The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, July 31, 1902, Image 8
THE CAMPAIGN.
At Aiken.
Aiken, Special.?The senatorial and
congressional candidates' meeting held
at his place differed front any of its
predecessors in many respects.
There wer# no new political features
developed by the meeting. All were
on their good behaviour and were sun
ply contented to run a winu-min wulee
water during the half hour allotted
to each speaker.
The congressional candidates. MesBers.
Croft. Thurmoned and Bellinger,
dressed the meeting.
The meeting was called to order by
the acting county chairman, Mr. G. L.
Toole, and prayer was offered by the
Rev. Dr. Miller.
Ex-Governor Evans was the first
speaker. He was received in silence.
The first political honor ever bestowed
npon him was by Aiken county. These
people have always stood by him. Jn
1890 the people came to him and asked
him to be the " people's candidate."
The primary sy3tem is one of the fruits
of the fight of the 90's. The apathy and
indifference of the people in attending
these campaign metings is an indica- j
tion that the people are allowing this
privilege to "pass from their hands. j
The Southern railway has an attor- ,
noy in every county in this State and |
is one of the largest trusts in the |
South.
The Southern mill presidents think (
that the Republican policy is the only
one by which they can prosper. A |
Southern man believes this must be a |
knave at heart and knows or cares not
for the true interest of the Southern ,
cotton farmer upon whom the cotton
factory is absolutely dependent. With ]
this introduction Mr. Evans made his
tariff reform speech. i
"The greatest iniquity, the biggest |
humbug of the day is the distribution |
of old refused seeds from the Northern |
nurseries, for which the people are
taxed. These seeds are given the con- ,
pressmen to send to their constituents
for electioneering purposes and arc so |
trifling that the women of the South ,
won't feed their chickens on them."
Some of these candidates say that ,
there is no use for us to staniTup and ,
light the Republicans for they are in ,
the majority. i (
He and Henderson had fought each
other all over this county in days gone
by. "Yet yesterday he called me 'peppery
John,' it was only because I rubbed
some salt and pepper into his hide,
but we are good friends." Whore he
(Evans) fights the Southern railroad he
is not fighting Henderson or their local
attorney, but because it is a trust.
He spoke of the penitentiary again
and the useless creation of new officers.
The people of Spartanburg have received
and troated him as these people
of Aiken in years gone by.
The proudest day of his life was
vhen the Langley factory men rode
him on their shoulders when he ran for
the legislature.
He pleaded with the people not to
1 KoeV-c unnn thp tried and
IUI U lUCil KU' Uv, ?
faithful, "and," said he In conclusion,
"remember that the man who defeated
me in the last race for the senate is
now seated at the Republican table,
hungering for a crumb." He closed
amid cheers, intermingled with cheers
for "Henderson. Henderson."
Mr. A. C. Latimer for the first time
scored McLaurin for voting for the
Paris treaty. He is opposed to the McKinley
tariff bill and considers it a I
useless waste of time to discuss it before
a South Carolina audience, for every
man in the State Is against it. Mr.
Latimer spoke of the Philippine problem
and shewed that the trade derived
therefrom is most unprofitable,
creating a tremendous pension roll, a
national burden for years to come.
The ship subsidy scheme is simply
a Republican steal of $9,000,000 a year
Improve the merchants' marine law
and this scheme will be dead forever.
Mr. featimer said that he mentioned
eSnu? iniouitoils
west tuiugs iv? .. ,
policy of the Republicans. He then
told all about what "we farmers"
did way back in the 90's. and then proceeded
to establish his claim to the
Newberry college appropriation; the
back taxes of the defunct South Carolina
railway. He said that the senate
is largely composed of corporation lawyers
but added that he is not fighting
lawyers in this campaign, and in
the same breath warned and illustrated
by anecdote that against the promises
made by lawyer candidates on yhe
stand. He told of the establishment of
rural routes in the Third congressional
district.
Government taxes are not direct, hut
come by tariff collections and internal
revenue and if he did not get these
appropriations for his people the
money would have accumulated in the
treasury or have been sent to other
sections of the Union and he is in favor
-/-ttintr ovprv dollar he can for his
?-" 5<-"'"s
State and the South.
