The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1896-08-12
Thomas F.. Watson

gogue of the worst type, and his ascen-
dancy iu the Populist party does Dot
recommend that political organization
to our favorable consideration Prior
to 1890, at which time the Farmers
Alliance first came into prominence as
a political power, Mr.. Watson was a
lawyer in the Tenth, Georgia Congress
sioc al District, with fairly large prac
tice, but 90 great political influence
Recognizing that the political turmoil
caused by the Alliance demands would
make aud unmake the political for
tunes of many public men. he made
himself the champion Of the Alliance
demands. the chief of which was the
sub-treasury scheme. He became a
candidate for Congress against Con-
gressmau Barnes, and, after an unsual-
ly vigorous and bitter campaign. was
elected. During the progress of the
fight the unreasonable and excessive
antagonism against lawyers that existed
in Alliance circles was aroused by GER
tain mem bers of the order who bad
am bitions of their own. and Mr.: Wat
son was for tine 10 danger of being
shelved but he is man Of resources
and lost 20 time 10 deciding on a plan
of action. What did he do? He an
nouDced that he would be lawyer no
more. that he would esohew his profess
sion as a thing accursed. He was as
good as his word-duriDg that cam
paign and while he beld of6ce-sold
his law library at sacrifice aud was
the most virulent OF the violent
deuoupcers Of the lawyers
His campaign speeches appealed to
class prejudice and not to reason. and
the bitterness Of the Congressional
campaign in the Tenth Georgia District
was not surpassed, save by the rillman
campaign 10 this State. Life long
friends we're separated aud eomitles were
eugeudercd that six years have not suf-
feed to assuage. And worse than all,
Watson and his supporters formed
coalition With the negroes and Repub-
licaus, and every effort possible was
made to Induce the negroes to partlc'-
pate actively in the political fight.
Negro Alliances were formed in aim 'st
every neighborhood, aud prominent
officers 10 the White Alliance openly
and secretly Consulted with the leaders
among the negroes. Watsor's pollti.
cai plans seemed to prosper, for he was
elected over his opponent and served
one term ; but in 1892 the revusloa
came, the people had tired of demagog-
uery aud ucgro fusion, and Co! J G G
Black was elected as straig ttou; dem
oc-at over Mc Watson, who worked
tie Alliance and negro element for all
that it WAS worth, bGs in vain. Sirce
theu he has kept himself before the
public b3 pcrsisting in agltaslug a!oug
radical |iaes that appeared to appeal to
the masses against the classes. He
he's come to be recognized as the lead
log political asi5ator of Georgia. and
it has also been accepted as fact that
be is without any particular principles,
5u, is after notoriety and cffice One
after another has be thrown overheard
The Alliance demands and other social
Cd principles. which few years ago be
advocated with great zeal In lieu ct
these earlier isnl< he has adopted others
that have the appearance of popularity,
and has worked INCREASINGLY for his in
dividual advancement.
This is tle man who demands that
he be made the candidate Of the De-
mooracy, jointly with Ryan. aud that
the regular nominee be withdrawn in
his favor. This the type Of the Office
seeking Populst. making great profess
sious Of devotion to principles and dis
regard Of the rewards Of Office. yet
bent on obtaining Office or defeating the
only movement that has any prospect Of
giving the country relief. For our