Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1896-08-12
THE COUNTY CANVASS.

statements.
THE COUNTY CANVASS.
The county canvass was opened in the
courthouse last Monday, pursuant to the
programme recently arranged by the
Democratic executive committee. There
were present from first to last about $50
people who listened to the speeches close
ly, and good order prevailed throughout
the meeting. Mr.. +. s. Brice presided, +,
and introduced as the first speaker,
REPRESENTATIVE W. N. ELDER,
a candidate for the state senate. Mr..
Elder commenced by saying that in 1890,
after repeated refusals on his part, his
friends had brought him out reluctant
candidate for the house of Representatives
He ran and was elected. He was elected
again in 1892, and again in 1894. He had
had lately insisted on his being a candi-
date for the senate, and if elected he
would give the people the best service of
which he was capable. Two years ago, he
said, he had taken up the demands of the
March convention, and explained what
had been done with each. At that time
all of these demands but one had been
carried out. That was the demand for
the calling of constitutional convention.
York county had voted against this con-
vention but majority of the people of
the state had voted for it, and it was
held. Against his wishes he had been a
candidate for the convention; "but, as
you all know, was defeated, and you
know how it was DONE" He then went
into discussion of the achievements of
the Reform party, referred to Clemson
and Winthrop, and said that taxes could
not be materially reduced on account of
the interest on the state debt and other
fixed expenses of the government. He
said that since 1890 over 700, 900 acres of
land that had been escaping taxation had
been restored TO the tax books. About
700 miles of railroad had been built, and
there were now only about $50 miles in
the hands of receivers. In 1888 there
were only $4,000 spindles in operation in
the state and only about $4,000, 900 in
vested in cotton manufactures. There
are now in operation 100000 spindles
and $3.50 900 invested in cotton manu-
features. He gave these figures to show
what had been done under the Reform
movement, notwithstanding the cries of
the opposition to the effect that the coun-
try was going to the demnition bow
vows.
I understand, continued Mr.. Elder,
that some objections are being urged
against me because it is claimed that
favor a division Of York county. Last
fall went before you as a candidate for
delegate to the constitutional convention.
1 stated positively then that was op-
posed to division of York county, and
stand now just where stood then. There
are many reasons why I am opposed to
division. live only 81 miles from York
vile. No new county line can come with
in less than s miles of an old county seat.
7 live 13 miles from the city OF Rock Hill.
and if the county were divided, would
be left in the old county. Put there is
only one way in which thu county can
be divided, and that is prescribed by the
constitution. It SAYS that no new county
shall be formed with less than 400 square
miles of area. Upon a petition of one
third of the qualified voters in a proposed
new county, the governor is required to
order an election, and if two-thirds of the
voters vote for the proposed new county,
then the legislature must erect the coun-
ty. This is a plain requirement of the
constitution. Each member of the legis-
lature takes an oath to support the consti-
tuition, and if the conditions are complied
with when the matter comes up, there is
nothing for the legislature to do but carry
out the law, and, consequently, he
thought there was nothing in all this hue
and cry that had been raised about the
went to the senate with the survey he had
made, the correctness of the survey would
he accepted through senatorial courtesy.
He promised to ask for nothing of the
kind. He was perfectly willing to have
his work tested and wanted test made
of it. Mr.. Brice had asked him on Fri
day how long he was engaged in making
the survey, and he had told him % days.
Mr.. Brice then said that Mr.. Robert Latta
had told him that such survey could not
be made in six months. admit, said
Mr.. Elder, that if it were desired to make
correct map of the whole county, it
would take about six months; but not
merely to run around the outside lines
for the purpose of getting the area. :,
Mr.. J. A. Latta spoke to Mr.. Elder, and
Mr.. Elder said that Mr.. Latta had in
formed him that Mr.. Robert Latta had
said nothing of the kind.
Mr.. Brice explained that he had not
made such statement publicly; that he had
told Mr.. Elder privately that he had
heard that Mr.. 1atta had made such
statement, but could not remember who
had told him.
''It has been thrown out at me-" said
Mr.. Elder, THAT our survey was not cor
rect, and that they were going, to have Mr..
Latta to follow us. I told them that l
would be glad to have him do 1t, and
would give him the benefit of my notes
and such other assistance as lay in my
power"
Mr.. Latta stated to the audience tina he
heard his brother say that he would not
like to undertake the work within limi-
ted time but that he was sure that he had
not said that it would take Messrs. Miller
and Elder six months. He had said he
did not know how long it would take.
In conclusion, Mr.. Elder said there was
never any trouble in ascertaining where
he stood with regard to any matter; that
when he was in favor Of measure he
would pull of his coat and work for it;
but if he did not think that measure
was proper thing, he would always ad-
wise and work against it. If sent to the
senate, he would represent the whole
county without regard to section.
REPRESENTATIVE W. b. LOVE,
also candidate for the senate, was next
He said he was born and
reared in York county, had lived here all
his life, and expected to be buried here.
He was brought into this race by his
friends and neighbors. He wished they
had selected some one abler, worthier
and more experienced; but as they had
selected him, he felt it his duty to offer,
and if elected to this high office he would
appreciate the honor most highly and
would represent the whole county with
out regard to section, and with all the
ability with which he has been endowed.
He had always been for the people; for
The right against wrong; for truth against
error. He had been member of the |
legislature for four years. During the
line several salary reduction bills had
Deen introduced and he had supported
hem all. He had voted for the bill re-
lucing the salaries of members from $5 to