What, we want in congress are men 1
who can bring practical results and not
be content with making flowery
cheeches.
Col. Dan S. Henderson, the next
speaker, was visibly affected by the
cheers and yells extended him when he
arose to speak in this his home town.
As soon as order was restored he
thanked the audience for the cordial
and warm reception extended him at
the depot for the3e peo^e-dfnow whe
te is and where to find him and he has
never turned his back on them at any
time.
He knew full well when he entered
this race that hi3 home people would
back him aimost to a man aiid this
demonstration told unmistakably that
he had not been deceived. He spoke of
his friendly relations with the other
candidates >a the race and although
sr?mc? of iherh were incline.! to be
"peppery" at times (referring to
Evans) he did not mind that, for his
record is clean and he can always defend
himself.
He reiterated what he had said hefore
that he would throw up mud nor
backbite nor slander any of his competitors.
but proposed to make a square
and honest canvass of the State, ask
ing the people to judge him solely ny
his record, both public and private.
Mr. Henderson referred to the charge
made against him by Evans at Orangeburg.
stating that he was a trustee in
Mr. Whitney's race course at his place.
He said that Mr. Whitney came to him
offering to donate $100,000 for amusement
purposes and he accepted it
without remuneration on condition
that every cent of the money accuring
should be reinvested in Aiken, and the
vicinity. This had been done and his*
home people and county were the beneficiaries
and not himself. If any one
wanted to vote against him for this
they could do so. He had run on the
sheppard ticket against Evans, but
was defeated by F?en Tillman's Influence
ind not Evans". Evans had folded
hi3 tent like the Arab and left these
people who had honored him and now
hails from Spartanburg, but he is here
to live and die in Aiken. Mr. Henderson
said that he has no agents in the
field working for him. but that he is
running on his own merits and confidently
expects to be in the second
primary (cheers and cries for Henderson.)
The deep earnestness written in
the faces of the people tells him unmistakably
that the people are think
lug ior memseivrs auu aie uui u^ui?
led by demagogues and no appeal to
prejudice can swerve them from their
determination to select the man best
suited for the high position of United
States senator.
The trusts are the greatest evil that
menace our government and their overthrow
will never be accomplished until
the Democratic party is restored to
power. In conclusion he said that unity
In the national party just now is most
essential to reap a national victory in
1004. Mr. Henderson sat down amid
great applause and a shower of bouquets.
Col. George Johnstone calmv and
dispassionately discussed the great issues
before the nation, devoting much
time to the discussion of the question
of taxation and believes that it is incumbent
upon the men who have been i
in congress for ^he past 10 years or j
mnr-n Dvnl^in nOfinl A tthv this I I
increase of nearly $10 per capita h3s j
been brought about.
The national leaders of the Demo- '
oratic party have been fighting each '
other instead of the Republican party, i
What we have accomplished in South 1
Carolina in our constitutional conven- '
tion when factionalism was eternally
bu..ed must be an example for the na- 1
tional party to follow in order that icconciliation
might be complete. 1
An aggressive policy is the only one
by which the Democrats can accom-1
plish anything in congress and it is i
essential that our best men should at '
this time be chosen.
He told of his past record and in con- i
elusion said that Mr. Henderson had 11
stated that he (Henderson) expected to i
be in the second primary. All he had \ 1
to say was that if the election goes ; 1
as indications now point that he i
(Johnstone) expected to be in that sec- ; i
ond race. This caused much mcrri- j
ment among the audience and Col. j i
Johnstone closed amid applause. j i
Col. Elliott felt that it was due the
people of the State through which the |
candidates had passed to return sin- .
cere thanks for the courtesy extended [
by the people, "which," said he. "has ;
not been surpassed by the people of
Aiken."
Col. Elliott told his record, which so i
far has proven unimpeachable. His
" ' ' 1 ? Mo rvAAn'o Hiir'nf I i
naeiicy uuu iu^an> ma ^cui#?v uw* <..0 .
his whole life in war, in peace, in the j
halls of congress is always of interest j
to the people.
