Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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'-"[?I "'i'1 " Ililli rill! MJI ll IIJ, I ,. , Pt,, 111 I III...HM J^jlJ ,^Jj^M'- ,^L-'V ?'' Pu'V1 < I llg^' -'^ 1 "' VOL. XXI WEDNESIVAT MORNING, J?JSfE 29, 1870, - NO 10; - . " . " ' " -.'j.- . ' -. ._- .?-- UM-- - t?*?-~ - Kum - - - ...t.?.??m DEVOTED TO LITERATURE, MORALITY AND GENERAL The Sumter Watchman {ESTABLISHED IN lMf J if rsii;ii;ii . . AT SUMTER. S. O.^BY GILBERT & FLOWERS. Terms. ODO yeer....;*.............."*f jf Six taonths. I ** Three mouth?..'-- * 99 ADVERTISBMENTS Intered .? of ON* DOLLAR AND HWV ??H?8 ??r iquere for the tnt, ONB DOLLAR for the .ecoad, ?ad FIPTI OBNTS for each Pac^gont ioiartloo, for any period 'S*^?*!??^ OBIXUARIBS.^BIBUTJSS OF RESPECT end ell oommunleatione which ?observe private iotereiti, will be paid tor <" edrertUement?. THE REFORM CONVENTION. SPEECHES Of * - GENS* Rf. C. BUTLER ARB 3% B. KERSHAW, RBT, JONAS BIRD, COLORED, J. 1?. THOMAS AND OTUBB8. SPEECHES ON THE PLATFORM-MR. ?. t?. KEITT. On motion of Mr. E. 8. Keitt, of Newberry, the report of the Committee on Platform waa taken up for consider? ation, whereupon that gentleman pro? ceeded to address the Convention at length. He Haid that this was an oooa sion of great solemnity, and he was duly impressed with its importance. Frankness, however, would compel him to say that he did not fully oonour in all the viewa therein expressed, for the reason that it was comparatively in complete. It referred only to the past. He would have it more comprehensivo and progressive still. A hundred years had not passed away since the only government in the land was that of Old England. During the time that has since elapsed, while we have enjoyed freedom, tho blaok man remained in bondage. At last, however, his ories had ascended to the Throne of Grace, and God had raised up a delivorer io tho person of Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Keitt then proceeded to draw a histori? cal parallel between the bondage of the Israelites and that of the colored peo? ple of the South, illustrating tha man? ner in which Moses eventually led the former to the land of promise before he died, and in whioh Lincoln likewise witnessed the fruition of his work, and then gathered to his fathers. Drawing the lessons from these examples, he urged upon the Convention the im? portance of abandoning all prejudices, recognising no North, South, East or Wost ; of uniting under tho puro white banner of right against wrong ; truth against falsehood, and good against evil. Then, and then alono, would the angels be arrayed upon our side, and the God of mercy and justioe command in the fight. SPEECH Ol' GEN. M. O BUTLER. Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Convention :-Having had the honor of introducing the platform whioh is the subject of discussion, I feel oallod upon to endorse what has fallen from my distinguished friend. If ever there was a time when the good sense of our peo? ple, black and white, should bo invoked in determining what is best for the in? terest of South Carolina that occasion is thc present. We have assembled for no child's play, but to show our earnestness in a movement that promi? ses to redound to the oommon good. Wc uro not hore for the purpose of) skirmishing, or interchanging random shots with the opposite party; but to work like men, like the children of one mother, for her welfare and her peace. (Applause.) Now what aro the issues before us ? I On thc one side we seo a long, dark line ; on tho other an array of pale I faces, in hostile antagonism, while all arouud us are politioal vultures, flapping their wings and gorging themselves upon the carcasses that fall beneath their blows. That, sir, is the picture, aud uo man in South Carolina oan deny it. Rut, I ask, is that antagonism a natural one ? Has it been produced by natural causes ? No ! Blaok and white we are a common people and bave a common destiny-and there is no rea? son why we should not be united in all our purposes, save that between tho two races an element has been interposed wbieh bas tho ounning to promote strife. And the object of this platform is to heal the differences that have arisen, and to reconcile all misunder? standing that have occurred. (Ap? plause.) I am frank to concede that the misfortune has been partially of our own creation-I refer to the white pco plo of South Carolina. We have never put ourselves in a condition in which tho colored people oould vote for us. I tell thc truth ai it stands, and desiro that it shall be freely ventilated from ouc eud of thc State to the othor. Wo huve never put ourselves io such a po? sition that tho colored citizens of South Carolina could heartily sustain us until tho present moment. Do wo ask why ? I propose to answor the question with a short resume of the condition of affairs since the close of the war. You will remomber that wo returned home in 1865, after having laid down our arms. Chaos, confusion and anarohy reigned. What was first done't The people assembled in primary meetings; they sent representatives to the then President of tho United States, Androw Johnson, to set forth' the circumstances of the oouotry, to-acknowledge their ac? quiescence in the resulta of the struggle and to obtain counsel. Mr. Johnson said, return to your State. I will ap? point a Provisional Governor. Organ? ize your Convention ; popularize your State Government ; repeal the Ordinanoe of Secession ; recognize the emancipa? tion of slavery, and observe your| paroles. These were tho terms, and " appeal to history to prove that tho con-1 ditions imposed were faithfully observed and the instructions of the President of the United States wore religiously obeyed. What resulted f Congress met. But congross