The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1902-05-28

The State Democratic convention
was conspicuous for harmoniousness
Everything passed off smoothly ant
quietly, much wire-pulllng was don,
by candidates in and around the con
vention in quiet way, aud those
Issues supposed 10 be most productive
OF discussion created none whatever
Senator Tillman introduced appro.
pirate resolutions as TO the memory OF
the late Gen. Wade Hampton, and suit.
able resolutions as 20 the illness O,
Chief Justice McIver were presented
and adopted.
Absolutely the only subjects brought
up IN the convention, productive OF
discussion, were matters relating to
the troubles of labor and capital, and
the convention expressed itself in no
mild way both in regard to the lockout
of the operatives of the cotton mills in
the Horse Creek valley and as to child
labor in cotton mills. There were de-
bates over both these matters, but those
wishing to condemn The mill manage
ments tor the lockout and those trying
to abolish child labor won by decisive
votes.
Senator Tillman presented The re-
ports as the pledge matter AMI as To
the arrangement of the campaign
meetings. Both reports went through
without word of debate, and then
came the final adjournment with the
suddenness OF thunderclap from u
clear sky.
The only change in the pledge is
that candidates for the United States
Senate and the United States House of
Representatives will have to pledge
themselves to support the party plat
form.
The two.ring campaign circus plan
wassadopted, the executive committee
being instructed to arrange for double
series of campaign meetings in each
county.
The convention unanimously and
without debate adopted simple reso-
luton cOndcmning Senator McLaurin's
course. No one seemed to take any
interest whatever in this matter.
After the convention had adjourned
Senator Tillman was called for and he
responded with vigorous speech, in
which he displayed much Of his old
time fire and energy, dealing with
matters of national party policy, and
with the course of events In Congress.
He was most vigorously applauded.
One of the most striking features of
the convention was the fact that
practically every candidate TO. sn inn
portant office was member of the
convention. 1t was truly political
convention, and the amount of hand
shaking and fence-building was aston
ishing TO some. Several candidates
who were not delegates originally came
in to fill vacancies ON other delega-
tions. In the list of delegates were to
be found the names of Henderson,
Hemphlll, Johnstone and Latimer of
senatorial aspirations. In the list also
were the names of Talbert, Hayward,
Ansel, l.. j. Williams and Thinner
man of gubernatorial aspirations. The
only candidate for Governor not on
the floor was James III. Tillman, and
he was elected delegate. Congress
sional candidates galore were there
also. Mr.. Thurmond was heard from
in resolutions looking to the mill in
terests and Mr.. Bellinger was in evil
dence with resolutions against the
trusts. And 30 it went.
The personnel of the body was far
above the average and IL was represen-
tati former party factions. For
instance, ON the main aisle al the cor
ner of the row sat Senator Tillman; !;
just behind him sat the veteran stall
walt Col. Thomas w. Woodward; Just
behind were ex-Gov. Mauldin and Col.
Hoyt; not far away were McCalla, Ba-
cot, Tindal, j. Tom Austin and scores
of others who have figured In party
fights. There was good sprinkling
also of young men who have not here
tofore appeared in the political arena,
but are preparing to shy their castOrs
and "let 'er roll boys"
The personnel of the body and the
character of the members showed
plainly that things ale running very
harmoniously In the Democratic party
in South Carolina just now. In this
respect the convention was q striking
object lesson. There was not even a
contest over the selection of the chair
man OF the convention, Col. Jones re-
ceiving the unusual compliment of q
unanimous election.
State Chairman Willie Jones raped
for order and announced that the con.
vention would be opened with prayer
by Bishop Ellison Capers. The hall
was filled, both the floors and in the
galleries.
Bishop Capers made brief, but most
appropriate prayer, invoking the Divine
guidance upon the body. Tie asked
that all things rest upon the foundation
of peace and honor. He concluded
with the Lords prayer.
The roll prepared by the secretary
was read and some .substitutions were
made.
The roll OF delegates being com
pleted, Mr.. Blease nominated Col. Wili
Jones for president of the convention
and Mr.. Crews nominated Gov. M. B
McSweeney who promptly declined ant
seconded the nomination of Col. Jones
Mr.. Blease put the motion and Col
Jones was unanimously elected. In
brief speech he thanked the body fo
the honor conferred.
Mr.. II. @. Hamer was chosen secre
tary and Mr.. Jas. Il. Parks, of Orange
burg, assistant secretary.
The temporary organization wa
made permanent, and the followin
vice presidents were elected
First District-J. w. Dunn. -
Second-W. @. Smith.
Third. A. Sigh.
Fourth Nv. l.. Mauldin.