He spoke especially of work- in
Georgetown and the upbuilding of that
city, brought about by the building of
the jetties and the deepening of the
Winyah bar. We are becoming a great
exporting nation and it is a matter of
pride that he has done thus much for
the advancement of commerce.
Col. Elliott told of his fight in congress
in behalf of his party and has
only been absent on two occasions from
hi3 seat. It is the work of the present
members of congress that now make
the Democratic outlook so hopeful.
Col. Hemphill was the last speaker
and it is he who knows how to use this
opportunity to its best advantage. With ;
him there will be no second primary
for he expects to be elected by an over-!
whelming majority on Aug. 26. He expressed
his modesty about parading
his record. Latimer spends too much .
time getting seed and Col Elliott has
exerted liis energies in getting water i
water, water." "Why. ray friend," said i
Mr. Hemphill, "a Democrat cares for j
something else besides water. It is good
enough to get seeds and appropriations,
but there is something else higher than
these for our leadeis to fight for.
He ridiculed Latimer about claiming
to be a "plain farmer." and told what
an extraordinary farmer he can b?
when occasion demands. This produced
much merriment and laughter.
The audience was tired by this time
and Mr. Hemphill's witticism and
pointed, clear jokes proved refreshing
and riveted their attention while he
told about the iniquity of Philippine
expansion.
The congressional contest next demanded
the attention of the tired audience.
At Saluda.
Saluda, Special.?The senatorial |
meeting held here Saturday marks
perhaps a new era in the campaign. '
The assemblage, numbering per
\ >
haps 1,500 people, was more like a
picnic party on pleasure bent than a
thirst for enlightenment on the great
national questions. With an eye to
business a big barbecue dinner was
served to all who had the price,
while the ladies of the Baptist church
had an ice cream "stand in full blast.
Little attention was paid to any of the
speeches, especially those on the
trite, old worn out subjects.
The crowd was good humored but
not attentive.
THE STATE CAMPAIGN
At Spartanburg.
Spartanburg. Special?The candidates
for State offices discussed the issues
of the campaign in the usual way
here Tuesday. The crowd present
numbered about 1.000 people. Not
much applause was given any candidate.
Tillman advocated $200,0(0 appropriation
for pensions.
At Ciaffney.
Gaffney. Special.?An orderly meeting
of about 500 voters and somf -!<adies
ended in disorder here involving the
most sensational incident of the-campaign.
Col. Tillman, as details furthei
on will show, was reading an editorial
from the GafTney Ledger charging him
with "being a gambler, a liar and a
drunkard." He was sarcastic in his
comments and was interrupted by Editor
DeCamp of the Ledger, who assumed
entire responsibility and defended
with determination his charges.
In the ensuing discussion Mr. DeCamp
offered "to prove Col. Tillman a liar
over his own signature." When asked
to furnish this proof Mr. DeCamp retired
to his office, submitting upon his
return the evidence below. The scene
was most sensational. Mr. DeCamp,
with no excitement, resolutely pressed
his accusation amid noise and confusion,
many cheers for Tillman, no
small amount for DeCamp and numer-1
ous remarks addressed to either and |
both and sometimes neither. All the
gubernatorial candidates were well received.
Tillman. Heyward and Talberl
leading. Mr. Gary received much
cheering and applause. a3 did Messrs.
Sharpe, Martin and Frost.
The afternoon session had a full
house, this was true when the gubernatorial
candidates were announced at
3 o'clock. Congressman Talbert was
the first speaker, and after tribute to
ladies, he addressed the voters on responsibilities
of the office sought. Hap
had some of the necessary experience
ind has the manhood for requirements.
Trust and monopolies, labor and capi:al
discussed, and Commercial Demjcracy
vigorously assaulted. Wants
Shod feeling with all classes. Educational
interest favored. Reiterated
white and colored tax scheme. (Cheers)
Issues forcibly discussed. Col. Talbert
vas hoard most attentively. Interrupted
with cheers, especially on tax scheme;
closed with applause.