repudiated these terms of reconstruction. Mr. Johnston insisted and appealed to our honor, our oharaoter ?"r. self rcspeot not to fall into the trap whioh this Radical Congross had set. That too is history ; and what was more natural than that they ahould look to the eommon ohief of the armies and navies of the United States for their protection and peace. What followed ? Tho Convention in Philadelphia. It was laid far and wide tho Democratic party will triumph, and you will he successful. We sympa thired and labored! bat ?gain we were, deluded. Congress mot. The antagon? ism between that body and the Presi? dent continued to increase, and between the upper and the nethei millatone we were ground, almost to powder. Now, sir, tho people of South Carolina pro? poses to take care of themselves, with-? out reference to the De m o ora tie party without reforenoe to any party, but look? ing aolely to the interest? of tho State. (Great applause). We aro told by some of our Demoeratio friends that this is inconsistent, and that by adher? ing to the fortunes of that party we shall eventually bring about a condition cf things that will practically solve the problem of our salvation. As to the oharge of inconsistency, let me refer those gentlemen to their own sot when in 1865, they mot and repealed the ordinance of Secession, and recog? nized the emancipation of slaves. It was duty then ; it is duty now ; and there is no more inconsistency in this movemeub by the people.of South Caro? lina than there would be in my taking the oars on the Pacific Rail Road,instead of travelling across the country in a wagon. The beaten traok of our fore? fathers is not to-day the shortest route lo succe-s. We must adapt ourselves to circumstances, and the circumstances wbioh exist impel you and me to a Bourse of aotion which, in a certain de gr?e, makes us turn our backs upon the past. We have to grapple with events, and recognize things as they are. (Applause.) No man has a right to violeto the law, unless he determines upon revolution, and that is the funda? mental principles whioh underlies this platform. It sets forth that such and such acts have boen passed, and aro the laws of the land, consequently, that it is our duty, as citizens, to reoognize and obey them in good faith, truth and sin? cerity. (Applause) Now what do the colored people of South Carolina say ? I have heard their arguments. I know the influences brought to bear upon them, and before I finish, it may be necessary for me to call names, fer I believe in spoakingthe English langnago bluntly whenever truth demands it. They are told that we are simply the rebel Democracy in disguise, aud have como here for thc purposo of deceiving them. The most infamous devices are resorted to for thc ?urpose of deluding these poor peoplo. y by sir, wo had a delegation of eight from Edgefield, but the morning before I started thc rumor was circulated that there would be a mob at tho depot in Columbia, and that ovory colored dele? gate would be beaten or killed. They were told that they could get no place to lay their heads, and at Edgefield Court House colored men who dared to be independent were absolutely intimi? dated and run from tho public square There are certain peoplo who speak of this as the "June bug Convention." Well ; there are some bugs whioh are muoh moro offensive than Juno bugs. (Great applause and laughter.) They call us tho "palpitating reformers," and protend to treat the movement with contempt, yet the organ of that corrupt party devotes four columns every morn? ing to the discussion of the question. To my mind when ajournai ora party is forced to resort to such arguments and efforts, it is an evidence that they are. in a straitened condition. (Ap? plause.) Rut I may be asked why, if I can adopt such a platform-one so closely allied to that of the Republican party, and fully expressive of its ideas-I do not join tho Union League and go into that party. My reason is this, because that league is a vehiolo and means to entrap and deceive and oompel a man, by oaths, to support only those persons who may be nominated by that body. I am in favor of the freest and fullest exer? cise of opinion; and, for ono, I do not propose to sustain any organization whioh cramps mo with fetters in a sla? very worse than any that ever existed jn this country. (Great applause.) The object of this movement is to dis? enthrall those who aro thus bound hand and foot; to let them think for themsel? ves; aot like independent citizens, ind to achieve results that will provo the virtue, the honor and sagacity of truly freo men. Let mo mention another incident. At the meeting in Edgefield, when these colored people came in from the neigh? borbood, the Leagues had their run? ners, in all directions, saying "Don't go noar them ; don't hear them ; they mean to put you back into slavery ; get into tho woods-anywhere-but keep out of tho meeting." I said to ono of their representatives, "If you havo any argument worth hoar ing oome out into tho broad daylight ; don't go undor oovor of the night, and attempt to deceive those people in the small hours of the morning as if you wore afraid of honest influences, for I ezpeot when the Fifteenth Amendment is ratified on tb 4th ef July to nddrcss that crowd." He said to me, "I don't think you will bo allowed to do it, sir, but even if you were, it's no use to talk to a nig ycr, he's got no sense." That is tho style iu whioh these men speak of tho colored peoplo, whose votes have given thom the lifo and sustenance whioh they enjoy to day. It is suoh faots as these that wo want. Let tho truth be elimi? nated, and when it stands forth in all its naked strength, we deserve to bo de? feated if we oannot use it as a weopon with whioh to destroy those enomics of the peaee and