A VOICE FROMSouth CarolinaTwelve Chapters Before Hampton and Two
Chapters after Hampton |
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A VOICE FROMSouth CarolinaTwelve Chapters Before Hampton and Two
Chapters after Hampton |
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| POSTSCRIPT CHAPTER SECOND - REDEMPTION
AND HOME RULE The election came on, at last, and Chamberlain had his United States soldiers and marshals distributed throughout the State, to his entire satisfaction. But to the surprise of friend and foe, Wade Hampton had a clear majority of over twelve hundred votes! In the strong Radical precincts in Charleston, Colleton and Beaufort Counties, such untold frauds had been practiced that the most sanguine had begun to despair of success; and when it was found that the election was safe, in spite of all these frauds, "the people rejoiced with exceeding great joy." But the shout of triumph soon subsided, when that omnipotent Radical " Returning Board "was summoned to "canvass the votes." By the simple device of "counting out" the two counties of Laurens and Edgefield, which had gone Democratic by large majorities, it was attempted to reverse the result, and "count in" Chamberlain and his crew. In vain did the Supreme Court attempt to restrain this Board, in its usurpation of power. After several attempts on the part of the court had been successfully foiled, an order of court was finally passed for them to bring all the election returns into court the next day. But that night, under the inspiration of Corbin, the Board formally declared Chamberlain and crew elected, issued the usual certificates, and then adjourned sine die. A short time afterwards the court had them all arrested, imposed a fine of #1,500 each, and haH them all committed to jail, in default of payment. But the notorious Judge Bond, of the U. S. Circuit Court, was soon on the ground, summoned by telegraph. He at once released them on writs of habeas corpus, at Chambers, and, not long afterwards, made their discharge final! An expression had escaped from Hampton's heart, through his unguarded lips, which served to quiet all apprehensions as to the result. It was to the following effect: "The people of South Carolina have elected me Governor, and, by the Eternal God, I intend to be their Governor!" The time for the convening of the Legislature now drew nigh, and all eyes were turned to Columbia to see which party would secure the supremacy. The same vote which had made Hampton Governor, secured a majority of the House of Representatives. There were senators enough holding over to give that body to the Radicals by a small majority. A short time before the day of meeting, Chamberlain had procured an order from President Grant to have a Company of United States Infantry quartered in the State House. This was effected at midnight,' and the next morning, the citizens found access to the halls of their fathers, debarred by armed sentinels wearing the United States uniform, and posted at every door! On the day of the meeting of the Legislature, a large crowd of every color and condition was assembled on the open area, in front of the State House, and even the broad steps leading to the main doorway were crowded. The officer in command had announced that only those bearing certificates from the Returning Board could be admitted. The excitement became intense, until Hampton himself appeared on the steps. He had just been refused admittance, but was as calm as a summer's morning. He only uttered a few words, to the effect that the handful of United States soldiers before them represented a power it would be madness to resist. That he felt that place was not a proper one for him, and, therefore, was going to his office. His advice was, for all who felt as he did, to follow him down the street. As he advanced to the gate, the whole crowd silently melted away into a solemn procession, following his lead. His Excellency's "office," was a suit of two rooms over one of the stores on Main street, and furnished as his room on the Campus had been in College days, excepting the cot bedstead. The members elect had all been admitted into their hall, excepting the two delegations from Laurens and Edgefield. The Radical members were sworn in, and, although without a quorum, proceeded to organize by the election of Mackey, of Charleston, as Speaker. The Democratic members then withdrew to "Carolina Hall," and organized the true House of Representatives, by electing Gen. Wallace, of Union, their speaker. There were several defections from the Mackey to the Wallace House, which soon secured the Constitutional quorum, beyond all cavil. As the admissions into the State House had gradually become more relaxed, Gen. Wallace privately informed his members that he intended to occupy the Speaker's chair, at the Capital, on the next adjournment of the Mackey House. This was quietly effected, Wallace occupying the chair, with all his members present. At his regular time, Mackey came in and demanded the chair, and, on being peremptorily refused, he ordered a common chair to be placed as near to Wallace as the impenetrability of matter would permit. Here he took his seat, and called his pretended House to order. Then was presented the unprecedented spectacle of two Houses of Representatives, organized and sitting in the same hall. The Radical House, almost exclusively colored, occupied the left of the Speaker, and the Democrats the right, separated by the broad middle aisle. It was somewhat confusing to a spectator to listen to two calls for the "yeas and nays,"going on