The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-06-04
. new TURN TO THE SOUTH CARO-
LIMA SENATORIAL CONTEST
RESERVATIONS NOT ACCEPTED
Governor McSweeney Declines to Ac-
cept Their Resi9natfons-His Action
Based on the Ground That a Canvass
Would Result in Great Bitterness
and Stir Up Strife-Senator McLaurin
Defines His Position-Senator TILL
man Denies the Governors Author.
fty to Decline the designations.
to Decline the designations.

,. C., May Ex-Governor
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 designations Of Senators
Tillman and McLaurin.
These designations were made at a
political meeting in Gaffney, May 25th
and were mailed the governor that
night. He received them the following
morning When about to leave for
Chickamauga to participate in the un-
yelling of a to South Caro-
here early this morning and announced
his decision shortly after noon.
He wrote a communication to the
senators in which he first said HI he
returned their designations for furth-
er consideration" as their action might
have been taken in the heat OF debate
and without full consideration of the
effects upon the people. In the closing
paragraphs of his letter, however, the
governor unequivocally declines to ac-
cept the designations. His reasons
may be put in a few words. A canvass
between them would result in bitter
ness, stir up the people just at a period
when they are trying to get together
for the material progress of the state
and would be a campaign of personali-
ties instead of education. Next year
there will be ample opportunity for a
full discussion. Holding these views,
the governor says his duty is plain.
Senator Tillman would say nothing
about the governors action.
Charleston, >. c., May 31.-Anent
Governor McSweeney's return Of the
joint designations of Senators Tillman
and McLaurin, with the request that
they reconsider their action, the cor
respondent of The News and Courier at
BennettSville interviewed Senator Nc
Laurin today. Senator McLaurin said:
THE unexpected action of Governor
insolvency leaves me completely at
sea. 1 was Reluctantly forced into the
fight, but when 1 saw the insulting re-
marks of Senator Tillman: If McLau-
rim is afraid to meet me- I made up
my mind if possible to break off every
prong of that old pitchfork and wear
him out with the handle before I was
through. The contemplation of my
resignation is no new thing with me.
/ value my honor and integrity as a
man far more than I do a seat in the
United States senate. 1 wished to re-
sign last winter when l was so cruelty
aSSailed. for the tauntS and Sneers that
met my effort to benefit South Carolina
nearly drove me distracted. I will
withdraw my resignation if Governor
McSweeney has requested, because /
appreciate the patriotic motives that
inspire him and I am willing to unite
with him in shielding the people of the
state from strife and bitterness. 1
have been rejoicing in the coming OPP
~portunity to vindicate myself. I in
tend to speak on such invitations as /
did at Gaffney when possible and 1
will not consent to any interference
by Senator Tillman or anybody else.
After making my speech at Newberry
June 9Th I will take Mrs. McLaurin
north and will not make any more ar
engagements to speak until after we re-
turn"
In reply to a telegram from The
News and Courier asking for a state
ment, Senator Tillman telegraphs from
Trenton:
Il have received no letter from Gov
ernor insolvency and, therefore, do
not know upon what grounds or by
what authority he acts. His power is
purely ministerial and his declination
to accept can have no effect from a
legal standpoint. Unless 1 am mis-
AXE the governors function in such
cases is simply to notify the president
of the senate on one hand and the state
legislature or the other that a vacancy
exists. He can advise withdrawal of
| resignation, but nothing more"