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.

VOLUME IX.-NUMBER 1360. CHARLESTON, MONDAY MORNING, MAY 2, 1870. SIX DOLLARS A YEAR. REFORM CONVENTION. A SUZI, AX1> INTERESTiyQ HEP OUT. THE SPEECHES OF MESSRS. SHANNON', KER? SHAW, THOMAS, BIRD, SIMONS, BUTLER AND OTHERS. THE KEY-NOTE OF THE MOVEMENT. Second DayN Proceedings. [REPORTED SPECIALLY FOR TEE NEWS.] . COLUMBIA, June 16. The Convention again met at 10 o'clock, at South Carolina Hall, and was called to order by the president, Colonel W. M. Shannon. ? Mr. B. K. Kinloch, of Charleston, offered the Yellowing resolution: Resolved, That, with a view to the proper seating of the delegates, the secretary call the counties alphabetically as represented in Con? vention, and that as each county is called its delegates take their seats together. Which was adopted. On motion of Mr. B. O'Neill of Charleston, the vice-presidents were requested to take their seats on the platform. The secretary proceeded .to call the counties in accordance with the resolution of Mr. Kin? loch, and the different delegations took their seats together. General M. C. Butler, in behalf of the Com? mittee on Platform, BU built ted their report, as -follows: This Convention, representing citizens of] South Carolina, Irrespective of party, assem? bled to organize the good people of the State. " in an effort to reform the present Incompe? tent, extravagant, prejudiced and corrupt ad ministration of the State Government, and to establish instead thereof Jost and. equal laws, order and harmony, economy in public expen? ditures, a strict account abi ll ty of office-holders, and the .election to office only ol men of known honesty and integrity, doth declare and announce the following principles upon which men of ail parties may unite for the purposes aforesaid: First. The Fifteenth amendment of the Con? stitution of tlie United States having been, by the proper authorities, proclaimed ratified by the requisite number of States, and having been received and acquiesced in as law in all the States of the Union, ought* to be fairly ad? ministered and faithfully obeyed as fundamen? tal law. Second. The vast changes in our system of government, wrought by the international war between the two sections of the States, and fellowing In its train, are so ? far Incorporated into the constitutions and laws of the States, and of the United States, as to require that they be regarded as verities, having the force and obligation of law. Third. This solemn and complete recogni? tion of the existing laws brings the people of | South Carolina into entire harmony upon all questions of civil and political right, and should unite ali honest men in an earnest and deter? mined effort to' establish a just, equal and faithful administration of the government, in the interest of no class or clique, but for the benefit of a united people. The committee also recommended the adop? tion of the following resolution : Resolved, That this organization be known as tfie "Union Reform Party ofsSouth Caro Una." ^ General Butler,. from the Committee on Platform, submitted a report in reference to the communication of General John A. Wage? ner, and recommended that the same be laid on the table and be printed with the proceed? ings of the Convention, which was adopted. Mr. E. W. Seibei?, from the Committee on Resolutions, announced that the committee had no resolutions to report. Mr. W. T. Gary, from the committee to whom was referred the question of the manner in which the vote of the Convention Shall be taken, and all matters coming before it, re? ported the following as its recommendation: 1. That aU questions shall be determined by a viva voce vote, unless seven members of the Convention shall desire a vote by counties. 2. That in voting by counties, each county shall be entitled to the number of votes equal to its representation in the lower House of the General Assembly. y.,3. That the chairman of each delegation on the call of his county announce the vote of his delegation, i J The report was adopted. Mr. E. 8. Keitt, of Newberry, moved that the report of tue Committee on Platform be taken from the table, which was carried. The president announced as the pending question before the Convention, the report of tile Committee on Platform. REMARKS BT HR. KEITT. Mr. Kel tc referred to the^lemnity of the oc? casion -on which th ey/ had convened, and which alone had impeded bim to speak. He did not like the platform which had been re ? ported. It contained within itself only a re? cognition of the past, and was confined to the Omits 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 the war. Sthe revolution our forefathers secured edom, which they did not concede to their . slavey. Though they had eyes and ears, tney neither saw nor heard that which was de? manded In jnstlce to an oppressed race. And as the Almighty bad heard their prayers, so, nearly a hundred years later. He heard the prayers of the enslaved black people, and they were given freedom which bad been vouch sated to the white race through the war of the I Revolution. The speaker compared the slavery of the colored raoe to the bondage of the Israelite in Egypt, and President Lincoln to Moses, both ot whom, when they had led the enslaved people out of bondage, had been ?ilBered to the homes of their fathers before e fruition Of their hopes was realized. . At the request of .Mr. YNJ. Pope, of New? berry, the report of the Committee on Plat? form was again read. *lh sustaining the report, G?nerai J. B, Ker? shaw, said; REMARKS Or GENERAL KERSHAW. Afr. President-I desire, and I think it pro? per, to Bay something explanatory of the view and purpose entertained by the movers la the matter of the platform, and the precise idea which they endeavored to express, and to dem? onstrate, if I can, that they nave, in 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 peculiar and difficult thing which we propose to acrona Elish in this platform. Up to this time, there ave been two peoples in South Carolina whose Interests are identical, whose feelings and sympathies upon almost all subjects are iden? tical, but who have been brought Into direct and even angry antagonism upon political subjects. And that antagonism has- been wrought, not upon any sound or truthful basis, but by the artful interposition ol'j a different people between those two fraternal races of inhabitants of South Caro? lina. That different people have artfully seiz? ed upon and interposed certain pre-existing facts to lay the foundation of perpetual dis? cord between this Jacob and this Esau, lu or? der that they may iniquitously profit thereby. [Applause and laughter.] I am sorry to say, for my race, that the artful intrigues of these artful mea have, to -a certain extent, engen? dered antagonisms in the hearts of the whites toward the colored races, an antagonism that did not exist before they intervened. On the other hand, we know that our colored friends have acquired false ideas as to the intents, pur Eoses, sentiments and feelings of their white rethren from the same source, and that when we approach them in the words of con? ciliation and kindness, they are assiduously Jpughtto regard us as serpents In disguise,who seek" to enter into and disturb that DOlitlcal