kind of rule would you call that? I'he pco-l
pie wanted to vole al home, hullheriugj
lorees were massed at I'hart est on. They'
knew dial in union lliere is strength.
[ liivea mmt his freedom on lliesc green'
hills and lie would skip from lilll l<> hill and j
Irom house-lop to house-lop, and elude lliei
wiles o| the most cunning old tiger, hut what |
chance would a poor goat have ill a den ol |
liuiis?
The condition of the country W?s favorable
to I he lormallen of a ring. Theeoiintry was
thinly settled and had lew educational ad-'
vantages. t'harleslon was the center ol
wealth, education and iullueiiee. So strong
was the intlueliee ol the ring tlial the people]
were utterly unahle lo electa governor who]
did not live in Charleston. Itut education
breaks tings. The shifting ol educational
centers in this Slate has marked the cliiingi s |
ol ring liilluenee.
| In I Mil the South Carolina College was
' founded. The educational center was moved :
' from Charleston to Columbia, lu Hfltt, I liens:
fore, we lind cleeted a governor who lived j
outside of Charleston. Columbia was tlieiij
Within the finy.
i
So that during ft period of 220 years?1G70 to
I81KI?Charleston, with a branch oillce at Co- i
lunibiii, dominated Mi? politics of this.State, j
The hlsior.v of this state and, I believe, the'
history of the world well, proves that the :
education of a few and the neglect of tliei
masses Is subversive of liberty In any coun-j
try.
it is a painful truth, but it Is true that education
itself does not create that spirit in
man which prompts liim to love his neighbor
as himself. Education before the Intel
war was nearly confined to the rich. A1 ->
though South Carolina had a repn tut ion lor
scholarship, yet the people were not educat-|
ed.
It remained for the people who live on the*
hills of upper Carolina to inaugurate a new |
era. High schools and academies sprang up
all over the up country, and these besot colleges
scattered all over the Piedmont section.
Woflord. Kurinan, Ersklne and others?wmcn
have given us an educated class of men tit
lor the hardships of lift*.
The appetite of the people for education
was sharpened. An educated few can not control
the educated many. With tlie founding
of the third great educational center in .South
Carolinaeanie the fall of ring rule, and Clemson
commemorates tin* victory gained by a
struggle of two hundred years. While the
walls of Cleinson stand Charleston will never
again dominate the politics of this state.
The opposition cannot understand why the
campaign speeches do not. turn the people
from Tillman. The reason Is very plain to an
observant person. It. is because they have
not yet, succeeded In turning Tillman from
the people.
The farmers have Tillman under their tutorship,
and his education is now so far advanced
that lie is able to say: "If the Alliance
does not go with me I will go with the
Alliance." He is going with the farmers, and
the assertion that they are following blindly
originates from either ignorance or falsehood.
The opposition Is waking up to the situation,
and each anti is selecting a Tlllmaniteto
teach. Hut their mistakes in tlie past indicate
that they are not yet far enough advanced
in the knowledge of political science
to be able to run a political normal school.
They cannot yet teach the teachers.
Hut with lite tanners' ray of hope come the
threatening clouds of financial ruin. 'Ihe
ruinous decline in price of our farm products
makes living hard and increases two fold the
burden of debt. When we complain we arc
ridiculed; We ask for bread we are given
a stone. Men as ignorant of practical farming
as a monkey is of heaven assume the role
of teachers, sit in the town shade and call the
farmers lazy.
Their advice fails in showers: You are too
lazy, you aic bad managers, you don't work
but six months In the year, you make too
much, there's over proauciioii, you are um
ex Ira vacant, diversify your crops. If n little
of tlie town laziness whs diversified by a.
year's work In our fields there would not he
such an over-produetlon of scientific farmers
who farm in the shade.
"There is no new thine under the sun."
Hut II Solomon had lived to the present time
the Bight of miles of agricultural advice coming
from the mouth of one little town man
Would have been novel to him. The trouble,
however, is not n new one. Our forefathers
experienced it and found a remedy. That
remedy was bills ol credit which is the subtreasurv
plan.
Some of our town friends who have never
read a history of our Slate, because furious
when more money Is mentioned, and assume
to themselves a blissful mental superiority
over the average farmer; and It Is a pity to
mention the facts to them for when "ignotance
is bliss 'tis folly to be wise."
Our forefathers came to this country without
money. For a few years they did not
need much. Their trading with the Indians,
which was nearly all the trailing they did for
n lew yours, was clone by cxcliunue of kooiIs.
Hut when they began to succcssfully till the
soli and to build up a commerce money was
needed. There was very little of the precious
metals In the colony, a quantity at any rate
entirely Insufficient for the needs of the people.
Then the fight began. Scarcity of
money caused a uradual decline in prices,
and the money lenders reaped a continual
harvest, but the formers were uolng rapidly
to poverty. Finally desperation drove them
to overcome all opposition and the government,
issued bills of credit and loaned them
to the fanners on morlgnge of land. Then
the farmer had his day.
