The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1898-07-06

Columbia, S. G, June 27-Editor
Headlight: I have attended several
of the campaign Meetings and also
felt the public pulse throughout the
State, and therefore give you pretty
correct diagnosis of the political Sit
uation.
There is no doubt about the field
being combined against Ellerbe, and
that Watson has been selected to do
the mud Singing. But our Cover
nor seems to be equal to the occa-
sion, and holds his wonderfully we'll.
He makes rafting good speech, is
quick on reparee, and although a
delicate man, the hot campaign does
not seem to phase him. Col. Watson
has disappointed the public: who did
not expect him to indulge in such
methods as person denunciation. If
bis charges against EIlerbe are true,
the Governor ought to be kicked out of
office; they are not true, and Watson
fails to substantiate them, then he
ought to be kicked off the stand. No
one has ever questioned Gov. Eller-
be's honesty OF purpose, or that he
is a clean handed man, who did what
he believed to be his duty and for
the best interest of his State. If be
has made mistakes in his appoint
ments they were honest mistakes,
and did not cost the taxpayers a
nickel.
It is my firm belief that Gov.
Ellerbe will be re nominated by an
overwhelming majority in the first
primary. He is gaining strengths
every day, and has captured every
audience so far. Col. Schumpert
makes telling speech, an3 will poll
a strepg vote. But Mr. Feather.
stone is the surprise of the campaign.
His arguments in support of prohi~
bition are strong, and every one Of
them are clnched. The dispensary
advocates do not even try to answer
them. Featberstone is one of the
most peaceful young orators of the
State. The people know that prohi-
bition is impracticable, but this
young defender of the cause about
convinces an audience against its
own judgment. Uncle George TIL
man is in his own bailiwick, and re-
ceives more applause than any Of the
candidates, but even those who cheer
the louaest will not vote for him.
He is too old and decrepid, and lis
prejudices are too deep seated to
govern our progressive state. 1t
would be cruel to the old man to
take him from his quiet home life.
He would not serve six months.
1t is hard to prognosticate the
other contestants, but the impression
is that Epton will win in the comp
trollers race hands down: Cooper
seems the popular favorite for secre
tary Of state; Brown for superinten-
dent of education; it's tie between
Garris and Stansil for railroad com,
missioner; COL Floyd, that one armed
veteran, and silver-topgued orator, is
sure winner for adjutant general:
while Duncan Bellinger is as elected
attorney general. OF course l only
refer to the sentiments at the meet
! ipgs already held, and the coming
week may entirely change the situa
ton. I have no favorites, and sim
ply give you facts. 1 90 not, how
ever, doubt Governor Eilerbes elec
ton. Col. Watsons cruel attacks
which he has thus far failed to sub
stantiate, have greatly strengthened
Ellerbe.
l have big piece Of news for yot
which has not as yet been published
There is now a movement on foot t(
consolidate the two papers IN TIL
city, the State ard the Register
under the name of The State Reg
ister.' I think it will be done, al
neither paper is making any money
But in less than six months anothe
morning daily will be started, for s'
long as there is rivalry over officer
rival papers will be kept up at
state capital.
The war has extracted all tn
enthusiasm out of politics, and ther
is very little news ahoat. VIII wit
YOU from time TO time how tie stat
campaign is progressing.
Ga LOCKER.
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