The age-herald., 1901-05-26
Senators TiIman and McLauTiH VIII Test Their Strength
 With the People
BOTH TO STUMP THE STATE
United States Senators TBin1an and McLaurin Tender Their Reslgna-
 lions for the Purpose of As-
 certaining Relative Strength.

Columbia, s. C., May 2.-Thsre was a spirited debate at Gaffney today be- tween United States Senators B. R TfIk man and John L. McLaurin. As & de- nouement, both of them have put thefz resignations in the hands of Governor McSweeny.
 They have resigned, however, with the understanding that they are to go before the people of the state in a joint csn- vass. and the sentiment of the people is to be expressed in the vote in a Demo- cratic primary to be held in November.
 The arrangement is sensational, foI T1llman was last summer elected for stz years and McLaurin has yet two years. The result of the issue means that fl Tillman Is sustained. McLaurfn's seat will be vacant: if McLaurin is successful he will succeed to Ti1lmans long term
 McLaurin had been invited to Gaffney and friends of Tillman asked him to come too. McLaurin accused Tillman of attacking him when Tillman is bomh proof The latter declared that he would resign and meet McLaurin on the stump. McLaurin agreed to the proposition
 Election In November
 Senator T1llman later submitted a writ. ten proposition. which was acceptable to Senator McLaurin, except that the lat ter wanted the campaign to be held in October and November instead of this summer. McLaurin stated that this wal suggested on account of his poor health There were several proposals submitted between the two. Senator McLaurin | wanted the race to be confined to Senator l Tillman and himself. The latter declared that he could .uct dictate, to the Stu Democratic executive committee when ths | primary should be held or how many candidates there should be.
 The dual resignation as finally forward. ed to Governor McSweeny were accom- panied by no conditions. It reads:
 "Sir:-We hereby tender our resigna- tionss as senators for the State of South Carolina in the United States senate, tc take effect on November IS. next. Yours respectfully etc"
 Under the election methods in this State the State Democrat1c' executive committee will arrange a campaign and the candidates will speak in each of the forty counties in the State. At the pri- mary election the candidates will be voted for directly. The general assembly merely confirms the action of the primary The campaign will be pitched year earlier than expected, but there are half dozen candidates in the field. Each must speci- fly for which term he is a candidate.
 Senator TiiIman's Statement.
 Charlotte, N. C., May 25.-A special to the Observer from Gahney. s. O., says:
 Senator Tillman was seen at the train after the resignation had been signed, and was asked what would, in a word. be the effect of the resignation. He replied:
 "It will mean that we are to have either two Republican Senators or two Democrats
 "will you and Senator McLaurin ente2 the primary before the people for re- election?"
 "I am going before the people, and there will be a number of candidates. I don't know what McLaurin will do, but I presume if his health will permit that he will also run
 "Will you both run for the term which you have just vacated?'
 "sHe can run for either one There is no restriction about that. The resignation Is unconditional, and he might as well run for my seat as his own
 Are you entirely confident of being reelected to the term which you have just given up?"
 "I see no reason why l should have fear as to the result. have nothing per sonally against McLaurin. I merely want the people to decide the matter and vim dicate me.