Prices went up continually and the farmers
were gaining back from the money lenders
what they had previously lost. Hut a taste of
pi<>spur11)' serveu 10 sniupen lot: uppeuie.
.More bills of credit was Issued. Prices continued
to go up. The merchants and money
lenders made desperate eirorls to have the
money eailed in. hut all in vain.
At the instigation of the London merchants
the Lord's Proprietors undertook to force the
people to eive up the money, but so strong
was their determination to keep It that, they
delied the Proprietors, deposed their Governor
and Chief Justice, and appealed to the
King, who decided for the people and the
money, and put an end to the proprietary
government.
so the tlrst revolution In this .State was
fought, and won on the sub treasury Issue.
The (irst relief which farmers obtained from
the ruinous ellects of low prices was through
this money. Hut there can be too much of a
good thing. There was at one time in circulation
of hills of credit about S150 per capita, besides
other money in circulation. There was
consequent depreciation and loss to some perhotis,
but Thomas Jefferson favored the money
and declared that although it had ruined
individuals It had saved the republic.
The merchants were finally brought to their
senses and adopted a conservative and friendly
course; the farmers also became conservative,
and the last issue of this currency did
not deprcciate and made a net revenue to the
State of more than $-'100,000. There is a lesson
in this to be learned by both merchants and
farmers. Conservatism is a purifying stream
in polities, but when obstructed by intolerant
opposition its accumulated waters break over
all restraints and sweep the country with a
tlood of radicalism.
"But." sotne say, "capital can control labor."
Yes, I suppose that's what they said In
the good old days of our forefathers, but the
people overturned the government, money
changers, merchants and all. Capital can not
control exasperated and organized labor.
me uemoneuzine 01 suver tins, h? won us
the contraction of the currency, had the effect
of reduelntr prices, and lis restoration would
also produce a corresponding Increase, but
there is not now time to discuss that.
? - - ? ?
Speech of .11 r. Mc(?ouiui.
Mr. McUowau had no written speech and
the following Is but a synopsis of what he
snld:
lie said that aspirants for public ofllee
should express themselves oil all the issues of
the day. That lie was a candidate for the Legislature
for the tl^st time. That he was the
candidate of uo caucus or clique. That no
man or set of men had brought lilni out, but
that he had announced himself, and if tlie
people of Abbeville county would honor him
with their suffrage that he would be proud to
serve his native county to the iiest of his ability.
If elected he would represent the whole
people?regardless of faction or party teeling.
lie opposed the S'l poll tax. Said It was unfair
and unjust to the poor mini. The theory
of taxation is the fairest in the world, viz: tie
that has much must pay much, and he that
has little must pay little. The Si poll uix
made the poor man pay as much us the rich.
It makes the poor pay lor the education of
the rich. If the schools aie kept open all the
year, the poor man requires Hie help of his
children in gathering his crop?the rich man
can afford to send his children all the year.
The negroes would evade the poll taxmany
evade the SI tax?more would evade Hie
*:? uix. Kvery white man in the county
would have it to pay. Many negroes would
go to Jail rather than pay It, and the tax-payer
mii>t pay his board while in Jail, besides
Hut irosL ol tax executions, Ac.
Ho opposed the properly or educatloni'l
qualification to suHrage. He said the reason
given, viz: that It would better control the
negro vole was but poor consolation to the
poor man who had his vote taken away from
iitin. The poor man who was so lortunalc as
not to own property was to have this sacred
right taken from him, and the only reason
given was?while we d<> take your \ole away
from you at the same time we take Itauay
trom ten lies:roes.
He opposed the abolition of the lien law.
He said tiie law had sometimes been oppressive,
but in the present condition ot our country
we could notatlord to repeal It. It Is the
only means by which many of our small farmers
get advances and it would be two hard
to cut them suddenly oil*. It would force
many to hire lor wages.
lie opposed a Conslltulional Convention,
lie said he was opposed to It at all t imes and
especially in the present excited condition of
the country, lie said there was a safe wny to
change tin* Constitution 11 U was wroi'jj, viz,
by amendment. There wore three sale
grounds in changing by amendment. (I> The
Legislature by a two-thirds vote had to submil
the amendment-. (-) tTlie people then
vole oil the amendment. If the people
vote lor (he ainemlmeni. then it comes before
the next l.culslature, who must ratify by a
I wo-i hints vote. This Is the salest way. Our
Constitution Is the liimtameiiial law of the
land and II is unwise and Imprudent to link- J
er with it. lies ides, the Constitution is a very
unod one. We have livid under ii lor I wen-!
ly-llve years ami it is not veiy dill'erent irom I
our old" < "oiislil til ion. It' there should be a|
t 'oust itutloiial i 'on vent ion and the policy ot!
