Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page. It is also available as plain text as well as XML.

Supplement to Anderson Intelligencer. REFORM CONTENTION. A FULL AND INTERESTING REPORT. THE SPEECHES OF ME.SSRS. SHANNON, KER SHAW, THOMAS, BIRD, BUTLER AND OTHERS. the platform. THE KEY-NOTE OF THE MOVEMENT THE X OMINA T I 0 AT S . First Day's Proceedings. Coluilbi*, Wednesday, June 15. The State Reform Convention, in i:s spirit and numbers, has fully equalled the most sm ?gnine expectation of those who projected the movement. Its delegates are among the most patriotic citizern of the State, white and col? ored, all animated by a common feeling of the necessity of an earnest co-operation of all good citizens to secure a good govemuieut to the people. The Convention assembled at 8 o'clock, in the large dinipg hall of the Columbia Hotel, which was baldly large encash for the com? fortable accommodation of i be delegates. ?. W. Sei bels, Eaq , of Eichland, cailed the Convention to order, and Dominated as tem? porary presidiocr officer Colonel Thomas Y. Simons, of Charleston. The nomimtuon was acceded to by a vote of the body. On taking the chair, Colonel Simons ad? dressed the Convention as follows: address of colonel x. y. smoxs. Gmtlemen of Oie Convention?Accept my profound acknowledgments for the confidence which you have been pleased to repose in me. We have assembled as a portion of the citizana of South Carolina, in a time of her greatest need, to secure an honest and good govern? ment for her people. 1 Applause.] We are as? sembled, without reference to party creeds or party names, m behalf oft lie whole people of South Carolina?r>f every class and every pre? vious condition, fApplaus.1 ] There never was a tune when the State was in greater peril than at present. The record of the past few years has been a record of misrule, of misgov ernment, of corruption, and of oppression. [Applause.] And to-day, from the mountains to the seaboard, South Carolina calls upon her citizens to assist her in tbo work of a common redemption. Gentlemen, we have but to realize the peril in which the common welfare is involved, and determine upon unity and concert of action, to aobieve, in my judgment, a exeat and glo? rious triumph. [ApplauBe.] I have never be? lieved that any people, true to themselves, inspired with patriotism and vital cneigy for the right, could ever long be ruled by the wrong. [Applause.] Iq this coadttiJn of things we can expect no hope except that which we ourselves create. We must govern and regulate our own des tiny. We must re? solve with one heart, and with one mind to redeem tbe State, and with that resolution victory will ba half achieved. [Applause.] It was, gentlemeu, but a few months since I that a conference of the press of the State con? vened in this city, and they put forth a platform of principles which, in my opinion, commended themselves to the judgment of every man who I desires a government which will not bo, as iu the past few years, a discrace to tbe civiliza? tion of tbe age. They recognized tbe equality of all citizens to sufira?e?and the right of ail citizens to bold office, subject alone to p r sonal qualification and fitness; and, gentle- j men, t>dav, if we act upon tbe spirit ot t hose resolutions, and if the people of the State, of every class, will but mett in ftatc-ruitv and concord upon the platform ot exact and equal justice to all, and go hand iu baud in a politi? cal effort to save the State, trom that moment the hour ot our redemption ha3 dawued and I the day of our deliveran?e is at hand, f u planse.] The State has died us together in her hour of need. There are but two policies open to her people. One is the policy ot acquiesence and inaction, in the present exitrency or pub? lic affairs, and the other is the policy ot strik? ing for tbe right. [Applause.] Gentlemen, I I invoke upon your deliberations harmony, wise counsels and mutual concilia!.on. We are en? gaged in a common cause. Upon this Conven? tion is turned tbe eyes of the people of this State. It is the ray of hope to which they look amid the darkness that surrounds. Let us not disappoint them. Let us together, comiug as we do from every section of this State, as with one heart and one mind, resolve that so far as in us lies, South Carolina shall be re deemed, and show that the promises we have made to all ra?es and all classes have not been made in vain, bur in sincerity and good faith, and from that moment tbe doom of those who I nave ground tu to tho dust, who have revelled I m every oppression and wrousr. will have beon irrevocably fixed. [Applause ] Gentlemen, peruut me again to thank jon for the eonfidenco you have reposed in me. and to express mo hope that, when we shall have adjourned, from one section of tho State to the other it will be stated that, at the hands of this Convention, the Commonwealth, io- I deed, has stillered no detriment. [Applause. | On motioo of Mr. E. W. Seibals, Koben Aid rich, Esq., of Barnwell, and Mr. W. G. Rout, of Charleston, were appointed temporarv secre? taries. Tbe list of counties was then called, and the credentials of delegates were presented to the I secretariee. The following counties were found to be represented: Charleston, Ker snsw, Fairfleld, Sp&rtanburg, Darlington, Chester, Pickeus, Anderson, Laurens. Orange burg, Horry, Marion, Bichland, Newberry, I Lexington, Edgefield, Chesterfield, Colleton, Lancaster, Union and Barnwell. Y. J. Pope-, Esq., of Nawberry, moved tbe appointment of a committee, to cousist of one delegate from oach county represented, to re? port a list of officers tor tho permanent organi? zation of the Convention. Tbc motion was parried. The chair announced as anch committee Mesw'.rs. Y. J. Pope, of Newberry; J. A. Uoyt, of Andvson; W. Sinaleton, of Barnwell; Ber? nard O'Neill, of Charleston; J. E. Bvrd, of Darlington; Henry Barnes, of Edgetield; David Provence, of Fairfield; Edward Wilson, of Cheater; R. F. .Hallo v, of Chesterfield; Heorv Buck, ol Horry; J. M. Davis, of Korshaw; J. T. Craig, of LaiirenB; J. B. Irvin, of Lancas? ter; F. S. Lewies, of Lexington; W. J. Mc Eerall. of Marion; P. T. A. Roger*, of Pick ens; P. C. Felder, of Orangeburg; 0. P. Pel bam, of Ricbland; S. C. Means, oi' Spartan burg, and W. H. Wallace, of Union. The committee then appointee retired and subsequently returned, and reported the lol lowing nominations for pennan?i3t officers of the Convention: For President-Wm. Shannon, of Kershaw. For Vice Presidents - J. P. Kinard. of New? berry; 8. E. Means, of Spartanbi-rg; F. B. Mc Bee, ot Pickons; J. B. Withorspoon, of Lan? caster; J. E. fcyrd, of Darlington; A. Melchers, of Charleston; James Kennedv, of Ki'-hland Henry Banios, ofEdirefleid; Mosas Benson, of Chester; .Marlow Cochrano, or Charleston; M. Caldwell, of Orangebnrg, and J. Gibson, of Williamsbnrg. Secretaries?Robert Aldrich, of Barnwell, and W. G. Rout, of Charleston. It wai moved and carried that a committee of throe be appointed to conduct the president elect to the chair. Messrs. Bnist of Cbaile^ton, Moduls of Fairfield, and Fen wick of Charleston, were ap? pointed such committee. On taking the chair, Colonel Shannon said : ?fHaBRS OF COLONEL W. SI. SHANNON. Friends and Carolinians?Sarpiue aod em? barrassment) truly suppress the words of grat? itude which the emotions of my heart would prompt. A l obsoTtre man -a stranger in my own native land?called from tbe employments of private life, I can see nothing In the past of my career which should call me to the distin? guished position of presiding over the patriot sous of our own mother Carolina when all are prompted by the desire to battle as best they may to sustain the parent, except that in the past, perhaps, I have given some evidence of devotion to her. LApplause.] In her hont of ' need I promise, as I know y ju are all ready to