The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1896-09-09

w W w i'''NoASs ~@'oS'' -
W H Mauldio. Hampton, S c
AF H Dukes, Orapgeburg, S G
Nv Bowman, Oraogeburg, S c
W w Cassels, Chester, S c
G D Bellipger, Barn we'll, s &C
Y Williams. Lancaster, S c
S W scruggs, GreeuviIle, sc
j NJ Harrison. Spartanburg; S G
EJ Dennis, Berkeley. S c
JB Morrison, Berkeley, S c
J G Long. Union. S c
W A Nicholson, Union, S c
J A Sligb. Newberry, S c
Robert Aldrich, Barnwell S c
CIV Garris. Smoak's, S G.
A H Williams. williamsburg Go.
Willie Jones, Richland. S c
W A Bennett. Spartauburg. S G
J D NJ Shaw. Laurens. S G
OG Thompson, Laureus, S c
H L Farley. Spartaubug, S G
Jno B Davis. Edge6eld, S G
&c Robinson. Pickens. S C
Josh w Ashley, Anderson S G
EB Stackhouse, Marion S G
Trenton, S. G Sept. 2. 1896.
To Messrs. NJ B McSweey. James
Norton. W T C Bates. J Gary
Watt, W A Neal. ] A Sigh, j D
NJ Shaw, A G Latimer and others.
Gentleman Your letter of this date
has just been received, and as its tenor
demands prompt answer, reply at once.
I had intended to say and do nothing
in the senatorial race. bu. recognize
in you, my strong personal aud politi-
cal friends, the right to call upon me
both for advice and work, if need be.
What I may cay may serve only to give
an explanation of the causes that pro-
duced a threatened disaster rather than
avert it. You ask me to take the
helm" when the ship is already in the
breakers. AS trae man | must do so,
even through at this late day I might
we'll ask why you have not called on me
sooner. I regard the election Of Gov
erpor Evans to the senate now as pol
itical necessity l say this without the
slightest degree Of disparagemeus to
his opponent There is necessarily a
difference of opinion among our people
as to the fitness and qualifications of
these two gentlemen for the high Office
named. But this is not personal con-
test, and Governor Evans alleged
shortcomings aud Judge Earle's qcaii-
6cations cannot now enter as factors in
the consideration Of the question by the
true Reformers Of the State To these
address myself because l know too
we'll that nothing I can say will have
weight with those who have fought
me with such intense bitterness in the
past and who now fight Evans as the ex-
ponent Of Reform. The Reform move
mept had it's origin in the demand
of the people, the common people, for
recognition in governmental affairs It
swept the State and assumed absolute
control Of al! its departments. Gene
raj Earle opposed it with bitterness in
1890, but his manly acquiescence in
the result won the respect and esteem
Of all his opponents, SO much so that
be has since been honored by an cleo
tion to judgesbip. He cannot there
fore complain that the Reformers are
unforgiving The question is, has he
earned the United States senatorship,
and is he in sympathy with the men
who are to give it to him if he receives
it?
Herein lies the essence of the whole
matter, and he himself, time and again
on the stump, has declared emphati-
cally. II am not Reformer,' thus
making a subtle appeal to his old sup
porterS by an avowal Of still! being one
Of them and repudiating those who had
honored bin.
When the campaign opened at Man
ing, General Earle withdrew from the
race because he felt that he could not
hope to vin against Governor Evans
alone, and only when he re entered it at
the last moment, when be had been 10
formed Of Mr.. Duncan's eotry aud
speech, indicating fight between Re-
formers by which ne could hope to
profit.
He old not enter the canvass actively
until be had watched its course for two
weeks. and with subsequent events the
pubic are familiar. Suffice it to say,
that while Mr. Duncan hung on like a
sleuth hound aud doubtless fully ex-
pected to be elected, bis role has been
that OF the cat who pulls chestnu's out
Of the Gre for others to eat, aud he has
injured the Reform movement noFe
than any man who has ever been 10 it
While he has had the satisfaction CT
being pa,.ea oa the back by The News