simultaneously; but more so in a double debate, when there was a greater contest of lungs than brains. Yet all this continued for more than four days—day and night. The session of each succeeding day was resumed precisely at the moment of adjournment at the preceding day, keeping each speaker in his seat continuously. It was a question of endurance only; for, with the United States soldiers down stairs, and within easy call, there was no idea of force. It was hard service for these gentlemen to be thus shut up with these unwashed u wards of the nation," sending forth a stifling, native perfume, when the piercing cold without prevented necessary ventilation. Sleeping, too, on dirty floors, each with a single blanket, would read well in a story of martyrdom, but their heads and frames ached nevertheless. In all this the negroes had the great advantage, as they were just in their element. The perfume served but to stimulate them to song and jollity, and a blanket big enough to cover the head was all that each needed. On the other hand, in eating and drinking, the whites had the incalculable advantage. While Sambo was munching his hard tack and cheese, he had to gaze wishfully on baskets and boxes of fruit and tempting viands furnished the other side, in profusion, by the rebel-sympathizing merchants of Columbia and Charleston. Even then, accessions were made to the Wallace House, and, as each sable orator would make his speech, take the qualifying oath, and direct his steps to the "Right," he would be warmly welcomed to a goodly pile of apples, oranges, bananas, etc. After four days of such experience as this, Speaker Wallace was privately informed that an effort would be made to eject the delegations from Laurens and Edgefield, and, if resistance was made, the officer in command of the United States troops had orders to interfere in force. As this would bring on a direct collision with the General Government, of course, the question was settled very promptly. On motion, the Wallace House adjourned to their former hall, and this unique contest was ended, without bloodshed. Not long after this, Chamberlain was "inaugurated" before a constitutional Senate and usurping House; Hampton also took the oath of office, in the open air, and in presence of the constitutional House, a minority of the Senate, and a large concourse of distinguished citizens. Soon after this, the whole Legislature, real and fictitious, adjourned sine die. Hampton, after his inauguration, made a demand on Chamberlain for the Executive office, papers, etc., but as Chamberlain had this office, as well as his private residence, strictly guarded by U. S. troops, he sent back a peremptory refusal. The Supreme Court had been reduced almost to a state of anarchy. The Chief Justice, still in doubt as to which would prove the winning side, in the Presidential contest, was vacillating and non-commital in all his official acts. In this condition of things, he was suddenly stricken down with paralysis, and soon afterwards was called to his final account. Associate Justice Willard had, from the first, set his face, like a flint, against all the revolutionary schemes and dishonest practices of his party, and was firm and immovable on the side of right and justice. Ass. Justice Wright, the colored representative of this body, was everything in turn, and nothing at last. Agreeing to one decision when sober, and retracting when drunk, he has managed to forfeit all respect, even from the decent representatives of his own race. The result of all their decisions was the recognition of the body presided over by General Wallace, as the true House of Representatives, and the legal election of the Democratic Executive officers. The election of Governor, was, of course, a question for the Legislature, and this had already been practically decided. Hope was reviving in every faithful bosom, and the day of redemption seemed really drawing near. The old State pride began, once more to develop, as the prospect grew brighter of South Carolina again resuming her position among her sister States But this feeling was cruelly checked by the last official act of President Grant in her case, and a fitting climax to all his previous steps in military tyranny. What was left of the chartered military companies of Charleston, under the lead of the "Washington Light Infantry" had agreed to celebrate Washington's Birthday (22d February), with all the show of military under their control. To aid in this patriotic demonstration the choice volunteer companies of Savannah and Augusta were invited to attend and participate. But, Chamberlain telegraphed the startling intelligence to Washington City, and forthwith, there came an order from the War Department, peremptorily forbidding any such military display. Comment is unnecessary. Soon after followed the "counting in" of President Hayes, and his inauguration, which "followed hard upon." But those United States bayonets were still in the State House at Columbia, and Chamberlain was still daily riding to and from the Executive office, in his close carriage. After weeks of suspense had run into months, to the surprise of everybody, Hampton and Chamberlain were both invited to personal interviews with the President, and at the same time. What passed at these interviews, which were separate, are State secrets, but what the public could ascertain was cheering enough to the friends ox Hampton. His journey to and from Washington was almost a continued ovation at the railroad stations along his route, and at Washington he was treated with the most distinguished