paradise which these parties have constructed for their own benefit. [Applause.] There when we approach them to offer the hal conciliation to our friends on the other we have to guard against a double mis struction. "We have to guard against on treme but bonorable and ever-to-be co ouslv and kindly referred to old State Ri Secessionists otSoulh Carolina. We bav< the one hand, to convince and demonstra them that when we do approach our bret: on the other side lt is not with the view t( trap them into a position of dishonor and i repute. On the other band, we have to ! vince our colored friends that we appr< them in in all sincerity, kindness and fide to stand by what we say here to-day, plause,] and to ask them to unite with i an honest, fraternal effort to upheave tb? State of South Carolina and place her up greater eminence than she everattainei fore. [Applause.] Well, slr, what have we to do the first th We have first to demonstrate to the white pie of South Carolina that there is no tro this thing for them and their ideas, that t dignity and their honor, and even their se ments (because sentiments are sometime: cred things,) are not compromised in t! movements. How do we do that ? do it by meeting this objection. ! class of men say, We regard Fifteenth amendment as law as much as do. We know that it is a fixed fact. We ki it because, in our every day's experience, go to the polls and ask these people to vote our candidates, and we know that they e else the functions of office, and that they fixed upon us as law. But we cannot sa; our conscience that we approve of the proi by which this thing has been brought abo Now. Mr. President, when we construct a r lorna, we must lay Its foundations broad deep. We must respect tho requisitions of most extreme and the most conscientious si pies of both parties. With that vie w the langu of these resolutions has been framed. T deal with these things as facts, having sanctity of law, acquired by that \ change* In our system, brought by war and the circumstances which enst We did not go back and say that can trace-we do not require these parties subscribe to a form that they can trace-c stitutlonal arguments in favor of every i position contained in these measures bring them to the point that they com themselves to the sanctity acquired by fore? circumstances; and I think any man who gurds them aa facts accomplished, must gard them as having acquired the sand ! and the obligation and force of law. If ti I come up and take their stand-point there, tl have a right to claim the co-operation of evi honest colored man in the Mate of South Ca lina in this movement. Because it says 1 i though some of us may not agree wilhthi things as rightfully done, we regard them having acquired that sanctity which belongs acknowledged law, and we are going to d with them as law, and we mean to carry th? out practically in all the relations of polltl lite. [Applause.] Mr. President, I am not going to infiic speech upon this Convention; ont 1 felt lt a di to explain the idea upon which this platfoi was prepared. The language was carefu weighed and considered before the paper w brought to this city. They were twice wi ten and rewritten, und amended and corre ed. Ihey were read and weighed word word by your committee to a late hour lt night. There 1B but one verbal criticii which has been made upon these resol?tiot The committee, in order to meet the moste treme sensitive views which could be enu tai ned on the subject, have determined to i commend a verbal alteration in the resolutlo by striking out the word "verities,'' where occurs in the last line of the second resolutlo and to substitute therefor the words "accoi plished tacts," so that it will read that they I regarded as "accomplished lads having tl obligation of law." Mr. President, a few words more. Tl question came up before the committee as whether they should recommeud any cour ID regard to the nomination; and, inasmui as that question will be discussed before th Convention, I avail myself of this opportnnii to sav that I regard this whole movement i being blown to the wind if this Con ven tic should separate without a nomination. [Lot applause.] If it ls true that these evils exi which are the occasion of the assembling i this Convention, then, sir, it is true that v should labor faithfully and earnestly to ove turn those evils. [Applause.] It ls true tha whenever these evils exist, we must Agi them ceaselessly and earnestly, and leave tl success to the God of Truth. [Applause.] I hat no hesitation in expressing my honest coi victlon that the discussion will e'imlnai truth to such an extent that, if we do not sui ceed in this canvass (as I trust we shall) will be the end to the reign of corruption i South Carolina. I have no fears, speaking r a Hebrew of the Hebrews, and brought up : the feet of Gamaliel and inspired by th wisdom, genius and eloquence of -Calhorn for the honor of the white race of South Car? linn-none whatever. I think lt cannot b ta-nlshtMl by the gentlemen I see around rn? I do not believe that In the humblest villag in South Carolina ten men can be found wh 'would sully the white race of the State. The stand upon a basis inherent, natural, an placed far beyond the reach ol' any un worth son to degrade them in any respect. Mr. President, we are, alter all, two peoples God has made us two peoples, as he made Ja cob and Esau, brethren of the same womb two peoples. We are, however, brethren, be cause our destinies have been cast upon th? soil of the same State for generations, and wi have ties and affinities which bind us togcthei as against all the world; and separated thong! we be.i do not believe any reasonable white mai can hesitate to say that the day wi?l come, ant soon, too, when around the white race will b< found, to a man, the whole colored people ol South Carolina, standing by them, and claim lng their help against all outside Interference, [Applause.] Mr. President, we are to have upon this soil an invasion by all the nations ol the earth-a social invasion, which we shall most heartily welcome. We are to have thc Chinese, the Germans, the Italians, the Swiss, the Poles, the French, the English, the Scotch, the Irish, pouring in upon our soil to develop the resources of the State; and when that invasion comes, inevitably our colored citizens will find themselves In the minoritv. Where, then, will our brethren And their strength':' They will find lt In a union ot hearts under ?he old flag of South Carolina, which, thank God, bears its motto yet, "While there ls life there ls hope;" and while we have hope, we will endeavor to maintain what we 'Conscientiously believe to be right. [Prolong? ed applause.] FURTHER REMARKS RT MR. KE1TT. Mr. Keitt said that the position which he held in reference to the report of the Committee on Platform was this, that lt embodied only the past existing facts. He thought lt should be progressive. It was confined alone to the State, while, in his view, it should go out. In support of the report ol'the committee. General M. C. Butler, of Edgefleld, said : REMARKS OF GENERAL BUTLER. Mr. President and Gentlemen of thc Con? vention-Having had the honor of Introducing the platform which' is the subject of discus? sion, I fe?l called upon to endorse