fnlfll, a greater degree of devotion and loyalty than we felt in her hour of triumph and of grandejr. I commend you to that spirit of de? votion which in all of the past has actuated the sons of old Carolina. I know that with most of us, who have adhered to the State until the present, that devotion will last while life exists, and as the shades of death shall fall upon uh, We will call onr sons to the altar of our country, and, as Hamilcar did Han? nibal, swear them, but more holily, not to hate the enemies ot our country, but to love that great old country. I Applause.] For myselr, with an interest in all the past ot Carolina, I claim an interest in all her future, Whila life lasts, I shall be iiere. Born and matured on her soil, edncated in her schools and colleges, and never having passed a dav in my life beyond her borders that was not one long aspiration for a return, I shall spend tho rest of my days in her bosom; I shall rest there whether the heel of the oppressor treads upon my grave, or whether the sun of liberty shall sbine upon it. [Applause.] I believe that South Carolina, of right, belongs to us. For one, I intend, and I doubt not that yon do, to stay here; and when we determine to stay here, if there :is a remedy for tne oppressions nnder which we suffer, shall we, by masterly inactivity, iDVite still further ag trressions? [Applaupe.] Every true heart in the State must answer, "No V I beliBve in th e law of ptogress. I [believe that the present condition of affairs in South Carolina is tem? porary'- I should distrust the providence of God, if I believed otherwise. Tiio sun of pro??res8 may be obscure, but it will never be quenched while God endures. I believe in the progiess of God's ordinances, and I beheve that tho present anomalous state of affairs must end. If they do not end, we are utter Jy disgraced and ruined. Shall we wait until t hose who are oppressing us shall cease to op? press, or shall wp, by every means in our power, attempt to core these evils? I judge from the many intelligent faces I see before me, representing all South Carolina, from the mountains io the seaboard, that the hour has come when the State has determined by every legitimnto nieaus to shake off the burdens which oppress her. And although, fellow citi? zens, we miss in this assembly, many of those who have shed honor upon our State in the past, and ?egret their absence, we will at? tempt to guide the State in her destinies with? out them on this occasion, hoping soon to hive the benefit of their counsels. But I am sorry, unprepared as I am, I hare trespassed bo muoh upon yonr time. I commend you to the guid? ance of that God whose people I believe we are, confident, that the aspirations which tend towards Him will be responded to if they are worthy of Him and of us. [Applause.] General M. C. Butler, ot Edgeueld, moved tho appointment of a committee on platform, co consist of seven members, which was adopted. The president announced as such committee, Messrs. M. C. Butler. E. C. Keitt, G. L. Buist, J. B. Kershaw, Benjamin Harrington, Thorn? Gregory and James B. McCaots. E. W. Seibelp, Esq.,. of Bichland, moved :he aopoiutmebt of a committee of seven to wham all resolntious introduced in the Convent on should be referred, which was carried. The president annonnoedas euch commitloo, Messrs. E. W. Seibels, J. P. Thomas, J. D. Kennedy, F. W. Dawso i, C. C. Boyce, A. A. Harper and J. 0. Crosby. W. T. Gary, Esq., of Edgefield, movod the ap? pointment of a committee ot ten to wh >m should be referred the question of the number of vote* to be accorded to the different coun? ties represented in the Convention and the manner of taking the same, which was carriod. The president announced as such committee, Messrs. W. T. Gary, James M. Davis, W. h. Marshall, Jonas Bvrd, B. J. Witherapoon, J. A. Hovt, A. Sim the, J. P. Burbage, F.. X. Mallov and R. P. Todd. J. P. Thoaia-i, of Richland, announced thp reception of u communication nom General John A. Wagener, of Charleston, which was read, and on motiou, was referred to tho Com? mittee on Platform. General J. B. Kershaw read a paper contain? ing hie views of the principles to be enunciate J by the Convention. They were 1. I he indorsement of tho Fifteenth anieud nient. 2. Accepting the results of the war as veri? ties having tb<? force and obligation of law. 8. Recognizing the existing laws of the State as bringing the people la entite harmony. i. Recommending taatthe Conventiou nomi? nate only members of the Republican parts, which is so largely in the mijontv in tbn State. On motion of General Keielnw, the paper was referred to the Committee on Platform. E. C. Kcitt; Esq., read a paper, wuicb on motion, was referred to the same committee. On motion, the Convention then adjourned to Thurediv. at 10 o'clock A. M. Sn on.I Day'n ProceedJngn. Coluubia, Thursday, June 10. The Convention again met at 10 o'clock, ai South Carolina Hall, and was called tu order by the presidont, Colonel W. M. Shannon. Mr. B. K. Kinlocli, of Charleston, offered tho following resolution : Resolved, That, with a vi-?w to the proper seating of the delogates, the secretary call the counties alphabetically as represented in Con? vention, and that as each county is called its delegates take their seat* together. Which was adopted. On motion of Mr. B. O'Neill, of Charleston, tit3 vice-presidents were requested to take their heats on the platform. The. Bcciv:arv proceeded to call the counties in accordance with the le^olulionof Mr. Kin loch, and the different delegations took their seats together. General M. U. Butler, in behalf of the Com? mittee on Platform, submitted their report, as follows: This Convention, representing citizens of South Carobna, irrespective of party, assem? bled to organize tho good people of tho 8tate in an effort to reform the present incompe? tent extravagant, prejudiced and corrnpt ad? ministration of tho State Government, and to establish instead thereof just and eqaal laws, order and harmony, economy in pnblic expen? ditures, a strict accountability of office-holders, and the election to office only of men or known honesty and integrity, doth declare and an? nounce the following principles upon which men of all parties may uint<: for the purposes aforesaid : First. The Fifteenth amendment of the Con? stitution of the United States having bean, by the proper authorities, proclaimed milled by the requisite number of States, and having been received and acquiesced in as law iu all the States of the Union, ought to be fairly ad? ministered and faithfnlly oocyed as fundamen? tal law. S.-cond. Tho vast changes in our system of government, wrought by the international war betweeu tho two sections of the States, and following in its train, aro so far incorporated into the constitutions and laws of the States, and of tho United States, as to require that, tbev be regarded as verities, having the force an 1 obligation of law. Third. This solemn and complete recogni? tion of tho existing laws brings the people of South Carolina into entire harmony upon all questions of civil and political right, aud should unito all honest men in an earnest and determined effort to establish a just, equal and faithful administration of tho government, in the interest of no class or clique, but tor the benefit of a united people. 'The committee also recommended tho adop? tion ol the following resolution : Resolved, That this organization ha known as tho "Union Reform Party of South Caro? lina." General Bullor, from the Committee on Plat? form, submitted a report in reference to the communication ot General John A. Wagoner, and recommended that the same bo la?d on the table and be printed with the proceedings of the Convention, which was adopted. Mr. E. W. Seibels, lrom the Commltte on Resolutions, annouueed that the committee had no reaolutionb to roport. Mr. W. T. Oary, from the committee to whom was referred the qnestion of the manner in which the vote of the Convention shall bo taken, and all matters coming before it, re? ported the following as Us recorampudation : L That all questions shall bo determined by a viva vow vote, unles seven members ol the Conventiou shall desiro a vote by counties. 