The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-04-24
McLaurin's Speech.

Senator McLaurin's speech at Charlotte IN
itself was one 10 which no one has offered
any reasonable objection, and except In the
case OF those objections which may have had
for their foundation, personal animosity 10
the speaker, no one has yet said anything
against it worthy Of note.
The speech from Democratic standpoint,
is acceptable to the great mass OF those VINO
hold to the patriotic principles by which the
Democratic party should be governed.
But Mr.. McLaurin gave offence:
First-To his enemies by protesting his alle'
glance to the Democratic party.
Second-He gave offense to his enemies be-
cause Of the ability and patriotic spirit which
pervaded that speech. while the enthusiasm
with which that address was received by the
people was truly painful to those'who seek
his overthrow.
The speech was particularly and personally
offensive to Senator Tillman.
First-Because of the high plane upon
which it was pitched, and which speech met
with a responsive echo in the hearts Of so
many Of the people.
Second-Because McLaurin failed to make
any allusion, directly or indirectly. to the Sc
mir Senator. This fact, together with the evil
dent turning of the popular tide toward tne
Junior Senator was more than the senior Sen
ator could stand in silence.
Third-Not being able to point out errors IN
the speech. he could not suppress his natural
impulse, as eviden ced In his interview.
Fourth-McLaurins ready reply Is incislVe
and to the point, and both In the manner OF
speech and In contest OF wit, 1t must appear
to the senior Senator that McLaurin has lost
nothing.
From the speech and the interview With
Tillman and the reply of Senator McLaurin,
and the tenor of the junior Senator's speech
al Charlotte we arrive at these conclusions:
First-That Tillman's evident rage at tins re-
ception which was accorded to the junior
Senator's speech furnished the real cause OF
the senior Senator's attack.
Second-That Tillman being the aggressoT
has gained nothing by the stunning blow
which McLaurIn gave.
Third-That Tillman having been triumph
anlly elected to the Senate over the protest OF
about one.third of the people OF this State
some of them may think 1t well for him mol
to repeat the mistake which Hampton made
several years ago In trying to intermeddlt
with the election of United States Senator.
Fourth-Besides the speech that Mchaurir
made at Charlotte, the fact Of Laurin's sue
cess where Tillman failed IN the matter OF the
Charleston Exposition must have been very
mortifying to the senior Senator, and may
have been the real cause Of his assault on the
junior Senator.
Fifth-While we have no doubt of the sc.
nior Senator's ability to tell the people who
they should elect, we believe that they are mol
In q mood to submit to dictation.
Sixth-If Senator Tillman can impress upor
the minds Of the people the fact to which ne
refers, namely: That TO McLaurin belongs
the credit Of bringing about the ratification Of
the treaty of peace, McLaurln's election is as
sured. A majority of this people are In favor
OF holding on to the advantages resulting
from the Spanish war. The islands which We
ACQUIRED are valuable. Their worth. at an!
rate. could not be estimated in money. The
acquisition of much valuable territory. rich
In miner ais and wood, and abounding in th'
products OF the soil, together with the mill
lions of people who inhabit the Islands, Will
be of untold value TO this country. When
the people OF the archipelago become &C.
quainted with US and get used to our gov
ernment, they will te as loyal as any people
over which the flag floats. They will make
good soldiers
In times OF war, which may come, they will
be a tower OF strength, while in times OF
peace, which shall be our normal condition,
the commercial advantages TO our people Will
be great and lasting.