Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1904-07-20
THE CAMPAIGN OPENS.
An Interesting Meeting Here Yesterday Can
dldates for State and County Offices.

The campaign was formally opened in
Oconee county on Tuesday, the 10th in
stapt, at Walhalla. County Chairman nj. i.
s. Siriblipg called the meeting to order in
the Court House at ii O'Clock The ex-
ercises were opened with prayer by Rev.
j. NJ. Mcclure.
Chairman Stribling, in few we'll
chosen remarks, expressed the sacred
ness of the ballot, and the Importance of
electing able, clean and worthy men to
Office. The candidates should measure
np to the high tests of morality, honesty
and ability.
The candidates for Railroad Commits
sioner spoke first and in the order named.
Hon. w. Boyed Evans began by thank
ing the people of Oconee for the liberal
support given him Two years ago. In
event of Oconee's candidate should not
be in the second race, he would again So
licit our suffrage. He briefly recounted
his services in various public capacities,
and spoke of the opportunities for men
tai training he had enjoyed, whereby he
was equipped for the discharge of the
official duty. lie thought the law should
be changed SO that the salaries of the
Commissioners would be paid by the
State and not by The railroads. Free
passes should also be prohibited. Freight
rates should also be reduced. A com
parison of the freight rates in three
oI"IeS SHOWS our rates Cne highest, and
they should be carefully revised.
Hon. G. w. Garris said he was glad to
meet again an Oconee audience. He was
here six years ago, and comes again to
ask reelection. Rates on shipments
within the State are in the jurisdiction
of our commission, but rates on all inter
state shipments are not. Local rates are
lower than in North Carolina or Vir-
ginia. He believed in fair and Just as
sessment of capital for taxation. He
had been instrumental in bringing about
prompt settlement for loss and damage
of goods by vesting the local agents with
authority to settle such on presenta-
tion when he finds them well founded.
He had been faithful to the people of
South Carolina in the discharge of duty.
Capt. Ii: j. Gigni)liat, of Seneca, was
introduced amid much applause. "Home,
Sweet Home" how dear these words.
BE was proud of his home being in Oco-
nee county. He had no new hobby, but
ho had experience in the railroad bust
on one hand and by the railroads on the
other. There should be at least one
practical railroad mau on the board We
need practical results and these results
cannot be obtained by fine speaking. We
want work, not hot-air talks. He closed
amid enthusiastic applause.
Hon. John G. Mobley was thankful
.oA
two years ago. He thought the Com
mission should do more for the people.
He did not belle the commissioners
were doing their full duty. There should
be more and better depots. Freight
rates should be reduced. In nine cases
out of ten We are paying higher rates
than in Georgia, North Carolina and
Virginia. He was farmer, also
trained lawyer He had also represented
his county, Fairfield, in the Legislature,
and served two teams as director Of the
penitentiary. The proposition is up to
The people to govern the railroads, or be
governed by them. The railroads do not
1eel the weight of our present commits
sion. 1t is like gnat on a bulbs horn.
The Fishing Creek wreck, with it's loss
of life, he thought was due to neglect of
duty. The great railroad syndcates are
making war on the rights of the people,
We should check the tendencies toward
such combination. Trains should be run
on schedule time. Law should be su-
preme.
Hon. John II. Earle announced his
platform as honesty in both private and
public life. He believed man who
'uld give bribe to any man to vote
4 r him, would take bribe himself
when elected. The demurrage rates
should be revised. The railroads have
too great advantages. Freight rates are
WV ''fS ho DcG
profit of S4,000,000 in South Carolina
last year. We ought to have more and
better depots.
James Cansler, of Tirzah, was pre-
vented by sickness from being present |
A telegram was read from him by Mr. |
Earle.
A timely letter was read by Chairman
Stribling from Gov. Hayward, which |
elicited much applause.
The candidates for Congress followed. |
l. III. McCalla arraigned the policy of |
the Republican administration, and urged |
that all Democrats should stand together |
in the face of our common enemy.
Hon. Wyatt Aiken was greeted with |
applause. 1t was for the people to say
how he had served them. He reviewed |
the establishment of rural routes, and |
told of his service on the committee on
pensions. He had resurrectcd forty-siX
claims of worthy claimants, one of them
being from this district.
Candidates for county offices followed.
The candidates for House of Repre-
sentatives spoke briefly in the following
order: j. M. Whitmire, w. N. Bruce,
f.. f.. Werner, j. w. Todd. Lewis j.
King withdrew from the race.
w. NJ. Brown and j. r. Earle, two of
the candidates for the Senate, spoke
briefly. j. w. Shelor, also a candidate
for the Senate, stated that as this
wa8 his home, and much time had already
been consumed, he would not speak at
this meeting.