The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-06-01
GIVEN TIME FOR REPENTANCE
DUAL RESIGNATION OF THE FIERY
SENATOR'S NOT ACCEPTED.
McLaurin Submissive, but the "Pitch-
fOrkcr" Inclined to Rebel Against
the Governors Action.

COLUMBIA, S. c., May Ex-Governor Nc
Sweeny to-day. acting, he said, in accord
ance with the wishes of the people, who
did not wish a primary, with its incident
strife and unrest, refused TO accept the
designations of Senators Tillman and Nc
Laurin. These designations were announced
a political meeting in Gaffney May %
and were mailed to the Governor that
night. He received them the following
morning when about to leave for Chicka-
mauga TO participate in the unveilng of
a monument. The Governor returned here
this morning and announced his decision
shortly after noon. He wrote a communi-
cation to the senators in which he said al
first that he returned their designations
"for further consideration" In the closing
paragraphs of his letter, however, the Gov
ernor unequivocally declines to accept"
the designations. His reasons may be put
in a few words. canvass between them
would result in bitterness, stir up the peo-
pie just at a period when they are trying
TO get together for the material progress
of the State and would be a campaign of
personalities instead of education. Gov
ernor McSweeny's letter in full follows:
"Gentlemen-Your letter rendering your
designations as United States senator's from
South Carolina was received on the eve OF
my departure to Chickamauga TO 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 people
on this historic battlefield Hence my de-
lay in acknowledging 1t.
II respectfully return your designations
that you may have more time for serious
consideration of the effects upon the people
of this State of this action on your part.
The commission which you hold is the high
est 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 heat of debate and
without due reflection of the consequences
TO the people who have so signally honored
you.
ut was only last year that our people
had the excitement and turmoil incident
to a 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 from political battle and Bit
terness The indications are that a cam
paign such as would be precipitated by
vacancies in these two exalted positions
would be a very acrimonious one and per-
sonal rather than discussion OF issues;
and from such canvass our people should
be spared. In fact IL would be calam-
ity to the State to be torn asunder by a
heated canvass in this on year In politics. IS
There can be no possible good TO come OF II.
1.-The people of the State are getting to-
gether and working for the advancement
and upbuilding of the material prosperity
of the commonwealth, and | should regret
anything that would retard this progress.
1T Is not my purpose in thus writing TO
prevent the fullest and freest discussion or
all public questions and the education of
the people along all political lines. on the
contrary, I heartily favor that and believe
n can be best accomplished without the
bitterness and the personalities which
would be inseparable from a campaign dur
ing the coming summer. Under party rules
a campaign will be necessary within a lit
tie more than a year, and ample time can
be had for a full discussion of the issues
now before the people.
"Holding these views and looking to the
interests of the people of this State-their
peace prosperity and happiness-l respect
fully decline to accept your resisnatiohs
and beg 10 return them herewith