what has IaU<?n from my dls.lngulshed friend. If ever there was a time when the good sense of out people,-black and white, should be invoked in determining what is best for the interests ol' South Carolina, that occasion is thc present. We have assembled for no child's play, but to show our earnestness in a movement that promises to redouud to the common good. We are not here for the purpose ol' skirmish? ing, or interchanging random shots with the opposite party, but to work like men, like thc children of one mother, for her wollare and her peace. [Applause.] Now what arc the issues before ns ? On thc one side we see a long, dark line: on the other an array of pale laces, in hostile antagonism, while all around us are political vultures, flap? ping their wings and gorging themselves noon the carcasses that fall beneath their blows. That, slr, 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 ? No ! Black and white, we are a common people and have a common destiny-and there is no reason why we should not be united in all our purposes, save that between the two races an clement lias been interposed which has thc cunning lo promote strife, And the object of this platform is lo heal the differences that have arisen, and to recon? cile ail misunderstandings that have occurred. [Applause.] I am frank to concede that thc misfortune has been partially ol' our own crea? tion-I refer to thc white people ol' South Car? olina. Wo have never put ourselves in n con? dition in which the colored people could vote for us. I tell the truth as it stands, and des that it shall be freely ventilated Irom one e of the State to the other. We have never r. ourselves in such a position that the colot citizens of South Carolina could heartily s tain us until the present moment. Do you ? why? I propose to answer the question wit short r?sum? of the condition or affairs sir the close of the war. You will remember that we returned hoi in 1865, after having laid down our arr Chaos, confusion and anarchy reigned. WI was first done ? The people assembled primary meeting; they sent representatives the then President of the United States, A drew Johnson, to set forth the circumtant ol'the country, to acknowledge their acqui cence In the results of the struggle, and obtain counsel. Mr. Johnson said, return your State. I will appoint a Provisional G< ernor. Organize your convention; popular! your State government; repeal the Ordinan of Secession; recognize the emancipation slavery, and observe your paroles. The were the terms, and I appeal to history prove that the conditions imposed were fail tully observed, and the instructions of t President of the United States were religloui obeyed. What resulted ? Congress met. E Cong-ees repudiated these terms of reco structien. Mr. Johnston insisted and appeal to our honor, our character, our self-respt not to fall into the trap which this Eadie Congress had set. That, too, is history, a what was more natural than that they shot look to the common chief of the armies ai navies of the United States for their prott tlon and peace. What followed ? The convention in Philadi phia. It was said far and wide the Democral party will triumph, and you will be successfi We sympathized and labored, but again \ were deluded. Congress met; the antagonis between that body and the President conti ued to increase, and between the upper ai the nether millstone we were ground aime to powder. Now, sir, the people of South Cs ol ?na propose to take care of themselves, wit out reference to the Democratic party-wit out reference to any party, but looking sole to the interests of the State. [Great applause We are told by 6ome of our Democratic frleni that this is inconsistent, and that by adherir to the fortunes of that party we shall eve: tually bring about a condition of thin; that will practically solve the problem I our salvation. As to the charge of ii consistency, let me refer those gentleme to their own act, when, in 1865, thc met and repealed the Ordinance of Secessioi and recognized the emancipation of slaves, was duty then, it Is duty now, and there Is n more inconsistency in this movement by tl people of South Carolina than there would t In my taking the cars on the Pacific Rallroai Instead of travelling across the country in wagon. The beaten track of our forefathers not to-day thc shortest route to success. W must adapt ourselves to circumstances, an the circumstances which exist Impel you an me to a course of action which, in a certai degree, makes us turn our backs upon th past. We have to grapple with events, an recognize thing as they are. [Applause.] N man has a right to violate the law, unless h determines upon revolution, and that is th fundamental principle which underlies thl platform.* It sets forth that such and sue acts have been passed, and arc the laws of th land, consequently that It ls our duty, ns cit! zens, to recognize and obey them lu goo faith, truth and sincerity. [Applause.] Now what do the colored people of Sont Carolina say ? I have heard their arguments I know the "influences brought to bear npoi them, and before I finish, lt may be necussur for me to call names, for 1 believe In speakin; the English language bluntly whenever trutl demands lt. They are told that we are si m pl; the rebel Democracy in disguise, and hav come here for the purpose ot deceiving them The most infamous devices are resorted to fo the purpose of deluding these poor people Why, sir, we had a delegation ol' eight fron Edgefield, but the morning before* I startet the rumor was circulated that there would b a mob at the depot In Columbia, and that ever colored delegate would be beaten or killed' They were told that they could get no place ti lay their heads, and at Edgefield Courthoiisi colored men who dared lo be Independen were absolutely Intimidated and run irotn UK public square. There ure certain people who speak of thli as the "June-bug Convention." Well, then are some bugs which are much more offensiv? than June bugs. [Great applause and laugh ter.] They call us the "palpitating reform ere," and pretend to treat the movement will contempt, yet the organ of that corrupt parti devotes four columns every morning to tr? discussion of the question. To my mind, whet a Journal or a party Is forced to resort to sud arguments and efforts, it is an evidence thu they are in a straightened condition. [Ap plause.] But I may be asked why, if I can adopt sucl a platform-one so closely allied to that of tlx Republican party, and fully expressive of it* ideas-I do not Join the Union League and gc into that party. My reason ls this, because that league ls a vehicle and means to entrai and deceive and compel a man, by oaths, tc support only those persons who muy be nomi? nated by that body. I am In favor of the Ireesl and lullest exercise of opiulou, and, for one, 1 do not propose to sustain any organization which cramps me with fetters in aslaverj worse than any that existed in this country. [Great applause.] Thc object of this move? ment is to disenthral those who are Ultu bound hand and toot; to let them think loi themselves; act like independent citizens, aWd to achieve results that will prove the virtue, the honor and sagacity of truly free men. Let me mention another incident. At the