prosperity of tho State. (Applause.) Why, sir, I see every day of my life men wno wore raised upon tho same breast, in an attitude of bitter hostile antagonism, and yet when the people of the State oome forward and say we recogniio events as thoy are, and we pledgo ourselves to abide by them what is the reply ? "Don't trust them ; they are deoeiving yon." Now I proposa fora moment to en? quire into the character of the present administration, and I do BO upon . the principle, if you will pardon the homely expression, that when I go a fishing, I go a fishing., [Laughter.] We are asked what objeotion we have lo that administration ? I answer because it bas not carried out Republican principles. The Executive of South Carolina was eleoted confessedly by the oolored voto. How have those people been rewarded ? I speak of my o wo county. Out of twenty appointments of magistrates by the Governor, there was but ono colored ??arson, and he was afterwards removed or doing justice between a white man and a blaok man. So m ooh for Edgefield. He desires to establish a constabluary force in South Carolina.- What does he do? If be wants a jail cleaned out or any other dirty work done, he picks up a "nigger" at $16 per month ; but when he wants his fancy riding gentleman, with broad doth clothes and breastpin*, to travel leisurely over the State on horseback, at $00 a month, he sends to Ohio. I defy the administration to deny it. Now is that Republicanism ? Is it carrying out the promises or the pro? fessions of the party? No sir, and what is more, when you ask them why thoy don't give some of the intelligent col? ored people these appointments, the answer is ? Why they are not qualified ; "the niggers hav'ut got sense enough." Mr. President, it is false. There are with? in my knowledge and within yours and 1 that of every member of this Conven? tion thirty or forty colored mon, whom we would rather see ocouping these offices, than a large portion of the white men who have been appointed. They are content to let the blaok man do their dirty work, to wheedle and delude him until his vote is seemed end then they lay him aside to be preserved for future use. Now in this platform we rcoognize ovents as they are ; we pledge ourselves to do justice, and if we say to the col? ored people you shall participate in tho offices and emoluments at our disposal, as men of honor I insist that it shall be i done, and that we shall not like this imported crowd, shy "the nigger is good enough to vote, but he is not good enough to hold office." [Great ap? plause.] These are facts which the Rcpubli can administration do not cure to have ' vontilated. They would keep them in . the book ground, if they could, and let no honest white man investigate i Some of my friends say, ?Go homo without making a nomination. Wait, and appeal to the magnanimity of those men 1" Why,0Sir, you might ns well ap peal to a highwayman not to take your < purse. The present government want us to Ho supinely on our backs while the officers fill their pockets. They fear to have us talk to tho colored peo pie, and would be grateful if wo would continue to stand aloof us we have becu foolishly doing for tho last four years. For ono, however, I propose to step to the trout, and grapple with things as they are, [applause] j to recognize them in all their power, and to regard the Fifteenth Amendment as one of the ac? complished facts of the age. [Applause.] Look whero we may, the tendency of the time i? towards the enlargement of popular rights. The German Confcd eration has sprung into greatness under the magic power of the illustrious Bis? marck. The French demand reform, and thc Emperor concedes it through thc medium of the Pclbiseituml The people of Great Britain demand reform, and it is granted by that strong Govern? ment. Spain is emancipating her slaves and Ruassia her serfs. AU the civilized countries of the earth sro engaged in the same progressive movement, and why should we of America lag behind in the race ? Sir, it is in pursuance of these great demands of thc hour, that we conoedo what has been embodied in this platform. If we hod no other rea? son, the motive of progress alone would be a sufficient exe cuse for tbe position wo take. (Applause.) The difference between the Governments of the Old World and of the New is, that when re? form is demanded thero, statesmen aro sagacious and yield to the pressure, at the same time that they preserve the dignity and integrity of tho Govern? ment. In America, however, wo tear things up by tho roots. Wo endanger and imperil the existing state of things and turn tho bottom up, leaving tho roots to expiro in the san. Now; sir, all the reform we urge is in the management of tho affairs of thc State. It is not a question of politics, not a question of power, but of truth, honor and virtue. And so sincero am I in this declaration, that I hore pub? licly announoo that if tho Excoutivc of South Carolina can satisfy mo that the oharges mado against him and his associates aro fatso, I will withdraw my opposition. Thero is another point to which I may allude in this connection. It has been the effort of the Governor of South Carolina to fix upon tho people pf the State tho stain which would attach to an organized band of Ku Klux, and to prejudice thc world against those over whom ho officially presides, betraying a malignant partisanship and recognizing no influence, no demand tavo that which emanates from those by whom ho was elected to office. Mr. President you. remember that in ' 1868 a colored man, by the name of B. F. Randolph, was murdered in Abbe? ville j Lee Nanoo was also murdered in Newberry, and Martin in Abbeville. i What waa the denouement ? The mur? derer ot Randolph goes to tho Exocu * tive of the State, with the blood upon