Evening star., 1901-06-01
Gov. McSweeney's Action in Till
man-McLaurin designations.
ACRIMONIOUS CAMPAIGN AVERTED
McLaurin May Now Abandon the
New Party Movement.
THE GOVERNORS LETTER


Special From STAFF Correspondent.
COLUMBIA s. c.. June 1.-The action of
Governor McSweeney in declining to ac-
ccpt the designations of the two South Car
olina senators meets the appreciation of all
factions. and has relieved a very embar-
RAISING situation There seems to be no
doubt that both senators will adopt the
governors suggestion and withdraw their
designations.
( When Governor McSweeney reached his
disk yesterday morning, returning from
the dedication exercises at Chckamauga,
he found more thln fifty letters from poll
ticians throughout the state urging him to
decline to accept the designations Many
of the writers deplored the hasty action of
the two senator's and prnphesed that the
threatened campaign would not only be
distressing. but would serve to further in
crease the faCtional feeling from which
the state has suffered in recent years
The governor recognized the truth of the
arguments advanced. and was glad to find
strong support for an opinion he already
entertained After consultation with
number of his party associates during the
forenoon he announced his decision about
2 o'clock. and later gave out the following
letter he had written to the senator's:
Letter to the Senator'S.
"Gentlemen: Your letter rendering your
resignation as United States senators from
South Carolina received on the eve of
my departure to Chickamauga to take part
IN the ceremonies incident to the unveiling
of the monument which South Carolina
has just erected to her brave and heroic
soldiers who lost their lives in defense of
people on this historic battlefield Hence
mS delay in acknowledging it.
II respectfully return your designations.
that you may have more time for serious
consideration of the effects upon the peO-
l4 pf this of this action
part. The commission which you hold is
the highest compliment and testimonial
which the people of this state pay to
one of its citizens. 1t is possible that you
have taken this step hastily. in the heat of
debate. and without due reflection of the
Consequences to the people who have so
sgaally honored you.
.It was only last year that our people
had the excitement and turmoil incident to
a campaign. and in another year We will
be In the midst Of further political strife
The people are entitled to one year of
peace and freedom from political battles
and bitterness
Feared n Eittcr Campaign.
THE indications that a campaign
slch as would be precipitated by vacancies
In these two exalted positions would be
very acrimonious one and personal rather
than discussion of issues. and from such
a canvass our people should be spared. In
fact 1t would be a calamity to the state
to be torn asunder by heated canvass in
this off year IN politics There can be no
possible good to come of it.
THE people of the state are getting to-
gether and working for the advancement
and Upbuilding of the material prosperity
of the commonwealth, and L should regret
anything that would retard this progress.
1T is not my purpose in thus writing to
prevent the fullest and freeSt discussion of
all public questions and the education Of
the people along all political lines. On the
contrary, l heartily favor that, and believe
IT can be best accomplished without the
bitterness and the personalities which
wG~ld be inseparable from campaign dur
Ing the coming summer. Under our party
rules d campaign will be necessary within
a little more than year, and ample time
can be had for full discussion of the is
sues now before the people.
Holding these views and looking to the
interests of the people of this state-their
peace. prosperity and happiness-I respect
fully decline to accept your designations
and beg to return them herewith
People Tired of Politics.
1t is thought that politics in South Caro-
lima will now have a rest for a period The
state is sick and tired of the personal con-
trGversy between the two senators and is
impatient of further controversy. There
Will be occasional discussion during the
summer, at barbecues and other meetings.
of the question of policy involved in Sena-
tor McLaurin's stand but it is not thought
that much interest can be- aroused.
There IS some speculation whether Mr.
McLaurin Will coutinue his efforts TO build
up so-called new democratic party on a
republican f0uuda tiun, and whether he. will
>Jspense the federal patronage. IL is the
tsncral opinion that the strong sentiment
Of opposition developed TO Mr.. McI-aurin's
policy during the discussion Of the situa-
ton this week has given the new-paIty
. movement d setback. y. o. NJ