meeting in Edgefield, when these colored peo? ple came in from the neighborhood, the leagues hod their runners In all directions, saying "Don't go near them; don't hear ihem; they mean to put yon back Into slavery; get Into the woods-anywhere -but keep out of the meeting." I said to one ol these representatives, "If yon have any argument worth hearing, come out into the broad daylight; don't g ~t under cover of the night and attempt to deceive these peo? ple In the small hours of the morning as il you were afraid of honest Influences, for I expect when the Fitteenth amendment ls ratted on the 4th of July to address that crowd." He said to mc, "I don't think you will be allowed to do it, slr, but even if you were, ?l's no lase to talk to a nigger, he's got no sense." That is the style in which these men speak of the colored people, whose votes have given them the life and sustenance which they en? joy to-day. It is such facts ns these that we want. Let the truth be eliminated, and when it stands forth in oil its nuked strength, we deserve to be defeated if we cannot use it as a weapon with, which to destroy these ene? mies of the peuce ami prosperity bf the Stale. [Applause.] Why, sir, I sec every day of my life men who were raised upon the s-me breast, in an atti? tude of bitter hostile antagonism, and yet When the people ol' ihc State come forward and say we recognize events tvs I hey aro, and we pledge ourselves to abide by them, what ls the reply? "Don't trust them; they ure de? ceiving you.'' Now, I propose for a moment to inquire into the character of the present administration, and I do so upon the principle, If you will par? don thc homely expression, that when I go a flshlug, 1 go a iiskiug. [Laughter.] We are asked what objection "we have to that admin* (stratton ? I answer, because it hus not cur? ried out Republican principles. The Execu? tive of South Carolina was elected confessed? ly by thc colored vote. How have those peo? ple been rewarded ? I speak ol' my own county. Out ol' twenty appointments d^magis Irates by thc Governor, there was but one colored person, and he was afterwards,remov? ed for doing justice between a white'mau und a black' man. So much lor Edgefield. He desires to establish a constabulary force in South Carolina. What does lie do /' If nc wants a jail cleaned out or any other dirty work done, he picks up "a nigger" at SI 6 per month; but when he wards his fancy ruling gentlemen, with broadcloth chillies and breast? pins, to travel leisurely over the State on horseback, at $00 a month, he sends lo Ohio. I defy thc administration to deny lt. Now. is (-hat Republicanism' ? Is It carrying out Hie promises qr the professions of that put? ty ? No. sir; and what is more, when you ask them why they don't give some ol' lite intelli? gent colored people.these appointments,the answer is, "Why, they are not Qualified; Hie niggers haven't got sense enough." Mr. Presi? dent, it is false. There are within my know? ledge, and within yours and that of every member of this Convention, l hirty or forty col? ored men whom wc would rather see occupy? ing these otlices, than a large proportion of the white men who have oeen appointed. They are content to let thc black mun do their dirt v work, to wheedle and delude him until his vote is secured, and then they lay him as be preserved for future use. Now, in this platform we recognize c as they are; we pledge ourselves to do Jv and if we say to the colored people you participate in the offices and emolumci our disposal, as men of honor I insist I shall be done, and that we shall not, Ilk* imported crowd, say, "The nigger is enough to vote, but he is not good enoi hold office." [Great applause.] These are facts which this Rep?blica ministration do not care to have ventil They would keep them in the back grou they could, and let no honest white mt vestigate. Some ol" my friends say, "Go home wi making a nomination, wait, and appeal I magnanimity of .these men !" Why, Bir, might as well appeal to a highwayman r, take your purse. The present govern want us to he supinely on our backs whil officers fill their pockets. They fear to us talk to the colored people, and wou .grateful If we would continue to stand ale *we have been foolishly doing for the last years. For one, however, I propose to st the front, and grapple with things as the^ [Applause.] To recognize them in all power, and lo regard the Fifteenth aa ment as one of the accomplished facts o age. [Applause.] Look where we may, the tendency ol time is towards the enlargement of por rights. The German Confederation has sp Into greatness under the magic power of illustrious Bismarck. The French demand form, and the Emperor concedes lt tun the medium of the Pleblscitum. The pe of Great Britain demand Reform, and granted by that strong government. Spa emancipating her slaves, and Russia her s> All the civilized countries of the earth are gaged in the same progressive movement, why should we In America lag behlnt the race ? Sir, it is in pursuance of these g demands ol the hour that we concede v has been embodied in this platform. Ii had do other reason, the motive of prog alone would be a sufficient excuse for the i tion we take. [Applause.] The difference tween the governments cf the Old World the New is, that when Reform ls doman there, statesmen are sagacious and yield to pressure, .at the same time that they prese the dignity and integrity of the governm In America, however, we tear things u| the roots. We endanger and Imperil the Isling state of things, and turn the bottom leaving the roots to expire in the sun. Now, Bir, all the Reform we urge ls in management ol the affairs of the State. I not a question of politics, not a questloi powerv but ol' truth, honor and virtue, J so sincere am I in this declaration that I h publicly announce that if the Executive South Carolina can satisfy me that the char made against him and bis associates false, I will withdraw my opposition. There is another point to which I may lude in this connection. It has been the efl of the Governor of South Carolina to lix ut the people of the Slate the stain which wo attach to an organized band of Ku-Klux, t to prejudice the world against those o whom he officially presides, betraying a n lignant partisanship and recognizing no fluence, no demand save that which emana from those by whom he was elected to offl Mr. President, you remember that in 18CI colored man, by the name of B. F. Kandol| was murdered In Abbeville; Lee Nance v also murdered in Newberry, and Martin In i beville. What was the denouement ? The m derer of Randolph goes to the Executive thc State, wit h the blood upon his hands, n acknowledged the deed. He was consigned the penitentiary, but without trial or Judie investigation. Why was that ? It was nee sarv to carry au election, and this man w manipulated to secure a confession which was supposed could be effectually used agali the people or the State. What followed ? T murderer was permitted to escape, and pub opinion believes, from all thc circumstance that lt was with official connivance. . He gc at large, and finally returns to ids home, wht he Is permitted to stalk abroad In defiance the law, until his mouth is forever sealed by pistol shot discharged by one of the