2. That in voting by counties, each oonnty eball be entitled to tho number of votes equal to its representation in the lower House of the General Assembly. 3. That the chairman of eaob delegation oo tho call of his county announce the vote of his delegation. The report was adopted. Mr. E. S. Keitt, of Newberry, moved that the report of the Committee on Platform be takeo from the table, which was carried. I'he president announced as the pending Soestion before the Convention, the report of te Committee on Platform. BEitABEB BY Slit. KXTTX. Mr. Keilt referred to the solemnity of the oc? casion on which they bod convened, and which alono bad impel.ed him to speak. He did not like tbe platform which bad baen reported. It contained within itself only a recognition of the past, and was confined to tho limits of this State. He referred to the history of the past, and drew an analogy between the position of our forefathers a hundred years since and the colored people prior to I he war. Bv the revo? lution our forefathers secured freedom, which t boy did not concede to their slaves. Though they bad eves and ears, they neither saw nor heard that which was demanded iu justice to an oppressed race. And as the Almighty had heir a their prayers, so, nearly a hundred years later, Ho beard the prayers'of tho enslaved black people, and they were given freedom which had been vouchsafed lo the white race throughout the war of tbe Revolution. Tbe speaker compared tho slavery of "tho colored race to the bondage of the Israelites in Egypt, and President Lincoln to Moses, both of whom, whan they had led the enslaved people ont of bondage, bad been gathered to the homes of their fathers before the fruition of their hopes was realized. At the request of Mr. Y. J. Pope, cf New? berry, the report of the Committee on Plat? form was again read. In sustaining the report, General J. B. Ker shaw said: REMABEB OF GENZBAL KEBSHAW. Mr. President?I desire, and I think it pro? per, to say something explanatory of the view and purpose entertained by the movers iu tho matter of the platform, and tbe preciso idea which they endeavored to express, and to dem? onstrate, if I can, that they have, m the result of their labors, embodied that idea. You, Mr. President, and all the gentlemen of this Con? vention, are well aware that it is a peenliar and difficult thing which we propose to ac? complish in this platform. Up to this time, there have been two peoples in South Carolina whose interests are identical, whose feelir.gs and sympathies upon almost all snbjects are identical, but who have been brought into direct and oven angry antagonism upon politi? cal snbjects. And that antagonism has been wrought, not upon any sound or truthful basis, but by the artful interposition of a different people between those two fraternal races of inhabitants of South Carolina. That different people have artfully seized upon and interpos? ed certain pre-existing facts to lay the founda? tion of perpetual discord between this Jacob and this Esau, in order that they may iniqnit ously profit thereby. [Applause and laughter.] I am sorry to say, for my race, that tha artful intrigues of these artful men have, to a certain extent, engendered antagonisms in the hearts of the whites toward tho colored races, an antagonism that did not exist before they in? tervened. On tho other hand, we know that our colored friends have acquired false ideas as to the intents, purposes, sentiments and feelings of their white brethren from tho same source, and that when we approach them in the words of conciliation and kindness, they are assidioualy taught to regard us as sor tents in disguise, who Beek to enter into and isturb that political paradise which these parties have constructed for their own benefit. [Applause] Therefore, when we approach them to offer tbo baud of conciliation to our friends on the other side, .we have to guard against a double misconstruction. Wo have to guard against our extreme but honorable and ever-to-be courteously and kindly re? ferred to old State Rights Socessiouists of South Carolina. We have, ou the one band?, to ou Vines and demonstrate to them that when we do approach our brethren ou the other side it is not with the view to entrap them into a position ol dishonor and d sropnle. On the other hand, we have to convince our colored friends that we approach them in all sincerity, kiuduess and fidelity, to stand by what we say here to-day, [applause ] and to ask them to unite with ns iu an houest, tra? tet nal effort to upheave the old State ot South Carolina and place her upon a greater emi? nence than -he ever attained before. [Ap? plause.] Wall, sir, what have we tl do the first thing? We have first to demonstrate to the white peo? ple of Sonth Carolina that there is no trap in this thing for them and their ideas, that i heir ?igniiy ?nd their honor, and even their senti? ments'(because sentiments are sometimes sa? cred things.) are not compromised in these movements. How do we do that? We do it by meeting this objection. That class ot men say,''We regard this Fifteenth amendment as law as much as you do. We kuow that it is a fixed fact. Wc know it because, in our every day's experience, wo go to the polls and ask these people to vor? for our candidates, und wo know that they exercise the functions of office, and that Ihey are fixed upon us as law. Bnt we cannot say in our conscience that we approve of the process by which ihi* thing has beon brought about." Now, Mr. Presideut, when we construct a platform, we must lay its foundations broad and deep. We must rcBpecc the requisitions ot tbe most extreme and the most conscientious scruples of both parlies. With that view, the language of these re.-oln tiona has been framed. They deal wilh these things as facts, having the aanctitv ot law, ac? quired by that vast change in our system, brought by the war and the circumstances which ensned. We did not go back aud say that wo can trace -we do not require these par? ties to subscribe to a lorrn that they can trace - constitutional argnmcuis in f*vor of every Broposition contained in these measures. We ring them to the point that they commit them? selves to tho Hancttty acquire 1 by force of cir? cumstances; and 1 think any man who regards them as fauts accomplished, must regard them as having acquired the sauctity and tho obliga? tion and force of law. If they como up and lake their stand-point there, they have a right to claim the cc-opciation of every honest col? ored man in the State of South Caiohna in this movement. Because it says, although some of us may not agrea with these things as right? fully dono, we regard them an baviug acquired that sanctity which belongs to acknowledged law, and we ore going to deal with them as law, and we mean to carry them out practical? ly in all the relations of political lite. [Ap? plause.] Mr. President, I am not going to inflict, a speech upon this Convention; but I felt it a duty to explain the idea upon which tbia plat? form was prepared. The language was care? fully weighed and considered before the paper was brought to this city. They were twice written and rewrittten, and amended and cor? rected, lhoy were lead and woiglied word by word by your committee to a Into hour last night. There is but one verbal criticism which has been made upon tuooo resolutions. Tho committee, in order to meet the most ex? treme sensitive views which could bo enter* Mined on the subject, have determined to re? commend a verbal alteration