Fort Mill times. [volume] (Fort Mill, S.C.) 1892-current, 1906-04-05
USPENSARY CANDIDATE
FOR THE GOVERNORSHIP.
Senator Cole L. Blease Formally An
nounces His Candidacy.

formally announced himself a
candidate for governor of the
State. Reports to the effect that
Senator BleaSe would make the
race have been going the rounds
for some time, but he had given
out nothing definite until ap-
preached by a reporter of the
Newberry paper.
When asked as to his position
on the dispensary, Mr.. Blease
said: Il think it very unfortu-
nate that our people should have
reached the point where dealing
with the whiskey problem is to
be the paramount issue in the
State campaign" he replied, "es-
pecially at this time when South
Carolina is forging ahead in all
matters commercial and indus
trial. There are many things
which the people should consider
IN electing their officers besides
this one. However, in 1892 |
voted for the dispensary and
have from that time and am now
in favor of the dispensary system.
That is, l am in favor of the re-
peal of the Brice law. | am in
favor Of the dispensary system
for the handling of the whiskey
question, as | believe it to be the
best solution. | think it too large
a question to be made local is
sue, and should be decided by the
whole people of the State in
primary election. | have always
opposed submitting it in a gen
eral election, because that would
allow class Of people to vote
who should not be permitted to
settle questions between white
Democrats.
Are you in favor of the State
dispensary?"
L am, because | believe it is
the best way to manage the bust
ness. If, as some charge, it is
corrupt, how much more room
would there be for corruption if
there were Al purchasing powers
instead of one. In other words,
am in favor of the State dispen-
sary management and the repeal
of the Brice law"
Mr.. Blease was asked what he
would do with the counties which
have already voted out the dis
pensary under the Brice law.
If the people of the State vote
in favor of State management
and repeal the Brice law" was
his reply, the general assembly
would then pass such laws as
would permit the establishment
of dispensaries in all counties
where there are none or forbid
the establishment of dispensaries
in such counties, upon certain
conditions, and if these counties
which have voted out the dispen-
sary were to comply with these
provisions, dispensaries would be
re-established therein. In 1902,
when | was a candidate for lieu
tenant governor, / told the people
all over the State that the whis-
key question was not settled, al
though some candidates pro-
claimed from the stump in loud
tones that it had been settled and
that the people were satisfied.
knew then that it was not true
and that the campaign then being
managed in the form that it was
only to blind the dispensary peo-
pie. 1t has come out as | pre-
dicted. The fight had then just
begun. The dispensapy people
We're sleeping. The combination
against it of all its enemies was
lying dormant for the purpose of
striking it it's death blow. Just
as | thought the thing has turned
out, and there are now people
claiming to be for the dispensary
who are hoping to get Office upon
it, and at heart would mash the
life out Of it if it were in their
power.
"Are there any other matters
which you would like to men
tion," was asked Senator Blease.
Eyes, SIR" he replied. Il am
in favor Of biennial sessions of
the general assembly. | am in
favor of a law prohibiting chill
dren under twelve years Of age
from working in cotton mills.
/ am in favor of a law limiting
the hours of labor in cotton mills
to ten hours per day and for
railroad employees making it not
more than thirteen hours per day,
/ am in favor of liberal appropria-