So, what do you do when your party is in peril of losing its long-held political power? You throw your convictions out the window, do whatever it takes to win, and call it “compromise.” The Electoral Crisis and Compromise The Republican Party, formed in 1854 around Northern interests and who had nominated Abraham Lincoln to run for president in 1860, had maintained their stronghold on the Executive Office since the end of the Civil War.īut, Tilden was racking up electoral votes and was positioned to take the election. Hayes - was up against Democratic candidate, Samuel J. In the 1876 presidential race, Republican front runner - Rutherford B. It also marks the official end of the Reconstruction Era - the 12-year period after the Civil War, designed to help reunify the country after the crisis of secession. The Compromise of 1877 was an off-the-record deal, struck between Republicans and Democrats, that determined the victor of the 1876 presidential election. In a few short weeks - and behind closed doors - Democrats and Republicans would make a secret arrangement to trade 3 governorships for 1 presidency. What he didn’t know was that his vote would, effectively, be null and void. He had come to do one thing - cast his vote for Republican candidate, Rutherford B. Good, thought Elijah in relief, feeling the weight of the rifle, maybe I won’t have to use this thing today after all. Maybe it was because of the federal troops that were posted across the street. To Elijah’s relief, their anger seemed largely directed at Republican politicians - on this day anyway. They were hurling insults at senior members of the local Republican party - “Carpetbagger! You dirty scalawag!” - shouting obscenities, and threatening to kill them if the Democrats lose this election. The building was surrounded by a rabble of armed White men, their faces scarlet with rage. Swallowing the lump that had settled in his throat, he took another step forward. The crowd was loud and intense Elijah had seen similar scenes erupt into violence over the course of the election campaigns. It looked more like a battle scene than a picture of free and democratic elections. With it, his nerves heightened, and he absentmindedly tightened his grip on the rifle strap that hung over his shoulder. He turned the corner, the polling station coming into view. The 15th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States had been ratified just a few years back, on February 3, 1870, and protected the right of citizens of the United States to vote regardless of “race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” South Carolina had more Black politicians in positions of power than any other state in the South, and with all of the progress being made, Elijah dreamed that he might someday be on a ballot himself. A privilege neither his father or grandfather before him had. He had just turned twenty-one in September, and this was the first presidential and gubernatorial election in which he would have the privilege to vote. It was a crisp fall day and although autumn was giving way to winter, the leaves were still clinging to the trees, resplendent in their deep shades of orange, crimson, and gold. It was also America’s 100th birthday, which really didn’t mean much in Columbia this year the election had been marked by bloodshed, not centennial celebrations.Įlijah’s heart raced with excitement and anticipation as he walked toward his destination. He was sure he would need it today - he was heading into the city to cast his vote. He prayed for the Lord’s peace as he made his way towards Columbia, the state capital of South Carolina. But he knew they were a necessity these days. “Yes, Mama!” shouted Elijah as he ran back to kiss her forehead before racing out the door, rifle slung across his back.Įlijah hated guns.
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