iu the resolutions by sinking out the Word '?verities," where it occurs in the lastlin;of tho second resolution, and to substitute therefor the words "accom? plished facts,' so that it wilt read that they bo regarded as "accomplished facts having the obligation of law." Mr. President a few words more. The ques? tion came up before th3 committee as to wheth? er they should recommend any course in re? gard to tho nomination; and, inasmuch as that question will bo disoiiHScd before this Conven? tion, 1 avail myself of this opportunity to say that I regard "this whole movement as being blown to the wind if this Convention should separata without a nomination. [Loud ap? plause.] If it is truo that tiuse evils exist which are the occasion of the assombling of this Convention, then, sir, it is true that we should labor faithfully and earnestly to over? turn thoso evils. [Applause.] It is true thnt, wherever these enls exist, we must fight them ceaselessly and earnestly, and leavo tbe suc? cess to the God of Truth. [Applause.] I have no hesitation in expressing my boneat convic? tion that tho discussion will eliminate truth to such uu exleut that, if wo do not succeed in this canvass (as I trust we shall) it will be tho end lo I he reign of corruption in South Caro? lina. I have no fears, speaking as a Hebrew of the Mebtews, aud brought up at the feet of Gamaliel and inspired by the wisdom, genius and eloquence of Calhono, lor the honor ot the white race of South Carolina?none whatever. I think it cannot bo tarnished bv the gentle? men 1 see around me. 1 do not believe that, in the humblest village m South Carolina ten men can bo found who would sully the white race of the State. Thev stand upon a basis in? herent, natural, and placed far beyond the roach of any unworthy son to degrade them in any respoct. Mr. President, we are, after all, two peoples. God has made us two peoples, as he made Ja? cob and Esau, brethren of the same womb, two peoples. v?e ara, however, brethren, be cause oar destinies have been cast upon the soil of the same State for generations, and we have ties and affinities which bind us together as against all the world; and separated though we be, I do not believe any reasonable white roan can hesitate to say that the day will come, and soon, too, when around the white race will be found, to a man, the whole colored people of South Carolina, standing by them, and claiming their help against all outside inter? ference. [Applause.] Mr. President, we are to have upon this soil an invasion by all the nations of the earth?a social invasion, which we shall most heartily welcome. We arc to have the Chinese, the Germans, the Italians, the Hwiss, the Poles, the French, the English, the Scotch, tho Irish, pouring in upon our soil to develop the resources ol the State; and when that invasion comes, inevitably our col? ored citizens will tlnd themselves iu the minori? ty. Where, theu, will our brethren tind their strength V They will 6ud it in a union of hearts under the old flag of South Carolina, which, thank God, bears ua motto yet, "While there is life there is hope;'' and while we have hope, we will endeavor to maintain what we conscieutionsly believe to bn right. [Prolong? ed applause.] FOarHEB BKMARK3 BT MB. EEITT. Mr. Eeitt said that tho position which he held in reference to the report of tho Commit? tee on Platform was this, that it embodied only the post existing foots. He thought it should be progressive, it was confined alone to the State, while, in his view, it should go out. In support of the report of the committee, General M. C. Butler, of Edgefleld, said: REMARKS OF GENERAL BUTLER. Mr. President and Qentlemen of the Conven? tion?Having had the honor of introducing the platform which is the subject of discussion, I feel called upon to endorse what has fallen from my distinguished friend. If ever thero was a time when the good sense of onr people, black and white, should be invoked in deter? mining what is beat for the interests of South Carolina, that occasion Is the present. We have assembled for no child's play, but to show our earoestness in a movement that promises to redound to the common good. We are not here for the purpose of skirmishing, or intei changlng random shots with the opposite par? ty, but to work like men, like the children of one mother, for her welfare and her pea^e. [Applause.] Now what are the issues before us ? On the one side we see a long, dark line; on the other an array of pale faces, in hostile antagonism, while ail around us are political vultures, flap? ping their wings and gorging themselves upon the carcasses that fall beneath their blows. That, sir, is the picture, and no man in South Carolina can deny it. But, I ask, is that an? tagonism a natural one? Has it been pro? duced by natural causes ? Mo I Black and white, we are a common people and have a common destiny?and there is no reason why wc should not bo united in all oar purposes, sire that between the two races an eiemeut has been interposed which has the canning to promote strife. And the object of this plat? form is to heal the differences that have arisen, and to reconcile all misunderstandings that have occurred. [Applause.] I am frtuk to concede that the misfortune nas been partially of our own creation?I refer to the white peo? ple ot South Carolina. Wo have never pat ourselves in a condition in which the colored people could vote ;'or u?. I tell the truth as it stands, and desire that it shall bo freely ven? tilated from one end of the State to the other. We have never put ourselves in such a position that tb? colored citizens of South Carolina could heartily sustain us until the present mo mouf. Do you ask why? 1 propose to an? swer the question with a abort resume ot the condition of affairs since the close of the war. You will remember unit we ruiumud home in 181)5, after having laid down our arms. Chaos, confnsion aud auarchy reigned. What was first done ? The people .assembled iu pri? mary meeting; they sent representatives to the then President of the United States, An? drew Johnson, to set forth the circunmancei of the country, to acknowledge their acquies? cence in the result* of the strnggle, and 10 ob? tain counsel. Mr. Johnson said, return to your State. 1 will appoint a Provisioual Governor. Organize your Conventiou; popularize your State Government; repeal the Ordinauco of Secession; recognze the emancipation ot slavery, and observe your paroles. T'hodo wtro the teims, and 1 appeal to history to prove that the conditions imposed were faithlully ob? served, and the instructions of the President of the United Stated were religiously obeyed. What resulted? Congressmen But Congress, repudiated theso terms ot reconstruction. Mr. Johusou insisted aud appealed to our honor, our character, our self-respect not to fall into the trap which this Radical Congress had Bet. That, too, is history, and whjt was more natural than that they should look to the com? mon chief of the armies and navies of the United States tor their protection and ppace. What followed? Tue convention iu Philadel? phia. It was said tar and wide t he Democratic party will triiiniDh, and yon will be successful. We sympathized and labored, but again we were deluded. Congress met; tho antagonism between that body and tho President contin? ued to increase, and between the upppr aud tho nether millstone wo were ground almost to powder. Now. Bir, the people of South Car? olina propose to take care of themselves, with? out refereuco to the Democratic party - with? out reference to any party, but looking solely to tue interests of the Slate. [Great applause.] Wo ere told by some ol our Democratic friends that this is inconsistent, and that by adhering to the fortunes of that party wo shall even? tually bring about a condition of things that will practically solve the