The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-06-01
PIE g E DESIRE PEACE
Car 2 ign Would Be Filled
 3 With Bitterness.
McLaSI,n and Tillman Both Non plussed by the Action of the Governor-Junior Senator
 Will Accept Situation.

McSweeney today, acting, he said, in accordance with the wishes of the peo- pie, who did not wish a primary with its incident strife and unrest, refused to accept the resignations of Senators Tillman and McLaurin. These resig- nations wsre made at a political meet ing in Gaffney May 25, and were mailed the Governor that night. He received them the following morning when about to leave for Chickamauga to participate in the unveiling of a mon ument The Governor returned here early this morning and announced his decision shortly after noon. He wrote a communication to the Senators in which he said at first that he Re turned their resignations for further consideration."
 In the closing paragraphs of his let- ter, however, the Governor unequivo- cally declines to accept" the resigna- tions. His reasons may be put in few words. A canvass between them would result in bitterness, stir up the people just at period when they are trying to get together for the material progress of the State, and would be capmaign of personalities instead of ed- ucation.
 Governor McSweeneys letter in full Is as follows:
 Mcsweeney's Letter.
 '.Gentlemen-Your letter rendering your resignation as United States Sen- ators from South Carolina was received on the eve of my departure to Chick. amauga to take part in the 'cereTonies incident Go the unyeiling of the mon ument which South Carolina has just erected to her brave and heroic sol- diers, who lost their lives in defense of a people on this historic battlefield. Hence my delay in acknowledging 1t.
 T respectfully return your reslgna- tons that you may have more time flor serious consideration of the effects upon the people of this State of this action on your part. The commission which you hold is the highest compli. ment and testimonial which the peo- pie of this State can pay to one of it's citizens. It is possible that you have taken this step hastily in the heat 0f debate and without due reflection Of the consequences to the people whr have so signally honored you.
 Tt was only last year that our peo- pie had the excitement and turmoil in cident to d campaign and in another year we will be in the midst of fur ther poliaical strife. The people are entitled to one year of peace and free doom from political battles and bitter ness. The indications are that cam paign such as would be precipitated by vacancies in these two exalted posi- tions would be very acrimonious and personal one rather than a discussion of issues. and from such a canvass our people should be spared. In fact, it would be calamity to the state to be torn asunder by a heated canvass ih this off year in politics. There can be no possible good to come of it.
 No Effort to Stifle Debate.
 "The people of the State are getting together and working for the advance
 
 prosperity of the commonwealth and should regret anything that would retard this progress. It is not my pur- pose in thus writing to prevepr the fullest and freest discussion of all pub lie questions and the education of the people along all political lines. On the contrary. I heartily favor that and believe 1t can be best accomplished without the bitterpess and the person. alities which would be inseperable from a campaign during the coming summer. Under our party rules, a campaign will be necessary within a little more than year. and ample time can be had for a full discussion of the issues now before the people.
 Holding these views. and looking to the interests of the people of this State their peace, prosperity and happi- ness-I respectfully decline to accept your resignations and beg to return them herewith"
 Senator McLaurin who is at Ben nettsville had this to say regarding Governor McSweeney's action:
 "The unexpected action of Governor McSweeney leaves me completely at sea. was reluctantly forced into the fight, but when I saw the insulting remarks of Senator Tillman, If Me. Laurin is afraid to meet me- made up my mind if porsibe to break off every prong of that old pitchfork and wear him out with the handle before I was through. Tho contemplation of my resignation Is no new thing with me. I value my honor and integrity as a man far more than I do a seat in the United States Senate.
 McLanrin is Disheaftened.
 T wished to resign last winter when