represe tatives of the government. There was no i vestlgatlon, and to-day the blood ol Randol stains the hands ot the Executive of Sou Carolina, and his spirit calls in tones of vc geance lor Judicial redress. Yet lt has been lound convenient for tt same public functionary to charge this asst 8inatlon upon the Ku-Klux of the State. Is a member of that organization ? If not, w did he fail to bring the criminal to Justic Why was Talbert permitted to escape ? W did he roam at large Ailed with a secret death and political machination until his ov life was suddenly brought to an end. And with such circumstances staring us thu face, we are asked to lie supinely on o backs, and make no sign for relief. Sir, 11 lieve such is not the will or determination the people of South Carolina. We are bent < Reform, and Reform we will have. [Enthusic tic applause.] Look at thc land commission. Thousan of dollars have been expended to buy hom for the homeless. But the cry has risen, ai will continue torise. louder and more powerfi "Where ure the homes they have purchased For one I want to see that law executed, b executed In a spirltof j.istice-executed so th poor colored men and white men througho the State may enjoy Its benefits, which Is n the case at the present time. We want tl truth In this mat ter; but the citizens of Soul Carolina have been debarred from the eujo ment ol the privil?ges promised. They kuo nothing of the manner In which the money a; preprinted has been expended, but they c know that if the records could be examined tale of corruption would be told that neilin mountains nor cavern could hide. [Applause I must apologize for trespassing so lon upon the lime ol' the Convention. [Cries < "go on. go on''.] I have only* this to say i conclusion: We may honestly differ as to th policy which should be pursued In the proser contingency, but we hawp reported a piatfort and adopted a parly name. Now, what wi be the efl'ect of an adjournment without norn nations ? My own conviction Is. that, havin exhibited our earnestness and sincerity, hat lng demonstrated to the colored people thu we do not intend to Interfere with their veste rlghts.it is our next duty to nominate candidate for Governor and LIeutenant-Governor,? norde that we may have standard-bearers who wll personify the principles wc have enunciated publish them to the world, and be the stantl ard-bearers around whom Ihe people can gath cr In their contest for tho right. [Applause. Let us then proceed to make these no.n.na lions as soon as the platform shall have lien adopted; and when that ls done we Will "han; our banners on the outer walls," and sonni those clarion notes which will rally all wh< love peace, prosperity, an honest government and desire thc administration of equal ant exact justice to all men. [Groat applause.] We want the government in the hands of f man who will recognize his responsibility H the people-the source ol' all power-and noi sit upon his throne issuing pro'lamations which are but "airy nothings,* anti considei not the interests ol' the public. Let a man oe, cupy tho gubernatorial chair of South Caroli? na who wirr say to all tile people, I hold thc tegls which protects you; who will perform his duty fearlessly and faithfully; who will seo thal Hie" laws are executed and rights are pre? served; and I believe that wc shall suc? ceed. I have confidence in the good sense ol the musses, and when all tho facts are sel forth, when mon are no longer Intimidated by tho nibble, and are permitted to enjoy a free discussion of thc principles embodied in this platform, when ttie influence ol Union Leagues no longer trammels an American citizen and lie dares to break free fro ai tho slavery of thal organization, we shall succeed in securing to South Carolina a government Just, generous ?ind potent, in which her humblest citizen will feel a pride. Kev. Jonas Hird, a del?galo and colored pastor, ol'Charleston, addressed tho Conven? tion in support ol'the report, us follows : KKMAKKS OK KEV. MK. BIRD. Hr. President and Gentlemen-} feel bound hy every impulse ot my heart lo rise and sny ti few words in behalt of the State of South Caro? lina. [Applause.] Before I proceed further allow mo to refer to a fact which I have com? municated to several gentlemen in the City of Charleston, and which I ihink it appropriate to mention hero. It ls Ibis : I have regretted very much, and I never can censo to feel Hitit regret, that our people did not accept the issues of the war nt first and have joined heart and hand together as we are this* day. [Ap? plause.] There would have boen, then, no room for the itnposters who have invaded our land. 'Renewed applause.] Wc would have been, though of two races, a people united, pulling together in the effort to raise the Slate irom the Inpoverishment resulting fro: advancing her agricultural system and dustries, and bringing to it increased pr ty. [Applause.] But the misfortune we did not do lt. Last night, when om dent was making his address, and he sr the whites seeking the co-operation colored voters, some man in the audiem ed, "Why did not you do it sooner V I to express my opinion of the individu asked that question, and it ls this: He of those gentlemen who dislikes to see E operation between the colored and voters, because if there shall be a good i standing between them, he will be c from further opportunity of living o State. [Applause.] Ur. President, I came untrammelled Convention, but if I ever was in eames now. [Applause.] I believe every which has fallen from the lips of Genen 1er and General Kershaw. Sir, I have fu limited confidence in South Carolina ai sons. [Applause.] I see here Colonel S and Mr. Mikell. Their fathers were mj elates, and theoe, their sons, have beer and raised since I lived In Charleston. I to that city in June, 1815-fifty-five yean Certainly I should know my people fron Z, and that I do; and what a South Caro tells you he is going to do, tha will do. [Applause.] They don't saj thing and mean another. They r their honor too much for that, plause.] I know the people of wh am speaking, and bad I not falih in tl never would have put my foot in this Coi tion. [Applause.] Some of my lrlend me that I was going back on my race. S "Pooh-pooh! nonsense! [Applause.] If I a brick out of your house, I must take 1 of mine also; for do you not see that if running my race Into any risk, I shouh myself into the same risk ? I see my clear. I know what I am doing. If I thc there was thc least intention on the part c Reform party to do otherwise than what have laid down in their platform, I would fer my right arm to be severed from my before I would become a delegate to its ventlon." [Applause.] And now, Mr. President, In reference t< other party In this canvass. We have nc moslty against them. They came to our i in swarms from the North, when the so was scarcely cleared from the battle-l What were their purposes In coming 1 They had next door to nothing when made their appearance amone us, and a their morals, they had none. [Laughter.] they are gentlemen of leisure! [Bene laughter.] They hold a full hand of 'trui andar? getting nigh, low, lack and the g at every deal. [Prolonged laughter.] 