i his hands, and acknowledges tho doed. He waa consigned to the Penitentiary, but without trial or judioinl investiga ; tion. Why was that ? It was neocssary to carry an oleotion, and this man was manipulated to secure a confession which it waa supposed could be effectu? ally used again** the people of tbe State. What followed ? The murderer waa permitted to escape, and publio opinion believes, from all the circum? stances, that it waa with official conni? vance. He goes at large, and finally retaros to his home, where*be is permit? ted to stalk abroad in defiance of the law until hia mooth is forever sealed by a pistol shot discharged by ono of the representatives of the Government. There was no investigation and to day the blood of Randolph stains the hands of the Exeoutive of South Carolina, and his spirit calls in tones of vengeance for judicial redress. Yet it has been found convenient for that same publio fnnclionary to charge this assassination upon the Ku Klux of the State. Is he a member of that or? ganization ? If not, why did he fail to bring tho criminal to justice ? Why was Talbert permitted to escape 1* Why did he roam at large filled with a secret of death and political machination until his own life was suddenly brought to an end. And with such circumstances staring us in tho face, we are asked to lie BU. pinery on our baoks, and make no sign of relief. Sir, I believe buch is not the will or determination of the people of South Carolina. We aro bent on reform and reform wo will have [Enthusiastic ? applause.] Look at the Land Commission. Thousands of dollars havo been expend ed to buy homes for tho homeless. But tho cry has m isen and will continue to risc, louder and moro powerful. "Whore aro the homes they have purchased ?" For one, I want to see that law executed, but executed in a spirit of justice, exe? cuted so that poor colored men and white men throughout tho State may enjoy its benefits, whioh is not the case at the present time. - We want the iruth in this matter, but the citizens of South Carolina have been debarred from the enjoyment ot tho privileges promised. They know nothing of the manner in which the money appropri? ated has been expended, but they do know that if tho records could be exam? ined a tale of corruption would bc told, that neither mountains nor caverns could hide. [Applause] I must apologize for trespassing so long upon the time of tho Convention. (Cries of "go on," "go on.") I have ouly this to sny in conclusion : Wo may honestly differ as to the policy that should be pursued in the present con? tingency j but we have reported a plat? form and adopted a party carno. Now what will bc tho eficot of an adjourn? ment without nominations ? My own conviction is, that having exhibited our earnestness and sincerity, having de? monstrated to tho colored people that wo do not intend to interfere with their vested rights, it is our next duty to Dominate candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor in order that wo may have standard bearers who will personify the pringles wo havo enun? ciated, publish them to thc world, and be thc standard beaven around whom the people can gather in their COD test for the right. [Applause] Let us then proceed to make these nominations as soon as the platform shall havo been adopted; and when that is done we will "hang out our bauners on tho outer walls," and sound those clarion notes whioh will rally all who lovo penco, prosperity, an honest Government, and desire the administration of equal and exact justice to all men. [Great Ap? plause.] Wo want the government in the hands of a man who will recognize his responsibility to tho people-thc source of all power-and not sit upon his throne issuing proclamations which arc but "airy nothings," and consider not the interests of the publio. Let a man occupy thc gubernatorial chair of South Carolina who will say to all the people, I hold the regis which protects you, who will perform his duty fearlessly and faithfully, who will see that the laws aro executed and rights are preserved, and I believe we shall succeed. I have confidence in the good sense of the mosses, and when all the facts are sot forth, when men are no longer intimi? dated by the rabble, and are permitted to enjoy a froo discussion of the prin? ciples embodied in this platform, when tho influence of Union Leagues no longer trammels an American oitizen and he dares to break freo from the slavery of that organization, wo shall succeed in securing to South Carolina a government just, generous and potent, in whioh her humblest citizen will feel a pride. REMARKS OP MR. E. S. KEITT. Afr. President :-I do not wish that my former remarks should he interpreted as indicating any oppositon to the pur? poses of this Convention. I only want our platform to bo broad, deep ana. com? prehensive, MO that all good men may stand upon it and do battle for the right.' As rcgnrds the nominations I am in favor of them, and whoever tho nominees may be I here pledge all my powers for their success. [Ap? plause.] REMARKS OF CYRUS FENWICK, ESQ. Cyrus Fenwick, ono o? tho colored delegates from Charleston, comprehend" od his sentiments in a scnlonco, which was expressed with a dignity and power that "brought down tho house." He said : I have but one word to utter. I am glad to seo that day has begun to dawn in South Carolina. Hopo bright? ens as we look into the future, and tho sentiments we have hoard to day testify that henceforth tho people of South Car? olina aro to bo united in a common work for tho prosperity of all. REMARKS OF ?JEN 3. B.