The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-06-01
GOVERNOR REFUSES
uECLINEs TO ACCEPT REsIGNA-
TIoNs OF SENATOR'S.
M'sWEENEY GIVES REASONS.
NO TINE TO PRECIPITATE A HEAT
ED CAMPAIGN.

EteD Way Have Been Taken hastily
and without Due ReAection-Mc-
Laurfn Says This "Leaves Me All
Mt Sea"-TnIman Says Governor
Has no Option and Must Accept
Resignations-In This Case, Nc
sweeney Replies, They Must Be
Effective Immediately.
Columbia, S. c., May S1-Gov. Nc
Sweeney to-day, acting, he said, in ac-
who did not wish a primary, with it's
incident strife and unrest refused to ac-
cApt the designations of Senators Tillman
and McLaurin. These designations were
made at a political meeting in Gaffney,
MAY %, and were mailed the Governor
that night. He received them the fol-
lowing morning when about to leave for
Chickamauga to participate in the unveil-
ing Of a monument to South Carolina 3
dead The Governor returned here early
this morning and announced his decision
shortly after noon.
He wrote a communication to the SEN
ators. in which he first said that he re
turned their designations for further con-
sideration' as their action might have
been taken in the heat OF debate, and
without full consideration of the effects
upon the people. In the closing para
graphs of his letter, however, the Gov
ernor unequivocally declines to accept
the designations. His reasons may be
put in a few words. A canvass between
them would in bitterness, stir up the peo-
pie just at a period when they are trying
10 get together for the material progress
OF the state, and would be a campaign of
personalities instead of education. Next
year there viii be ample opportunity for
a full discussion. Holding these views,
the Governor says his duty is plain.
The Governors Letter.
Gov Mcsweeney's letter in full is as
/ follows:
Gentlemen: Your letter rendering your
designations as United States senators
from South Carolina was received on the
eve of my departure for Chickamauga 10
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 a principle on this his
toric battlefield. Hence, my delay in ac-
knowledging it,
4 Il respectfully return your resigna tons,
that 5.ou may have more time for serious
consideration of the effects upon the peo-
pie OF this state of this act on your
4 part. The commissions which you hold
4 is the highest compliment and testimonial
which the people of this state can pay
TO one Of its citizens. 1t is possible that
you have taken this step hastily in the
neat OF debate and without due reflection
OF the consequences to the people who
have so signally honored you.
II was only last year that our people
had the excitement and turmoil incident
10 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 and from po-
htlcal battles and bitterness The in
dcations are that campaign such as
would be precipitated by vacancies in
these two exalted positions would be a
very acrimonious one and personal, rather
tHah discussion of issues, and from such
canvass our people should be spared.
In fact it would be a calamity TO the
state TO be torn asunder by a heated
canvass in this off year in politics.
Ihere can be no possible good to come of
It.
The people of the state are getting to-
setner and working for the advancement
ana upbuiding of the material prosper
regret anything that would retard this
progress.
Is not my purpose in thus writing
prevent the fullest and freest discus
son Of all public questions and the edu-
Ia'ioh OF the people along ell political
.Aes' on the contrary. l heartily favor
uLdt and believe it can be best accom-
pusned without the bitterness and the
pelsohahties which would be inseparable
.om campaign during the coming sum-
Under our party rules campaign
VIII be necessary within little more
nan year, and ample time can be had
M MDF full discussion of the issues now
Ueiore the people.
a. nololng these views and looking to
% we interests Of the people of this state
, .'eT peace, prosperity and happiness
sspecuully decline to accept your resig-
nations and beg to return them herewith. '