The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1906-05-18
THE CONVENTION t..
WAS HARMONIOUS
A TRUCE SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN
DECLARED.
No Contests for the Offlces--The Ac-
tion Of the Convention Was in
Every Way Marked by
Moderation.
The State, 18th.

The State democratic convention
was one Of the most orderly and most
harmonious in recent years. The del
egates were apparently interestind in
keeping out anything which would
stir up feeling and from the begin
ming it was evident that the leaders
of the two sides OH the dispensary is
sue had for the time being buried the
hatchet, as the convention was not
the place to wrangle over matters of
that kind.
The convention fixed one ring
campaign OH the state, endorsed the
administration of Governor Hayward
and the work in the senate by Senator
Tillman, though in a manner much
milder than proposed by his greatest
admirers; adopted a platform which
is without feature, and made a few
amendments in the constitution of the
party to fit such cases as appeals
from the decision Of the county ex-
ecutive committees.
There was no contest over the cleo
tion Of officers. Col. Robert Aldrich,
who first entered politics as a men,
Der Of the legislature in 1876, was
elected temporary president and Gen.
j. Walter Gray, Of Greenville, who
was a member Of the same legisla-
ture, was elected permanent clerk.
The permanent president was Mr.. J.
VIM. Thurmond, of Edgefield, and the
other officers in addition to Mr.
Thurmond and Gen. Gray were Mr..
J. 7. Parks and Maj. D. l.. Sinkler,
assistant secretaries, and Col. Tom c..
Hamer, treasurer.
The convention held an after
noon session and got through with its
business in a very few minutes. The
delegates decided that they would at
tend the reunion exercises that night
The convention was called to order
at noon by the chairman Of the state
democratic executive committee, Gen
Willie Jones. The occasion Of the op-
ening prayer was one Of the most un-
usual and most notable occurrences
in the history Of the democratic con-
ventions. This prayer, by Rev. Sam
uel M. Smith, D. D., was not only al
eloquent and inspiring appeal to the
patriotism of tho convention, but the
earnestness Of his spirit was manifest
in the way in which the convention
took up the Lord IS Prayer, with which
he concluded. The act Of reciting the
Lord s Prayer by political body OF
$50 men was an unusual spectacle.
After the roll had been called the
nominations Of temporary officers was
called for. Hon. Robert Aldrich OF
Barnwell was named by Mr.. j. w
Ragsdale. This was carried by ac'
clamation. Upon taking the chain
Col. Aldrich addressed the convention
He appreciated the honor as it had
come as a recognition of bis services
at time when he was too young tt
do anything else but fight for her. HI
commented upon the peace in tho
. state. and he declared that as mattei
for qualification the settlement Of is
sues would be left to the people them
selves. He opened the convention fol
business, and called for the nomina
ton for permanent officers. -,
Permanent Organization.
Mr.. J. VIM. Thurmond, Of Edge
field was placed in nomination fol
permanent chairman of the conven
tion. This was seconded by Senator
Blease Of Saluda and several others
and Mr.. Thurmond. was elected By ,ac
ella nation, as had been agreed upon.
i. Mr.. Thurmond expressed his graf
ifcation'at being elected to this posi-
ton of honor. The virtue Of the white
men of South Carolina is their loyal
ty to the democratic party. The 70
publican party is q party Of trusts
The president Of the United States i
put in the awful and pitiable pligh
Of having preached solemn trust ant
the senior senator from South Care
lima has exposed him completely fo
violating that trust. b
The democrats Of the state hav
differed on issues but they have us,,