problem ot onr salva? tion. As to tho charge of inconsistency, let me refer those gentlemen to their own act, when, in 18?5, tboy met and repealed tue Ordi? nance ot Secession, and tecognized tho eman? cipation or Rlaves. It was duty (ben, it is duty now, aud tbore is no more inconsistency in this movement by the people of South Caro? lina than there would bo in my taking tho cars on the Phci?c Railroad, instead of travelling across the couutry in a wagon. Tho beaten track of our forefathers is not to-day the shortest route to success. We must adapt ourselves to circumstances, and the circum? stances which exist impel you and me to a conrso of action which, in a certain degree, makes us turn our backs upon the past. We have to grapple with eveots, and recogmz? tbing as they are. [Applause.] No man has a right to violate the law, unless he determines upon revolution, aud that is the fuudumenial piinciple which underlies this platform, it sete forth that such and such acts have been passed, and are the laws of the land, conse? quently that it is our duty, as citizens, to re? cognize and obey them in good faith, truth and sincerity. [Applause.J Now, what do the colored people of South Carolina say? 1 have heard their arguments. I know the influences brought to bear upon iht m, oud before I floish, it may bo uocessary tor ine to call names, for ? behove iiiBpcaking tho English language bluntly whenever truth demands it. They arc told that we are simply tho rebel Democracy iu disguiso, and have come hero for tho purpose of deceiviug them. The mo t infamous devices ore resorted to for the purpoBo ot deluding theso poor peopK Why. sir, we had a delegation of right from Edgefleld. bat tho morning before I started tho rumor was ciiculoted that thero would be a mob at the dopotan Columbia, and that every colored delogato would bo beaten or killed. Thev were told that they could get no placo to lay their heads, and at Edgefleld Courthouse colored men who dar. d to bo independent were absolutely intimidated and run from the public square. 'Thero are certain people who speak of this as the "June-bug Convention." Well, there are some bugs which aie much nioro offensive than June bu-s. [Great applause and laugh? ter.] They call ua the "pulpitatiug reform? ers," and pretend to treat the movement witu contempt, yet the organ or that corrupt parly devotes four columns every moruiug to the discussion of the question. To my mind, when a journal or a party rs toiced to resort to such arguments aud eflortn, it is an evidence that they are in a straightenod conditiou. [Ap planse.] But 1 may be asked why, it 1 can adopt such a platform? one so closely allied to that of the Republican party, and fully expressive of its ideas ? f do uot join the Union League and go iu to that party. My reason is this, because that leaguo is a vehiclo oud means to entrap and deceive and compel a man. by oaths, to support only thoso persons who may bo nomi? nated by that body. I am in favor ot the freest ami fullest exercise of opinions,'and, for ono, I do not propose to Bnstain any organization j which cramps mo with fettera" in a slavery I worse than any that existed iu this country. I (Great applause.) The object ol this move? ment is to disenthril those who are thus hound bund and foot; to lot them think for themselves; act like independent citizens, and to achieve results that will prove the virtue, the honor and nagacily of truly free men. Let me mention another incident. At the meeting in Edgefield, when these colored peo? ple came m from the neighborhood, tho leagues had their runners in all directions, saying "Don't go near them; don't hear them; they mean to put you back into slavery; get into the woods?anywhere?but keep out or the mealing." I said to one of these representatives, "11 you havo any argument worth hearing, come out into tbe broad daylight; don't go under cover of tho night and attempt to deceive these people in the small hours of the morning as if you were afraid of honest influences, fori ex? pect when the Fifteenth amendment is ratified on the 4th of July to address that crowd." He said to me, "I don't think you will be allowed to do it, sir, but even if yoii were, it's no use to talk to a nigger, he's got no sense.1' That is the style iu which these men speak of the colored people, whose votes have given them the life aud sustonance which they en? joy to-day. It is such facts as these that we want. Let the troth he eliminated, and when it stands forth in all its naked strength, we deserve to be dereated if we cannot use it as a weapon with which to destroy these eue mies of the peace aud prosperity of the State. [Applause.] Why, sir, I see every day of my life men who were raised upon tbe same breas t, in an atti? tude of bitter hostile antagonism, and yet when the people of the State come forward and Bay we recognize events as i.bey are, and we pledge ourselves to abide by tbe ai, what is the reply ? "Don't trust them; they are de? ceiving yon ?" Now, I propose for a moment to inquire into tho character of the preseut administration, and I do bo upon the principle, if you will par? don tbe homely exDression, that when 1 go a fishing. I go;a fishing. [Laughter.] We aro asked what objection we have to that admin? istration ? I answor, because it bas not car? ried out Republican principles. Tho Execu? tive of South Carolina was elected confessed? ly by the colored vote. How havo those peo plo been rewarded ? I speak of my own coun? ty. Out of twenty appointments of magis? trates by the Governor, there was but one colored person, and he was afterwards remov? ed tor doing justice between z, white man and a black man. So much for Edgefield. He de.iircs to establish a constabulary force in South Carolin.!. What does he do ?' If he wants a jail cleaned out or any other dirty work done, he picks up "a nigger" at 11G per month; but when he wants his tr.ucy riding gentlomen.with broadoloath clothes and breast? pins, to travel leisurely over the State on horseback, at $90 a month, he sends to Ohio. I defy the administration to deny it. Now, is that Republicanism ? Is it carrying opt the promises or the professious of that par? ty ? No, sir; and what is more, when you ask them why they don't give some of the intelli? gent colored people these appointments, the answer is, "Why, they aro not qualified; the niggers haven't got sense enough." Mr. Presi? dent, it is false. There are wiihm my know? ledge, and within yours and that of every member of tbie Convention, thirty or forty col? ored men whom we would rather see occupy? ing these offices, than a large portion of the white men who have been appointed. 1 bey arc content to let tbe black man do their dirty work, to wheedle and delude him until his vote is secured, end then they lay htm aside to b<j preserved for mture ti3e. Now, iu this platform we recognize events as they are; we pledge ourselves to do justice, aud if we say to the colored people you shall participate in the offices and emoluments at our disposal, as man of honor I insist that it shall bo dono, and that we sball not, like this imported crowd, say, "lue nigger is good enough to vote, but he is not good enough to hold office." [Great applause.] These are tacts which this Republican ad? ministration do not care to have veutilatcd. They would keep them in tue background, if tliey could, and let no hotiest white man in? vestigate. Sooio of my triends say, "Go hoaio without making a nomination. Wait, and appeal to the magnanimity of these men!" Why. sir, you might as well appeal to a highwayman not to take your pureu. iha present government want us to lie supinely ou our backs while the officers Uli their pockets. They tear to have us talk to the colored people, aud wonld be grateful if we would continue to sta id aloof as we have beeu ft.oliphly doing lor the last t mr years. For one. however. 