The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-10-16
Returning to Reason.

len years ago MT. Illlnan, rs An lcouiclah1'
excited wave Of popularity by which he
won the highest honors within the gift OF the
people. He took Hampton's seat In the Sen
ate. His methods brought him 80 conspic'
uously to the front that he was at one time
spoken OF as a possibility for Democratic
nomination for President or Vice.President
OF the United States.
His plan of conducting the campaigns
made him, for time, inVincible. But the
people after ten years OF abuse Of everything
which they had heretofore regarded with re-
spect, are getting tired, and there Is grow
ing revulsion at the manners which charac-
terized the conduct OF our Noble Leader ten
years ago.
While Tillman evidently recognizes this
fact, and Is toning down, 1t seems that someof
the newspapers and some OF his followers In
politics are taking up his discarded methods,
even at this late day.
Tilman no longer villfes and abuses whole
classes of people, but confines, or directs his
venom chiefly toward McLaurin who Ia about
to succeed him in power and influence, but
some ofthe newspapers are trying to discredit
the best newspapers In the State.
The people having been nauseated with the
well-worn or threadbare tactics ofappealing to
prejudice and passion are giving evidence OF
return to reason. They are now on the In
qu!ry for that which Is right, and being IN
that frame Of mind, they are willing to hear
argument, to learn facts, to support the right
as 1t may appear TO them. This being
apparent to every man who reflects for mo-
ment the Press and Banner is surprised to see
some Of the newspapers making the most
reckless statements as to McLaurin-state-
ments for which they have not as yet, brought
forward any proof to sustain them in their
disregard for both truth and good manners.
But the most surprising conduct In this
campaign is that of our respected friend, the
Hon. A. G. Latimer, who Is generally genial
and agreeable !; but in his speeches OF late, he
has been more aggressive toward McLaurln
than any Of his competitors for Senatorial
honors
In normal condition candidate. for office
does not unnecessarily ALLEVIATE the voters
from him. But Tllman's success may haye
furnished an obbject lesson for Mr.. Latimer as
we'll as for some of the papers which abuse Mo.
Laurin and his supporters. II they would
reason q little and take notes Of Mr.. Tillman's
modified actions, and observe the growing
weariness at 80 much villifcation, the news-
people OF South Carolina are entering upon
an age Of reason.
The people OF South Carolina have followed
Tillmen about as long as they can make
an idol of any man. He ruled the State for
time as thoroughly as did Hampton at the
zenith Of his glory. Hampton brought de
liversnce from carpet bag rule. and for a time
his word was law. He rendered invaluable
services to his State. Then Tillman came on
the scene. He ruled the State for time
imperiously. He brought reforms for
which the people will ever be grateful. He
secured the primary election. gave US the
dispensary, and established Clemson and
Winthrop Colleges. But Notwithstanding all
these things be cannot hold the people to.
gether as a unit. Having advanced under
Hampton. and having under Tillman march
ed forward to other great victories in politics
and in education. the people are now taking
an interest In the material prosperity OF the
country. Tho people will hold to the benefte
which came from Hampton and Tillman but
they want more and when Tillman stands In
the way Of progress he, as we'll as those who
have gone before, must sooner or later stand
aside.
Tillman has done his do. He has
reached the end OF bis tether, even as Hamp.
ton did, and new ideas and new desires are
taking possession Of the people. Hampton
was not able to stem the tide Of popular
clamor for still greater achievements. Till
man can do no more than Hampton did
stand in the way Of progress. Tillman now
holds to old things. He stands aghast al
the idea OF further progress. He has done
enough. Instead OF recognizing the public
demand for still further progress he assumes
the Office OF alarmist and obstructionist.
Seeing the growing public sentiment,
and realizing that he has not the hold
on the people which he ONCE had, he is jeal-
GUS OF McLsurin, and is seeking to destroy
him, even as Hampton attempted to stand In
the way Of Tillman's ascendency. In 1850
Tillman fought his battle alone. All other
candidates we're against him. Next year IL
seems that history will repeat itself. All the
candidates in the field are fighting McLaurin
and the principles for which he stands. And
If the present plan Of senseless misrepresen.
tation on the part OF the newspapers con
tnues, and II McLaurin presents facts, pre-
serves his temper, and discusses the issues
logically, calmly, and In fairness. as be
is fully qualified to do, his supporters will
be legion. The public mind ia In such
condition that reason has more influence
than unreasoning temper or unjust