consideration. His appearance, on his return, in spite of all his prudent reticence, showed that he now felt himself to be the master of the situation. Chamberlain, on the other hand, paid his visit "unknowing and unknown" as to the outside world, and came back with a head of the bulrush order. Time alone will bring to light, if ever it is done, all that transpired at Washington during these weeks of intense anxiety. We could learn that several Congressmen from the South had ardently espoused the cause of Hampton, and were exerting all the influence they had in his behalf. Particularly Senator Gordon, of Georgia, who had, with all his heart, thrown himself into the contest, and was moving all in his power in behalf of South Carolina. No native son of hers could have shown a more lively interest in her redemption, and his eminent and self-sacrificing services will always be treasured in the memory of a grateful people. Not long after Hampton's visit there was issued, (unreadable) Department, an order for the United States Infantry, then in charge of the State House, (unareadable) of a certain day to march out, and resume old quarters at the garrison post. This was (unreadable)-but it was all we wanted. That little paper of some ten lines, ordering about two dozen United States enlisted men to march about half a mile, produced a mighty revolution, as peaceful as it was complete, and changed the status of our ancient Commonwealth for all time to come! The Federal Bayonet was withdrawn from her throat, and she at once arose from her dust and ashes, and is, even now, putting on her beautiful garments. The whole monstrous fabric of radicalism, which the usurpers proudly thought securely pinned together by bayonets, for this generation at least, in a moment came toppling about their ears. The effect produced on this motley crowd was amusing enough to those who saw that their escape was impossible. Homeless and keeper-less, they could find no shelter from the wrath to come! A second demand from Hampton now promptly brought about the humiliating surrender of Executive office, archives, etc., and Chamberlain was soon after wholly absorbed in boxing up his elegant household furniture, for the steamer m Charleston. A day or two afterwards he followed these boxes himself—but he will return. As a culprit, he will yet have to stand before that altar of Justice he has dared so long and so often to defile with his unhallowed touch; and answer to charges of high crimes and misdemeanors, embracing conspiracies for purposes of fraud and larceny. It required but little effort now for the incumbents to get possession of all the State offices, and soon the State was fully equipped for her new departure. After proclaiming a day of solemn Thanksgiving to Almighty God (which was generally and heartily observed), the Governor summoned the Legislature together in solemn form. This time the inside of the State House presented a very different appearance from that of the preceding winter. After weeks of convict labor expended on her halls, they began to look as if fitted up for the reception of gentlemen. In organizing, there was a little ripple of excitement in the Senate chamber, which was soon calmed by the wise course and admirable presence of mind of Col. W. D. Simpson, the new Lieutenant-Governor. His predecessor, Gleaves, had requested, as a special favor, to be allowed to call the Senate to order, and then, from his seat as President, to lay aside all badges of office and retire gracefully. This was done ; but a motion was then made for the formal inauguration of the new Lieutenant-Governor. Colonel Simpson saw that this would ignore all his past official acts, and, stepping forward he declared that no power on earth could force him to take the oath of office a second time. Then, without waiting for the formality of being conducted there by a committee, he boldly marched up and into the President's chair. There was some confusion, but by a few skillful rulings on points of order, he soon quieted matters, and had all the wheels of legislation running smoothly, before the gaping crowd around him could realize the brilliant coup-de-etat. In the Hall of Representatives, the old roll of the Wallace House was called, to the consternation of the Mackeyites, who found themselves occupying their former seats, but, this time as mere spectators. After the usual preliminary measures were acted on, still without noticing these uneasy legislators, the House quietly adjourned. After they had been sufficiently tried in this way, a resolution was introduced to admit the delegations from certain counties, on their purging themselves of contempt for the true House of Representatives, at its preceding session, by apologies the most humble ; and earnestly begging pardon for the same. This was an edifying spectacle for the whole State, and well calculated to benefit the penitents themselves; though it was well known that their acquiescence was occasioned more by appeals from their pockets, than from their consciences. Hamilton, a very shrewd and intelligent negro, from Beaufort, had been the first, publicly, to go over to the Wallace House the winter before. On this occasion he was in his glory, and his appeals for the "mourners to come forward, and seek pardon," were ludicrous enough. In some of the more obdurate cases, he would stand up with them in the aisle, as if he was their sponsor; while on others, he would imitate "the laying on of hands." The whole delegation from Charleston, nineteen in number, were permanently excluded, on the ground of fraud in their