The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1904-05-18
JOE MONTGOMERY AND 0. z. HUNDLEY
PLAYED the Fine Cards at the Convention
Dug Pit for Aldriek-Their Skillful Man
oervering That Won the Scott
Thonosou FIGHT.

The details and fine points of the late
Republican State convention are still
being discussed by the prominent men
Of the party in the: city, and many re-
marks. caustic and otherwise, are being
INDUCED in. One feature Of the first
days session has brought out considera-
BILE favorable comment and promises to
result in bringing forth new leaders in
the party guidance.
Republicans, and others who have at
tended many State conventions and par
ticipated in their routine, are unanl-
nous in the decision that the coup made
by Oscar r Hundley, of Huntsville end
Joseph II. Montmomery, of Jefferson,
was the cleverest and most skillful in
their memories. 1t was the laying OF
the trap into which walked the opposi-
ton, and the clever way in which the
body of the convention was kept IN lg-
norance of the real importance OF the
action that was being taken.
Early in the proceedings. it was dem
onstrated that the ablest Of leadership
would be necessary on either side, and
the director displaying the greatest pa
thence and staying qualities would be
the winner. It resolved itself into that
kind of a proposition, with Oscar Humid
ley as the apparent floor leader OF the
Scoot-Thompson combination. ably as
sisted by J. II. Montgomery. In and
out in the wrangling, Mr.. Hundley
kept plugging away at his pre-arranged
plan OF campaign, all the time getting g
closer and closer to the desired point,
the apparent over-contdence of the op-
position playing nicely into his hands.
The first fight, and success or failure in
winning the entire contest, devolved
upon having the chairman appoint the
committees on permanent organization.
When too late, the opposition saw
through the scheme that had been
started against them, and which had
been fastened over them by their own
assistance, and fought for three hours
to regain the lost ground. Defeat was
their portion, and then Joe Montgomery
sprang into the breach and made the
most forcible short speech of the con-
vention. He electrified his own friends
and astounded the opposition, after the
point had been safely determined, but
not carried, by admitting the point de-
sired and gloating over the impending
discomforture of the opposition. That
speech, undoubtedly, it is claimed, de-
cided several wavering delegations, and
when the test came, the Cry OF Scott
and Thompson could not be overcome
and their hosts swept on to victory.
AS tribute to the magnificent work
of leadership OF Oscar Hundley, he was
placed at the head of the Alabama del
egation from the State at large by the
largest vote given any candidate who
had opposition, and when it is under
stood that there were ten men in the
race, his vote of 249 out of q possible
1856, the significance is very apparent.
In like manner, a splendid compll-
ment was deservedly paid ]. 81. Mont
gomery when he was unanimously Sc
lected as one of the Two electors from
the State at large. Both Of these gen
tlemen comparatively new in Repubil-
can party councils, have taken decld-
edly advanced position in I be vanguard
and promise to make themselves even
more forcibly felt in the future. Even
those opposing them il their work paid
the tribute to ability and generalship
that rightfully was won by them.--Blr-
mingham Ledger.