The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1897-07-07
IRBY In THE RACE.
Talks as if He Will be a Can.
didate for q. S. Senate.

From all Indications former United
States Senator Irby and former Gov
ierner John Gary Evans are in league
10 defeat Senator McLaurin Both
we're IN the city yesterday. Before
leaving Col Irby made the following
significant statement
1.-The Reform movement Of which
I was member in 1890, was simon
pure, genuine Democratic organlza
ton pledging itself in writing to
submit all Of It's demands to the de.
cision Of that party and further
pledging its honor to abide its result
Upon this express condition the
Democrats Of the State turned the
machinery Of the party over TO the
leaders Of the Reform movement.
The members of the Reform organi
zatioa believed in 1890 that their
cause was right and just and they see
no reason to change their minds now.
While the people were at work aad
unsuspecsing they have been betray-
ed. An attempt is being made to
deliver them into the hands of their
enemy who fought them from the be
ginning until now To consummate
this treacnery they have precipitated
canvass on the State in the hottest
and busiest months IN the year. when
the resnst Of The primary, which has
been called. at most is merely mere
suggestion TO the Legislature, which
meets in January. 1898 There is
no election following this primary
It could have been held if the con-
Yenience of the people had been con-
suited, as late as December, when all
could have heard the discussion aud
participated in the primary without
the least inconvenience. In short,
the enemies of the Reform movement
expected drag race. In that they
are going to be mistaken. It looks
as If the colors Of the Reform move
nent are trailing in the dust and no
one is willing to take them up and
bear tha brunt of battle The peo-
pie are az firm in their convictions as
10 1890 aud those who expect an ab
iect surrender of the Reform forces
viii certainly be Disappointed
This all appeared to be good
enough as far as it went, but the
question wss asked whether he, Col.
lrby, would eEter the race. he
said 1T does not suit me to reen-
ter policiics for many reasons |
will gladly yield to any true-blpe
Reformer, but if be does not appear
viii do so, let consequences be
what they may y
The above was shown to ex Gov
ernor Evans last night. After read
ing it over he declared that it was
sound Democratic doctrine. He
agreed with Col 1rby's statement
that sorae staunch Reformer would
enter the race.
In response to question as to him
entering the race, Mr. Evans replied
that it did not snit for him to run.
but that he was going to be at the
opening meeting in Sumter.
"How about Col. Irby's chances,
should he run ?" was asked.
'slrby has more friends in the State
than we ever credited him WITH was
athe answer
Mr.. Evans thought that Mr. Nc
Laarin's tariff views were not in
keeping with Democracy and that he
had sesrayed the party.
Il appears from statement made
by Mr. Evans that Senator Tillman
will take part in the campaign. He
will NOT speak in the interest Of any
candidate. but will make FIVE or six
speeches Cor the dispensary.
Senator McLaurin will arrive in
Columbia to day and will be quarter
ed at the G.and tral-The State,
July i