1 propose to step to the front, and grapple with things as they are. [Applause.] To recognize them in all theii power, and to regard the Pilteeuth amendment as one of the accomplished tacts ot the age. [Applause] Look where we may, the tendency of the time is towards the enlargement of popular rights. The German Conlederatiou has upiung into greatness lmder the magic power of the illustrious Bismarck. Tbe French demand Reform, and tbe Emncror concedes it through tli,-medium ot the Pkbisritum. The peopia of Great Britain demand Reform, and it is granted by that strong government. Spain is emancipating her tlavs, at.d Russia her serlB. All the civilized countries of the earth are en? gaged iu tho same progressive movement, aud why should we iu America lag behind in the race? Sir, it is in pursuance of these great demands of the hour that we concede what in*- been embodied in this platform. If wo had no other reason, tho motive of progress alone would be a sufficient excuse for tbe posi? tion wo take. [Applause.] The difference be twecu the governments ot the Old World aud the .New is, that when Reform is demanded thero. statesmen aro sagacious and yield to the pressure, at the same time that thev pre? serve tho dignity and integrity of the goveru mont. Iu America, however, we tear things up by the roots. Wo endanger and imperil tho existing state of things, and turn the bot? tom up, leaving the roots to expire in the sun. Now, sir, all tho Reform wo urge is in the management of the affairs of the State. It is not a question of politics, not a question of powor, but of truth, honor and virtue. And so sincere am I m this declaration that L here publicly announce that if tho Executive cf South Carolina can satisfy me that the charges made against him aud bis associates are false, 1 will withdraw my opposition. Thero is another point to which I may al? lude in this conncctio i. It has beon tho effort of the Governor of Sonth Carolina to fix upon the people of tue State tho stain which would attach to an organized band of Ku-Klux, and to prejudice tho world against those over whom ho officially presides, betraying a ma? lignant partisanship and recognizing no in rlnenca, uo demand save that which emanates from those to whom he was elected lo office. Mr. President, you remember that in 1868 & colored man, by the natno of B. F. Randolph, was murdered iu Abbeville, Lee Nanco was also murdered in Newberry, and Martin in Ab? beville What was the denouement ? The mur? derer of Raudolph goes to the Executive of t ::e State, with the blood upon his hands, and acknowledged tho deed. Ha was consigned to t he penitentiary, bin without trial or judicial investigation. Why was that? It was neces? sary lo cairy an election, and this man was manipulated to socure a confession which it was supposed could bo effectually used agiinst tho pcoplo ol the State. What followed ? The murderer was permitted to escape, and public opinion boheves, from all the circumstances, that it was with official conuivauce. He goes at large, and finally returns to bis home, where he is permitted to stall; abroad in dollauce of the law. until his mouth is forever sealed by a pistol shot discharged by ono of tho represen? tative.! of tho government. Thero was no in? vestigation, and to-day the blood of Randolph stains the bands of the Executivo of Son'h Carolina, and bis spa it calls in tones or ven? geance fur judicial redress. Yet it has been found convenient for that same public fuuctionarv to charge this ussaa sinai ion upon the Ku-Klux of tbe Stale. Is he a member of that organization ? It not, whv did bo fail to bring the criminal to justice? Why was Talbort pormittod to escape? Why did bo roam at .large filled with a secret of death and political machination until his own life was suddenly brought to an end. And with Mien circumstances staring us iu tbe face, wo are asked to lie supiuely on our backs, and make no sign for rolief. Sir, I be? lieve such is not the will or determination ot the people of soul h Carolina. We are beut on Reform, and Reform we will have. [Enthusias? tic applause.] Look nt the laud commission. Thousands of dollars have been expended to buy homes tor tho homeless. But the cry has risen, and will coutinue to ri9e, louder and more power tul, "Where are tbe homes they have purchas? ed ?" For one I want to see that law executed, bnt executed in a spirit of justice?executed so that poor colored men and white men through? out tbe State may enjoy its benefits, which is not the ca.se at the present time. We want the truth iu t Iiis matter; bnt tbe citizens of Sonth Carolina have been debarred from the enjoy? ment of the privileges promised. Tney know nothing of ihe manner in which the money ap? propriated has been expended, but they do know that if the records -could be examined a tale of corruption would be told that neither monntainnor cavern could hide. [Applause ] I must apologise for trespassing so long upon the time ot the Convention. [Cries of "go on, go on."] I have only this to say in conclusion: We may honestly differ as to the policy which should be pursued in the present contingency, but we have reported a platform and adopted a party name. Now, what will bo tbo effect of an adjournment without nomi? nations? My own conviction is, that, having exhibited our earnestness and sincerity, hay? ing demonstrated tc the colored people that we do not intend to interfere with their vested rights, it is our next duty to nominate candi? dates for Governor and L.entenant-Governor, in order ihat we may have staudard-bearcrs who will personify the principles we have en? unciated, publish them to the world, and be the standard-bearers around whom, the people can gather in their contest for the right. [Ap? plause ] Let as then proceed to make tncee nominations as soon as the platform shall havo been adopted; and when that is done wo will "hang our banners on the outer walls," and sound those clarion notes which will rally all who love peace, prosperity, an honest govern? ment, and desire the administration of equal and exact justice to all men. [Great applause.] We waut the government iu the hands of a man who will recognize his responsibility to the people?the source of all power? and not sit upon his throne issuing proclamations which are bat "airy nothings," aud consider not the interests of the public. Let a man oc? cupy the gubernatorial chair of South Caro? lina who will say to all the people, 1 hold the aegis which protects you; who will perform his duty fearlessly andfaitbtully; who will see that the laws are executed aud rights are preserved. And I believe that we shall succeed. 1 have confidence in the good sense of the masses, and when all the facts are set forth, when men are no longer intimidated by the rabble, and are permitted to enjoy a tree discussion of the principles embodied in this platform, when the influence of Union Leagues no longer trammels an American citizen and he dares to break fee from the slavery of that organization, we shall succeed in securing to South Carolina a gov? ernment just, geoeroos and potent, in which her humblest citizen will feel a pride. Jriov. Jonas Byrd, a delegate and colored pastor, of Charleston, addressed the Conven? tion in support of the report, as follows : REMARKS OF REV. MB. BYRD. Mr. President and Gentlemen?I fed bonnd by every impulse of my heart to rise and say a Lxv words in behalf of the State of Sou'h Caro? lina. [Applause.] Before I proceed farther allow me to refer to a fact which I have com? municated to several gentlemen in the City of Charleston, and which I think it appropriate to mention here. It is this : I have regretted veiy much, and I never can cease to feel that regret, that onr people did not accept the issues of the war at first and have joined heart and hand together as we