-KERSHAW. Afr. President : I dosire, and I think it proper, to say something explanatory 'of tho view aud purpose entertained by th a movers io the matter ?1 the platform and the precise idea wbioh they endeav? ored to express, and to demonstra ter if I can, that they have, itt the result of their labors, embodied that idea. Yon Mr. President, and all the gentlemen of thia Convention, aro well aware that it ia a peouliar and diffieult thing which we propose to accomplish io thia plat form. Up to this time, there hate been two peoples in South Carolina, whose interests are identioal, whose feelings and sympathies upoB almost all subjeots are idontical, but who havo been brought into direot and even antagonism upon politieal subjeots. And that antagonism upon politieal aubjeeta. And that an? tagonism has been wrought, not upon any sound or truthful basis, but by the artful interposition of a different people botween those two fraternal races of in? habitants of South Carolina. That dif? ferent people have artfully seised upon and interposed certain pro-existing faota to lay the foundation of perpetual dis? cord between this Jaoob and thia Esau, in order that they may iniquitously profit thereby. [Applause and laughter.] I am sarry to say, for my raoe, the artful intrigues of these artf ul men have, to a certain extent, engendered antagonism in the hearts of the whites toward the colored raoea and antagonism that did not exist before they intervened. On the other hand, wo know that our col? ored friends have acquired false ideas as to the intents, purposes, sentiments and feelings of their whito brethcren from the samo source, and that when we ap? proach them in tho words of conciliation and kindness, they are assiduously taught to regard us as serpents in dis? guise, and seeking to enter into and disturb that politioal paradise wbioh theso parties have constructed for their own benefit. [Applause.] Therefore, when we approach them to offer the hand of conoiliation to our frionds on thc other side, we have to guard against a double misconstruction. We have to guard against our extremo but honora ble and over-to-be courteously and kind? ly referred to old State Rights Seces? sionists of South Carolina. Wo have on tho one hand, to convince and demon? strate to them that when wo do ap? proach our brethren on thc other side it is not with tho view to entrap them into a position of dishonor and disrepute. On the other hand, we havo to convinoe our colored friends that we approach them in all sincerity, kindness and fidel? ity, to stand by what we say here to day, [applause,] and to ask them to unite with us in an honest, fraternal effort to upheave the old State of South Carolina and place her upon a greater emi? nence than she ever attained before.[Ap? plause.] Well, sir, what have we to do the first thing ? We bavo first to demon? strate to the white pcoplo of South Car? olina that thero is no trap in this thing for thom and their ideas, that their dignity and their houor, and even their sentiments (becnuso sentiments are sometimes sacred things,) are not com? promised in these movements. How do we do that ? We doit by meeting this objection. That olass of men say, "We regard this Fifteenth Amendment as law as much as you do. We know that it is a fixed fact. We know it because, in our every day's experience, we go to thc polls and ask theso people to vote for our candidates, and koow that they exercise the functions of offioe, and that they aro fixed upon us ns law. Rut we cannot say in our conscience that we ap? prove of tho process by which the thing has been brought about." Now Mr. President, when we construct a platform we must lay its foundations broad und deep. We must respect the requisitions of the most extremo and most conscien? tious scruples of both parties. With that view the language of theso resolu? tions has been framed. They deal with these things as facts, having thc sanctity of law, acquired by that vast change in our system, brought by tho war and the circumstances which ensued. Wo did not go back and say that we can trace we do not require theso parties to sub? scribe to a form that they can traoe as constitutional arguments in favor of every proposition contained in thrso measures-wc bring them to tho point that they commit themselves to the san oity acquired by forco of circumstances; and I think any man who regards them as facts accomplished, must regard thom as having acquired tho sanctity and ob? ligation and force of law. If they come up and take their stand-point there, they have a right to claim the co-oper? ation of every honest colored mao in tho Stato ot South Carolina in this movement. Because it says "although some of us may not ugrco with these things as rightfully dono, wc vegard thom as having acquired? that sanctity which belongs to acknowledged law, and we are going to deal with them as law, and we mean to carry them out fanatically in all tho relations of political ifo. [Applause ] 1 Mr. President, I am not going to inflict a speech upon this Convention; but 1 folt a duty to explain tho iden upon which this platform was prepared. The languago was carefully weighed and considered before tho paper was brought to this city. They were twice written ano\re*-writton, and amended and corrected^ They. woro read and weighed word by word Jjy your com? mittee to a late hour Inst night. There ia but one verbal criticism which hus been mado upon theso resolutions. Tho committee, in order to meet the most extreme sensitive views which could bc entertained on tho subject, haye deter? mined to recommend a verbal alteration in the resolutions by striking out the word "verities," where it occurs in the last lino of the seoond resolution, and to substituto thorofor the words "accom? plished facts," so that it will rond that they be rogarded as "accomplished facts ' having the obligation of law." Mr. President, a few words more. The question came up before-the Com? mittee aa to whether Oiey ahoqldrecora mood any