election; and that old city has sent a full Democratic ticket in their stead—good men and true,—and some of her ablest and longest tried citizens. On one ground and another, the seats of certain senators were vacated, and these were promptly filled by Democrats—the Radicals, as in Charleston, making no nominations. At last, the sudden disappearance of the notorious Whittemore, from that body, gave the Democrats the majority there also. Whittemore's seat was declared vacant, and a Democrat has. been elected in his place also. The most important action of this session of the Legislature, was the appointment of two able committees to sit during the recess. The first committee, is to investigate the financial condition of the State, particularly her bonded debts. The second is to inquire into and bring to trial, all frauds, high crimes and misdemeanors perpetrated against the State, under Radical rule (see Appendix). It was this last measure that frightened Whittemore off, and has caused many others to depart abruptly. But it is no part of the committee's duties or purpose, to drive the Radicals from the State. So far from it, they are sending to the highways and hedges, and compelling them to come in. Their proceedings, of course, are private; but, from their success, thus, far, and from the character of the tribunal, there is no doubt that their work will be thoroughly done. Our narrative now closes in the midst of this most stupendous revolution, and one brought about by means, apparently, so inadequate. It was the result of prudence, caution and long-suffering patience— qualities in which South Carolina has but recently been indoctrinated—all guided by profound wisdom. The grand result has given Hampton a name above every other name in the State, and has enthroned him in the hearts of all his true countrymen, and countrywomen too. But say to him, "Never had a people such a chief to follow ! "and his answer would be promptly returned, "Never had a chief such a people to hold up his hands, and urge him forward in his own way!" Neither is his fame confined by State lines. Such patriotism and statesmanship as he has recently illustrated, will captivate and impress all who can appreciate such rare qualities, always and everywhere. Take the following tribute from Senator Bayard, than whom none stands higher, in this latitude, among living American statesmen. In an address delivered at Pimlico, he says: "Few figures stand forth upon the canvas of history so eminent as that of John Hampden, the English country gentleman, whose monument records that, with great courage and consummate abilities, he began a noble opposition to an arbitrary court, in defence of the liberties of his country; supported them in Parliament, and died for them the the field! "And his compeer in virtue and ability, separated in date, by more than two centuries, but who will ever rank with him in history; whose constancy and sound judgment, whose intrepidity and self-control, have proved such a shield and buckler to his people, when beset by difficulties and dangers greater than even Hampden confronted, is today, supplied in our own land, in Wade Hampton, the planter of South Carolina! "Hampden and Hampton". The names blend in sound, and in future time, far on in summers that we shall not see, they will be coupled in the lessons taught to inspire the youth of all lands with patriotic endeavor." But it would be folly to claim this great success as the work of any one man. It can safely be asserted that from the inception of the political campaign to its glorious consummation, in the withdrawal of the United States troops from the State House, not one material blunder was made ! This is more than can be attributed to any one mortal man, and Governor Hampton himself would cheerfully furnish a list of names, which would make an additional chapter necessary to this little book. The unique and unprecedented contest between the "Wallace" and the "Mackey" House of Representatives called for qualifications of a rare order in the presiding officer, and Gen. W. H. Wallace proved himself to be the right man, in the right place. Had he proved weak, vacillating or even compromising, the whole scheme of reformation in the government might have failed. Though the body over which he presided was composed mainly of young and experienced members, yet his cool head, steady nerve, and iron will, held them in constant check, and shaped their course with admirable tact. Those who witnessed the confusion, the turmoil and the provocations of those dark days, and nights, too, were at a loss which to admire most, the calm dignity with which these were overruled, or the consummate skill which led to final and complete success. Probably a still more critical, though far less protracted task was assigned to the Lieutenant-Governor—elect. The State had known Col. W. D. Simpson as a highly gifted and very popular " citizen of the old school," but as wholly untried in parliamentary tactics. The Radical Senate—from the first recognized as legal by both parties—was about to begin its work at the called session. Gleaves, Chamberlain's Lieu-tenant-Governor, was easily induced to resign his seat as ex-officio President, on a pledge of immunity for some notorious penitentiary offence. But to the Senate, Col. Simpson was only the "so-called" Lieutenant-Governor. While they were wrangling over the difficulty in excited debate, mainly on the point of his taking the oath of office a second time, Governor Simpson, by one of those inspirations which so rarely occur in a life-time, at once settled the question