1 adopted as a motto, "Lands for the latidle Well, money was voted by the Legisla to purchase lands for those who liad land, and commissioners were appc ed to make the purchases, and money put In their hands. They purent land, paying the owners thereior S3U.000, pocketing $90,000 themselves In the s? transaction. [Applause and laughter.] ( keeping titree limes as much for therese as they expended for the poor-good Sum tans that ihey were. [Laughter.] And we must say nothing of these things at all, cause they are the acts of our "friends," Republicans? Well, I am a Republican, b want lo know if any gentleman who c himself a Kepa bl lean will condescend to sh bands with a man who with the other han picking his pocket? [Laughter and appian! Mr. President, God being my Judge, I without the least hypocrisy, there ls m prejudice felt against the negroes, as you us, in the North than there is In (he Soi [Applause.] The South has played with open hand und has shown you her cards. '. when Northern people come among us-(I not say all, for there are good and bad am? all classes)-they say one thing to us, wi they mean another. In a Radical paper of v tcrday, it ls stated that the colored delega are paid to come here, and that while while delegates are stopping at the hotels, colored delegates are eating In the kitche Slr, I am well situated in a nice board house. It ls true we are not al the Colum Hotel; but as for myself I preter to stay wh I am; and I have always hud the desire to every man enjoy himself according to his o mind and feeling, PO long as he does not ti pass on others. I know of many North' men who have come South and married Sou ern ladles, and they have been more rigid t exacting of their slaves than Southern mast i as a class. [Applause.] I know them c could call names, but I forbear. And now a word In reference to the Ph phatc bill-[laughter]-another high-hand game which these men have Imposed upon I poor men of this Stale. First, they said tl could carry the bill through the Legislati lor ten thousand dollars. The money v given. Ten thousand more was wanted, a it was given also, and at last the bill was pas: through both Houses, and lt went to his I cellency, who vetoed it and sent it to the St ate in which it originated. A caucus meet! must be called, and un additional sum money is wanted, say some forty thousand d lars more; "give us that modest sum and < can again pass this bill in spite of his Exe lency's veto !" The money is forthcomii and the bill passes-a triumph of honest leg lation, and only costing some $GO,000! [Laugl er.] I have the highest regard for t firm which got that charter. [Laughte Their character and credit stand high, r only in South Carolina, but in thc Nor and in Europe. They are gentlemen, ant say that because it belongs to them. But ii Legislature In passing that Phosphate bill wi guilty of a dlrecl Infringement ol' lite rights the poor man. [Applause.] It was nothii less than that. Had il not been passed, tl poor man could have gone out and could ha made his two or three dollars a day in diggit Ehosplmtcs lo support ?ind ed?cale his Jamil nt now Ito dares not dig a pound even if il before his own door, anti because the Legis! lure of this Slate have given a monopoly of tl phosphate beds to a corporation lor whk gill they have received $00,000 to line thc own pockets, and they will let the poor nu go to the devil. [Applause.] And so, gentl men. lt will ever be with them and the colore citizens of this State. They are willing to kee up the prejudice between the two races uni they have accomplished their purpose, an then they don't care what becomes of Mos upon whose votes they have ridden into powe [Applause. J Mr. President, these men are at worl They have a nice plan upon which they ai operating. They are already sending out me Into every county, who are Instilling into til minds of the people the idea that this Convei lion is only, an artful scheme to carry our rac back into bondage. They say to the peopl that, notwithstanding the Fifteenth amen? ment, if Hie Reform party get Into power, the wiU take the ballot from them. The idea I preposterous. The Reform party could not, they would, and they would not If they coule [Applause.] This ls a sort of Hank movemcn they ure attempting, because they are afraid t approach squarely in front. To meet this committees should be appointed In ever cornily to speak to the colored people, ti reason with them, and teach them to dlslin guish between their friends and their foes, win are disgracing lim nome of Republican. Thesi men Caro nothing for the colored people o this State, except io make what thew can on of them. [Applause.] You should remind Hu people that they were cheated at the lost State election. Remind them ol the land and thc mule; and the horses which were promised them [Applause and laughter.] How ingeniously they duped our poor ignorant people in th? country who came out to a man and worket with all their heans and souls to secure Hu success or these adventurers ! They promisee so ninny acres of ?and, and yet not a coloree man has received an acre ! They promisee them mules and corn anet bacon, and yet nol a mule nor a bushel ol' corn or a pound o bacon lins been received by a colored man who voted for them ! But these men got theil places, got their salaries, got their bribes, and men wlio hud nol a dollar when they arriv?e! are sporting last horses, riding in splendid carriages, living in fine houses in grund style, whilethe pour ure many ol them wltlioul shelter. [Applause.] Gentlemen of my race, I want you to tell your friends over the "whole length and breadth ol' South Carolina, thal this Convention has been held for the purpose of uniting all the friends of ?rood government in an effort to save the old ship of State which, under its present hands, seems likely to be wrecked. [Prolonged applause.] Colonel J. P. Thomas, of Richland, lu sup? port ol' the report ol' the committee, said: REMAKES OF COLONEL THOMAS. Afr. President-I feel it incumbent upon me, as a member ol' this Convention, and as a white man of South Carolina, and having a full sense of my responsibility before the God of Truth, to express my earnest and hearty ap predation of the admirable sentiments w hare just fallen from the lips of the dele from Charleston [Mr. Bird.] I am free to sir, that the sentiments which he has utt would do honor as the utterances of any of any race, In any country, and at any t [Applause.] Sir, this Reform movement in its incep did not meet with thc approval of my ji ment, and it was because I had become, s< as our colored citizens wereconcerned,ado lng Thomas. [Laughter.] I had made ap alter appeal to them, it is true, upon less 1 grounds than those upon which I now sti and my appeals have been treated, with b few exceptions, as the Idle wind which ls garded not. And feeling, sir, that sentln which is Inborn in the oreast of every ? lt seemed consistent with my principles, sentiments and my dignity to close the ai ment, so far as the colored man was cone ed. But, slr, I am free this day, and In candor, to declare that I recede from t proposition. [Applause.] I believe, be High Heaven, that in this canvass we can the element of truth and go forth conquei and to conquer; that the colored man white man, seizing with muscular hands banner of Reform, have lt within their po to