The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1896-06-24
k Or the Judge.
8r the Other Will Re.
place Irby in the Race.

In the last u hours the entlfe out
look. of the State campaign has been
changed. The situation is now open
to no end of speculation and there is
no telling what shape the senatorial
race will assume before the campaign
has gotten under way. 1sby's with
drawal came as a complete surprise
to all but a few who had been antlc-
ipating such action on his part: 1t
leaves the way open for another man
Is enter the lists along with Govern
or Evans and Mr Donaldson At
present it looks as if that man is
going to be either Congressman
McLsurin or Judge Joseph Fl. Earle
1t will be one or the other +; and
which, is the question
Yesterday there was quite a gath
ering Of politicians here and it re
minded one of the eve of State con-
vention. No end of hobnobbing was
being INDUCED in and the politi-
clans, it may be said, have been put
to guessing in more ways than one.
Congressman McLaurin came here a
few nights ago. before the announce
ment Of Irby's withdrawal, and talk
ed freel,, of entering the race. Then
came the withdrawal and the road
was open. Yesterday Mr. McLaurln's
friends from his own county aud else
where were here consulting with lAm'
about the matter, but no definite Con
clusion was reached Some Of his
friends seem to be little uneasy
about his entering the race. 1t he
gets out of the congressional race in
the Fifth district, there are a host OF
candidates waiting to make the
scramble for congressional hon.
ors.
Then there is Judge Earle. No
one seems to be able to speak for
him, yet his name is on the lips of
every politician 1t begins to appear
now as if he will be the one to OPP
pose Governor Evans. The whole
situation was freely and fully discuss
ed yesterday and the concensus of op.
inion seemed to be that MIR. McLaurln
would remain in the congressional
race, while Judge Earle would run
against Governor Evans Mr.
McLaurin has not yet said what he
Intends to do. The outlook Just at
this time is somewhat puzzling
There are many reasons why Judge
Earle is considered the most likely
candidate, but these cannot be given
to the public The matter is the all
absorbing one in political circles and
a great many politicians are con.
derably worried over it.
But though Senator Irby is out of
the campaign it is safe to say that
the bond business is still emphatical'
IL sin it," and will be the subject Of
; goodsmany speeches on the stump
Everybody is anxiously awaiting
Gov Evans promised statement of
the matter, and to see what will
come oft all
In the meantime the time for the
fling of primary election pledges by
candidates for congress-, the senate,
State officers and solicitors is grow
very short and the pledges are com.
ing in, but slowly. Pledges were
received by State Chairman Tomp-
kins yesterday from the following ad.
ditional candidates, several new men
appering in the field:
For Congress, Fourth District.
T. johnson
For Congress, Third District.
w. Bowden.
For Lieutenant Governor-M. B.
McSweeny.
For Congress, Fifth District-D E
Finley.
For Solicitor, Eighth Circuit-B.
NJ. Shuman.
For Comptroller General-James