The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-10-09
Col. Willie Jones withdraws.

Col. Wllle Jones IL Represented ds sayluS'
II have concluded not to enter the race for
the United States senate next year. because
feel that cannot give up my home business
10 terests, unless there be special demand
for 1t. have q very large personal acquaint
ance with the Democrats Of this State. Judg.
Ing from letters received and many personal
Interviews feel satisfied that my chances for
the nomination to this distinguished position
would have been fully as good as that OF any
candidate whose names is now mentioned ID
con injection with the senatorship. l would
have no political tear TO run against any man
In this State except two. namely, Senator
lleve either of them could beat me or any
other man In the State.
by the way, think the very best solution
Of the senatorial contest would be for all or
the place to announce their Withdrawal on
the condition that Gen. Wade Hampton ac-
cept the position and let the old general be
elected without opposition.
ate now in the field believe Gen. Hampton y
views on national politics meet with the
approval OF practically all the Democrats In
the State. Such happy and gracious event
particular time would make the Democratic
party of this State absolutely irresistible and
cave US of much agitation and feeling when
there ia so much else for our people TO 90.
II happened in 1877 to be one Of the Blk
Democratic boys who carried Gen. Hampton
on our shoulders from the platform where be
was inaugurated through the streets OF 20,
lumbia to the hotel, and today again 1t would
be my great pleasure to cooperate In eievat
Ing him to this high position, because De-
lieve 1t would be for the good OF the great
Democratic party of my State.'
Evil minded persons may not take the
assigned reasons OF Col. Jones at their face
value. We believe that Col. Jones is q man
OF at least fair ability who is possessed OF the
faculty OF reasoning.
That being so, he must have realized that
his action in the State Democratic Execu.
tive Committee, sealed his fate as Senator
ial possibility.
Then evil minded persons may have
thought that COL Jones intended to let him
self out of the race as nicely as possible by
suggesting Gen. Hamptons name for Sena-
tor.
The suggestion is no doubt grateful to the
General and few Of his personal friends
but how will the other candidates and their
friends take the proposition? The idea OF
giving the place to General Hampton seems
to have been an aftertbought-when Col
get 1t for himself.
The State In an editorial endorses General
Hampton and asks II others will withdraw.
In all that the State says In honor OF Hamp'
ton, the Press and Banner fully agrees. but
when Col. Jones and The State say that he Is
abreast OF the times and in full accord with
the Democratic party or words to that effect,
we are at sea- Gen. Hampton has not been 10
touch with the people since he went to WASH
ington. Since then he has not been among
u.s. We do not know General Hamptons
sentiments on any OF the issues Of the day.
AS far as we know he has been silent OF late
years, and we believe, II General Hampton Is
drawn into the coming senatorial race the re-
suit will mortity him beyond degree. The re-
suit would not be a fair estimate OF the esteem
In which he Is held by the people. The peo'
pie love him for his past services. but they re-
gard him as having passed the years of useful.
ness.
1t is not necessary to speak OF the possibili-
ty Of the people making him their unanimous
choice. They would not do 80, even ifall the
candidates in the field should withdraw.
General Hampton did great service to the
State. In recognition Of that service he was,
for many years, awarded high office, and the
debt is discharged.