The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1889-11-14
Nhe Journal.
CAMDEN, s. c. NOVEMBER "A, 1889
WHO SHALL BE GOVERNOR !

WHO SHALL BE GOt thNNoh
Not much is being said, but, as the time
annroaches. il becomes moro and more |
manifest that South Carolina has q number
OF distinguished sons who would be the
best pleased in the world to be made Gov
ernor of the State next year, and that some
Of them, at least, are already 'lsying plots
and fixing dots" to capture the nomination
And why should they not aspire to such an
office South Carolina is great State
great in her fertile soil and genial climate,
her bounding rivers and vlncclad hills;
rich in her factories, her mines and her
railroads; proud Of her history and OF the
achievements and undying devotion OF her
sons and daughters; but greaterand richer
far in her boundless present and future
possibilities. Unworthy indeed, would be
the man who did not feel inspired to put
forth his noblest efforts, upon being elevu-
ted to the office that has been filled by Rut-
ledge, Pinckney, Williams. Miller, Haync'
McDuiie, the Richardson's, Butler, the
Mannings, Gist, Pckens and others, whose
names were not born to die. But should
men ,rork for the place? 1t is doubtful II
any of the great men we have named put
forth any effort whatever to secure that
which they regarded as the greatest prize
OF their lives. On the contrary, they deem
ed it more becoming to retire to the seclu'
sion Of their homes, and, like Cincinnatus
Of old, to wait for the office to seek the
man. They were good judges of what was
the proper thing to be done, and their c1-
ample is commended to the respectful con-
siderstion of candidates of the present day.
But who shall be Governor next year? That
: is the question. The names OF several DIS
tinguished gentlemen have been mentioned
in connection with the nomination Indeed
it is said some of them are already IN the
race, while others are IN training and will
be brought upon the track at the proper
time. 1t would be cause for rejoicing II al
of these gentlemen could be promoted, fol
all of them are clever and honorable men
But there are other considerations, than
those OF merely personal character, thai
should not be forgotten. Throughout the
length and breadth of the State, there ex'
lists great unrest and discomfort. There
are divisions and dissensiors among tho
rank and file of the Democracy. Whether
the same be with or without foundation III
fact. the impression prevails that somehow
or other the governmental Of the State is not
administered in the interest Of all OF the
people. 1t may be that financial embarras-
ment is the real and fruitful cause of the
dissatisfaction to which we allUde, and that
that is due 10 any or all of dozen causes
But the fact comfrontS us-'our party Is not
united. Without unity of purpose and OF
action, we are helpless and in danger
With our organization perfect, and onr
ranks closed, We can withstand any power
that may Le brought against US. And
much may be done by the nominating con-
vention in 1890 to promote harmony and
restore confidence. Let us have as our
standard bearers men who have the abso,
lutte confidence of all Of the people OF the
State, who are involved in no entangliEg
alliances, who are controlled by no clique
who, perhaps, would prefer to remain in
retirement, and who would discharge the
duties OF the offices to which they may be
called impartially, and without fear, favor
or affection Without disparagement to
any one, we would suggest that the nomi-
nation of Gen. Johnson Hagcod, Of Barn
we'll, for Governor, and Capt. William G.
Coker, Of Darlington, for Lieutenant Gov
ernor, and of men like them for the other
State offices, would do more towards unit
ing the conflicting elements Of the Demo
crscy than any other ticket that could be
named. Such Is our opinion, formed after
o diSpassionate survey Of the situation,
and without knowing what may bo the
thoughts or wishes Of the gentlemen named
But their records justify the belief that
they would forego personal interest and
preference, and esteem it an honorto serve
their State in any capacity in which they
might advance the welfare of their fellow
citizens
REPERLICAN WaTERI.O0.