Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1902-08-20
Gov. Mcsweensy Not a Candidate.

For some time there has been con-
siderable speculation as to what
would be Gov. McSweeney's course
in politics this year. Many have
thought that he would stand for re-
election as Governor, and more re.
Gently the belief had become some-
what general that he would stand
for the Senate. He has persistently
declined to have anything to say on
the subject of his course even to
many who had written to him. Now,
however, he announces that he will
not stand for either of the Offices in
dicated, but will devote his time to
his personal business for while at
least.
When asked by a correspondent for
a statement as to his intentions the
Governor said: "I have been asked
a good many times in the past few
months what l intended to do politi-
cally. A great many of my friends
have showed very kind interest in
my future and seemed anxious to
know what l intended to do. I
have invariably replied that 1 had
not fully determined my plans and
therefore could give no definite an
swer. Many of my friends in diff
ferent parts of the State have urged
me to become a candidate for re-
election to the office of Governor. /
appreciate more than can say their
kindly interest and voluntary offers
of support, and especially their COM
mendation of my course as Governor.
During my term of office l have en-
deavored to discharge my duties
faithfully and conscientiously, and
my purpose has always been so to
act in all matters presented to me
that | would feel right about what
ever action I might take. Any man
in public Office, especially in the
position of Governor, may expect to
have his actions criticised. There
are always those who will find fault,
and have never objected to honest,
legitimate and fair criticism. have
given to the press every official act,
whether it was the granting of a
pardon or comm utation or the re-
fusal of one, whether it was the issu-
ing of proclamation of any kind or
the appointment of an official, for /
have held that the people were enti-
tied to know what was being. done by
their servants. have had no Sc
crets, but my official acts have been
an open book to the people, whose
servant | am, and to them | am al
ways ready to render account.
''In regard to the race for Gov
ernor, while have been elected to
one full term, l served nineteen
months of Governor Ellerbe's term,
and while it is not forbidden by the
constitution, yet l realize that it is
an unwritten law that one man shall
not have more than two terms,
which have practically had. There
fore, have decided not to enter the
race for reelection as Governor"
Asked as to the probability of lis
becoming a candidate for the United
States Senate to succeed Senator
McLaurin. the Governor said: envy
friends in different sections of the
State have been kind enough to urge
me to make that race, and while |
am not unmindful of their kind con-
sideration, and appreciate their good
will, | have decided to retire and
give my time to my private interests,
which of necessity, have been sorely
neglected and need my attention.
shall continue to take a lively inter-
est in public affairs and shall at all
times stand ready to contribute what
can, as a private citizen, to the
upbuilding and progress of the State
L love and whose people have hon
ored me-"
In talking further Gov. McSwee-
ney remarked that thus far in his
political career he had never been
defeated for an Office to which he
had aspired before the people, and
said that he would carry with him
into his private life the kindliest feel
ings for those who had honored him,
and the sincerest appreciation of the
support and good will always shown
him.