Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1901-06-05
McSWEENEY WANTS PEACE.
He Advises Senators Tilman and McLaIrln to
Withdraw their designations.

columbia Cor. News and Courier.]
Governor McSwoonoy has virtually re-
jected the designations of Senator Till
man and Senator McLaurin. TO be OK
act, he has sent back the resignation
"that they may have moro time for seri-
GUS consideration"
With the disagreement that seems to
exist between the two United States SEN
ators as to how the fight between them
shall be conducted and whom it shall
take place the likelihood is that thcrc
will be no new designations sent in to
Governor McSweoncy.
There seems to have been great diver
sity of opinion as to what ought to have
been done in the premises. Some wanted
Governor McSweeney to accept tho rcsig-
nations and appoint two now Senators
others wanted tho designations accepted
ers thought it exceedingly unfortunate
that there would have to be another pri-
mary at this time. Governor McSweency
on his return to tho city found a bundle
of letters awaiting him from friends Of
McLaurin and friends of Tillman, advs-
ing him to refuse to accept the resigna-
tions, and that it would be wrong to pre-
cipitate another useless political cam
paign. Governor McSweeney saw no use
for delay and acted promptly, and, as
will be seen by tho letter he has sent
both of the Senators, the designations
have been returned for them to think tho
matter over moro seriously. Exactly
how they arc to think the matter over
more seriously is not known, unless they
can arrange for conference.
1t is urged by somc that both of the
United States Senators arc full-grown
and with plenty of sagacity to know
what they want, and when they sent in
their designations that they meant what
they said, and that the Governor ought
not to have returned the designations.
Whatever may be said about tho right
or propricty of Governor McSweeney re-
jecting the designations, hc has done
what he thinks will best conduco to tho
interests of tho State, although it is
somewhat heroic.
TIE GOVERNORS LETTER.
Governor McSwcenoy writes as follows
Gentlemen: Your letter rendering your
resignation as United States Senators
from South Carolina was received on the
evo of my departure to Chickamauga to
tako part in tho ceremonies incident to
tho unveiling of the monument which
South Carolina has just erected to hor
brave and heroic soldiers who lost their
lives in defence of a principle OH this his
tOrip hntflnfinl1 ITnnno Il oil
knowledging it.
l respectfully return your designations
that you may have moro time for serious
consideration of tho effects upon the peo-
pie of this State of this action on your
part. Tho commission which you hold is
tho highest compliment and testimonial
which the people of this State can pay
to one of its citizens. 1t is possible that
yon have taken this step hastily in tho
heat of debate and without due reflection
OF the consequences to the people who
have so signally honorod you.
1t was only last year that our people
had tho excitement and turmoil incident
to campaign and in another year we
will be in the midst of further political
strife. The people arc entitled to one
yoar of peace and freedom from political
battles and bitterness. The indications
are that campaign such as would be
precipitated by vacancies in these two
exalted positions would be q very acri-
monious one and personal rather than a
discussion of issues, and from such a
canvass our people should bc spared. In
fact, it would be calamity to the State
to be torn asundcr by n heated canvass
in this "otf year, i'm politics. There can
be no possible good to come of it.
The people of tho State arc getting to-
gether and working for the advancement
and upbnilding of the material prosperity
of the monwcalth and should regret
anything that would retard this progress.
1t is not my purpose in thus writing to
prevent the fullest and frccst discussion
of all public questions and the education
of the people along all political lines. On
the contrary, heartily favor that, and
believe it can be best accomplished with
out tho bitterness and the personalities
which would be nscparablc from n cam
paign during the coming summer. Under
our party rules campaign will be necos-
sary within a little moro than a year and
ample time can bo had for full discus
sion of the issues now before the people.
Holding these views and looking to tho
interests of this State-their pcaco, pros
ptority and happiness-I respectfully do
clinc to accept your designations and beg
to return them herewith.
| have the honor to be yours respect
fully, NJ. B. McSwccney, Governor.
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