The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1901-03-13
A Word for Congressman Latimer.
To The Editor of the Dispstci:

To The Editor of the DispatcI:
The gathering of the clans for the
glory of civilians" second iraugu-
ration shows noticeable absence OF
South Caroliniaps, and very properly
30, since the Administration has man
ifested 80 little disposition to recog-
nize the South and her claims for 8
lust distribution of the Government
positions. The first determination
to have all visiting militia in the uni
forms of the regulars, though it has
been revoked, will doubtless deter
! some Of the National Guard from
participating in the parade, but The
inaugural ceremonies will be regal
success nevertheless, and the absence
of the Southerner will not be noticed;
for the costly and elaborate prepare
tions that will rival the forum of Im-
perial Rome in her loftiest days will
attract the faithful in abundance.
These preparations are gorgeous,
but like everything Republican, are
shama, cheap imitation of the real
and pass muster only under the glare
of the arc light and fare of trum-
pets. Imagine the peristyle, in front
of the White House of stately mar
bic columns, made of rough boards
covered with sheetine; the Court Of
Horor, extending from the Treasury
to the State Department, of the same
taudry imitation. It is characteris-
tic of the party in power and fitting
emblem of their pretentions.
About the only real and undis-
guised appendage will be 'Mark"
and his pavilion full of henchmen
the earmarks there are beyond the
reach Of art. Probably the NEST
prominent South Clrolinian here is
the Hon. A. G. Latimer.
Mr.. Lstimer has obtained much
successfully legislation which bene.'
fits our section peculiarly. As you,
probably, have not followed his career
as closely as I have, I will give you
a synopsis Of his successful political
work here, which compares favorsbly
with the results or efforts Of any
Representative and eclipses the work
of many of our Southern Senators.
Fer instance be has obtained free ru-
raj delivery in two counties in his
district, employing about fifty car
riers at $500 apiece per annum; and
has endeayored to prevent the sub
letting OF star route contracts except
| to residents along the route where
the mail is carried, and in this he
will probably yet be successful.
He gained an amendment to the
Agricultural bill last year, doubling
the appropriation for seed distribu-
tion and bulletins and had that
doubled in this year; aud has OBJ
tanned the Newberry College claim
Of Sl,50o; passed a bill requiring cor
porations in the hands of receivers
to pay taxes as any other resident,
thus putting S20S,0o0 OF taxes from
the South Corolina railroad into the
State Treasury, all of which repre-.
sents large benefit to our people.
| Mr.. Latimar's stand before the
Secretary of the Navy in regard &c
the young cadet at Annapolis Of last
year has won for him the gratitude
of the Southern people and the pro
found respect of his political antag.
onists. This, of course, to you may
not appear to be much CT an under.
taking as to those of US nearer the
seat of government, but knowing al
We do the immense power OF tht
Cabinet Ministers and how much IN
Jury they can do man, PERSONAL,
and politically, who has antsgonizec
them, though in line of duty, i
marks Latimer conspiciously as 1
very fearless man and one who woule
protect the interests of his constitu
eps. Had this position been tske1