ccuruo in regard to tho nomination ; and, inasmuch aa that Question . wilt be discussed before thia invention, I avail myself of thia op? portunity to say that I regard this Whole movement aa being blowd to the wind if this Convention should separate with* ont a nomination. (Loud applause.) If it is true that these evils exist which are the occasion of the assembling of this Convention, then, sir, it is true that we should labor faithfully and earneatly to overturn those, evils. (Applause.) It is true that, whenever these evils exist, we must fight them cc as el oas ly, and earnestly and leave the success to the God of Truth. (Applause.) I have no hesita? tion io expressing my honest conviction that the discussion will eliminate truth tosuoh an extent that, if we do not suc? ceed io this canvass (as I trust we shall) it will be the end to the reign of corrup? tion io South Carolina. I have no fears, speaking aa a Hebrew of the Hebrews, and brought up at the feet of Gamaliel and inspired by the wisdom, genius and eloqueooe of Calhoun, for the honor ot the white raoe of South Carolina-none whatever. I think it cannot be tarnished by ti.o gentlemen I seo around me. I do not believe that in the humblost vii Iago in South Carolina ten men can be found who would sully the white raoo of the State. They stand upon a basis inherent, natural, and placed far beyoud the reach ol any unworthy son to den grade them iu any respect. Mr. President, we are, after all, two peoples. Qod has made us two peoples, as bo mado Jaoob aod Esau, brethren ot the same womb, two peoplos. We are, however, brethren, because our destinies have been cast upoa the soil of the same State for geoerations, aid we have ties and affinities which hied us together as against all the world ; and separated though we be, I do not believe aoy reasonable whito maa can hesitate to say that the day will ooma, aod soon, too, wheo arouod tho white race will be found, to a man, the whole colored peo? ple of. South Carolina, standing by them, aod olaiming their help against all outside ioterfercnoe. (Applause.) Mr. Presidont, we are to have upoa this soil an invasion by all the nations of the earth-a social iovaaion, which wo shall roost heartily welcome. We are to have the Chinese, the Germans, the italians, the Swiss, the Poles, the French, the English, the Scotoh, the Irish, pouring in upon our soil to develop tho resources of the State ; and when that invasion comes, inevitably our colored oitizeos will find themselves io the mioority. Where, then, will our brethren fiad their strength ? Thoy will find it ia a union of hearts uodcr tho old flag of South Carolina, whioh, thank God, boara its motto yet, "While there is life lhere is hope;" and while we have hope, we will endeavor to maintain what wo conscientiously believe to be right. (Prolonged applause.) RKMABK8 OF REV. MR. BYRD. Mr. President and'Gentlemen-I feel bound by every impulso of my heart to rise and say a few words io behalf of the State of South Carolina. (Applause.) Before I proceed further allow mo to refer to a foot whioh I havo commuoica tcd to several geotlemen in tho City of Charleston, nod whioh I think it ap? propriate to mention hore. It is this : I have regretted very much, and I never cnn cease to feel that regret, that our people did cot accept the issues of the war at first and have joined heart and hand together as we are this day. (Ap ? plause) There would have been, then, no roora for tho impostors who have invaded our land. (Renewed applause.) We would have been, though ot two races, a people united, pulling together in thc effort to raise the State from the impoverishment resulting from the war, advancing her agricultural system and its industries, and bringing to it in? creased prosperity. [Applause.] But tho misfortune is thal wo did not do it. Last night, when our President was making his address, und he spoke of tlie whites pecking tho co-operation of thc colored voters, some man in the audience nsked, "Why did uut you do it sooner?" I desire to express my opinion ot the individual who usked thut question, and it is this : Hu is ono of those gentlemen who dislikes to see any co-operation bc tween the oolorcd cud white voters, because if thcro shall bo a good under? standing between them, he will bo cul off from furthor opportunity of living off tho Slate. [Applause.3 Mr. President, I came untrammelled to this Convention, but if I over wus in earnest I am now. [Applause] I be? lieve every word which has fulleo fron; tho lips of Goncrul Huller and Genera Kershaw. Sir, 1 huvo full, unlimited confidence iu South Carolina and bet sons. [Applause] I soe hero Colone Simons and Mr. Mikel!. Their fathen were my associates, and these, theil sons, have been burn and rained since 1 lived in Charleston. I carno to that cit; in June, 1815-filly five years ago. Certainly I should know my peoplo fron A to Z, and thut I do; and what i South Carolinian tells you ho is goinj to do, that ho will do. [Applause. They dou't say one thing and meal another. They regard their honor to much for that. [Applause] I knov tho people of whom I am spcuking, an? badi not faith in them I never wouli havo put my foot in this Convention. [Applause ] Sumo of ray friends toi mo that 1 was going buck on my raoc Said I, "Pooh-pooh J nonsense ! [Ap plauso.] If I take a brick out of you house, I must take it out of? mino also for do you not seo that if I ara runnin< ray race into any risk, I should rm myself into the same riak ? 1 soe tu way olear. I know what I am doing. 