The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1901-08-21
Campaign Meeting at LeesyilIe.

State Democratic Executive Commit
tee was held at Leesville last Friday
A little spirit was injected into this
meeting and the dull monotonv,
which has heretofore characterized
these meetings wss broken by four
of the FIVE candidates jumping on
candidate Lever for asserting that
the race was not alone for his benefit
but was lexington county's fight as
we'll. This, they claimed, was sec
tionalism and was establishing bad
precedent and one that was to be
deplored.
Leesville, the beautiful little town
where the meeting was held, is live
and progressive place and here re-
fnement, intelligence and culture OF
a high order is maintained and en-
couraged by her hospitabie and gene
rous denizens. It is noted for it's
healthy and salubrious climate and
water; its charming and accomplish
ed women; the patriotic devotion tn
State and county of her sons; the push
and energy of her business mer; its
wide and shady streets; the deep
religious and moral tone which per
vades the place and the peace and the
law abiding and peace loving reputs-
ton of the people.
Leesville has made wonderful
strides along the road of progress
since last we were there and our
heart was filed to overhowing with
pride and admiration in noticeing the
many evidences of material and per-
manent prosperity, which were to be
seen in all directions. The town is
fast putting on the appearances OF
city life and is doing large volume
of business annually The opening
Of the Lee estate, which heretofore
until recently, has not been on the
market to settlers and improvement,
has contributed in a large measure
to the upbuilding of the town and
the day is not so for in the distance
when Batesburg and Leesville, the
twin sisters will meet. embrace and
kiss each other making city of no
mean dimensions and one that will
be an honor and blessing to Lex
ipgton county. These people take
lively and patriotic interest in polit-
ical meetings when they are conduct
ed on high toned and elevated
plane and az the campaign which
has just closed in this county WAS
such an one her people turned out
about 800 strong, MANY Of whom
were ladies; to hear National issues
discussed snd expounded by the
fathers of Democracy as interpre-
ted bv the candidates and to be
instructed and educated on The
economics which are now engaging
the attention and agiiating the pub
lie mind all over this broad and
glorious land of ours which has been
symbolized in song and story as the
home of the brave and the land OF
the free.
Captain A. P. West, the most
patriotic son of that patriotic place
was made chairman of the meeting
and presided with that charming
grace and ease, and with the utmost
impartiality and fairness, which have
ever characterized all bis public and
private ecss. The meeting itself
was an ideal one, CONSPICUOUS for the
total absence of unseemly and bois-
ferrous conduct which have too often
been the predominant elements OF
similar meetings held elsewhere in the
past and the people of Leesville can
take just pride in having set such
q worthy and commendable example
for other localities to follow.
Hon. A. Frank Lever, Lexington's
gifted son, was the first candidate to
he introduced to the audience MIR.
Lever was in good form and voice
and be vigorously attacked the Re
publican policies He clsimad that
as it was not alone his fight for Lex
ineton's interest and Lexington's
honor, therefore it was the duty OF
every citizen TO stand shoulder to
shoulder with him aud give him their
warm and undivided support at the
polls. He gave an account OF bis
stewardship and had stood by sll his
promises and did all he could while
he was member of the Legislature
for those he represented and if they
would send him to Congress be
would there do all that he could for
the betterment of the condition OF
his constituency. He related his
connection with DR.. Stokes and con-
tended that this practical familiarity
with the aims and purposes OF the
dead Congressman better fitted him
for the duties of Congressman.
All the candidates were capable and
competent men and the interests Of
the District would not suffer DO mat
ter who was nominated and if he was
the one to be left at home be would
leave the campaign with that same
good feeling toward them all with
which he entered it His speech was
received with liberal applause.
Hon. Thomas F. Brantley, OF
Orangeburg, the next speaker, open
ed his remarks by condemuing Mr.:
Levers claim that he represented
Lexington county's claims and said
that such a contenion was narrow;
that he did rot claim to represent his
county alone, but entire 7th District.
He had been in one Of the depart
ments at Washington, but bad lost
his position on account OF taking tho
canvass for Bryan and free silver
-after being forewarned by Mr.. Car
Isle that such would be the result if
W.T. U,.-;p,o onI rpodp