The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1902-07-03
Campaign Briefs.

nave QlSpOTleQ themselves d. d Lively
rate. From Charleston to Barnwell,
through devious windings and all
available intermediate stations.
Charleston was pleasant fishing
ground; Walterboro, years ago the
summer resort of wealthy planters, is
still pleasantly reminiscent of the old
en- time, and beautiful Beaufort, with
the fine Sea Island hotel, its splendid
breezes and many attractions, made
spot where even the most energetic
candidate loved to linger.
The week, apparently, has not been
without developments. If the speeches
have been read as they were listened
to by the crowds at the various meet
ings, some developments might be
seen.
Some general remarks concerning
the progress made may not be alto
gether without interest to many. South
Carolinians are as fond Of politics as
are any people in the world
The gubernatorial candidates, in dis
cussing what the yare pleased to term
issues" have what Mr.. Ansel terms a
"love feast platform" This means
they are all legislative sessions, educa-
ton, biennial legislation, sessions,
good roads, dispensary and the pro-
posed child labor bill. They are op-
posed to trusts and combinations and
monopolies, which, however, are dis
'cussed with proper regard for the
rights OF capital. as well as Of labor.
This is also the case regarding every
reference to the child labor bill, which
is always spoken of with sincere appre-
citation of and care for the rights Of
mill owners and the great work they
have done and are doing. The love
feast is not exactly perfect, though
practically so. One candidate has not
answered his opponent as to his exact
position on an important question and
two minor differences, too slight for
specific mention, exist in the stand ia
ken on the issues"
Candidates for the Office Of lieuten-
ant governor. are waxing warmer in
their discussions. One accuses others
of lodging" the debates change from
grave to gay, from lively to severe,
and more than pop gum rejoinder
may be looked for in this debate.
Candidates for the Office of secre-
tary of state still maintain their ideal
rivalry, closely followed In this by the
gallant and courteous aspirants for the
office of adjutant general. Candidates
for the office of comptroller general
are making a lolitico-business race,
with no asperities and with perfect
good feeling.
Much interest is manifested in the
debates between the two gentlemen,
one of whom is to be the next attorney
general of South Carolina. The arena
has two determined antagonists when
these candidates enter, and a warm,
detailed, but always strictly parlia-
mentary, battle follows.
Great interest is taken in the multi
form and many-hued race for the office
of railroad commissioner. This inter
est is almost (but not quite) as great
in the audience as it is among the can
didates. Every minute will be the
next" is the uppermost thought when
these gentlemen get under steam, but
It is very hard to even think quietly to
ones self who the next railroad com-
missioner will be. Most of the candi.
dates make a straightforward business
race for this Office, but things are gen.
era.N made lively when these speech
es begin.
A close mathematical calculation re-
yeals the fact that the candidates who
have only five minutes allowed them
daily for their speeches pay fraction
II ore than s1OO per hour for this great
privilege. OF course this does not in
clude precious moments used, IN
hand-shaking, baby kissing and other
delights incident to a political can
yass, where offices are few and candi-
dates are numerous. 1t does represent
legitimate, official time allowed for the
enlightenment of honest voters. who
come for instruction and is farcical
reflection Of this feature Of South
Carolina primary. A smooA-tongued,
oily, glib talker can use his five min
utes, while a capable business man
can scarcely make himself or MS
wants known in this limited time.
There are very many people who
have talked about the primary being
the salvation of the poor man in poi
tics. It is something of strain to see
how this is so when the present cam
paign is going to cost the candidates
at least $4,000. That seems to be a
lot of money. but the candidates seem
to be anxious to spend the money II
they can only get the Offices.
There are sitxy-two candidates IN
the field for state and federal omces
and, placing the average expense at
$50 per candidate, this would run the
amount up to $4,000, and the assess
ments and other necessary expenses
would easily run the cost per candi-
date up to 5000.
Some folks may think that $500 is a
high average. 1t is no such thing. It
is low There are already many can
d.dates who have spent double that
amount and the campaign IS hardly
half over. They have been liberal in
the use Of printers ink. There have
been thousands of circular letters sent
out and tens of thousands Of so-calleo
personal letters announcing candidacy
There is no such things as discount
on postage bills and the railroads nave
gotten full rates from all OF the candl-
right 10 90.