Ibis administration should control it, then I
the homestead and the I wo mill lax ibrpub-j
lie schools will, in all likelihood, be abolisti-1
i d. It is the part of prudence ami wisdom toi
let good enough alone, and therefore lie did |
uoi favor the calling ol a Constitutional Con
veiilioii.
He said it was not the policy of t his admin-1
istialioii to submit the work ol aCoiislltu-j
lional Convention to Hie people, as lliu last!
Senate i largely lor Ciov. Tillman) hail passed I
a re.-olulIon calling for a Convention and J
voted Uown a proviso that the work of tliel
(.'onvciitior. he ratified by the people.
lie did not lavor the county government,
bill which was an administration measure in ''
the last Legislature, lie said it discriminated
lu lavor of tlie rich and agaiusl the poor, ami (
put too much power III the hands of one mini !
in authorizing the Governor to appoint one;
supervisor in every township in the siaiel(
ami threeConiriiissioncrsof the l'oor in eveiyj.
county of the Slate. In Abbeville, instead of j,
having the county governed by three com- j
mlsslonern elected by tlie people, there will be j
dug man elected and nineteeu appointed by j
Ihe Governor.
It provides a commutation for road duty of j
SI.50 for the rich man, and it provides that
t lie man who can't or don't pay the commutation
must work for eight days in u chain gang
alone with convicts.
On prohibition Mr. McGowan Raid that n
box was to be placed at every precinct in the
State for the voters to express themselves on
prohibition, and if a majority voted for pro.
hibltlon that he would vote for such a bill if
it was bis good luck to tco to the Legislature.
He sriid he wanted no man to vote for him
who could not drt so conscientiously. That as
a candidate for the Legislature he was neither
anti-Tlllnian or Tillman, but was a candidate
as a citizen of Abbeville county, and If elected
that he would represent the whole county
as best lie could. That as to State politics he
hum an Mini-1 mnunn m.iu, uiiiuiu uuu iniuit
that.should Influence voters In maklDg their
choice, bul. that they should vote (or tneu ou
their merits. He said It was the very essence
of our government that the Executive, Legislative
and Judicial should be kept separate
and distinct, and that It would be a fatal blow
it a Legislature should be elected subservient
to any one man.
- -- ?
Speech of Hon. J. T. Robertson.
Mr. President, Ladies and Hentlemen :
It is with pleasure that I appear before you
to-day to lullllt an appointment made by the
Democratic Executive Committee of Abbeville
county. The new Democratic Constitution
wiselv provides for this meeting, so that
the people may meet face to face with those
who od'er themselves ns-candldates for places
In IheGeneral Assembly of .South Carolina as
w'ell as county officers.
Tills is a wise provision. I belong to that
party of Democrats who believe that tlie people
should rule, and not the ring or close
corporation as heretofore prevailed In South
Carolina. It is for you and every single voter
of Abbeville county to form ills own opinion,
and make his choice as to who you thiuk will
best represent you and your Interest
Now, my fellow citizens, with this principle
ever before you, you can not materially err.
You have betore you to-day two factions of
the Democratic party contending for supremacy,
ami It is for you to choose this day which
you will follow.
The Conservative faction, as they call themselves,
is represented by Mr. W. C. McGowan,
who has just addressed you. He lays down
his platform which consists of four planks.
He proposes to go before the people of Abbeville
eountv.and UDon this Dlatform he hones
to win. It is this: the lien law should not be
repealed; the proposed bill for a county government
should not prevail; educational or
property qualification for suffrage, and the S3
poll tax.
Now. my friends, I will try to prove, and I
think I can convince you, that there is not a
living issue In a single plank of his platform.
First, the Men law. The only and best reply
that 1 can make to this plank Is the action ot
ttie late House of Representatives on the bill
to repeal the lien law. One zealous member,
who thought the law should be changed or repealed,
brought lorth a bill and after advocating
It In a long speech It was submitted to
a vote, and as well as I remember there was
but one who was favorable to the bill, and
this was the action of a Tillmanlto Legislature.
Does thut look like we wanted It repealed?
The next plank has the proposed bill In the
late House of Representatives to change tht
county government.
Now, to explain more fully the necessity or
the expressed wish of the people lor some
change in our comity government, we must
refer to your action at the ballot box two
years ago when you, or two-thirds of the legal
voters of Abbeville couuty decided to eliminate
or lake from the Constitution of South
Carolina the olllce of County Commissioners.
Why did the people do this? Is It not apparent
that they wanted some change lu the
County government?
With this before the Legislature that body
brought forth a bill which was amended and
discussed u great deal. It had many good
features anu In the main was a good bill.
Hud it passed and when put to a test its Imperlectlons
could have hereafter been repealed
or changed. Rut tills Is a dead Issue. It is
simply an old til 11 of the last Legislature
which failed to pass, and I contend It Is not
proper 10 uiscuss u. n me people meant tne
question of a change in the county government
discussed, I think that would be proper,
but not the old bill which is now dead.
The next plank of Mr. McGowan's platform
is qualified suffrage.
