The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-07-18
STATE CAMPAIGN MEETING.
CANDIDATES PRESENT THEIR
y CLAIMS TO A SMALL CROWD.
Ihe Meeting Was Divided Into Morn
ing and afternoon Sessions-No
Excitement, Little Interest and no
Enthusiasm at the Morning Session.

EXclLcucQt, IitliC lutSIC9t <sAu AAO
Enthusiasm at the Morning Session.
From the Daily Item July II.
The candidates for the various State
Offices met in the Opera House at II
o'clock this morning, and addressed
an audience of, perhaps zoe.
The meeting was called to order by
County Chairman John H. Clifton. He
introduced Rev. F. NJ. satterwhite'
who offered prayer.
Mr.. j. A. Summerset, candidate for
1.ailroad commissioner, was the first
heard. His platfrom is first, belief
the eteranl fitness Of things. He
thought that by his 27 years Of prac-
hcal railroad experience he was bet
Ter qualified for the Office than any Of
his, opponents.
Col. ]. II. Wharton thought that he
had discharged with efficiency the
duties that the Office of railroad COM
missioner had devolved upon him,
therefore, he felt no hestitency in
asking for reelection. He was instru-
mental in obtaining for Sumter her
new depot.
James cansler Of Trizah announced
his candidacy. The Office does need
a nrac+ical man. The Office requires
man who could inapartially settle
ruestions between the railroads and
the people. He advocates reduction of
rates. He said that Wharton never
had and never would do anything
while in the Office. He denounced the
xiving OF passes by the commission.
John c. Sellers of Marion was the
snext candidate for the Office. He is
opposed to sectionalism. The board is
now composed Of men from djoining
counties in the Piedmont section. He.
was the only candidate ocering from
any place outside OF that small ter
ritcry and he thought the Pee Dee
should be represented on the commis-
sion.
The next speaker was Mr.. ]. NJ. Sui
Ivan Of Anderson. He was sorry that
sectiouansm had been introduced into
the race He stood on his ability and
did not desire to be voted for if it was
thought that he could not discharge
the duties of the Office. The Office is
much more important than it had
sever been before. He comes before
the people with the unanimous en-
.dorsement OF his county.
Hon. Thos. G. Mcleod, the unop-
posed and irrepressible candidate for
lieutenant governor received the first
real applause of the day. He said he
had MADE the first stump speech Of
his life at Privateer in Sumter coun-
u. though ne now lives in Lee county,
and had represented that county in
the Senate for the past four years, he
had also tried to represent Sumter
His love for old Sumter was great and
sdeep-seated. He appreciated the fact
that he was without opposition, and
that the people Of Sumter county had
always reposed confidence IN him.
Col. Jno. T. Sloas was the first
candidate for governor who was ac-
corded the floor. He desired to ex-
press his thanks for the fattering vote
that this county gave him, when he
first ran for lieutenant governor. He
thought that he was the natural and
logical man for governor, as he had
served faithfully as lieutenant COVER
nor for two terms. He cited several
incidents OF elevation from the next
highest to the highest Office within
the peoples gift. He has had long
political experience, which quallhes
him from the Office. The chief issue
OF the campaign is the dispensary, and
he regrets it. He considers It the best
solution Of the liquor question. 1t is
: charged that there is graft, rottenness
and corruption in connection with the
institution. Cannot the system be pu-
.rihed? Il prohibition would prohibit
it would be the best solution Of the
Iquor question. But it does not pro-
hibit. He spoke of the violation OF the
law in the prohibition States Of Main
and Kansas. In the prohibition coun-
ties the express companies flourish,
and the dress suit case game is re-
sorted to. He is particularly inter
ested in education. He was instru-
mental in the establishing Of Clemson
college.
? Mr. Martin F. Ansel of Greenville'
candidate for governor, was next
heard from. When solicitor it was his
esteemed nlea asure to travel the cir