The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-03-21
WOODROW WILSON SUGGESTED.
He Would Make Fine Candidate
and an Ideal Chief Magistrate.

At a dinner given the other evening
! Gy the Lotos club, of this city, in his
honor, we ventured to suggest the
nomination Of President Woodrow
Wilson, of Princeton University, as the
Democratic candidate for President of
the United States, using substantially
these words:
For nearly a century before Wood
row Wilson was born the atmosphere
of the Old Dominion was surcharged
with true craftsmanship. The fates di-
rected his steps along other paths,
but the effect of growth among the
/! traditions of the fathers remained.
That he is pre-eminent as lucid in
terpreter of history we all know. But
he is more than that. No one who
reads, understandingly, the record Of
his country that flowed with such ap-
| parent ease from his pen can fail to be
impressed by the belief that he is by
| instinct a statesman. The grasp OF
fundamentals, the seemingly uncon-
scious application of primary truth to
changing conditions, the breadth in
| thought and reason minifested on
those pages, are as clear evidences Of
sagacity worthy Of the best and no
blest of Virginia's traditions, as was
that truly eloquent appeal which last
year he addressed to his brethren Of
the South that they rise manfully
from the ashes Of prejudice and le-
thargy and come back into their own.
'It is that type Of men we shall, if,
| indeed, we do not already, need in our
public life No one would think for a
moment of criticising the general re-
formation Of the human race in all Of
its multifarious phases now going on
by Executive decree, but it is becom-
ing increasingly evident that that great
work will soon be accomplished.
When that time sAll have been
reached the country will need at least
short breathing spell for what the
physicians term perfect rest. That
day, not now far distant, will call for
man combining the activities of the
present with the sobering influences Of
the past.
eff one could be found who, in addi-
ton to those qualities, should unite in
his personality the finest instinct Of
true craftsmanship as the effect Of his
early environment, and the no less
valuable capacity for practical appli-
cation, achieved throughout, subse-
ouent endeavor in another field, the
ideal would be attained. Such a man
I believe is Woodrow Wilson, Of vir-
: ginia and New jersey
1t was not a hasty or ill-considered
utterance. And yet, though based up
on earnest conviction and due refec-
ton there was no expectation that
such a suggestion at this early day
That it has done SO justities refer
ence to the subsect in these columns.
Elsewhere we reprint some Of the
Journalistic comments based upon the
meagre reports in the daily papers. In
more personal way, verbally ana by
letter, we have received a surprising
number Of approving messages, which
we are not now at liberty to quote. II
seems worth while. therefore, to in
vite consideration of some Of the rec
sons that might properly be adduced
in support Of the proposal. o. Mr..
Wilson is, as stated, more than the ac-
! co,nplished scholar, the practical edu-
Gator the competent executive he has
proven himself to be; he is, in truth,
u statesman Of breadth, depth and ex-
cept:onal sagacity. (2.) He is an ideal
ist yet notably sane. CD He is a
1 SCIuilc OIdtOI NlAOSC W VI QS ms u w
and bear conviction. (4) He stands
ior everything that is sound and pro-
gressive 60. He holds the respect Of
every one with whom he has come in
contact. and the admiration particu-
larly Of all college-bred men. CO.
His fidelity to the interests Of the
whole people is as unquestioned as his
integrity. (7) He represents no class,
no creed. no hobby. no vain imagin-
ings (S) He is at the fullness Of his
powers in >>se and experience. (9)
lie has profound convictions from in
stinct and learning and the courage
Of fearless expression. (10) He pos
sesses to a degree unequalled since the
days of Blaine that indefnable quail
~ known as personal magnetism. (12)
He is not only high minded, but broad
minded, and strong minded. G3O He
was born in Virginia and halls from.
| New Jersey His nomination would be