The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1890-07-04
Ex-MATOR CoURTENAY's VIEWS.
His Letter neclining to be n Candidate for
OMce-A Review of Present Conditions.

His Letter hsclining to be Candidate for
Ohce-A Review of Present Conditions.
j. J. HULL, EsQ.-My Dear Sir: I
recall with pleasure your friendly
announcement, OF behalf of the citi-
zens of Rock Hill, four years ago, and
renewed in 1883, proposing my can
olidacy for Governor ofSouthC Carolina.
While absent temporarilyin Alabama
last spring L received copy of your
paper renewing the nomination for
1890. AS the evidence of friendly re-
gard by the citizens of Rock Hill,
these several mentions of my name
for the executive office have been
highly appreciated and greatly valued
be me, coming, as they do, from u
community i'll the front rank of pro
| gressive South Carolina cities, NOV
| ing forward on the correct lines of
industrial and business development
a suggestive example, worthy of
imitation.
Flooked forward to this campaign
as presentinga a favorable opportunity
to discuss important party methods
ana matters of grave public concern
to the State. Both call imperatively
for reform. The canvass has been
mltilted, however, and the issues are
seemingly made up on certain personal
lines. What, in my humble opinion,
should have invited temperate dis
cussion by the best thought and ex-
perience of our State, has been un-
wisely forced into purely personal
issue, marked by Misrepresentation
and invective.
Disguise it as we may, there are
large questions in South Carolina to
be wisely solved, pressing public mat
ters evolved by the slow growth of
many years, either originating in an
tiquated precedent, or founded in an
imported constitution. To such high
plane this years canvass should have
been raised and might have been ele-
waited, but has not been; only an en-
forced personal campaign is in pro-
gress. Nevertheless, it's general direc-
ton is toward reform, and the only
proper course now, in my opinion, is
to surround itwith every conciliatory
influence and wisest counsel The
ultlmate result cannot bring harm to
South Carolina, if prudent manage
ment OF the canvass is mutually
agreed upon, with recognition of the
fact that conciliatory language is bet
ter than unmerited abuse.
The excitement of the canvass will
presumably run its course, and the
September Convention will finally
decide for the whole party. Then
will come season of quiet and rest,
time for calm reflection, which,
wisely used, can be utilized to the
| benefit Of the party and the State.
You arc well aware that have not
at any time been an active candidate
for Governor. My position, publicly
stated, has been, that 1 would take
no step to that end, and yet I have
felt, and have frankly said, that
would not decline service call which
felt came from majority of the
party, in responding to which, might
he useful.
Under the circumstances, and in
the present condition of the campaign
IN the State, would ask that you
discontinue the mention of nay name
for Governor in your valued journal.
With renewed thanks to my Rock
Hill friends, whose good wishes
value, and in the hope that unoffi-
cially may be of use to our party
and people, at all times I am yours
respectfully, WIN. A. CoURTENEY.
Charleston, S. c., June H.