The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-06-02
THE PEOPLE MUST CHOOSE
Their Representatives Should Loyalty
Support Their Principles.
THE PEOPLE PREFER DEATH 10 DlSHONOR
Il Claim to Represent Them and Voice Their
Wishes" Declares TiIIman. Let the
People Decide Between
the Two.
lBy the Associated Press

(By the Associated Press.)
Columbia, S. c., June 1.-senator Till
man has declined to withdraw his resigna-
tion and charges that Governor Nc
Sweeney transcribed his authority in
sending the designations back to the
Senators.
Senator Tillman has written an open
letter, which has not yet reached the
Governor, in which he says in part:
Your EXcellency, of course, has the
right and it is entirely proper to return
my resignation and advise more serious
consideration. In declining to accept,
am sure you have transcribed your au-
thority. 1t win take very little inyesti-
cation and reflection to convince you of
this. You cannot compel a member of
the United States Senate to hold his
commission and exercise the functions of
that office if he chooses to surrender it,
My action in rendering my resignation,
while hasty, was not ill-advised, and
am firmly convinced of the wisdom of my
course upon reflection.
Personally, / had nothing to gain and
everything to lose, and / do not feel the
need of further instructions or vindica-
Hon, because l had just been reelected
'by the people with ractical unanimity.
offered to resign in order to bring about
the resignation of my colleague and thus
put us on level, with equal rights to go
before the people and ask an endorse
ment of our respective courses. 1t is
somewhat remarkable that you should
ask the Senators who have resigned to
take time to consider, when yo yourself
are reported to be ready to appoint two
Senators in two minutes and a half af-
ter receiving an immediate resignation.
Your conception of the offices of Sena-
tor and it's powers can be best be under
stood by the case with which you think
you could fill it. 1T was not my fault
that an immediate resignation was not
sent you. You declare that the people
are entitled to one year of peace and
freedom from political battles and bitter
ness. | am ready to acknowledge that
this is very desirable, but our race mas
ever thought war preferable to dishonor,
and unless | am very much deceived
large majority of the people of South
Carolina would be glad of an opportunity
to have those principles and policies
which they support Loyalty represented in
II am aware that there is some strong
opposition in certain quarters to a cam
paign in this off year to fill two va
cancies in the Senate. Many unthinking
citizens do not know it's Importance.
Many who would be aspirants are not just
ready for various reasons to enter the
contest brought on so Unexpectedly, it is
not convenient or suitable and therefore.
they have, no doubt, importuned your
excellency to await their convenience,
claiming that it is for the public well
fare.
ION the other hand 1t might be re-
marked that the session of Congress be-
ginning next December marks an era
in the history of our republic and the
patriots who will then inaugurate a
struggle for the restoration of the old
landmarks and the preservation of our
free institutions, will need every voice
and every vote that can be had. The
fact that the Republicans have a good
majority in the Senate does not alter the
case in the least. The recent decision of
the Supreme Court promulgating the
damnable doctrine that this republic
whose bedrock principle is the consent
of the governor, can acquire by conquest
or purchase territories and peoples to be
controlled and taxed without representa-
tion through Congressional absolutism'
must be met and exposed, and plants must
be laid for a battle to the death by the
lovers of Democracy and liberty, against
this heresy.
Il claim to represent the people and
to voice their wishes. The result of the
Gaffney meeting had brought Senator Nc
I.aurin within reach of his constituents,
and it was to obtain this answer at once
that prompted my conduct at Gaffney.
Your excellencys action gives him loop
hole and the censure or blame must rest
where it belongs.
ssTbere is nothing personal in my atti
tude towards Senator McLaurn. Moth
ing but sense of duty forces me to the
course I have pursued Material pros
perity and progress may be worth more
than strict adheence to pinciple and 10y |
atty to trust but | cannot see it in that
light.
"Holding this view l decline for the !
present to withdraw my resignation. 1t
was rendered in order to secure the !
resignation of Senator McLaurin and will |
not be withdrawn until he shall have
eboun his unwillingness to let our people |
paes unon his conduct this year instead |
Of naxt. He declares in his latest inter- |
view that he will speak on such invita- !
tions &c he did at Gaffney when possible. |
and will not consent to any interference /
IN, senator Tillman or anybody else
1t1,otbor or not Mr.. MeLaurin will be al