The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1901-05-30
The Senatorial Primary.

COLUMBIA, May SO.-OcustGOl NhCAhui IL
has written the following letter to Col.
Willie Jones, Chairman of the Democratic
State executive committee, in which he
protests against holding primary in
August, and suggesting that the joint
resignation be not accepted until after
the primary, so that certain matters may
be looked after, which include the
Charleston Exposition. Another reason
seems to be to eliminate all contestants
except Tillman and McLaurin. The
letter follows:
Dear Col. Jones: / note in to-day S
paper that YOU speak of the campaign be-
tween myself and Senator Tillman begin
ming about August l. This is. s.entirely out
of the question so far as am concerned.
made it point to date the resignation
September Is, because l knew that it was
absolutely impossible for me to canvass
the State until the weather became cooler.
l resigned in good faith to submit this
question to the voters of South Carolina.
I want fair treatment and an opportuni-
ty to present my case to the people. Sen
ator Tillman intruded himself into this
fight. I am ready to fight tc 9 finish, but
want no draw" or "fouling." MY sug-
sestion would be, as Congress does not
meet until December 4th, that the COM
mittee request Governor McSweeney to
withhold action until the result of the
primary is announced, and then appoint
the man receiving the highest number of
votes. Let the Legislature elect my sue
cessor, as it is only fora short time, or let
YOU gentlemen who desire to contest ar
range your canvass entirely apart from
mine and Tillman's.
Iwould also suggest that you permit
he and to arrange the schedule for our
meetings. 1t is my desire to conduct a
clean, decent canvass, free from person
alities, if permitted to do so; but l am
ready to take what comes. / wish 1t dis
tinctlv understood, however, that can
not entertain the idea of canvassing in
August, and that one man at time is all
l care to fight. had enough of the four
to one business in 1897. l appeal to you
as man apd chairman of the party for
fair play.
The reason I suggest Withholding ac-
ton on our designations until after the
primary is that there are many postoffice
and other matters of interest to the State,
among which / might mention the
Charleston Exposition, which demand
the attention of a Senator. To take
away from the State this protection tor
even six weeks may cause trouble. 10
not care personally, however, what is
done about this, but think it my duty to
mention it. Yours respectfully,
JOHN L. MCLAURIN.
WHAT CHAIRMAN JONES SAYS.
Col. Jones had not received Senator
McLaurin's letter this afternoon, but was
shown published copy. Until he does
receive the letter there will be no official
reply, of course. Col. Jones, however
had the following to say generally in re-
ply: $50 far as the time is concerned
that will have to be fixed by the commit
tee. I merely suggested August be the
! usual time, when farmers have laid by
their crops and have time to attend the
meetings. Senator McLaurin may resi-
assured that the executive committee o
the Democratic party, of which l have
the honor to be chairman, will give him
absolutely fair treatment. The sugges
ton that the Governor hold the resigna
tions at the request of the committee is
matter for the whole committee to decide
The question as to filling the long tern
or short term is matter for the commit
tee to act on, and one which will be onl,.
recommendatory. Any suggestion to th'
Legislature would not be binding. Per
sonally I believe campaign for the Ion!
term Senators this year and another TO
the short term next year would involve
double expense, which can be easily set
tied to the satisfaction of the voters o
the State by one election. When boil
positions have been resigned by the in
cumbents it will certainly be less expen
sive to fill both places at once.
"As to whether the committee will al
low the suggestion of Senator McLaurln
that he and Senator Tillman be permitte'
to arrange the schedule to suit them
selves, is a question for the committee t.
decide, but that has never been done"