The next speaker was Captain Heyward
who was warmly received. He
came here as a stranger, knowing but
rery few of these South Carolinians
ind was most grateful for such greeting.
This county destined to be one of
the greatest counties of South Carolina
paid a tribute to South Carolina
womanhood, then passed on to his
candidacy. All love feast issues discussed,
blend and centre in up-building
af our State. These issues discussed
in tiieir exact meaning, uispensarj, i
education, good-roqds, pensions discussed.
Tribute to Confederate soldier.
Heard with closest interest and applause;
closed with applause.
Mr. Anse! came next with applause
and. unfortunately, with a sore throat.
He rogretetd this, but made his speech.
Coming from the Pearl of the Piedmont
portion of the State to which
Cherokee belonged; paid his tribute to
woman and her uplifting influences.
Comes with endorsement of Greenville
country; six years in legislature;
comes with endorsement of five upper
South Carolina counties as solicitor for
12 years: official record satisfactory,
always, to his constituents. Issues discussed
and Mr. Ansel's voice interfered
not with interest of his hearers. He was
heard throughout with close attention,
introduced Bro. Crofford to the Chero
kce audience; closed witn appiause.
Dr. Timmerman was the next speaker,
claiming that he and Mr. Ansel,
twice married, were the only true
friends of the ladies. Has never had i
to medicate his private or official character.
Col. Talhert refers to "thimberrigging"
in South Carolina politics.
This is something unknown to the
speaker. Ha3 what no competitor can
say, the endorsement of the people of
South Carolina. At home elected to the i
legislature, when not a candidate and
under his protest, an honor not bestowed
on any other so far as ho knew. He
is standing in his own shoes; running
on his own name. Object of a government
ic nmtoctinn nf cru-intv and 1SSU0S
so discussed. As to when he was treasurer,
he did not have to borrow money.
Assailed Col. Talbert's white tax
scheme: this is dangerous. Closed with
applause.
Lieut. Gov Tillman was the next and
last speaker who came forward with
cheers and applause and hurrahs for
Tillman. Returned thanks for this and
for past suf port. Glad to see these people
face to face to let them see if he
is the man painted. Appeals to his
country, and by this to be judged;
standing on record. Referred again to
the ruling incident in the senate, then
on to sword affair. Fininshing thcso in
detail, be found it necessary to notice
an editoml in the Gaffney Ledger published
some weeks ago.
This editorial charged Col. Tillman
with "being a "gambler, a liar and a
drunkard." Col. Tillman was reading
the article, stopping for vigorous and
sarcastic characterization on its contentsv
The article staed that County
Chairman T. B. Butler and Messrs. Mc
Craw and Sarratt could substantiate
what was said. Turning to Mr. Butler
Col. Tillman asked to hear from him.
Replying. Col. Butler said: "I know
absolutely nothing about the statement
and ths man who wrote it did so without
my authority."
Col. Tillman was proceeding in vigor-1
ous and sarcastic characterization of
the article when Editor DeCamp of the
Ledger stepped upon the stage and advancing
directlv to Col. Tillman, whom
he faced, said: "I am the man who
wrote tho editoral and am responsible
for it." Turning to Col. Butler, Mr.
DeCamp said: "Have you not been
drinking with Col. Tillman in Columbia?"
"No more than with you," replied
Mr. Butler. (Cheers.)
The crowd was very noisy and vehement
now and the ladies left precipitately,
the scene being stormy and
threatening. Cheers for Tillman and
some for DeCamp; various cries and
suggestions to both and general move-!
ment among the audience. The chairman's
gavel and other noises were
heard. Mr. DeCamp stood his ground
resolutely and again expressed with determination
his authorship and responsibility."
"Then you are the author of something
of which you should be ashamed,"
said Col. Tillman. Mr. DeCamp's
cool reply made a terrific commotion
when he said: "Col. Tillman, I can
prove you a liar over your own signature."
Col. Tillman requested him to
do so and Mr. DeCamp went to his
office for the proof. In the meantime
Mr. Caughman who had been absent,
tried to speak but no one heard.
Col. Tillman was proceeding with his
speech when Mr. DeCamp returned,
producing the two letters below, he
stated again that he could prove Col.