><ow, Mr. McGowan knows very well that
the qualification of voters is a constitutional
provision, and that whatever may be the
opinion 01 any one it will require a change in
the Constitution, and tills change must be
submitted to you for your approval by two
thirds of the voters of Mouth Carolina, it Is
you. my fellow citizens, the people, who
make Constiiutlons,?not Governors, nor Legislatures.
It Is you who have the power to
say what your Constitution shall be, and now
while 011 lhat subject I will say that If you reelect
me to a seal in the House of Representatives
that 1 will vote lor a resolution to submit
to you the question of whether or not
you want to call a Constitutional Convention,
but there is one thing that you may depend
upon?uever will 1 consent to disfranchise
any white citizen of South Carolina, uevei
will 1 agree to lake the vole from him.
Mr. McGowan's fourth and last plank is the
much discussed S3 poll tax. TheConsttlullon
of South Carolina tlxes the polls to be levied
annually at $1, no more, nor no less, upon all
male citizens between the ages of '21 and SO,
who are able to earn a support. Tills lax is
applied exclusively to school purposes. Uov.
ivfluino in ins wisdom looking alter ail of
the educational advantages o! .South Carolina
suggested in Ills Inaugural address tnat some
changes ought to lie made In our common
system, suggested that the poll be raised to ${,
solely lor tlio benefit of the schools, and especially
for those schools located in the extreme
country, where, In my opinion, the educational
advantages is little more than a sham, a
farce. I ask you, my friends, are you satisfied
with the schools of your country? Do
you believe that your chlldreu can be educated
under the present system without some
plan that will enable you to employ more efficient
teachers and keep your schools open
longer? I will answer for you, No. And In
my opinion in ten or fifteen years you will
find thH illiteracy In the country appalling.
1 say the country, for centres such as towns,
villages and clues, take care of themselves.
In such places they often assess themselves
and have good schools.
This increase of the poll to $i Gov. Tillmau
thought was the most equitable way to Improve
the country schools. The fund raised
under the constitutional levy of two mills is
about all that property will bear. The public
lund now raised Is equally divided between
the races. The colored race contributing a
very small proportion, under this poll levy
it would bear equally upon both races.
Now, my fellow citizens, something must be
done to relieve the schools. I am ready to receive
any suggestion from the opposition.
Let them give us something better. If nothing
Is offered It shows that they ure not looking
at the true interest of the poor people of
our country.
Now, my friends, you have the three dollar
poll tax oeiore you. uonsiuer 11 careiuuy,
and 1 believe that you will come to the couelusion
that in ilie absence of anything belter,
thai it would bo a good. law. The people
need have no fears about It, it will require a
change in ihc Constitution which will lake
about two yea is to carry Into effect, if even
made, and yon will have an opportunity 01
expressing your wish at the baliut box twice
upon the subject.
My Jriends I have consumed w much of my
lime in replying to Mr. McGotvan, that I
must make the remainder ol my remarks
short. I appear before you not only as a candidate
lor re-election to a seat In the llouse ol
Representatives, but also to account to you
lor my stewardship as one of your Ueprcsentatives
In the last Legislature. 1 am ready to
answer to auy cliaige or explain any vote
made by me, as your Representative. 1 w. s
not leu by John C. Haskell of the opposiiion
as some hav? charged. I did myuutyboluly
and fearlessly, ever keeping in mind the
inte'est ol my constituents, and it is tor you
to say by your ballots whether or not you
waul me to again represent you in the Legislature.
in conclusion,allow me to thank you for
l lie very complimentary vole cast lor meat
tins box two years ago, and I am sure that
there is no one who would more highly esteem
the compliment of a renewed expression
of confidence coming from the people of
Lowtidesvllle.
Kpcccli of Mr. I>. II. Miitflll.
The next speaker introduced was Mr. I). 11,
M. trill, of I lodges, a candidate for the House
of Kcpcsentative.i, who spoke as follows :
Kellaw-i'iti/.ens Ladies and Gentlemen:
**'' <>> .! I.ifr <1 I ml I I I/I<| I
J Ills Is 111> i1tsi emu i <11. iiiimuiknimm.mvu.j
speech, 11 nil ! .mist therefore bet; you to "view
ine not with !i < rille's eye, hul pass my imperfections
liy." I whs announced as a candidate
for the House ol' Representatives at the
last election. Hit I was stricken with lever lielore
the opening of the campaign, anil thus
himlereil Ironi seeing the people of Abbeville
county ami rpeaking to itiem In my behalf. 1
Notwithstanding this, I received a very hand-1
some vote, and I am truly gratelul to you for!
your kind consideration.
