The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-05-31
McLAURIN ON HIMSELF AND THE
MALIGNED DEMOCRACY.

his own behalf. John L. is very hum
prv and he is rather lonesome in his
pilgrimage. He is a very disappoint-
ing factor, and it is curious that any
one should doubt where he belongs and
what he is. He is a republican in his
principles according to his own admis-
sion, but seeks to remain in the demo-
cratic fold to share longer in its honors
Strange and most contemplate! He
was listened to with attention by many
hundreds and he made a speech both
specious and vulnerable. h politi-
c mendicant. He is for commercial
ism. he is a democrat, he thinks a man
is a fool now who is for free silver, and
tina is just what McLaurin has so ear
nestly supported in the past, he is a
big expansionist, he is for ship subsidy,
he is for high tariff no doubt, and so
on to the end of the list of republican
measures. The Charleston News and
Courier discussing the more h two
hours speech, says it was plausible,
and in reply to the criticisms of his
recent course in the United States SEN
ate in abandoning the party which
elected him, and voting for measures
dictated by the republican administra-
ton. The speech is egotistical through
out, and in making himself the subject
of discussion, and in trying to impress
upon the people how upright, how hon
.st, how we'll intentioned, if sometimes
n.istaken, a nan McLaurin is, the
SJeaker was led into some expressions
that are little if at all removed from
the ridiculous" When not advocating
himself his speech was made up of
-'glittering ge~neralities, and avoided the
real issue involved in the question of
whether or not his recent record admits
of permitting him to be a candidate
in a democratic primary"
The Charleston News and Courier
says with much ~pertinency: But the
main question is, to which pa"tv ought
the people of South Carolina to belong?
They are and have been democrats.
Has the time come for them to change
their party allegiance and become re-
publicans? That is the real question.
and it is a question Mr.. McLaurin has
not dared to ask"
Recently McLaurin lately wrote an
article for the New York Independent.
a vile enemy of the south, an old abo-
lition sheet, and republican to the core.
Mr.. N. G. Gonzales, n of the ablest
of southern editors now, of the Column
bia State, published what
wrote to this vile sheet, and then re-
plied t. it for quite two columns. He
-.oe+ +horo,1ohlv ovnnSp6 - nn1itioa1
turncoat and left him ragged and
bleeding. 1t was pitiful. but the flop
per and enemy brought it all upon
himself. The senator b~urlesqued the
South Carolina democracy to the ex-
tent of his ability and with all assis-
lance, it may be, from others. John
l.. wrote this, among other disreputa-
BILE charges:
Southern democracy has been mon
yrelfzed by the infusion into it of popu-
Elism, socialism, Tillmanism, sectional
ism, and all if the other iSms OF the
day. The great cardinal doctrines OF
the party have been lost sight or In
the scramble for democratic success,
and the prostitution of it into a move
ment for the election of n man, w.
J. Bryan, as president. Its recent cad
II nave pI II 1IOLA III
the south who have been elevated to
office by sectional and inflammatory
appeals to ~prejudiceS and cupidity OF
the u~nsuspecting people. They are no
the opponents of true democracy, and
have beguiled the people from the true
faith. With them party success is the
consideration. They oppose
and ridicule the board non-political
American questions now before the
people which affect the honor, the pros
perity and the destiny of the nation"
Mr.. Gonzales has a reply that is
complete. We can only copy a sample,
but it shows up John l.. in proper col
orS:
IF we accept this Characterization
of the democracy of South Carolina
and the south what shall we say OF the
Hon. John Lowndes McLaurin? What
ever mongreliZation there may nave
been of the party in this state n sec
ton it is a matter of not ancient record
that the Hon. McLaurin contributed to
that result by the largest exercise or
his middling abilities. Who did his
best for s'Tillmanism' and was n or
the earliest claimants for a share or
the spoils thereof, getting his reward
in the offices of attorney general ana
congressman? Who. was so devoted to
socialism" that he swallowed the
Ocala platform with its sub-treasury
and government ownership of railroads
schemes without a gurgle? Who was
so devoted to "populIsm" that he want
ed the democrats of South Carolina to
transfer themselves enmass to the ban
ner of Weaver? Who. less than three
years ago, was much addicted to bo"~--
ing of his personal and political near
ness to William Jennings Bryan? None
other than the Hon. John LownGeS Nc
Iaurin. now the %virtuous Of
all these, If Mr.. McLaurin was not
among those leaders" who were "ele-
waited to office by sectional and inf1am-
matory appeals to the preJudices
cupidity Of the u~nsuspecting people
let us inquire How did he git thar?
AN AUTHORITY ON PROTECTION