Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-12-23
The South Carolina Senators.

The late dispute in the senate between
TIA two senators from South Carolina was
an unfortunate proceeding. no matter
from what standpoint view may be
taken OF the personal difnculty. For Il
was A personal difficulty and such az
fairs should always be kept outside legis-
latfva halls BY reason OF respect for the
sovereign state which they are expected
20 represent, especially In the upper house
OF congress. But this personal difficulty
BODIES no good 10 either. for one or the
other must get out OF the way. and the
Growing cock viii have so overstrained
himself that South Carolina viii possibly
prefer a less aggressive man In personal
dif1culties and a more polite man In ma
tional legislation
IL was a sweet morsel 20 roll under the
tongues OF northern and western Repub-
mcans, and II Is always a pity 20 arord
sucn morsel 20 the opposition
Under the circumstances Senator Nc
I,aurfn was manifestly unwise to thus
spring an open Tight with HIS late Demo-
cratic colleagues IN the senate chamber.
II he preferred 20 remain outside the
caucus. he was at liberty 70 do so. but It
was poor tactics 20 air his political and
personal grievances before the senate.
having remained outside the caucus he
shouldn't have been complaining about IL
IN public tor obvious reasons. he let the
gap down to the bottom rail and there
Wa1 uOLnllE lELE AQT ADa4IlAeAn sAAE1 ~
do but explain his position and make IL
understood that Senator McLaurin had
himself declined 20 be a caucus member
when the chairman made the personal In
quiry Of him.
Then the ''pitchfork' had its inningI
Nothing could have happened which would
have suited Senator Tillman better so far
as public opinion in South Carolina is
concerned. for he does not care a copper
cent what any other state or senator thinks
Of him. II has been hts contention for
months that his colleague was not in po-
litical sympathy with his constituents. lie
wanted signal proof that senator Nc
Laurin was not willing 10 enter a Dem
ocratic caucus. and the proof was made
ready 20 his hand by the mistake OF his
colleague.
II Senator McLaurin had been an indie
PENDENT Democrat his defense would have
had a different sound altogether. but no
state has profounder respect for party
presidents and customs than the Palmet-
70 state. and Senator McLaurin accepted
a commission from the Democrats OF his
state when he took the oath OF Office.
There Is nothing to be done now. unless
he Joins the Republicans. who may or
may not take care OF him until his pres
ent term expires. for South Carolina viii
not commission him again TO the same
high ONCE
And that refusal viii not mean that
Senator McLaurfn Is not a progressive
man IN his thoughts and purposes. II Is
possible he Is Tar better equipped for leg
islative work than HIS colleague, but he
has transgressed the unwritten law which
demands that q politician shall not re-
pudiate The authority which elevated him
10 once and the senator cannot make
headway IN South Carolina hy attempting
20 stem both wind and tide at present.
II the president has some fat berth like
q paymaster OF juogeship TO offer he win
do well to secure Il, but as a rule Re
the world 10 turn down a man VINO fights
his own party 70 secure an office by so
doing.
~ senator McLaurin had gone before
his state last summer and fought Il out
on the stump. he might have won his
fight but he lost the chance OF lifetime
when he failed TO do IL.
Having failed 20 carry the issue before
the people OF his state he should have
avoided rocks, quicksands and breakers
ike he was a ship at sea. and especially
should he have played impassive and calm
dignity against "pitchfOrk' rashness.
II Senator Tiilman had given the dare.
then the result might have been different,
but the latter Jared splendidly as TO luck.
Senator AfcLaurin was in no fix TO be Civ
fng dares on the exclusive play grounds
OF Democratic caucuses and usages. and
his headpiece may be all right on the
various issues he champions, but his 1udg-
nent was at fault when he squared away
az the caucus and provoked a fight on the
known duty OF Democrats TO attend a
Democratic caucus in Washington No
body says that Republican senators are
a bit more independent OF party dictation
than their opponents. II anything they
are less 50. therefore Il was Quixotic TO
ride against the political windmills adored
nv both parties In the senate.