The Marlboro democrat. [volume] (Bennettsville, S.C.) 1882-1908, 1906-06-29
AT th~ Charleston and COlleton
Campaigns Meetings.
LYON AND RAGSDALE
Both Gffer to Withdraw and Leave the
PleIdto Gen. Youmans. Ragsdale
Charges Lyon With Running Be.
collse Gen. Youmans Could
Not Attend Meetings.

"iBhuteu Cbuulu1UeB UOlu UQ6
stories Of their lives and their hopes
In Hlbernian hall at Charleston on
Wednesday night. The crowd varied
from about 800 males at the opening
60 half that many towards the close
Of the meeting.
Conspicuous in q front seat was
Vincent Ohicco. known as the un
crowned blind tiger king of Charles
ton, who interrupted several of the
speakers with questions relative to
the dispensary. 1t was q sweltering
night, but Ohicco gave away fans on
.hich were printed the pictures of
himself and Tillman, labeled 'Chicco
and Tillmau, the two determined.
The campaigners we're given royal
uime during the day by Official
Charleston, led by Chairman Daniel
l.. Sinkler, and what they wanted
they did not have to ask fort was
all there.
Much interest was added to the
meeting by the arrival of Senator
Ragsdal9, candidate for the Office of
attorney general, who was not present
at the opening Of the campaign at st
pectedi that he would vigorously op
pose Mr. Lyons views on the so-oall.
ed burning ISSUE" The result of
their first encounter is stated below
Each had only five minutes III which
TO present. his side, which accounts
for the lack Of more detail.
MI. Willard Ragsdale, of Flor
nee, made his first speech as o can
didate for the Office of attorney gen.
oral. He opened by remarking that
when he determined to make the race
he had done so under the belief that
the cslice belonged to no man, that
no ont was entitled to claim 1t to the
exclusion of others who sought 1t
He Wss accordingly surprised TO note
IN tlslO slOharleBton Post that Mr.. Lyon
deseE led the Office,
!, 10 }'"A himself he would say that
,s.. ~ 90 escsp In
40 aaaB tho people might sisct,do
give 80 him after Weighing him In
the balances. But, said he, IL it
mustihe said that any one deserves
the ctfise, tell you to look at the dis
t'nguished sot vices rendered to South
Carolina by Leroy Youmaas, and
every patriot must feel that II the
Cflice belongs to any one Of us IL be.
longs 60 Youmans. (Applause.)
But take 1t that 1T Is due to no
one. The Cffice Of attorney genera
is not political one Whether or
not q candidate stands for the dis.
pensary should not determine the
question. The otlice requires certail
auties un' elect him attorney general
ne tells you he will prosecute IN
grafters If you ell, CT hlm attorney
general he tells you no more thai
what he Is In duty byund to do. /
stand here as one who bears the right
from the supreme court of South
Carolina, as young lawyer, and
pledge myself to prosecute any viola
cor OF law who comes under my pur.
view.
ask for no sentiment in this race.
All have a right t) expect from YOU
lS 8 fair deal, and a fair deal is to TAXI
into consideration the integrity OF
the candidates and their ability. ID
The past you have endorsed me and l
have Tried to merit that endorsement.
am q sJauncn supporter Of the
dispensary, because ] believe 1t is the
best solution. / am uncomprl M 8
lngly opposed to Orators. Whatever
are my Vows az ID the dispcnssry, no
att OF mine will ever be done that viii
seek to protect man who rObs the
state and appeals TO me as o support
er OF the dispensary under the belief
that l would nelp him
stand for the publication OF the
dispensary and for pure elections. L
have favored tho Investigation Of the
dispensary and hold that 1T was the
commitee's duty to complete ils
work and report IL to the legislature
that appointed 1t. 1t Is now too
early to judge It's work, and slmpl,
because my opponent has been pro
minent In the Investigation as a NOM
uof OF that committee Is NJ reason
why you should vote for him. The
sole qualification for you to apply Is
mis- geueral fitness.
Chairman Sinkler read letter from
Attorney General Youmans announc.
Ing his candidacy, In which he told
now his duties interfeIred with his
participation In the campaign at pres
enU, believing that he ought to attend
to them ra6her than look after his
own interest In oanvassing for votes.
Mr., j. Fraser Lyon, the other can
didato for attorney general, followed.
lie said he would make q serious prop
osltion to his friend, Mr.. Ragsdale
lf ne entered the race against Gene.
raj Youm ms because Ga so l win
make HIM an Cffar. | do not care to
trench upon the privilege OF this old
soldier who stood with Ham pton I'm
those dark days Of South Oarolina's
troubles. l make the proposition to
him that, IL he thinks 1t is improper
for us to enter this campaign against
General Youmans, we now grace
fully withdraw.
There was quite buzz OF interests
at this. Mr.. Lyon looked around to.
wards Mr.. Ragsdale, who rapidly came
to the 'front.' and asked tho chairman
II he could first ask Mr.. Lyon ques-
Jion and then reply. Chairman Sink.
ler said that 1t would be taken out OF
Mr.. Lyons five minutes If he did 80,
and IT was agreed that MIR. Lvor
should proceed with his speech.
Said he, just az our fathers wears
ago proclaimed aud obtained for II,
bne r)gh6 OF local self. .goverhment
now como to lift my voica for that
dearest right. do not think the dia
pensary has accorded you that; right