I appear iielore you again as a candidate fori
Hie llouse ?> ' Representatives,mid sincerely
trust that you will favor m? with a sutllcient
vote to scat me as a member ot that honorable
body. Now. I declare to you, lellow-clti-'
/ens, that it :s not the loaves and llslies 1 am
seeking. because the same are two small and
insignificant, to justify the labor and time
their attainment would require. Neither is it
the honor attaching to tiic position liiat I
seek: but I desire to become your representative
hi llie Legislature of our Slate in order
that I may put forth my feebleetlbrts to bring
about Hie enactment of such laws as will in?
sure the amelioration of the present condition
of lite predominant element of the citizenship
of the State of Soutli Carolina, more
pariicuiar'v "I Abbeville comity. While
tlicie arc iany things that might have been
ilotiu liy our Legislators In tlie past, looking
to such end. they have been left undone
Now it is not in me to boast that I will an[ oinphsh
everything that lias been left unaccomplished.
tor no individual member of
voiir l.egislai'ire, though lie may be a power,
lor good or ev 11, can ^uarautec and ellect tlic
passage of every measure he may favor, bat if I
you elect rue It will he my greatest pride to J
labor unceasingly,?untiringly In the inter
ests of tlie wlmlu people of Abbeville county, (
with an eye specially single t<> the wel are ol I
those classes of our people who are in the
greatest need of the attention ot the iaw-mak- I
crs of our day,?those classes that have been
neglected save to be legislated against, fur a i
hall century, I allude to the poor and downtrodden
people who feed and clothe the world i
?t he tanner and'lhe laboring man.
it jon elect ine 1 do not mean to favor the '
enactment ot laws that are unjust auil work
advantages to one Class and detriment to another.
No fair minded man can ask this. I i
do not believe that the banks, railroads, or
any corporation should be made to pay a tax
rate greater than thetarmeror the mechanic <
pays. That would be contrary to the prluct- I
pies of Justice and right, and subversive ol
the principles upon which our government is
founded. But that unjust iegisiatiou has
been going on in the laud for half a century,
no lalr-minded, honest man can deny. It has,
however, been In favor ot the banks, corporations
and the money power, to the everlasting
detriment of the agricultural and laboring
man. Such being true. It becomes you,
fellow clilzcjiis, to see to it that none be elected
as your law-makers, who are not In favor,
sincerely in lavor of abolishing all such Inlq- !
uitous legislation, and who will give eve-y
man, rich or poor, educated or Illiterate, the
same showing so tar as the laws of .South Carolina
are concerned.
If any man dispute that there are laws on
the statute books of ttie country id derogation
of the rights of the people and granting
special privileges to banks, corporations and
oilier like powers, I would ask that man to
explain why the governs.lent has laid the
strong arm of Its taxing power on State
banks, and If lie be honest, he will admit that
.State banks have beeu taxed out of existence,
nay, they have been destroyed tor the beueflt
or National banks. I disclaim any idea ol
making war on National banks, or discussing
the question or the re-establlshment or State
banks, but I do say with emphasis that If National
banks are to be with us tu the future
they should stand upon their own merits.
They are old euougli to stand alone, for they
have been the pampered pet of the government
for thirty years. I fovor the abolition or
every special privilege enjoyed by them or
any other Institution of a simitar nature, and
i will support no man who does not agree
with me In this, or measures that looks in
any other direction.
I agree with Senator M. C. Butler when he
says: "That In the regions of the South and
West, where great stringency exists there Is
plenty of capital, but little monsy."
When, then, I ask, Is there a scarcity of
money unless it is due to legislation ? Why
are you farmers of Abbeville county sbrort In
money matters ? Why should such a state of
affairs exist?
The broad valleys of the Savannah and the
fertile banks of the Saluda, smiling with
snow white fields of the staple and waving in
fragrance with golden grain, exhibit to the
world an abundance of capital as well as a
sound security not exceeded In any country
under the shilling sun.
The live stock that grazes upon your hills
and in your meadows, together with persoual
property of various kinds with personal credit,?all
are capital, but unavailable as a basis
of credit. Why? Because the statute books
oi the government are ouraeuea wmi eu?w
menls thai make this capital unavailable as a
t>.i-sls of credit, and money Is so scarce and so
dear tbat for many months oat of the twelve,
they can not be utilized. In tbe financial centres
of the country money is abundant, I admit,
and readily obtained, but you can not
procure it except at the most ruinous and exacting
rates, because you have not such security
as Is demanded, and as the laws now
stand your progress and comfort and legitimate
development is retarded.
You liuve a right., fellow citizens of the agricultural
class to cry with a loud voice lor a
change, and to realize your most sanguine expectations.
You are the most numerous of the productive
classes. You ca^t votes enough every
lour years to elect the President, a majority in
Congress, the State Legislatures, una the
| county officers, but you own but one-Iourth of
tho nation's wealth, you furnish three-fourths
of the nation's tax burdens, you produce
nine-tenths of the wealth which flows into
the coffers of the rich corporations and millionaires.
You are poor and hard up, from being taxed
to support an extravagant. National government,
together with depreciated prices In
your products as a result of exorbitant transportation
charges and commissions to board
of trade tniddie men.
