The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1898-03-10
Weeks P0L|1|l
z INTERESTING DEvEn
MENTS PROMISED.
h Attempt Being Made to Unite the
Prohibalonists and Local
Option Men.

Columbia, March 5.-Ihe most
Ihgnificant move on the political
ckessboard during the past week
has been the call for u prohibition
convention. This fight will be
pushed with the zeal that is ever
characteristic of the 'Crusades," 4"
but altogether within the lines of
the Democratic party, across which
line four white men in South Car
olina have the temerty 10 step.
The strength OF the prohibition
party is now an unknown factor,
but thore are many men who con-
tend that this faction is very much
stronger than it is popularity sup
bosed to be. This sentiment is
entertained by many of the pro
hibitionists who have Joined in the
movement towards an organiza-
ton for the purpose of putting out
a complete State ticket. As Il
matter of fact, many of the old
time prohibitionists, especially in
the rural districts. where the pro-
hibiticnists have always found their
strength, have bedded themselves
so Intimately with the diIpensary
party that this Gaberiel's trumpet
will not rouse them fiom their
dreams. In order to compensate
for this loss Of strength,it is urged
by some Of the leaders 70 torn a
coalescence with the local opli&;
lists, their rival cousins, and thus
draw the line sharply between
dispensary and anti-dispensary,
and once having overthrown their
common enemy and barring The
bone of cqptentiou again between
them, to fight out their old quar-
rel on new lines. 1t is argued that
antagonism 10 the State control of
liquor will make as strong bond
OF union as could be desired and
will lead TO political affiliations
that under other circumstances
would be impossible.
The natural leader Of the pro-
hi5iti0nis,s is Mr.. Childs. 1t is BE-
lieved that he could recall more OF
the wandering sheep to the house
If 0avid than any man in the state
but he would not prove a drawing
card for the lacal option men, and
while concession is not a charact
eristic of the advocates of prohl-
bition, is is urged that the eXigen
cies OF the case must make amends
for what might be regarded under
ordinary circumstances as sops to
cere bus or treaties with the devil.
1.-THE local op,ionists are to become
allies Of the prohibitiouists, the old
principal Of give and take mus, be
employed. In view of these facts,
there are many of the leaders who
urge a joint ticket and who are
negotiating treaties with the local
b men, and it is not improb-
hat the convention called for
April 14th will have a ring
eSed and striped complexion
- old time cold water army
lGhe contents of the canteen
|ihave spicy stick in it that
yibe a new flavor aud probably
ha disagreeable one to the pal
a,of the uncompromising.
.nator Mayfeld has been again
Approached in the matter of lead
ing these combined forces, as being
the most acceptable man to both
sides. He told the gentleman who
discussed the matter with hun
that he fully agreed with them
that prohibition in itself could not
win. but be thought the combina-
ton could very likely carry the
State, but as for his running, he
could not al present see his way
-clearlv In accun untino tho hnnor nf