by stepping up to the vacant chair and taking his seat, while boldly announcing that no human power could force him to repeat that oath. The mere magnetism of his presence and bearing seemed at once to bring order out of confusion. At any rate this was all that appeared to the outsiders; but there must have been much manipulating and adroit management to render this bold step so completely successful. This was the first official act of Governor Simpson; but before this, and all through the campaign, he had devoted his energies and all his powers to the cause so near his heart. In the Legislative struggle, which was really the crisis of the contest, Governor Hampton always found in Simpson and Wallace the Aaron and Hur, ever ready to hold up his hands when almost overwhelmed by the gravest responsibilities. The writer can bear testimony to the indefatigable, self-sacrificing labors of the "Executive Committees" of the several counties. In addition to greater labor of the same character, the " State Executive Committee," at Columbia, were pre-eminently of the Governor's Council. Among these the noble figure of Col. A. C. Haskell stands very prominent. From his enviable character for spotless integrity and chivalric honor, he enjoyed the unstinted confidence of his chief, and the highest esteem of his fellow-laborers. His self-devotion to the great cause was only second to that of Hampton himself. When he called on the auxiliary clubs for additional work, he set them the example by working himself. When he advised Gen. Wallace to seize the Speaker's chair, he took his little blanket and slept on the dirty floor with the members. And at the following "called session," when the time for rewards had come, he declined every nomination for political position tendered him by his grateful fellow-citizens. He has won his country's plaudit, as her chevalier sans peur ct sans reproche! But we must never forget that the great contest was, mainly, a legal one, and the true champion in that fight was the gallant and gifted Gen. James Conner, of Charleston. Quietly, but with admirable tact, he prompted most of those moves on the political chess-board which so effectually checked all the skill and finesse of Chamberlain, the adroit but unprincipled Radical leader. The magnificent checkmate of 1876 having cleared the way before him, he is seeking, with rare modesty, to withdraw from public gaze into the shades of private life. But his State has appreciated his ability and devotion, and in her time of need will know where to look. Gen. Johnson Hagood was another in this small group of constant and confidential counsellors, whose views exerted a controlling influence on measures of vital importance. Generally silent and unobtrusive, he was always found prompt and efficient when the occasion called for him. His opinions were eminently characterized by wisdom—if that is shown in clearness of perception, vigor as well as nice discrimination in judgment, coolness and firmness in deciding, and unflinching nerve in execution. Gov. Hampton was not long in recognizing these high traits, and his counsel was sought when many an older and more eloquent aspirant for leadership was passed by. Like true bullion, he was found to shine but the brighter and clearer the harder the attrition, while the glitter and tinsel of some of his more wordy contemporaries perished with the occasion which called for them. The effects of many a wise measure, suggested and enforced by him, will be felt in the future history of his loved State long after his body will have mouldered into her kindred dust. But the inception of the bold policy of "Straight-out" Democratic nominations, and of openly throwing down the gauntlet to Radicalism in South Carolina, was pre-eminently due to Colonel M. C. Butler and General M. W. Gary, both of Edgefield. These gallant spirits not only made the first move, as we have shown, but they fought it through to triumphant adoption; and this,too, under discouragements which would have appalled most men. It was on their motion that Hampton was first called to the front; then gracefully falling back into the ranks, they have done yeoman service, earnest and unremitting, till victory perched on the glorious banner. All honor, then, to these sons of Old Carolina— true champions of her noble women—who even in her darkest day, "did not despair of the Republic!" But why extend this list? These are mentioned because a grateful people have already marked their names for posterity, and our narrative would be incomplete, without some tribute, however humble, to their well-earned fame. And now, our task is done! Contrasting the first with the last chapter, who does not exclaim, "What hath God wrought!" Then, a conquered territory ruled by her former slaves; now, revived, as by the breath of the Almighty, into a glorious commonwealth—the same old State, with a proud record of nearly one hundred years! Today she proudly leans on that hero-patriot, her own offspring, who has so gloriously "fought the good fight." She smiles upon all her battle-scarred sons, who proudly love her with all the devotion of "Auld Lang Syne." And she clasps to her bosom her rejoicing daughters, who had watched around her couch of suffering with such undying faith, and had scornfully resented all intrusion on the part of her heartless oppressors. To the world, she once more proudly holds forth her time-honored escutcheon—re-baptized with the blood of some of her bravest and best. "Animis opibusque parati" - "Durn spiro, spero" |
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