are this day. [Ap? plause.] There wonld have been, then, no room for tho imposters who have invaded onr land. [Renewed applause.] We would have been, though of two races, a people united, pulling together id the effort to raise the Star? from tho impoverishment resulting from war, advancing her agricultural system and its in? dustries, and bringing to it increased prosperi? ty. [Applause.] But tho misfortune is that wo did not do ii. Last night, when our presi? dent was making bis address, and ho spoke of the wh tos socking the co-operation or tbe colored voters, some man in tbo audience auk ed, "Why did not you do it sooner?" I dcs<re to express my opinion ot tho individual who asked that question, and it is this: Ho is one of those gouilomen who dislikes to see any co? operation between the colored and white voters, because if thera shall bo a good under? standing between them, he will bo cut off from further opportunity of living off the Stale. [Applause.] Mr. President, I came untrammelled to this Convention, bnt ifl ever was in earnest I am now. [Applause.] I believe every word which has fallen from the lips of General But? ler and General Kcishaw. Sir, 1 hare full, un? limited enntidence iu South Carolina and her sons, [applause.] I see here Colonel Simons anl Mr. Mikell. Their fathers wore my asso? ciates, and these, their eons, have been born and raised since I lived in Charleston. I came to that city in June, 1816?flfty-fjve years ago. Certainly I should know my people from A to Z. and that I do; and what a South Carolinian tells you he is going to do, that be will do. [Applause.] They don't Bay one thing and mean another. They regard their honor too mach for thit. [Applause.] I know tho peo? ple of whom 1 am speaking, and had I iiottattu* in them I never would havo put my foot in this Convention. [Applause.] Some ot my friends told me that 1 was goiug back on my race. Said I, "Pooh-pooh! nonsense 1 [Applause.] If 1 take a brick out of your house, I must take it out of mine also; for do you not see that it I am running my race into any risk, I should I run myself iuto"the same risk ? I see ray way clear. 1 know what 1 um dome. If I thought t her? was the least intention on the part of the Uetorm party to do otherwise than what they have laid down in their platform, 1 would Buf? fer my right arm to bo severed from my body before 1 would become a delegate to its Con? vention." [Applause.] And now, Mr. Piesident, in rereronce to the other party in Ibis canvass. We have no ani? mosity against them. They came to our State in swarms from the North, when tbe smoke was scarcely cleared from tho battle-field. What were their purposes iu coming here ? They had ncx', door to nothing when they made their appearance among us. and as for tLetr morals, they had none. [Linghter.J Now thoy are genUemcn of leisure I [Renew? ed laughter.] They hold a full hand of tramps, and are geiting high, low, jack and the game at every deal. [Prolonged langntcr.] They adopted as a motto, "Lands for the Landless I" Well, money was voted by the Legislature to purchase lands for those who bad no land, and commissioners were appointed to make the puichases, and the money put in their hands. Thev purchased land, paying the owners there? for $30.000, and pocketing $90,000 themselves iu the same transaction. [ Applause and laugh? ter.] Only keeping three timea as much for themselves as they expended for the poor good Samaritans that they were. [Laughter.] And vet we mast say inothmg of tuese thingB at all, because they are the acre of our "friends," tin Republicans? Well, I am a Re? publican, but I want to know if any centleman who calls hiroaelf a Republican will condescend to shake bands with a man who with the other hand is picking hie pockets ? [Laughter and applause.] Mr. President, God bsing my judge, I eay without the least hypocrisy, there is more pre? judice felt agaiust the negroes, us you call us, iu the North than there is in the South. [Ap? plause.] Tbe South has played with an open hand aud has ahowu yon her cards. But when Northern people come among us?(I do sot say all, for there are good and bad among all classes)?they sav one thing to us, when thoy mean another. In a Radical paper of yester? day, it is stated that tho colored delegates are oaid to come here, and that w?ile t?e white delegates are stopping at tho hotels, the col? ored delegates ore eating in the kitchens. Sir, I am well situated in a nice ooardiug house. It is true wo are not at the Columbia Hotel; but as for myself I prefer to stay whero I am; und I have always had the desire to let every man enjoy himself according to his owu mind and feeling, so long as he dues not trespass ou others. I Inow of raauy Northern men who have eonie South and married Southern ladies, and they have heon more rigid aud exacting of thr-r slavcK than Southern masters as a class. [Applause] lkuow them and could call names, but I forbear. And now a word ia roferonce lo tho Phos? phate bill-[laughter]?another higb-handed game which these meu have imposed upon tbe poor mon of this State. First, thoy said they ouldc%rry tho bill through the legislature for ten thousand dollars. Tho money wae given. Ten thousand more was wanted, and it was givonalso. and at last the bill was paascd through both houses, aud it wont to his Excellency who vetoed if aud sent it to the Seuoto in which it originated. A caucus nieet in" must bo called, a'id an additional aum of moncv is wanted, eay some torty thouBaud dollars more; "give us that modest sum and wp can again pass this bill iu spite of his Ex? cellency's veto I" The money i* forthcoming, und the bill passes?a inumnh of honest legis? lation, aud only costing some $00,000! [ Laugh? ter.] 1 have the highest regard for t?e firm which got that charter. [Laughter.] Their character and credit s>and high, not only in Sooth Carolina, but in the North and in Europe. They are gem lernen, and I Bay that because it belongs to t hem. But the Legislature in pass? ing that Phosphate bill was guilty of a direct ininngoment of the rights of the poor man. [Applause.] It was nothing-less than that. Had it uot been passed, the poor mau could have gone oat and could have made his two or or three dollars a day in digging phosphates - to support and educate bis family; but now b dares not dig a pound even if it is before hi* own door, and because the Legislature of this State have given a monopoly of the phosphate beds to a corporation for which gift they have received $60,000 to line their own-pockets, and they will let tbe poor man go to the devil. [Ap? plause] And so, gentlemen, it will ever be with them and the colored citizens of this State. They are willing to keep up the preju? dice between the two races until they have ac? complished their purpose, and then they don't care what becomes of tiaose upon whose votea they have ridden into power. [Applause.] Mr. President, these men are at work. They have a nice plan upon which they are opera ? ting. They are already sending out men into every county, who are instilling into the minds of the people the idea that tbia Convention ia only an artful scheme to carry our race back into bondage. They say to tbe people that, notwithstanding tbe Fifteenth amendment, ir tbe Reform party get into power, tuey will take the ballot from them. The idea is preposter? ous. The Beform party could not. if tbev would, :>nd they would uot if they could, [Ap" planse.] This is a sort of flank movement they aro attempting, because they are afraid to approach squarely in front. To meet tbia, committees should be appointed in every county to speak to tbe colored people, to rea? son with them, and teach tbem to distinguish between their friends and their foes, who are disgracing the name of Bepubhcan. These men care nothing for tho colored people of this State, except to make what they