The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-04-17
HIS DEMOCRACY TAINTED.

Since Senator McLauTin, OF South
/ Carolina, withdrew from the Demo-
cratic caucus because he wanted to vote
with the Republicans for rhe ship SUBJ
sidy, imperialism and the like, Mckinley
/ is trying to help him secure re-elec-
ton. To that end the Republican Y. S.
District Attorney of South Carolina has
been made to give way for the appoint
ment of one of Senator McLaurin's
pets, renegade Democrat who will not
support Democratic principles and
Democratic candidates The fight is on
against McLaurin in South Carolina be-
cause he has gone over to the Republi-
State repudfate him. He is backed
by coterie of supporters who advo-
cate protection, ship subsidies.
| Imperialism and special privilege. Mr..
Mckinley and Mckinley sympathizers
| in and out of South Carolina are try
| ing to give him boost" in his fight
for denomination in Democratic prima-
ries. Was it to help on this programme
that Mckinley appointee secured him
an invitation to speak at the banquet in
| Charlotte? If not, why are such great
men as Daniel and Bacon passed over to
| give place to South Cardinals Republi-
canized Senator? If Mr.. McLauTin'
wants to return to the Senate he ought
to run in the Republican primaries
since he refuses to attend the Demo-
cratic caucus and votes with the Re
publicans.
Whenever you see Mckinley trNng
to help re-elect a Democrat, you may
be sure his Democracy is tainted.
/ A special from Charleston to the Co
lumbia State says that Lathrop's term
does not expire until July 4th., and that
publican party surprise is expressed at
his removal. 1t adds:
1T has been rumored for some time
| that Capers was to receive the appoint
ment in consideration of his campaign
work for the Republicans in West Vir-
ginia last fall. The appointment may
| be the first step towards the organiZa-
| ton of the white mans Republican
party in South Carolina, Of which much
has lately been said. The appointments
of the President are to be used to fur
Their the organization it is said. and Mr..
Lathrop is not the only office-holder to
| be retired before the expiration Of the
term for which the appointment was
made"
The Columbia State under the head
ing "A Big Split With Little Wedges,
has a long editorial on the appointment
from which we take these extracts:
1--WE see no objection to the appoint
ment. Mr.. Capers is presumably com
petent, and his Republicanism will no
doubt assay as richly as Senator Nc
Laurfn's. While a Federal office holder
| in Washington he has twice refused to,
support the Democratic national ticket
and last year worked for the election
| of Mckinley
"Rumors of other rewards for desert
| ing Democrats are thick in the air and
some of them, at least, will doubtless
be confirmed. President Mckinley, as
certain of his Republican predecessors
have done. is trying to split the solid
south with the wedge of office. Tile
south is accustomed, however, to that
sort of treatment 1t is a pretty close
grained log of live oak and not so easy
to split The wedges driven into it
hitherto have been crushed in the crack
and we rather think that the same fate
awaits those which may be inserted
hereafter.
Contrary to the anticipation of some
people. the job of developing a white
Republican party in South Carolina viii
not be made the easier by associating
change of political allegiance with
cash consideration in the shape of Off
cial salary. To have respectable white
Republican party in this State we must
have one based on convictions, not on
bribery. With the bride openly display
ed it will be useless for the bribee to
talk about the workings of his con-
| science. The venal may be attracted
by the spoils, but their very venality
will be a warning, and men who have
respect for themselves, and therefore
| influence with the people, will be SLOW
to challenge the suspicion of improper
motives by joining the organization.
"Of course the brides of Federal office
will not be extended against the pro-
test of Senator McLaurin. Nest people
will believe that he mas been the insti
gator of them. And this must make ii
more than ever improbable that the Sen
ator will appeal for reelection to the
Democratic primary. A reputation for
guiding McKinleys hand as it holds
out rewards for deserters from the
Democratic party will not be good
reputation with which to win the votes
of loyal Democrats"