Tillman a falisifier and read the letters |
which were in reply to bills sent from |
time to time regarding an advertising j
account which he had not bee nable to
collect. Following is a verbatin copy '
of the letters:
Edgefield. Jan. 3, 1902.
Mr. E. H. DeCamp, Editor Grit and
Steel, Gaffney. S. C.:
I have received several letters from |
you, enclosing bill for advertising in
Grit and Steel. I beg to say that I
think if you will refer to your books
you will find that all these bills I made
with Grit and Steel were promptly paid
and in advance.
Yours truly.
(Signed) JAS. H. TILLMAN.
Replying to another bill from Mr.
DeCamp, came the" fololwing letter:
Columbia. S. C., Feb. 12. 1902.
Mr. E. H. DeCamp, Business Manager
Grit and Steel, Gaffney, S. C.:
While I am satisfied that I have already
paid the bill which you sent to
Mr. Sherhard, I hand you under this
cover my check for $4 in payment of
same. Kindly acknowledge receipt.
, Yours truly,
JAS. H. TILLMAN.
Mr. DeCamp maintained that Col.
Tillman knew he owned the account
when he denied it and he also insisted
that tl e context of the two letters revealed
this fact. Mr. DeCamp further
remarked as he finished reading the
leters that Col. Tillman had never paid
the bill and knew that he was lying I
when he wrote the letter. Col. Tillman
asked Mr. DeCamp to hand him the letters.
Mr. DeCamp refused to do so. Cel.
Tillman insisted. Mr. DeCamp again re- :
fusing, saying they were his property.
Col. Tillman said he only wanted to j (
read them, and Mr. DeCamp handed
them to him. standing by Col. Tillman
while ho read. After reading Col. Tillman
said:
CAN'T REMEMBER HIS DEBTS.
"If I only had oce matter on my
mind at once I would have known, but
after consulting my books and finding
the error, I sent him the money due
him." .
Mr. DeCamp then wanted to know if
it took six letters to find out one mis- ,
take in a set of books. There was much
noise and excitement in the audience,
much cheering, some hissing. Not a 1
majority of the audience by any means i
were cheering. Most of the noise seem- j
ed to be in favor of Tillman, but Mr.
DeCamp. who firmly and aggressively
stood his ground, was by* no means
without friends and supporters. Final- ,
ly Chairman Butler regarding that Col.
Tillman's time limit had expired, ad- (
journed the meeting.
At Yorkvlile.
Yorkville, Special.?About 500 vot- i
ers and some ladies heard the cam- i
paigners Saturday. It was a good
representative audience, and so grn- i
erous in applause that not one single <
candidate was neglected. The race for j <
first place was close between Talbert <
and Hey ward, all the candidates be- 1
ing well received. Mr. Gary made his
best speech, receiving cheers and the
only flowers of the day. This is a
Scotch-Irish county and an alarming .
number of lienal descendants de- J
veloped among the candidates. A rain
cooled off things and the only dust ]
seen was the political article raised ,
by candidates.
Messrs Jones and Walker warmed
up a little; so did Messrs Caughman
and Wilborn and Evans and Wllborn.
Wilborn also denounced Caster's
card, containing the statement he was
supported here by all the county officials.
making the statement under 1
authority of the officials. Col. Till- (
man's reference to the Gaffney incident
will be seen elsewhere. This and
his entire speech received the very j
closest attention.
'At Chester.
Chester, Special.?One of the best ,
audiences, decidedly, of the season,
was furnished by Chester. About 1,200
voters and ladies stood the ordeal all i
day, giving some applause to each i
speaker. Gubernatorial candidates: j
were especially well received. Heyward
leading, Tillman a close second. 1 .
Cansler was vocifer<msJy applauded.
^ - rNo
noteworthy featured, except, perhaps,
Tillman's criticism of Taloert's
long tenure of office, which he now
thinks "$vas filled so long and so
well."
"A big meeting was held at oRck Hill
Saturday night. The attention was
good and each spsaker received liberal
applause.
PALMETTO CROP CONDITIONS,
Temperature Below Normal ? Scat
tered Showers.