1 I thought there was the least ioteutioi oa the part of tho Reform party to d otherwise than what they havo luid dowi In their platform, I would suffer m right arra to be sererod from toy body before I would become a de legato to ita COD von lion." [Applause.] . And now, Mr. President, io roforenoe to tho other party io thia canvas*. Wei have ao animosity against them. Tbey came to our State io srrartns from the North, when the smoke waa scarcely cleared from the battle-field. What were their purpose in coming here. They had next door to nothing when they made their ippearanoe among us, and aa for their morals, they bad noue. [Laughter.] Now they are gentlemen of leiaurt 1 [ReuowoJ laughter?J They hold a full hand of trumps, and are getting high, low, jack in tho game at every deal. [Prolonged laughter.} They adopted aa a motto, "landa for the land* lesa 1" Well, money was voted by the Legislature to purchase landa for those . who had no land, end commissioners were appointed to tnako the purchases, and tho money put in their hunda - They purohased land, paying the owners i therefor $30,000, and pocketing, $90,- 1 009 themselves in the aamo transaction. 1 [Applause and laughter ] Only keeping ' three times ?s much for themselves aa they expended fur tho poor-good Samaritans that they were. [Laughter.] And yet we must say nothing of tbeso ' things ut all, beoause they are the aots j of our "friends," the Republicans I Wfcll, I am a Republican, but I want to ' know if any gentleman who balls him? self a Republican will condesoend to ' shake hands with a man who, with tho other hand, is picking bia . pocket ? ? [Laughter and applause ] } Mr. Presidont, God being roy judge. \ I say without the least hypocrisy, there ( is more prejudice felt against the ne- , groes, as you call us, in the North than there is iu the South. [Applause.] Tho ( South has played with an oven hand, ( and bas shown you her oards. But when ; Northern people come among us-(I do , not say all, for there are good and bad , among all classes)-they say ono thing ( to us wheo they menu another. In a j Radical paper of yesterday it is stated that tho colored delegates are paid to , come here, and that while the white ( delegates are stopping at tho hotels, the colored delegates aro eating in the j kitohons. Sir, I am well situated inn , nice bor ,ing house It is true we are , not at too Columbia Hotel; but os for ( myself I prefer to stay whero I am ; and , I have always had the desire to let every , man enjoy himself aooording to his own , mind and feeling, so loug as ho does not i trespass ou others. I know of many Northern men who have come South , and married Southern ladies, and they ( have been more rigid and exaoting of ( their slaves than Southern masters as a class. [Applause.] I know them and ; oould call names, but I forbear. \ Aud now a word in reference to the | Phosphate Bill- [laugh ter]-another high handed game, which theao men i have imposed upon the poor men of this i State. First they said thoy could carry j the Bill through the Legislature for ten i thousand dollars. The money was given. Ten thousand moro was wanted, and ?t was given also, and at last the 1 Bill was passed through both Houses, , and it went to His lixcollcoey, who vetood it and sont it to tho Senate in which it oiiginatod. A cauous meeting must be called, and an additional sum of money is wanted, say sumo forty thousand dollars more ; "give US that modest sum and we can again pass this Bill io ?pito of His Excellency's veto !" Tho money is forthcoming, and the Bill passes-a triumph of honest legisla? tion, and only costing nome $00,000 ! [Laughter.] I have the highest regard for the firm which got that charier. [Laughter ] Their character und credit stand high, not only in South Carolina, but in the North and in Europe. They arc gentlemen, aud I say that because it belongs to them. But the Legislature in passing that Phosphate Bill was guilty of a direct iufringmotit of thc rights of thu poor mun. [Applause] lt was nothingness than that. Hud it not been passed, the po<*r man could havo gone out and could have mude his two or three dollars a day in digging phosphates to support end educate his family j but now he dur. s not dig n pound even if it ia hefurc his owu door, and because tho Legislature of thia State 'have given a monopoly of thc phosphate buds to a corporation for which gi ft they have received $00,000 to linc their own pockets, they will let the poor mun go to tho devil. [Applause] Aud so, gentlemen, it will ever bc with them aud thc colored citizens of this State - They aro willing to keep up tho preju j dico between thc (WO races until they have accomplished iheir purpose, aud then they don't cure what becomes oi thoso upon whr.se votes they hu vc ridden into power. [Applause,] Mr. President, these men ure at work They huvc a nico plan upon which they aro operating. They aro already scuding out mon into every county, who ar? In? stilling into tho minds ol'the people thc idea that this Convention is only un art ful scheme to carry our race back into bondage. They say to thc ?,copio that, notwithstanding tho Fillceiith Amend? ment, if tho Rcforui party get into power, they will take the bullet from thom. Thc idea ia preposterous. Tho Ho form party could not, if (hoy would aud would not, if thoy could. [Applaus?.] This is a sort of flank movement they aro attempting, because they are afraid to approach nrjuurely in front. To meet this, commit tees should bc appointed iu every county tu speak to tho oolored people, to reason wi?h them, and teach them (o distinguish bcttvuuu their friends und (heir foes, who are disgrac? ing tho name of Kapublioun. Thoso mon cue nothing for the colored people of this State, exceptio make what they oan out of them. [Applause ] You should remind the people .that they were cheat <d ut the last Stato election Remind thom of the land and tho mules and tho horses which vroro promised Jaiir.?ft? *^ '.,jr * *> w Highest stylej^^??l th POI. ^rPjuU^^^'^^^^)^u^r rant people in IM 'kountry ?n?TvMg^r ont io ? pian ?nd worked 1 wiin^t?wr . h ear ta and souls to secure tlio SUCCORS of thefco adventurers I ' .'