New-York tribune., 1896-12-31
SOUTH CAROLINA ASKS RECOGNITION
DR. LATIMER OF THAT STATE. SUGGESTED FOR
SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE.


Washington. Dec 80 (SpeciaD.-The current men
tlor of Dr. Latimer. OF South Carolina. for the
portfolio Of Agriculture awakcns interest not only
in the man and his antecedents. bat well IN
what he represents in the Palmetto State. Tho
Tribune has kept abreast Of affairs In that quarter
OF the South. and marked accurately the develop
ment there OF intelligent and substantial Re-
publican sentiment. which differs in kind and de-
gree. perhaps. from any 10 be met with elsewhere
in Dixie. DR.. 1.atimer Is the exponent so South
Carolnians who know him we'll say. OF the stead
lily increasing Projections, party 10 be found in
many places. but strangely enough to greater
extent in the State of Calhoun. Hayne and Nc
Dufic than anywhere else In all the Southern por-
tion OF the Union. Looking at the question Of MS
candidacy for a place IN Mr. Mcknleys Cabinet
from the point OF view rather OF the gain 10 Re-
publicanism than OF local personal consdera-
tions IT IS interesting TO trace the mans antece
dents and describe his surroundings.
All students OF the notification era who have
examined the memoirs and other data Of that
striking epoch are aware that there was power
full Union party in South Carolina. at the head OF
which Senator William Smith. II had
brains and character at least equal 10 those OF the
radical party, for it comprised some OF the first
men OF the time. politically and socially. one cf
Judge Smiths supporters in the up country, al
that period youngster In years. but already a
OF local influence. and who subsequently be-
famous h. T.. Perry. lie edited OF
the leading mon newspapers In tnc great
versy. The Greenyille Mountaineer." 1t gave
able and unwaycring assistance to the cause of
the Union. and some OF the most trenchant blows
aimed at the nullifying leaders. Calhoun and
Hayne. were delivered by the young editor.
In a subsequent day. when Benjamin r. Perry
pleaded for the same cause. one Of his disciples WAS
Or I.atner, then youthful Perry had been
when no sat AT the feet OF Smith. Latmer I'M
bbed so much Of this spirit that In the first con
situtional Convention held after the war lie repre-
scented the convention foor,in a close personal
sense the policy upheld by Governor Perry. This
advocacy first attracted public attention 10 his tai
cnts. lie joined the Republican party at its begin
ming. and. unlike many other Lativ, adhcrenfs. he
did not incur social ostrd drism. Perhaps II was be-
cause OF the conservatism OF his views. n well as
the dignity and probiy OF his character.
Iatlner belonged 10 inc bsst eIeih'iit OF the Up
country population lie had large agricultural rs
mountain city OF Greenyillc. South Carolina's .du
cati ,na scat In local politics he did not depart
from sound policy which Insisted on good local
gov .rnment. even If 1t had TO be obtained at the
hands of the party 10 which he was consistently op
his object in. me-. certainly not as regards
the holding Of public office Having an abun-
business. and a social position winch made
him free from envy and above sordio consders-
ard citizen 1t Is understood that the movement 10
assure for him place I'm the Cabinet Is connected
rather with the social and economic ~ well ds lo-
iical revolution going on In MS section than with
the personal ambition OF proud souherner
Some or Dr. l-atHl""S relatives are iprrlJ'tls,
and one Of them. Congressman Latimer il the per
iicular friend of Senator Ti!lman. Ills rela lions
with the family OF the late Governor Perry
close and cordial might be expected from his de
vo,ion to the principles and fortunes OF that dstin-
puishcd Union leader All OF these personal con-
nections and associations II is said. viii be oxerted
I'm behalf Of the movement TO obtain for Dr.. Iati-
mer a place Mckinley's council table f;ut the
chief claim presented for the appointment Is 'he ono
suggested above. Whether the President elect VII
deem II 10 be the best policy 10 organize mis- 'abi
net I'm such manner as 10 take into consideration
the facts stated and reasons urged VIII depend
probably upon the Significance he attaches 20 the
situation In the Palmetto State. lie may or may