The temperature averaged about 3
degrees below normad during the week
ending Monday. July 2Sth. with a mean
of about 78 degrees. Tne maximum
was 98 degrees at Conway on the 22nd.
the minimum 60 degree? <*t Greenville
on the 22nd and 26th, and at Batesburg
on the 23rd. The sunshine was belownormal.
with much threatening weather.
but with little rain. The winds were
generally light, and during the greater
portion of the week were easterly.
The frequent local showers, copious
in the southeastern counties and in a
few localities elsewhere, but generally
light. Some rain fell in every county,
but by far the greater portion of the
State had an ihsufficient amount, and
in most places the prevailing drought
became intensified, while at a few
points it was relieved. The greatest
amount was 2.53 inches at Yemassee,
bur the State average was less than
half of the normal amount, with a
number of points that had no rain.
The general crop situation is difficult
to define accurately, because it is
so variable, being exceedingly promising
where the rains were heavy and
very poor in the dry sections, with intermediate
gradations where the rains
were partial. The majority of the reports
indicate a general deterioration
during the week, in the staple as well
as the minor crops.
Early corn is being stripped of fodder.
and is no longer subject to weather
conditions, but later plantings can
be materially improved or injured.
Bottom land corn is very fine, while
upland corn is suffering for rain. In
places upland com is "firing."
There is a widespread and general
complaint that cotton is losing color,
and shedding levaes and squares as
well as young bolls, although the latter
is not so common, with exceptions
where the plants continue to grow and
are heavily fruited. About all cotton
has been laidby, except that some fields
are receiving their last plowing. Boll
worms have appeared in Ar.derson.
Premature opening is reported from
Colleton and Newberry counties. In.
general, the crop has deteriorated
slightly during the week, but continues
to put on fruit although blooming too
much to the top. Rust has developed in
many localities.
Tobacco is nearly all cured and is a
fine crop, with the leaves heavier than
usual, in places tne crop ripenea prematurely
from "sunburn." Rice improved
generally, and is heading near
the coast, and is "shooting" in other
sections. Upland rice is very poor and
is rusting. Sweet p&fatoes look promising
in places and in others are poor;
they are yielding well in Charleston
county. Fall truck is growing nicely,
b it gardens arc generally poor. A general
rain is needed for all crops.
Bit By Mad Dog.
Bennettsville. Special.?About ten
days ago a three-year-old daughter
of Rev. C. B. Smith, the Methodist
pastor of this town, was bitten by
what was supposed to be a mad dog.
Recent developments in the child's
condition aroused the suspicion of the
parents and acting on the advice of
tKnir tihi't-iVinn \f Qmith 1<aff
day morning with the child for Atlanta.
where the patient will be ?
placed under the Pasteur treatment. * ^
The town is very much interested in
this case and developments are
anxiously awaited.
For Lack of Rain.
St. Matthews. Special.?The drought
Is still unbroken and crops are well
nigh ruined. Cotton is casting its
fruit, corn is drying up in the fields,
while the young peas are dying. Thus
Is blighted what promised a month
ago to be the heaviest crop ever
raised in this section. Clouds and
thunder prevail every day. but are
not accompanied by rain. The farmers
feel very much discouraged. The
cotton is beginning to open from the
excessive drought, the fruit not being
fully matured.
One Farmer Kills Auother.
Cheraw, Special.?Messrs. Hugh
Nicholson and Emanuel Sutton, farmers
of the northwestern part of the
county, had a difficulty on Thursday
which resulted in the killing of Mr.
Sutton by Mr. Nicholson.
Bank Closed.
Beaufort, Special.?On account of
the lamented death of its proprietor,
Maj. W. H. Lockwood, the Beaufort
bank has terminated its business,
pending a settlement of thg
affairs of the deceased. This unavoid?Kio.
roanU hnwpvpr has caused con
siderable inconvenience to business
men having business relations with
the bank and mon?y on deposit. Those
Interested naturally hope that a Mh
speedy settlement will be forthcom-^^^^B
ing after the business has been
ministered in accordance with tb^H^H