Still you have It in your power to control
the whole government, from the office of
President dowD to the officeof County Jury
Commissioner. In the State of South Carolina
you represent the bulk of true Democracy,
as iu all the Southern States, then why
not elect to your Legislature men whom you
know to be your friends; men who will repeal
every UUJUM JUW UJIXt UlliiLin JUU, uuu
such statutes as would Becure you Justice, equity
and protection.
Vou are sufficiently well educated in political
matters to obviate the necessity of my
telling you that you should send no man into
thecouncils of your government, who, though
ne professes to be your friend, is found in the
company of those you know to be your enemies.
"Beware*of false prophets, which come
to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they
are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by
their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns
or flgs of thistles?"
So far as I urn concerned, my farmer friends.
| I have been with you ever since the dawn or
the tirsl day you dared to begin clamoring for
your rights. I atn no recent convert to the
belief that the farmers are an oppressed people.
And ofttlmes In hurling down anathemas,
In tny feeble way, upon the heads of those
who seek your oppression I have Incurred llie
displeasure and olten -the ill will of Irlendsol
former days, but I am with yQU still. So If
you shall elect men to represent you in the
Legislature, I will be found battling for your
rights, from the moment I enter the portals
until I retire, as your servant, from theState
House, let come what will.
I.et me again assure those of my fellow citizens
who do not belong to that numerous
class to whom I have more particularly
spoken, that they will suffer nothing at my
hands. I am sure they can expect nothing
short of justice between man and man, and
this being true, they will agree with me that
the agricultural class is sadly in need ot what
has been denied them so long,?protective legislation.
When the lawyer, and the preacher and the
merchant, and the banker, and the corporation.
and the millionaire shall concede and
?ll ?h..il l),olF Inol Hoinonilc
agree mut nu ou?n im.c ,>?: . j?o.
of the government, then will this lair land
blossom with love, contentment nnd peace.
Then will the barriers between the classes be
annihilated.
The rosy cheeked daughters of the farm
house will join hands In loving companionship
with thequeensof the palaces of wealth,
and sit down together, without, their accustomed
glances of envy and hatred, in the
j holy temple of their common maker, and
[' praise him from whom all blessings flow."
j Mr. Muglll In answer to the question asked,
stated that he was opposed to the property
qualification vote, and would favor prohibition
if tite people were in favor of It, and that
lie was a Tlllmanite. He also thought the
salaries of State ofllcers were low enough.
Speech of lion. F, B, Clary,
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen :
it is indeed a pleasure, Mr. Chairman, to
meet the good people of this community, to
timlce new nccqunintnut'ces, and renew friendships
already lormed. Two years ago, fellow
citizens, some of us appeared before you to
express our views upon the political issues
which wore tlien before the people. Those
[ issues were Hearty dellned and we were elected
upon a platform demanding "rigid economy
In public expenditures; the abolition
of useless offices; that public ollleers be paid
in proporilou to their labor and responsible
liy and demanding equal rights to all and
special privilnes to none." Some of us were
elected upon the Isaue whether or not we endorsed
thispiallorni and its exponent. 1$. U.
Tillman.
We are here to-day to civc an account of
our stewardship and toshow whht has been
done to redeem the pledges made to you.
Tills platform was the result of a determination
on the purt. of the p'-ople to take a more
active interest in the a It airs of the government
and to remedy wrongs which they felt
to exist. At tliat time I had an abiding failli
in the Justice of the movement and so expressed
myself, ita was time, fellow citizens,
when but few professional men In this county
dared express themselves as In sympathy
...lih rnnr i.(furls II whs 11 time, fellow CI t
I/ens, when social ostracism, like tiu> .sword ]
Damocles, threatened the head of lilm who |
dared to espouse the cause of the people. I
J was with you then from principle; and I
hardly think that I will be suspected of being
with you from any other motive to-day. |
Certain promises were made you on the,
slump, and now it is your privilege to in<|iiire <
of us whether or not we have kept the laith.
In answer to such an Inquiry I would say
that some ol your demands haw not become ;
laws; but in lixl ng t he responsibility for their |
failure,you must consider what each Individ-j
ual member has done to have them enactuU 1
into laws. I]
The Law in its wisdom has made provision ,
for preserving the vote of every member of ]
the Legislature and whatever he does is re- 'j
corded. A careful study of this record will i
disclose ttie fact that, i > every instance, with- i
out exception, the Abbeville delegation has;
been I rue to t tic prom 1st s made and could ul-11
ways be relied on to support measures look- j
iug'to the good ol the whole people. In fix- .
Ing the responsibility for the failure of some ?