- hey promised io many aerea of lind, and yet uot a colored . mao has received ao ??re.L\'TV?jj ^ promised them mule? ?nd oom and bu* ooo, and yet bot a mule n or .? bushel of ; , nord or a pound of bacon h?3 beeh TOA.?j ocivod by a colored, tusn i?ho; ^>st them! But these nYon, got.tli o?r pl?toe^p ft got their'salari?s, got th oit bribe?, a\jd men. Who hud not dollar^ wb?b^ ?h^pr<. irrlved are sporting*'last ltors^^t?iito?c . io splendid . carriages,, ; liviug lu fino hou sea in gr a ml stylo, while tho pour. v ire many of theo! without ?heiter. .\kp- ' plauso.] Gentlemen of tny truce, .1 waa* voa to tell your friends over, th? w.K?to length nod breadth of South Caroliun, Lhat this Convention has been hold for the purpose of uniting all che friends ot' jood Government in'un'effort 'HoI iaVtsV. ' :ho old ship of S tato which, under.lt?, ?resent hands, scorns likely to bo wrecked. [Prolonged; applause!^ f:. Il K M AUK 8 OF OOT.ON Eli ,TllO?IA8. , Mr. President :~r-l feel it iucaoibont' xpoo me ss n mcmbor of this Conven ion, sod BB a white man -'of loutit 1 karolina, and having a full sense of toy ' responsibility before the God of truth, o express my earnest add hearty appro. J nation of the. admirable pen ti nichts vbich have jubt f?llen from tho lip? of he delegate from Chai lesion (vir: X Hird ) I om IVQO to say, Sir, thai, tl?o tcntiuicnts which ho has uttered would \ lo honor as tho utterances of any 'mau if any ruce in any country, and nt any ?me. (Applause.) . < ' Sir, this reform niovctuout in its ip icption did not meet with tho-approval if my judgement, and it was because I tad become, so far os bur colored citf?. * ?ons were concerned, a doubting Thom- . i*. (Laughter ) . I had ma .e appeal ' iftcr appeal to them, it ia true, upon eas high grounds than those upon which . ! now stand, and my appeals have- boen reatod, with but a few exception?, ns ho idle wind which was regarded not.' Y nd feeling, Sir, that sentiment which - B inborn in the breast of every man, it ecmcd consistent with my -principles, ny sentiments and ray dignity to oloso" he argument, so far as tho colored man ras concerned. But, Sir, I am free ' his day, and in all candor, to declare > hat I recede from that proposition; Applause] I believe b?foro high leaven, that io this canvass wo cari use he clement of truth and go forth ooo* [ucring and to conquer ; that, the col? ired man and white mon, f.eizing with QU80ular hands tho banner of Hoform, tove it within their power to plant it < tn the very citadel of our conquerors. ' Applause.] Sir, I can very well con? ceive that tho blessings of Heaven itsolf nay have rested upon the inception of his movement. Indulging somewhat n thc imagination, I may suggost that he genius of charity, tho genius of larmony, and the genius of patriotism, act together for high converse and no? de counsels, and that under tho influ ncc of that Heaven born spirit, it "oc lurrod to them, in behalf of Carolina^, .nd ot truth, to inaug?ralo just such a aovement as wo have this day inaugu ated-[applause]-and as J, honestly lupposo, inaugurated it upon the basis if truth, which in tho ena will give it ho amplest success Sir, as 1 interpret this movement it s a movement in behalf of South -Caro, ina, and for her prosperity. Throwing isido tho prejudice of color and -of..race -throwiug ?side tho standards of party -it beoomcs us, ou this occasion, to itt ourselves.to tho light* of generous latriotism, mid with one mind nnd with >ne soul, and ranks cloned nnd banners lying, tn moro on to tho rescue and 'cdcuiptioii ol'thc Palmetto State. [Ap? ?lauso ) Mr. President, T will say to you that .rill) tho amendment proposed by the inmirable member of tho Committee iGeuerai Kershaw) I cordially codorno dm proposition contained in (hu plut? ?brm they h.ive reported ; and in making hat endorsement I conten i that I niuk no principles, that I violate no se?tir ment which I sh.nll maintain in the future ns I have in tho pn?t, as 'being sssoniinl, in my judgin nt lo tho pol'? man out int crests ol' good government. Phut that platform has my hourly COIN Burrcueo. an l upon my personal Ifbnrtr. und with my responsibility, ' before Heaven, I declaro my purpose anil finn resolves, in good .(sith to Bland hy it through evil report and good report, and under nil circumstances to in'^k . good the noble eu'ogy of thc coloijod'iloh'ghle from Charleston who last'pp'ik^; f Loud npplnuse.") Sir, In the past' the honor of fl S-jiith Caro?.?? gentleman h :?. boon like ibo honor ol Bayard, whether lie wore Heb of?pwfr. \VhcjjL;b? iiito.,u?'Mi of South ( Ta roi i 11 a, from \vno7e\ertyVaiks in life they, como-wh'elher^'jiJflvu^V fond?n born; who1? I h ey loow^mbi?i^l fnrUi plciL"* in behalf of ^.'?'?l?^jyi^ lin 1, L gi 'i- my word, air, vOvI??nRio^ pledges will be redeemed. ViYm^li^l S r, the great movcinrvl^^wJvV^ir- Wo aro engaged rises' ,uboVe^j|ye lever bl parly to tho dignity of ft ?rcnt in tri ot ic work, and in that spirit wc have linder.? taken it. Li lhat spirit !?.-t us press ii and carty it on fo ils glorious logion consummation. I profess to d^.ii will this question fairly, hooe-tly and con Boienltoasty ; nod I do siiiiigu tin present regime. Wo do not demand (lin the Government of South CiirYkllni should bo a white man's uoverifjfrtwil we do not desire that it shall bn a Mae! msn's goveriim?ut, hut we want ita tho government of tho whole people, li promote tho prosperity nf our comiiiOi country. [Applause] 1 would no have a partial execution, even il' ii partiality were extended to nie. I w.ouli have onr Hxco'ilivo plant him-clf fn tin Kxeculi-o chair io the same nob't thu a judge lukes bia seat in th it hU?M