The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-12-30
LATIMER ENTERS THE LISTS.
sEcRETARYsHIP OF AGRICULTURE
HIS AIM.

Delegation of south Carolina RepuB-
Iicans Going to Canton to Lay His
Claims Before President-EIect Me-
Kinley-The Doctor "a Republican,
While His Father Was an Ardent
supporter of the Conference.-The
Old Chestnut Of Turning the state
Over 10 the Republicans TO He
sprung.
Washington. Dec. 29.-South Carolina
has gone into the cabinet-making ousl-
ness, and DR.. Joseph +. Latimer of Green
vile is to be put forward as the proper
material to aid in the construction of the
very important piece Of political furniture
in the household OF the Mckinley adminis-
tration.
A prominent member of the South Caro-
lima colony returned to Washington to-
day, bringing with him the Information
that delegation OF South Carolina re-
pubcans will journey to Canton in few
days to present the claims of DR.. Latimer
to President-eect Mckinley. DIR. Lati-
mer aspires to the position of secretary oe
agriculture, for, although he has for a
clan, he has also been one of the most
successful planters in the south. In addi-
tion to deriving handsome income from
his practice and his plantation, he ac-
quired by inheritance a large fortune.
which would enable him to hold up the
social end of the administration TO bet-
ter advantage than many of the other
have been associated with a cabinet posi-
tion.
In politics Dr. Latimer has been a lIfe-
long republican, and is known throughout
the southern states as one of the few men
who stood up for the cause of the union.
although his own father was on the op-
poste side of the civil conflict.
DR.. Latimers friends will proceed to
Canton prepared 10 show Mr.. Mckinley
that there Is prospect of turning the
Palmetto state over to the republican
party, IL protection and not the negro
question is made the paramount issue In
that state. They claim that in the up
country the cotton planters and cotton
manufacturers are ready to join hands
with the rice planters in the low country
and establish a protective party in South
Carolina, IL the new administration will
recognize such men as DR.. Latimer In
the distribution OF the federal patronage.
They assert. further, that the negro ques-
tion Is being rapidly eliminated from poli-
tics In South Carolina, while the benefits
of protection are becoming more and
more apparent to those who are indus
triously inclined.
1t il said in behalf OF DR.. Latimer that
he Is not an ofiice-seeker, for he declined
to accept the position of collector of GUS
toms at Charleston under the Harrison
that he outranks Cunningham, Russell
Webster or Smalls, when II comes to nigh
grade repubicanism, and they will pre-
sent all OF his qualifications to Mr.. Nc
Kinley In the most glowing colors imag-
Unable.
II cabinet position is denied him, he
will probably be urged for something
equally as good" as the professional
place hunters put II, hence the President
elect may as well prepare himself for a
long and interesting chapter on South Car
olina politics when the I4atImer delega-
tion reaches Canton.
Those who profess to be close TO Mr..
Mckinley, and who have been permitted
TO take a peep into the cabinet-making
shop at Canton, insist that John F. Han
son of Georgia, still leads the southern
contingent and retains his place on all the
preliminary states outlined by the Presi-
dent-elect and Mark Hanna. IL is not
necessary for the Georgia republicans TO
send delegations to Canton TO enlighten
Mr.. Mckinley as to Maj. Hanson's quail
ihcations for a seat at the cabinet table.
His long personal and political friendship
with both MIR. Mckinley and Mark Hanna,
renders him the most dangerous rival that
DIR. Latimer IL. Clay Evans, Gen. Powell
Clayton, James A. Gary, Gov. Bradley,
and their army Of political supporters have
TO contend against.
Mark Hanna Is expected In Washington
soon after the New Year opens. and II Is
understood that DR.. Latimer has made
arrangements to be In this city at the same
time, and talk over the situation in South
Carolina with him. Many other repub-
iican politicians and place hunters will
Journey to Washington with the hope and
expectation OF having their names record
ed In Mark Hannas book Of favors to be
granted.