plant lt on the very citadel of our conqi ors. [Applause.] Sir, I can very well c ceive that the blessings of Heaven Itself i have rested upon the inception ol this mc ment. Indulging somewhat In the Imagl tlon, I may suggest that the genius of Char the genius of Harmony, and the genius of triotism, met together for high converse i noble counsels, and that under the influe of that Heaven-born spirit, lt occurred to th( in behalf of Carolina, and of truth, to luau I rate just such a movement as we have this < Inaugurated-[applause]-and. as I honei suppose, inaugurated it upon the basis truth, which In the end will give it the t plest success. Slr, as I Interpret this movement, lt li movement in behalf of South Carolina, and her prosperity. Throwing aside the prejud o? color and of race-throwing aside the sta: ards of party-it becomes us, on this occasli to lift ourselves to the lights of generous triotism, and, with one mind and with c soul, and wltb ranks closed and banners flyli to move on to the rescue and redemption the Palmetto State. [Applause.] Mr. President, I will say to you that with 1 amendment proposed by the honorable me ber of the committee [General Kershaw cordially endorse the proposition contained the platform they have reported; and In mt lng that endorsement I contend that I sink, principle, that I violate no sentiment whlcl shall maintain in the future, as I have in t past, as being essential, in my Judgment, to t permanent interests of good government. Tl platform has my hearty concurrence, and up my personal honor, and with my responslbl ty, before Heaven, I declare my purpose a: firm resol ve. in good faith to stand by it thron; evil report and good report, and under : circumstances to make good the nobie eulo; of the colored delegate from Charleston w last spoke. [Loud'applause] Slr, In the ps the honor of a South Carolina gentleman h been like the honor of Bayard, whether 1 were rich or poor. When the tme men South Carolina, from whatever walks of ll they come-whether native or foreign bor when they meet and send lorth pledges In t half of South Carolina, I give my word, si that those pledges wfll be redeemed [A piause.] Slr, the great movement In whli we are engaged rises above the level of par to thc dignity of a great patriotic work, and that spirit wc have undertaken lt. In th spirit let us press lt and carry lt on to Its gloi ous logical consummation. I profess to de with tills question fairly, honestly and co sclentously; and I Qo arraign the presei regime. We do not demand that tl government of South Carolina should 1 a white man's government; we do n desire that it shall be a black man's go ernment, but we want lt as the governmei of the whole people, to promote the prosperli of our common country. [Applause.] would not have a partial Executive, even If i partiality were extended to me. I would hai our Executive plant himself in thc Executb chair in the same spirit that a Judge takes h seat In that august tribunal, and, with his ey blinded, discbarge the duties of his high o thc [Applause.] That ls all we want. larra!" the members of the present administration] another respect: I arraign the manner I which other executive- officers have discharge ' their duties. I shall forbear using names, do not mean to say that every man of them corrupt, but I do mean to say that there ai many men who form a part of the presei regime, who have utterly failed to dlscharg their duty with impartiality and common dt cency and honor. Sir, let us turn to tl Legislature. We don't complain, and I don complain that our Legislature contains colore members. I believe that accordance with tb present state of affairs in this State, they ai there by right, by equity, by policy and I principle. [Applause.] They ar<; entitled t representation, and as a part and parcel < the body politic I concede to the colored pct pie the fight to an ample, Just and cqultabl participation in the government and the a lairs ol the State. But, sir, I contend that ls neither to the interest of the colored ma nor of the white man that the Legislatur should be exclusively one or the other. I d contend that lt is neither to the interest of til black man nor to the interest of the whit man that, In any country, the labor of th State should exclusively undertake to contri its capital. Sir, thc legislative department c thc State should not have one interest reprt sented at the expense of the other. I woul prefer to Imitate the admirable custom whic ls followed In the constitution of the Bavaria and Prussian councils, in which all the grea Interests, religion, the military, labor an capital, have their representatives. That I what we need. We stand upon the platform c a good, honest and just government. I heartily concur with the proposition whlcl lias fallen from my esteemed and respectei friend from Kershaw, (General Kershaw,) am from my not less appreciated friend fron Edgefield, (General Butler.) And I will say ti them and to others who have already showi their honor in war, that they are now prepar ing themselves for still more enduring honors anil when success '?hall have crowned thl; movement lt may b ; said, as it has been ot oilier occasions, tho ; "peace hath Its victoria no less than war." [Applause.] I hope, sir that In this admirable spirit we snail gi on. And, slr, allow me to say in conclu sion, that I go with them further li the proposition that to give point to thli movemnt, you must give personality to lt b; making your nominations. [Applause.] Th< proposition of the gentleman from Kershaw [General Kershaw] is correct. You canno give force, efficiency and victory to a move munt like this, unless you place your standarc bearers In the field. [Applause.] And. gen tlemcn, I implore by all those considerations which address themselves to honest men, th? citizens of the State, regardless of color ant or party, to unite In one earnest and vlgorou.? effort for the redemption and regeneration o the political and industrial affairs of Soutli Carolina. [Loud applause.] REMARKS BY HR. FENWICK. Cyrus Fenwick, Esq., one of the colored delegates from Charleston, said thal he was nol prepared to make a speech, and he would only say that he was happy to sec day dawn? ing upon South Curoliua, and hope brighten? ing as they looked into thc future. Thc senti? ments they had heard testified that hence? forth tile people of Hie Stoic were to be united In the common work for the prosperily of all. The president then put thc question on the amendment offered by General Kershaw, by striking out the word "verities." where it oc? curs in the platform reported, and inserting in lieu thereof the words "accomplished facts," and it was decided in the affirmative. In concluding the debate, General Kershaw said: FORTH ER REMARKS BY GENERAL KERSHAW. Afr. J'resideni-Xa this discussion is about to terminate, Hie duty having been devolved upon tue to open il, I propose to close it with a statement of a few facts of history, going to answer the question which was asked last evening (and which has already been allud? ed to by others) to wit : "Why was not this movement inaugurated before ?" I desire as matter of history, that this Convention may be able when they go horne to demonstrate that the responsibility does not