The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1902-02-20
Political Gossip in Washington.

ton had pledged its support to Repre-
sentative Latimer in his race for the Sen
ate this summer. Where the strange tale
originated, or what foundation it has, is
as yet not forthcoming, else there would
have already been a public denial from at
least two of the members. Asthe matter
stands, the members affected do not care
to advertise the story by denying 1t
through the public prints. Furthermore,
they are particularly averse to commit
ting themselves to the man they intend
supporting in the race for the Senate,
which they would in measure be forced
to do in denying the report. However,
should the story continue to gain Gre
dence, one of the members has declared
his intention of getting the delegation to-
gether for the purpose of clearing up
the whole affair.
Soon after Congress meet last Dec
ember the South Carolina delegation held
caucus, at which were present six OF
the seven members. The purpose of the
meeting was to decide what they would
ask the Speaker for in the way Of COM
mittee assignments, and what would be
the general policy of the delegation dur
ing this session of Congress. AS result,
it is said, the members came to harmoni-
Gus agreement. South Carolina's welfare
was to be the one end and aim of their
efforts, and they were to back up each
other in their striving for plums for their
constituents. This, it is claimed, is the
only caucus held by the delegation, and
on this occasion "the Senatorial cam.
paign was not touched with a ten-foot
pole" as one of the members expressed
it. What bearing this meeting has on the
story in question is not known, but some
of the members are of the opinion that
the purpose of the harmony evidenced at
that time has been misconstrued, not
necessarily by Representative Latimer
but probably by outsiders, as indicating
the attitude of the members toward each
other outside the walls of Congress.
As matter of fact the delegation is by
no means agreed on any one candidate
that has yet announced himself for the
Senate, although each member has proba
bly, pretty good idea as to which of the
aspirants he will lend helping hand. II
is quite likely that Representative Lati
mer will receive the support of a part OF
the delegation, but it is known that Mr.
Henderson has friends among the delega
ton whom he made in the Legislature,
and, from several hints that these gentle
men have let fall recently, it is to be ex'
pected that the Aiken candidate will alsc
come in for goodly share of support from
the South Carolina members when the
campaign fireworks are set off next sum-
mer.
Senator McLaurin's candidacy is not
receiving much attention from the South
Carolina Congressman for the reason that
a majority, if not all of the members, have
expressed the opinion that he will not
enter the race. Some say the Senator
will voluntarily keep out of the campaign
and hereafter make his home in Wash
ington to practice law. Another theory
and one held by member in close touch
with the plans of the State Democratic
committee, is that the Senator will b'
ruled out of the primary at the State Con
vention. This may be because of hi
refusal to caucus with the Democrats an(
his acceptance from the Republicans o
committee assignments for this session
Senator McLaurin himself is reticen
about discussing his plans, though he ha
not yet said anything about withdrawing
Representative Talbert is getting un
usually generous in his distribution o
seed packages. Instead of confning thei
distribution to his own district, his col
leagues claim, he has practically takel
the entire State under his especial care
The Colonel is doubtless thinking of tn
time, which he hopes will arrive mex
summer, when his constituents will in
clude all the people of South Carolina
He will enter the race for Governor a
soon as Congress adojurns, and is, in ad
dition to scattering seeds broadcas
through the State, also getting together
goodly number of jokes which will come
in handy on the stump.
Congressman Scarborough has yet tt
make his first speech in Congress. Wher
asked the other day how long he would
postpone this oratorical effort, he said
II have never yet made speech for bun
combe, and don't intend to do it at thi!
late day. I shall speak whenever meas
ure comes up in which am particularly
interested, but l won't be speaking just tt
say I have made my first speech in Con
gress."
As matter of fact Mr.. Scarborough has
the reputation in South Carolina of being
a remarkably forceful and ready speaker
He has large law practice in his district
and has had considerable experience il
public speaking.-R. NJ. L., in News and
Courier.
Her Ready Reply.
New York Tribune: Among the many
southern visitors to New York this au
tumn were Mr.. and Mrs. Delgado, of New
Orleans. Mrs. Delgado, is one of the
kindliest and most charming bostesses Of
the Crescent City. Many very clever say
ings are credited to her. She always has
been an ardent southerner and is never