.1'" ......i.iiivs which von demanded You ,
in list. remember that thcie were obstruction- \
i>ls in tlio Legislature from wIkiiii these incus- i
tiros ini't Willi opposition as firm ami tuieeas- (
iiii; as ever disgraced the liulis ol a South Carolina
Legislature. \
Itut ill spite of litis uiipaiMllclled ami hit- r
ter opposition many of our pledges have heen c
redeemd. For insianee, you were promised
oil the stump that if the Keiorm movement l
was successful, such a law would he made as j
would create a l'hosphate cumin Union with j
power to lake charge of theCoosaw Territory s
and contest the rlgM of the Coosaw Cmpiiny |(
to forever exclude all other companies from
mining in this phosphate region. This law
was passed afler a hlttier tiirlit. The contest
was made in the eourtsi. The judgment of o
' ' '&~^'rX
lip people lias been vindicated in the highest
tidicinl tribunal in the land and to-day Coo aw
territory Is in the hands of tills Phosphate
om mission and Is being operated in the inlerest
of the people and not operated by a
'giant moropoly." So ranch for that promise.
Again, you were promised that a law
ivmild be enacted reorganizing the South Carolina
University upon a"?mmon sense plan.
At tlint time there wor>- about 1*0 students in
Attendance with 27 professors to teach tliem,
less than seven students to each Professor.
This Institution has been reorganized, the
number of Professors reduced to seven, and
to-day this institution is regarded by friends
tnd foes alike as "the pride or the State." So.
much for this promise.
But again, you were told that the Interests
df the white woman of our Stale had been
long and sadly overlooked, that It was a crying
shame upon our enlightened civilization
thai noth'ng had ever been done by the Stale
t>f South Carolina for the education of the
white girls. That (If the*Reform movement
Rucceded some provision would be made for
them. This lias been done. The F. I. 8.. has
been established, and the city of Anderson
has given a sufficient sum to erect the buildings
to secure Its location at that piuce. And
to-day the trustees of the Peabdoy fund are
anxious to donate to the Institution S50.000.
So much for this promise.
But again, you were promised that If the
Reform movement succeeded the Agricultural
Bureau would be abolished and the duties ot
Commissioner of Agriculture would be impo?ed
upon the faculty of Clemson College
without cost to the tax-payers. That has
been done.
But again you were told that If the Reform
movement was successful a re apportionment *
of representation would be had, and those
counties which then had more representatives
than they were entitled to, would be
given the proper number. That reapportionment
has been had. and Charleston which
heretofore by reason of her large representation
in the Legislature wielded such a powerful
influence, has lost five representatives In
the deal. Her number has been reduced from
twelve to seven. I
Again, fellow citizens, your laxps have been
lowered, and an Inspection of the books ot
the County Auditor will show that every taxpayer
in Abbeville county now pays on the'
same amount of property considerably less
taxes. These, fellow citizens, are *ome,of the
reforms which have been accomplished by a
raw Legislature in the short time it has been
on trial; and that too In the face of difficulties
that would have appalled a less determined
body.
But you are asked to cast o^t as nnworthy
public servants the men wno have accomplished
thus much, because forsooth Gov. Tillman
lti his desire to give to you who live In
the country better school facilities has sugg&ted
a poll tax as the means. Hear the
words of Gov. Tillman and Judge for yourself
If he has not been egregrlously slandered
when they tell yon he is the enemy of the
poor man. Here are his utterances:
"The education and DroDer training of the
voters who roust choose tlie public officers to
carry on the State's affairs Is a sacred fluty,
which can not be nexlccted without Injury to
the State and society. * Are we doing
all wecan to train our youths and fit them for
the duties of 111c? I answer unhesitatingly,
No!
'In our towns and villages by reason of supplementary
taxes or voluntary contributions,
the schools are fairly good. Among the farmers
in the country the good school Is the exception,
while Inferior schools, which run
three or four months, are the rule. * * I
suggest the following scheme to Improve the
free school system us a basis of permanent
and lasting schools, &c. * * * The poll tax
should be three dollars Instead of one dollar
as now, and this will require a constitutional
amendment."
These are the words, fellow citizens, of him
who is represented to you us the poor man's
talHe friend and wliom you are asked to repudiate.
But, fellow citizens, they never tell
yon that yon are the only power that can
make the poll tax 88. They never tell you
that if you do not agree witu tne Governor's
scheme to Improve the schools, that you have
an opportuulty of voting dowu a constitutional
amendment If one should be submitted to .
you. (Mr. Gary here read from the Constitution
what was necessary to be done before the
Constitution could be changed."
Again, you are told that Goy. Tillman favors
a Constitutional Convention. Very true.
Tii%t Mil fKlun/lu tmn huua n 1 a/\ (ho rli/hf tn AY.
press your approval or disapproval of a Constitutional
Convention wben such a question
Is presented to you, which ranst bo done. Besides,
fellow citizens,if you shonld desire a
Constitutional Convention the Convention
will be composed of tuen selected by you, and
from your midst. I
They tell you that you must continue to
live under, a Constitution forced apon you by
the alien and the scalawag, because forsooth
it Is dangerous to allow the people to come together
In their sovereign capacity. It is aa
insult to your intelligence and should be so
rebuked.