rest with such per? sons as myself and others who acted with me at that time, but that it is altogether attributa? ble to the interference to which I referred when I addressed this Convention before. In the spring of 1807-not later than au early period in May-several gentlemen of prominence in me loimei tuuu^w u* mu State, among whom I may name General James Chesnut, invited the colored people of Kershaw County to permit us to be heard on ibese great questions, and on two occasions, first in the town hall at Camden, and second at a mass meeting of thousands at Swift Creek, these gentlemen to whom I have re? ferred, and my colleague who sits before me on the p'atform, [Colonel Shannon] proposed to them to join hands upon the political doc? trines laid down in the Reconstruction acts, and, as citizens of South Carolina, to work out the destinies of Kershaw County at least if not the State, upon that platform. On that occa? sion the lamented Randolph, who has left, so far as I know, an unblemished reputation be? hind him, said: "If the gentlemen of South Carolina are prepared to stand up to those principles, I say to you, my friends, Join hands with them." [Applause.] But there was an enemy in the camp, who, with the hiss of the serpent, then and there distilled the deadly Jolson of which we have drank the cup to the regs, and from that day onward we have never had the ear of the colored men. ADOPTION* OF THE PLATFORM The president announced the pending ques'^ tionto be on the adoption of the report ol the Committee on the Platform. J. A. Hoyt, Esq., of Anderson, called lor a vote by counties. A sufficient number of delegates seconding the call, it was ordered. The secretary proceeded to call the roll of counties. The County of Anderson was called. Mr. Hoyt, of Anderson, said that in giving the vote of the County of Anderson he desired to make a brief explanation. He heartily subscribed to the platform laid down, which was the platform upon which he had stood ever since the election of, President Grant, but there were considerations which impelled him to oppose the resolution appended, giving a name to the movement. The gen? tlemen who favored this movement here were mainly from the middle and lower country; but he came from the upper country,, along the fine of which were eleven counties, a majority of which were not represented on this floor. In Anderson, they had opposed this movement from the start, and were opposed to a nomination by this convention; and he expressed the views, he believed, ot two thousand white voters of that county when he should vote against a nomination. He had taken a great deal ol pains to ascertain the sentiments o? the white people he represented,* for he did Dot pretend to represent the colored people of Anderson County. They were rep? resented in a totally different direction. There might be combinations made in their county affairs, by which the white and colored people would vote together; but he desired to be can? did In the statement that the colored people of Anderson would be a unit for Governor Scott. General-Butler, of Edgefield, sa!d that he had some acquaintance with the upper coun? ties, and be believed when thc questions at . issue were fully and fairly presented upon the broad grounds of equal rights to all, the peo? ple of Anderson would affinltize with the col? ored people on State Issues as well as those ol local Importance. C. P. Pelham, of Richland, moved that the* vote ol the Convention be taken on the plat? form separately from the resolution appended thereto, which was carried. Mr. Hoyt, of Anderson, withdrew Iiis call for a vote by counties, and the president put the question on the adoption of the plattorm re? ported by the committee, and lt was decided in the affirmative. The president then put the queston on the adoption of the resolution reported by the committee and appended to the platform, and it was decided in the affirmative. NOMINATION OR NOT. General Kershaw moved that the Conven? tion proceed to the nomination of a candidate for Governor. General J. B. Kennedy, of Kershaw, moved to amend by authorizing the appointment of a committee to report to the Convention whether it was advisable that there should be a nomination. M. F. Gary, Esq., said that, as he understood the object of the Convention, it was for an in? terchange of views, without regard to race, color or previous condition. He had his views in respect to the question of the Convention making a nomination, and he thought the subject was o? too great importance to be con? sidered m any committee except a committee of the whole. General Kennedy thought that the subject should be first considered In committee, with the view of an intelligent discussion there, as by lt much time could be saved in convention.^ J. 0. Crosby, Esq., a colored delegate from Fairfield, was opposed to making a nomina? tion. He believed in properly organizing the plan of a campaign by which the present Ex? ecutive of the State could be put down. [Ap? plause.] But he thought that a nomination now would be premature. He was glad to see so many colored delegates present. There was more than he had anticipated, and, with the Influence they would be able to exert on their returu home, they would arouse aa in? terest In the subject by which a larger attend? ance would be had at an adjourned Conven? tion, when nominations could be made. Rev. M. E. Caldwell, of Orangeburg, (a col-' ored delegate,) favored a nomination now. He thought it important to have the canvass organized as soon as possible. Mr. Caldwell extended his remarks on matters foreign to the question pending, but in which he-referred to many detailed facts of corruption on tEe part of the Republican officials. "He was lis? tened to with profound- attention. General Kershaw urged the appointment of the committee. Tiie question was then put on the motion o? General Kennedy to appoint a committee to consider and report their views upon the ad? visability of the Convention mnking nomina? tions, and it was decided in the affirmative. Thc president announced the committee as follows: J. A. Hoyt, ol Anderson; B. Wether bee, ol Barnwell; W. E. Mikell, of Charleston; Geo. Milton, of Chester; E. T. Molloy, of Ches? terfield; J. Kennedy, of Kershaw; T. B. Mc Bcc, of Pickens; J. T. Walsh, of Horry; W. H. Wallace, of Union; J. P. Thomas, of Richland; ' J. B. Irwin, of Lancaster, D. Province, of Fairfield; P. S. Felder, of Orangeburg; H. A. Metze, ol'Lexington; J. P. Kinnard, of New? berry; Henry Barnes, of Edgefield; W. J. Mc Kerall, R. P. Todd, o? Laurens, and J. E. <Byrd, of Darlington. On motion, the Convention took a recess un? til Ave o'clock. Afternoon Session. The Convention reassembled at 5 o'clock, and was called to order by the president. General Kennedy, from the committee ap? pointed to report ubon the advisability of the convention making nom^jjiations, reported that they had had the subject under considera? tion, and had requested bim to report that the committee, with one dissenting voice, were in favor of a nomination: [Applause.] The question was put on the adoption of the report of thc committee, and it was decided ia the affirmative. IHK NOMINATION. E. W. Siebels, Esq., of Columbia, nominated, [?mlimtert on Fourth Page.\