Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1902-07-23
VOLUNTEERS VS.. CONSCRIPTS.
IL There Need For n Change In the
Manner of Selecting Legislative


Manner of Selecting Legislative
Candidates:
Editor of The Yorkville Enquirer:
While the subject is up, If I can do
so without giving offense to anybody,
desire to contribute a few thoughts to
this matter Of securing proper represen-
tation for York county in the general
assembly. 1 am sure our people are
rather more interested in the subject
than would appear from any outward
sign, and I feel confident that there is
really strong desire to have the coun-
ty properly represented in the general
assembly.
From what I have heard the older
people say, there was a time when
York county used to send some able
representatives to Columbia, and so far
as my judgment is Of value, beg to
say that we have had half dozen or
more very creditable representatives
since 1876. But I agree with the sug-
gestion that has been made from time
to time to the effect that. as rule, we
are not particular about sending really
and truly representative men to stand
for our interests in the matter of MAX
ing laws.
I am reluctant to criticise our present
delegation in the house. 1 certainly do
not feel inclined to cast any reflections
upon them. In the first place. it would
not be in good taste to do such thing
under concealed identity, and in the
second pace I am not aware Of any
thing I could say in the way of refiec-
ton that would be just even if desir-
ed to say it. So far as I know. all these
gentlemen are men Of good intentions,
and they are also men Of good intelli-
gence. I have heard people make as
sertions to the contrary: but I have
generally been disposed to put these as
sertions down as more or less thought
less. But If any of these representa-
tives have been conspicuous successes
as students, teachers. farmers. business
or professional men, am not aware of
it. I cannot think Of a single good rea-
son why they should have been selected
as representatives of York county. for
whatever else may be said of this coun-
ty, it stands high in all that makes for
progress and advancement. There are
within the bounds Of old York many
citizens who have carved out for them
selves honest and honorable fortunes.
and who, in so doing have contributed
much to the welfare of the commune
ties around them. 1t seems to me that
we should endeavor to select our repre-
sentatives from this class Of our citi-
zenship-that is if we want to be really
and truly represented.
The more l see of the working Of our
present system of selecting representa-
tives, the more I am convinced of the
necessity of some improvement in our
methods. Under present conditions we
really do not choose the people we
want; but only choose from among
those who desire the place. In saying
this I am not trying to give the idea
that l, as an individual. am not getting
what I want; but l mean the whole
people do not get what they want.
recognize that if l should attempt to
bring out a candidate who meets with
my notions I would lay myself open to
the just accusation Of trying to have an
individual representative. But when it
comes to being confined to choice be-
tween individual volunteers. represen-