Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1908-07-31
THE STATE CAMPAIGN.

The state campaign meeting ap-
nointed for York county was held In
the court house last Wednesday and
from first to last, was attended by
about five hundred voters, including for
the most part those who are usually
present on such occasions.
The meeting, taken as a whole was
practically identical with the meetings
that have been held all over the state.
The various candidates pressed the
same points in very much the same
manner in which they had been press
ing them elsewhere, and during the
three hours that the meeting continued
there developed very little that would
have been new to those who have heard
the campaigners in other counties.
Although the audience was composed
of white Democrats, it would not De
correct to define it's sentiment as one
of political unanimity. There has al
ways been a more or less definable line
of political division among the people OF
this county. On the extreme edges II
is clear enough to be discernible to the
most casual observer, while toward the
merging mark its identification re-
ouires the careful calculation OF the
more experienced politicians. 1t was
easily noticeable Wednesday,; but
there was nothing unpleasantly demo-
strative about it, even in connection
with the attention given Messrs. Ansel
and Blease, now the accepted, If not
altogether typical representatives OF
the two lines Of aspiration. The audi
ence was admirably self-contained'
showed due consideration to all Of the
candidates, and gave to each and ev-
ery one the most patient and courteous
attention that could be desired. All
received impartial complimentary ap-
plause.
The meeting was called to order by
Mr.. w. B. Wilson, Jr, county chairman
and was opened with prayer by Rev.
DR.. S, A. Weber The candidates for
governor were allowed q half hour each
and the other candidates were held
down to shorter time limits, some OF
them being allowed only five minutes.
Music, which was an agreeable feature
Of the occasion, was furnished by the
Yorkyille cornet band under the lead
ership Of Sheriff Brown.
For Railroad Commissioner.
Hon. H. w. Richardson Of BarnWell,
was the first speaker. He said that ne
came before the Democrats Of York as
a. comparative stranger, but was glah
to know that there are Few VINO knew
him. There are five candidates for the
one office to be filled, and as he did not
think oratory a requirement or the OIL
flee, would undertake to tell OF his
claims. He said he had spent his life
on his plantation as a farmer. He
went into the Confederate army In
April, 1861, before he was 16 years old,
and served the entire four years, ex-
cept six months that he spent In a
Yankee prison. after his capture at
Cold Harbor. Told of his participation
in the revolution of 1876, and said that
with his own means he bought 100 RI
fles and 10000 rounds Of ammunition,
euuipped a company and did all ne
could in that struggle. He was ap-
pointed collector of the port Of Beau
fort by Grover Cleveland and served
until the Republicans got in power
again. Afterward engaged in railroad
building and had a large contract IN
the building of the Three C'S railroad.
Said he knew the railroad business
thoroughly from the hewing Of cross
tie to the building of q four bench tres
tie. Said that if he got into that Of
flee it would be his pleasure and duty
to listen to all complaints and main
tain Justice as between the railroads
and the people. Promised that If he
was elected railroad commissioner, the
office would be no longer a joke. He
said that the people of York county
had made n mistake in entering the
mag" they had in the race, Mr.. Can
sler, who will give better service in
educational matters. [Applausel.
Hon. ]. A. Summersett of Richland,
said It was a genuine pleasure to meet
the people Of York, tell them what he
wants and express the hope that they
would help him to get it. He claimed
that he had lots Of practical experience
in the railroad business He said he
started in the railroad service at SO a
month and rations and rose gradual
", until be became telegraph operator
station agent, train dispatcher and
train master. Said that If elected he
would not have to get information sec
ond- handed from any department. Dis
cuSSed the matter of railroad diScrlmi-
nation and claimed that it still needs
correction. Argued that if the COM
mission were made up of experienced
men, the special commission recently
appointed by the general assembly to
Investigate the railroads would not
bave heen neceSSary Said that people
had been trying to prejudice his case
with the statement that If elected he
would be partial to the railroads; but
claimed that this was unjust. He had
given the railroads honest service and
that they had paid him in full for that
service. Urged the Importance of the
office of railroad commissioner and the
great responsibility Of the position.
[Applausel. [
James Cansler said that he wanted
to thank the people for the good vote