can out of tbem. [Applause.] Yon should remind tha people that they wero cheated at tho last State election. Bemind them of the land and the mules and the hoises which were promised tbem. [Applause and laughter.] Hosv in? geniously they duped our poor ignorant people in tbe country who came out to a man and worked with all then* hearts ar.d souls to se? cure the success of these adventurers! They promised so many acres of laud, and yet not a colored man boa received an acre! They promised them mules and corn aud bacon, ana yet not a mule nor a bushel of corn or a pound of bacon has been received by a colored man who voted tor them 1 Bnt these men got then places, got their salaries, got their bribes, and men who had not a dollar when they arrived are spoiling fast horses, riding in "solendid carriages, living in line bouses iu grand style, while the poor are many of tbem without shelter. [Applause.] Gentlemen of ray race, I wont you to tell your friends over the whole length and breadth of South Carolina, that this Convention lias been held for the purpose of uniting all the friends of good government in an effort to save the old ship of State which, nndor its present hands, seems likely to be wrecked. [Prolonged applause.] Colonel J. P. Thomas, of Bicnland, in sup? port of the report of the committee, said: BEHABKS Or COLONEL THOMAS. At)-. President?1 feel it incumbent upon me, as a member of this Convention, and as a white niin of South Carolina, and having a full sense of my responsibility before-the God of Truth, to express my earnest and hearty appreciation of the admirabla sentiments which have just fallen from tbe lips of the delegate rrom Charleston [air. ?yrd.] I am free to say, sir, that the sentiments which he has uttered would do honor as tho utterances of any ui a of any race, in any country, and at any time [Applause.] Sir. this Reform movement, in its inception, did not meet with the approval of my judg? ment, and it was because I had become, sofar as our colored citizens were concerned, a doubling Thomas. [Laughter.]- I had made appeal after appeal to them, it is true, upon less high grounds than those upon which l now stand, and my appeals have been treated, with bnt a few exceptions, as tbe idle wind whicii is regarded not. And feeling, sir, that sentiment which is inborn in the breast of every man, it seemed consistent with my prin? ciples, my sentiments and my dignity to close tbe argument, so far as the colored man was concerned. But, sir, I am free this day, and iu all candor, to declare that I recede from that proposition. [Applause.] 1 believe, before High Heaven, that in this canvass we can use the element of truth and go forth conquering and to conquer; that the colored man and white man, seizing with muscular hands tbe banner of Ketorm, have it within their power to plant it on the very citadel of our conquerors. [Ap? plause ] Sir, I can very well conceive that tbe blessings of Heaven itself may have rested upon the inception ot this movement. Indulg? ing somewhat in tbe imagination, I may sug? gest that the genius of Charity, the genius of Harmony, and the genius of Patriotism, met together for high converse and noble counsels, and that under the influence of that Heaven born spirit, it occurred to tbem, in behalf of Carolina, anu of truth, to inaugurate just such a movement as we have Uns day inaugurated? [applause] -and as I honestly suppose, inau? gurated n upon the basis of frith, which in - the end will give it tho amplest success. Sir, as I interpret this movement, it la a movement in behalf of Sonth Carolina, and for her prosperity, i'browing aside the prejudice of color and of race-(hi owing aside the stau ? dards of party?it becomes us, on this occa? sion, to lift ourselves to the heights of generous patriotism, and, with one mind and with one soul, and with ranks closed and banners flying, to move on to tho rescue and redemption of the Palmetto State. [Applause.] Mr. President, I will say to you that with the amendment proposed by the honorable mem? ber of tho committee [General Kershaw] I cor? dially endorse the proposition contained in the platform l hey bave reported, and in making that endorsement I contend that I sink no principle, tb at I violate no sentiment which I shall maiutain in the future, as 1 bave in the past, as being essential, in my judgment, Ti? the permanent interests of good government. That platform has my hearty concurrence, and upon my personal honor, and with my respon Blbihty,.before Heaven, 1 declare my purpose and firm resolve, in good faith to stand by it through evil report and good report, and uu der all circumstances to mak* good the noble eulogy of the colored delegate ^rom Charles? ton, who last spoke. [Loud applause.] Sir, in tho past the honor of a South Carolina gen? tleman has been like the honor of Bayard, whether he were rich or poor. When the true men of South Carolina, from whatever walks of life they come-whether native or foreign born, when they meet and send forth pledges in be? half of Somh Carolina. I give my word, sir. that those pledges will be redeemed. [Ap? plause] Sir, the great movement iu which we aro engaged rises above the level of party to the dignity of a great patriotic work, and iu that spirit we have undertaken it. In that spirit let us press it and carry it on to its glorious logical consummation, i profess to deal with this question fahly, honestly and conscientiously; and I do arraign the present regime. We do not demand i;hat the Govern? ment of South Carolina should be a white men's government; wo do not desire that it shall be a black mau's government, but we want it as the government of the whole people, to promote the prosperity of our common country. [Ap? plause.] I would not have a partial Executive, even if its partiality wee extended to me. I would have our Executive plant himself In the Execu'ive chair in the same spirit that a judga takes his seat in tun august tribunal, and, with his eyes blinded, discharge the duties of his high office. [Applause.] That is all we want. I arraign ihe members of tho present administration in another respect: I arraign ibemanuerin which other executive officers havo dischaiged their duties. I shall forbear using names. I do not mean to say that every man of tbi-m is corrupt, but I do mean to say that there aro many men wbo form a part of the present regime, who have utterly failed to discbarge their doty with impartiality and common decency and honor. Sir, let us" turn to tbe Logisliitnre. We don't complain, aud 1 don't complain that our Legislature contains colored members. 1 believe that iu accordance with the present a'ate of affairs in this State, thev are thero by right-, by equity, by policy and by principle. [Applause] They are en? titled to representation, and as a p.irt and par? cel or thebedy politic I concede to tbe colored peoplo the rignt to an ample.jusl and equitable participation in tho government and tbe affairs or the State. But, sir, I contend that it is neither to the iulcrest of tbe colored man nor of tbe white man that the Legislature should be exclusively ono or the other. I do contend that it is neither to tbe interest of the black mau nor to the inter* st of the White man that, in any country, the labor ot the State should exclusively uudertake. to control its capital. Sir, the legialativo department or the State should not havo oue interest represented at tho expense of the other. I woidd prefer to imitate the admirable custom wbicb is follow? ed in the constitution ot the Bavarian and Prussian Councils, in wniob all the great inter? ests, religion, the military, labor and capital, bave fheir representatives. That la what we ueed. We stand upon the platform of a good, honest and just government. I heartily concur with the proposition wbica has fallen from my esteemed and respected