The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1902-03-26
WYATT AIKEN FOR CONGRESS.
Something About Him and Ills Fitness for
0ffice.--A Good Fellow.
ANnEnsox. S. C. March IA 1al

ANDERSON, $. c., March "a, 1902.
Mr.. Editor: Permit me through the
columns of your valuable paper to en-
dorse the candidacy of the Honorable
Wyatt Aiken for congress from this,
The third district, iii tie coming demo
cratic primary. Pcrpotuating as he does
the good name of his iIlustrious father,
illustrating also that faithful devotion
to duty which characterized his sire, he
needs no introduction at my hands to
the people Of this county. Ny only
apology for attempting to point to his
clean record and his fitness for congrcs.
si"nal Ilonors shall be that his own
tongue, unlike that Of The small politi-
clan OF the day, disdains to proclaim in
blatant tones the lavish paeans of self
praise. All honor to his modest, honest
soul; for, scorning the petty dccets and
the wilcs Of the political mystic maze,
he prefers rather to make his race race
on issues than ono appealing to the pas
sions of partisans, TO personal or heredi-
tary friendships, or to his own magnetic,
magnanimous personality. / shall
then not transgrcss upon his prcrogative
10 present the issues upon which lie will
wage his battle royal but shall direct
attention more especially to his record
as Il private man.
lie was reared on farm in Abbeyille
(now GreenwoodD county and as a farmer
was always successful. His talents how
ever called him into another profession
in which it was his pleasure to remain in
close, confidential elbow-tOuch with his
former fellOw-tillers of the soil. His
deep interest in their welfare was mani
tested at all times in practical manner
SO that none ever doubted his sincerity
nor ever questioned the genuineness of
his interest. For him politics had no
charm, he sought no personal aggrandize-
ment. hc had no desire for political pre-
fermcnt, but by his merit he was called
to act as official court stenographer
eighteen years ago and has since then
filled the position with honor and credit
to himself and with eminent satisfaction
to the officials Of the court and to the
public. His uniform courtesy to all,
regardless of caste or fortune, have won
Tor him, during the continuous itinerary
Of eighteen years, golden opinions in the
minds Of hundreds who will be delighted
to honor him with their ballots. The
race for congress is not by any means of
his own choosing, for he has heretofore
resisted the urgent appeals made by his
friends to allow the use OF his name but
the pressure became too strong. it's
spontaneity became too evident and lie
was swept into the race in spite of him
self. Now that he has accepted the
standard, he will make an aggressive race
and winning race.
Not alone in private life has lie served
his country but true to his heroic nature
and patriotic soul lie volunteered in the
Spanish war as private and shouldered
his musket as member of the Abbeville
military company, in which capacity he
served 1.-the First S. G. V. 1. Regiment
ono month, when for meritOriouS services
he was promoted to Battalion Adjutant.
During the whole Of his service lie was
Acting Regimental Quartermaster and it
is worthy of note that his accounts with
the government, involving over 500, 900,
checked out to cent. Here, as in every
other capacity, he served with equal
satisfaction to officers and men and here
also he endeared himself to all with
whom he came in contact by his big
hearted generosity and thoughtfulness
of the comfort of the sick. I refer to
this at the risk of his displeastre, for I
am aware as are those who witnessed
and were the recipients of his knightly
treatment, that it was his desire that his
name should not be known in connection
with his. generous Q cts, but in his own
unostentatious way
de Old good by stealth
And blushed to find it fame.'
Many a poor, sick soldier owes his life
to this benefactor for taking him f.om
own expense and taking the risk of
securing his furlough afteS he was safe
at home.
He is especially friend to the young
men of the district, he having secured
employment for larger number of young
men than any man in this district, barr
ing, of course, members Of congress.
This is a fact not generally known but
one that can easily be verified by a search
of the record. This is splendid tribute
to his popularity and influence and is
mentioned merely to show the influence
he would WELD in our national law
making body. He is public spirited and
looks with jealous pride upon tho ad-
vancement of his native country. In his
own town he Is regarded as q safe, con-
servative counsellor in the matter of in
ternal improvements and it is by his
efforts that the cotton mill, water works
and telephone system of his town were
established upon n paying and satisfac-
tory basis. He is recognized as pru-
dent financier and as close student of
ali economies. lie is we'll versed in the
great public questions from statistical
and logical point of view and with his
quick mind and ready tongue, with his
knowledge of legislative procedure and
congressional precedent, with his close
association with tho people of his dis
trict for the past eighteen years and q
consequent knowledge of their needs he
will make us model congressman and
one that we need not be ashamed to
continue in Office. @.
-o--Ac1