The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1896-06-24
THE STATE CAMPAIGN.

The STATE CAMPAIGN.
The State campaign opened at
Manning Monday under the most
favorable circumstances as regards
peace and good order. Numerous
surprises, much disappointment and,
to some Of the candidates at least,
great pleasure were developed at this
meeting. For sometime past there
have been the names of numerous
strong men mentioned as prospective
candidates for United States Senator
against John Gary E s, but to the
disappointment of all none appeared
except John T. Duncan of Newberry'
now chief c'erk in the Office Of the
Secretary of State. Judge Joseph e..
Earle flied his pledge, had it with
drawn and has since decided to run
the race for Senator.
To the utter surprise and regret
of his friends. Hon. W. D. Evans
announced himself as candidate
for Congress from the Sixth (Mc-
Laurin's) District, instead of oppos-
ino Governor Evans as was hoped
and expected.
The campaign was opened by in
Producing Gen. R. N. Richbourg,
candidate for Adjutant and In
spector General, of whom it can
be said there are none truer Or
braver, and none who would sEed
greater lustre around the militia CT
the State than he. In times of
war and peace he served his State
with conspicuous gallantry and
marked distinction.
He was followed by Adiutant and
Inspector General Watts, candidate
for re election: Gen. Watts has
made very efficient officer and his
competencyahas been tried and not
found wanting.
DR.. Zimmerman appeared as can
didate for State Treasurer, and has
no opposition. He was elected
Lieutenant Governor two years ago
on account of his good looks and as
he is as good looking now as he was
then, it follows that his election is
certain.
Mr.. James Norton was introduced
as candidate for reelection to the
Office of Comptroller General. He
has made a good officer and,is unop-
posed; be will be re- e-elected.
Gen-ral Barber gave an account OF
his stewardship as Attorney General
and asked for re election.
Secretary of State Tompkins has
a walk over in his race for reelection.
Mr. Wilborn is asking reelection
as a Railroad Commissioner on his
record, be being the man who
brought down the freight rates on
fertilizers.
The only G. Walt. Whitman wants
to be Governor because he is opposed
to the Citadel, the South Carolina
College and the Dispensary.
Mr.. John R. Harrison believes that
he would make good Governor and
asks the people to elect him to that
office. His platform is sound.
Marion's favorite son, Gen. W. Fl.
Ellerbe, appeared in response to re-
peated calls for him. He announced
his candidacy for Governor on plat
form broad and liberal and overflow
ing with the spirit of true statesman
ship.
Either Major Miles B. McSweeney
of Hampton or NJ. B. Cooper of Col
eton, would make good Lieutenant
Governor, and the voters will be given
chance of choosing between them.
Gov. Evans told all about the bond
deal and explained that there was
nothing crooked about floating the
State bonds; that everything was
done for the best interest of the State
andthat the most rigid economy was
practiced in doing so. His explana-
ton was fully endorsed by the people
who gave three cheers for the Ad-
ministration at the conclusion of his
speech.
Mr.. John T. Duncan was an
nounced as United States Senator.
He attacked the administration and
John Gary Evans literally wiped the
face of the earth up with him.
And thus ended the first campaign
meeting.