They tell yon if a Convention Is held Ben
Tillman, by reason of his great Influence with }
the people, can have any tning Ingrafted into
the Constitution bo desires. But why has he
so much influence with the people? It Is be- '
cause tne people have learned by experlenco
that they can safely rely oil his Judgment, integrity
and leadership.
But they tell us tliut he must be defeated because
he wants a servile Legislature. I deny
that he wants such a Legislating. He desires
a Legislature composed of men in genuine '
sympathy with the administration?men of
sound Judgment and Independent thought.
Hear his own words to the Legislature and
Judge for yourselves whether or not he desires
a Legislature to do his bidding. Here are his ,
words :
"I have given you the best light I have bat
I am not infallible, and have no pride of
opinion. There is a fearful responsibility
resting on me by reason of the reliance upon
my leadership. But you cannot avoid the responsibility
resting on your shoulders, and
you will do wrong to cast a single vote against
your Judgment, no matter whence comes the
recommendation." Does this looK like he
wan/s a Legislature?
But they tell us again that Gov. Tillman
should be defeated because lie has Injured the
credit of the State, But what bus done more .
to Injure the credit of the State (if Indeed it
has been Injured) than the articles appearing
In the opposition papers, and which have
been so freely circulated abroad by his ac-.
cusers? What has Gov. Tillman done to
bring reproach upon the State? Hasn't every
valid obligation of (he State been promptly
met? Have not the interests of the State
been carefully guarded ? But then Gov. Tillman
needs no defence al my hands, and I
have said this much, simply to show upon
what shallow sophistries these displaced
statesmen are depending to be reinvested
with "power."
Now. Mr. Chairman, I have about consumed
the time allotted to inc. Hut In conclusion
let me pledge you t hat if I ain again honored
with a seat in the Legislature I shall keep constantly
in mind that ''public office is a public i
trust," and It will he my endeavor to enact
such laws as will insure "eijual rights to all,
and special privileges to none."
Speech of IIon. J. Hint;.
Mr. J. X. King wits next introduced and he
spoke in substance as follows:
Mr. Chairman and Fellow-, itizens.
I appear before you to-day as a candidate ^
for a seat in the House of Representatives. /
I have had the honor of representing you
and I um on record as lo the issues of the / ,
time.
The reform movement has swept this country
from the mountains totiiesea, and it has
gathered strength as it move onward.
Review the results of this reform movement,
and you will tind that your interests
have been protected In every department of
the government.
There arc some matters before us to-day for
discussion that I wish to discuss briefly and
the first In tha Constitutional Convention of
which you have heard so much of to-day. I
am opposed to a Consilltu onal Convention,
xnd fought It when I was in the Legislature.
It would ba a dangerous thing to tamper with
our Constitution, when it can be easily
amended by the people themselves. The cost
of ?ConstitHtioual Convention will bean extra
burden on the people, a burden that they
iiri? mil now able t?i hear. Let US Content OUT
selves with trying to better the (.'oustltutlou
we have, and run no risk In experimenting.
As to the three dollar poll tax I am opposed
to It. ns I believe li would tic unjust and unfair
to the laboring man. 1 am in favor of
taxing railroads and corporations in proportion
toother j>piperty,and am opposed to the
repeal of the lienjaw. The lien law Is the
poor man's friend,and the only thing he can
rely on in time of need.
1 am in favor of prohibition, and am opposed
to a qualification vote, as It will disfranL-hie
many a poor man.
My friends, I thank you for yon kind attention,
and if you elect nie to u seal In the
House of Representatives 1 will serve to the
best ol my knowledge, and will advocate
measures ttiai will lie of benefit to the farmers.
.Speech of Kev. W. A. (>niiir?.
The Itev. \V. A. (lalneswas next introduced
mil spoke us follows:
[ 'elliiw-t'iti/.ens.
lam suit into this campaign by ('a)honn
Democratic club ol which 1 am a member,
fheir action was a surprise to me. 1 never
lad made a speeeh on politics there, or any
.vhere else. I lu?<l no imlilieal aspiration.
Thirty-four year* ago I gave up a tine business
and bright business prospects to become
i minister <>( the gospel, anil Itnve never resetted
my choice. They complain that tho
?! v?iiii:iIi siiie or our county has hail only
>11 ? representative in the House since the
ear, the iaie Col. Harper, ami mat it would
>< 1(1 Hie interest ol the whole country for
his half to have a suitable member.
liesides, (hey insist that I am In sympathy
villi efforts to secure the most cllleient and
eonomiegovernment, and that I have tho
ouruKc ol my convictions.
As to declaration of principles, I must
leurtlly approve the nomination ol Cleveaud
for President. The Kreat vampire that
ssappins: our agricultural interests in excesive
tariff. But silver ought to be ou equal
I'gai parity with gold.
I heartily endorse Gov. Tillman. He was
lecied out of the largest class ol our citizens
-the farmers and represents on. largest Inustry
aud fostera' ull true iutcre^U witU