The Savannah morning news., 1901-05-07
K'LAURlN'S HEALTHY PULL.
HIS STANDING Is GOOD WITH THIS
ADMINISTER ALTON.

His Control of south CarolIna's Fed
ersi Patronage Practically Ac-
knovIedsed-The Hampton Incl
dent Causing Much Talk-Win
Have Administration Backing IN
His Race for the senatorship ana
Washington, May 6-Gen. Wade Hamp-
tons refusal to accept the Columbia post
nastership rendered him by personal
friends of Senator McLaurin, has caused
general comment here in political circles.
Whatever the result of the senatorial con-
test in South Carolina may be, Senator
McIaurin has succeeded in gaining more
newspaper notoriety than he has ever en-
joyed since he came into public life The
Hampton incident seems to have created
IA much comment as did his speech at
Charlotte or his selection of Mr.. Capers
for district attorney in South Carolina.
The manly and dignifed refusal of Gen
Hampton to accept public Office under the
present administration in view of all the
circumstances involved is generally ap-
proved here by Southern Democrats.
Those who know and love the grand ola
man would have been greatly surprised
II not mortified, had he acted differently
Postofice officials profess to be without
any definite knowledge as to the extent
of authority vested either in Senator NC
Laurin or his personal friends TO tenuer
the Columbia postmastership 10 Cen
Hampton or any one else.
Notwithstanding the non-commlttaA
statement drawn from the minor officials
a very strong impression prevails mere
among those who profess TO be familiar
with the relations which ex-
ist between the administration
- serstor McI,aurin to the
effect that Senator McLaurin is practi-
caIIv in control of the federal patronage
of the Palmetto state. The junior sena-
tor however, does not claim to have as
much influence as some of his enemies
concece to him. but in a general way he
Indignantly repudiates the suggestion that
he is aiming for federal appointment
Tor himself, but he frankly confesses that
he proposes to do everything in his power
TO help his friends at home.
throughout the executive departments
there seems to be general disposition to
let Senator McLaurin have a voice In
dealing with all federal patronage so far
as relates to South Carolina. Those who
profess to be informed on the subject in
innate that some kind of an understand
ing exists between the administration
leaders and Senator McLaurin, by which
the latter is to have the disposal of all
the important federal Offices I'm the state
providing he can induce certain class
of men to accept them. This aid and COM
fort to the senatorial canvass on the
spart of the administration Is expected to
help him win the desperate struggle he is
likely to have to succeed himself.
His plan of campaign Is said to have
been carefully surveyed by one of the
most adroit Republicans, aided by num-
Der of distinguished gold Democrats. IL
remains for Senator McLaurin to make
the issue along the lines of the Charlotte
speech, and should he fail to convince
the voters OF his state of the wisdom of
his reelection then, it is said, the admin
istration stands ready to provide him with
Federal appointment should he desire
one. Having secured the Endorsement of
Gen. NJ. G. Butter and thus attached the
latter to his political staff. Senator Nc
La urin doubtless considered ii wise move
TO enlist If possible, the services and
good will of Gen. Hampton. 1t seems.
however that Gen. Hampton, for good
and sufficient reasons, prefers to main
tain his Independence. and he naturally
resents the motives which may or may
not have prompted the tender of fed
eral office under a Republican admins
ira ftIF