The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1900-07-05
THE POLITICAL SITl ALTON.
4 Rich. Rare and Racy Article from
the Pen Of Rev. T.. Aston Wilkes,
Editor of the Circuit Rider.

lavS in this bright June. | attended 4
political meeting in my country town, the
first, if not the fouleSt, in many ycals.
There were not 4 few candidates there
both small and great, all hopeful and
enthusiastic, the majority of whom
evinced more love for gros and human
glory than for grace and goodness.
The dispensary is the political sacra-
ment and according to the decree issued
that day, i'll fortune awaits him who may
have the manhood to oppose the less of
two evils"
The High Priest of the State is that
political prodigy, B. Il. Tillman. He
stands at the altar of BacchuS, declares
the word, and smaller creatures bow in
submission before the throne of power.
One becomes impressed with what might
be termed the ritual and drama of the
whole affair. (All candidates, high and
low save Hoyt arranged around throne,
on which sits the monarch Of all surveyed
on big barrel of the chemically pure.}
Hush, Tillman speaks. "Ho, all ye
candidates, one and all, are We persuaded
that the dispensary law is the best solu-
ton of the liquor question:
Candidates: I'VE are all so persuaded"
Tillman: "Will you so proclaim and
teach the people,"
Candidates: I'VE will"
Tillman: will you then give faithful
diligence to minister, and protect the
privileges of this sacramento"
Candidates: We will SO minister and
faithfully protect" l."
Tillman: "Will you be ready with all
faithful diligence to Danish and drive
away from our State all erroneous and
undemocratic doctrines contrary to the
laws of the dispensary?"
Candidates: "All this will We stead
fastly do"
Tillman: Depart in peace"
All CduuludtcS lCtlC Iloul tuC piSsShSS
save three of the chief candidates, who
are now more closely questioned. They
are McSweeney, Gary and Patterson.
Tillman: Come hither, Mac, and tell
US whence come you:"
Mac: From the rank and file of the
people l built myself from the stump
and am a candidate for the Office of gov
ernor"
Tillman: "If elected governor, Mac
what do you think will be the resuls?"
Mac: peace and prosperity will reign
in South Carolina, Sir, even as it did in
your time AS it was in the beginning
it is so now, and ever shall be; for the
dispensary, Sir, is the solution, and your
word shall be law, and your policy will
ever pursue"
Tillman: well done, good and faith
full servant. Enter thou into the JOY of
nv favor. Go in peace and prosper"
Tillman: "Well, Gary, my son, where
art thou?"
Gary: "Tve ever been the friend of the
dispensary. have enjoyed myself in its
courts, guarded its rights and sung its
praises, but go before the people saying
unto them, their several towns and cities
have have dispensary if you want it,
have high license if you want that, but of
course down in my heart love the dis
pensary."
Tillman: But your mind. o, Gary,
fear is divided; you lack a settled con-
yiction, and are liable to become compro-
missing. He that is not with me, is
against me; and he that gathereth not
with me, scattereth abroad. l cannot
therefore endorse your candidacy and
give you my blessing"
Gary: But, if elected, will pursue
your policy
Tillman: 30, ho! but now is the time,
now is the day of Salvation" exit Gary.)
Tillman: Patterson, Patterson, come
hither. Bring your lean and lank self to
this altar and let me learn your .senti-
ments." patterson comes forward and
stands before the high priest) You are
lacking in lard, Patterson, and seem liable
to dyspepsia, and therefore you are, l fear,
prone to become peculiar and erratic, but
say your say. You wish the CROWN"
Patterson: "Yes, Stree"
Tillman: What is your present in
cumbency and incumbrance?"
Patterson: Il am Col Howard Patter-
son, of grand old Barnwell; am a member
of the legislature and first yice-president
of the Baptist Association of South Caro-
lima, sir"
Tillman: "Humph. You air.
Patterson: Yes, sir"
Tillman: TOO pious, Patterson, too
pious, alas. There is one great encum-
brance, vice-president of christian asso-
citation. Why, don't you know all these
religious cranks are opposed to the dis,
pensary?"
Patterson: Yes, sir, but | propose to
so diffuse the ardency of my spirit and
patriotism IN my ASSOCIATION as to win
them to right thinking and the dis
pensary."
"Tillman: That won't do Too much
pure water in that association, your ar
dor will be dampened. Well, Patterson,
what is your purpose if elected gov
ernor."
Patterson: well, sir, to maintain
righteousness and strive to encourage the
moral elevation of the people
Tillman: My fathers! There you 60
again with that association idea. ., You
are pious. What elSe:'
Patterson: II will give the dear people
my contingent fund, and will take no
papers unless pay for them out of my
own pocket"
Tillman: That's too smart When |
was governor took 'em because it was
an established privilege, necessary and
right. Go on"
Patterson. and | wont nay for nv