The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-06-02
Thinks the People of the state Are
Not so Fond of Peace that They
Prefer LIT to DishOnOr.
RESIGNATION STAN
DECLARES TT WILL NOT BE WITH
DRAWN AT PRESENT,
And Intimatcs He Will Talk Back
to McLaurin III the Latter
Speaks i'm Public.

COLUMBIA, S. c.. June 1.-Senator Till
man has decided to withdraw his resigna-
tion, and says Governor McSweeney tran
scended his authority in sending the resig
nations back to the senator's Senator Till
man has written an open letter, which has
not yet reached the Governor, in which he
says in part:
Your Excellency of course has the right
and II is entirely proper TO return my resig-
nation and advise more serious considera-
ton In declining to accept L am sure you
have transcribed your authority. 1t will
take very little investigation and refiec-
tion to convince you of this. You cannot
compel a member of the United States Sen
ate TO hold his commission and exercise
the functions of that office if he chooses
to surrender it. My action in rendering my
resignation while hasty, not i'll ad-
vised, and l am firmly convinced of the
wisdom of my course upon reflection.
Personally l had nothing to gain and
everything TO lose, and / do not feel the
need of further instructions vindication
because / have just been reelected by the
people with practical unanimity. | offered
to resign in order to bring about the resig-
nation of my colleague and thus put us on
level, with equal rights TO go before the
people and ask an Endorsement OF our re-
able that you should ask the senator's who
have resigned to take time to consider
when you yourself are reported 10 be ready
to appoint two senators in two minutes ana
nation.
Your conception of the office of senator
and its powers can be best understood Dy
the ease with which you think you can NIL
it. 1t was not my fault that an immediate
resignation was not sent you. You declare
that the people are entitled TO one year
OF peace and freedom from =, political 6ade
that this is very desirable. but our race
has ever thought war preferable TO dis,
honor, and unless j am very much deceived
lan Wit Of nj
Carolina would be glad of an opportunity
to have those principles and policies which
they have supported Loyalty represented
in the Congress of the United States.
II am aware that there is strong opposi-
tion in certain quarters to campaign IN
this off year to fill two vacancies In the
Senate. Many unthinking citizens do not
know its Importance Many who would be
aspirants are not just ready for various
reasons to enter the contest brought on so
unexpectedly. 1t is not convenient or suit
able and therefore they have no doubt
irnportuned your Excellency to await their
convenience, claiming that 1T is for the
public welfare.
"Oa the other hand it might be remarked
that the session of Congress beginning
next December marks an era in the history
of our Republic and the patriots who will
then and there inaugurate a struggle for
the restoration of old landmarks and the
preservation of our free institutions will
need every voice and vote that can be had:
The fact that the Republicans have a good
majority in the Senate does not alter the
case in the least. The recent decision or
the Supreme Court promulgating the dam
nabe doctrine that this Republic, whose
bedrock principle is the consent OF the
governed can acquire, by conquest pur-
chase. territories and peoples, to be con-
troled and taxed without representation
through congressional absolutsm must be
met and exposed and plans must be laid
for battle TO the death by the lovers OF
democracy and liberty. against this heresy.
II claim TO represent the people and to
voice their wishes The result OF the Gaf-
within reach OF his constituents and 1T was
TO obtain this answer at once that
prompted my conduct at Gaffney. Your Ex-
cellency's action gives him a loophole and
the censure or blame must rest where 1T
belongs.
There is nothing personal In my attitude
towards Senator McLaurin. Nothing but
sense of duty forces me TO the course |
have pursued. Material prosperity and
progress may be worth more than strict ad-
herence TO principle and loyalty 10 trust,
but I cannot see il in that light.
Holding this view. decline for the pres
ent To withdraw my resignation. II was
rendered i'm order 10 secure the resignatio
OF Senator McLaurin and Will not be with
drawn until he shall have shown his un-
willingness TO let our people pass upon his
conduct this year instead OF next He de-
clares in his latest interview that he will
speak on such Invitations as he did at Gaff-
ney when possible, and will not consent TO
any interferences by Senator Tillman or
anybody else Whether not Mr.. Nc
Laurin will he allowed TO do this remains
To be seen. If the people have a right to
hear him, the same people have a right to
hear me and others. He no longer seems to
have anxiety about his health and II al
lowed to speak by himself, rather enjoys
the prospect.