The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1908-08-05
COUNTY CAMPAIGN
BEGAN YESTERDAY
First Meeting Was Held at
LangstOn Church.
NO SPECIAL FEATURE
The Liquor Question Takes Prominent
Place In Discussion of the
Various Issues.


The Laurens county campaign opened
yesterday at Langston, Scuflletown
township. The meeting was held in the
grove near the church and was presided
over by Mr.. l.. S. Machray, township
chairman. There were perhaps $50 peo-
pie present, including a number of
ladies. All of the candidates for coun-
ty offices were present, and each aspir-
ant was accorded an attentive hearing,
though the crowd was wholly undem-
onstrative even when good point was
| made by a speaker. But this is charac-
teristic of the Scufletown people. A
good dinner was provided and all en-
joyed the day. The candidates for the
Senate and House spoke first and, as
was pretty generally known previous
to the opening of the campaign, there
was an even division on the question of
county dispensary and prohibition. On
other issues they are practically united.
The first speaker was Col John II.
Wharton, candidate for State Senator
He began by expressing the hope that
this campaign would be one of informa-
tion to the voters and that no issue
would overshadow the important sub
ject of upbuilding our own county and
its resources. Rural schools mus. be
given more attention as the education
of the white children is all important.
The question of taxes is serious sub
ject and he thinks reform is needed
along this line, giving his reasons
therefor. If sent to the Senate he will
try ~ bod taxes down Opposes the
hen Jaw as 1T has served its day Fa-
vors better roads. Thinks immigration
should be restricted. Let all who may
wish to settle among us come of their
own Volition. No reason for whiskey
issue in this campaign as matter will
be voted on in November. He will
vote against the dispensary.
Hon. John M. Cannon, also candidate
for the Senate, followed. Glad of the
opportunity to tell of his stewardship
as one of the representatives from
Laurens in last session of the lcgii la
ture. Had no apologies to make for his
record. Is opposed to compulsory edu-
cation but favors liberal appropriations
for all educational purposes. Taxes
higher today because of the progress
of the State in all lines. Voted to de-
crease appropriations of Winthrop and
Clemson. Rural schools should receive
more money, as "thc children must be
educated at all cost" Opposed the inn
migration bureau two years ago and
was still against it. Riff-rair of other
countries not desired. Good people
welcome provided they come of their
| own volition. Thinks the lien law
question should be submitted to the peo-
pie as other questions are settled. Had
voted for its repeal. Prohibition is
pretty in theory but a failure in prac-
ticc. Citing Spartanburg as an exam
pie he declared that there was as much
whiskey being drunk in that county as
| in Laurens. Cant legislatc morals into
the people. His position on liquor
question is we'll known, "and" de-
| clarcd he, 'if YOU vote the dispensary
| WV Z" uOHSii llIilCS U VIII ~ W IIlc tDCll-
ate as dispensary advocate" Had
been willing to drop the question but
for the preaching of prohibition from
every pulpit in Laurens county. Per-
sonally he is temperate in all things, or
tries to be. Does not drink. Charged
the prohibitionists with putting present
| liquor law on statute books.
Mr.. Clarence Cunningham was next
presented as the first speaker for the
House. Because he was born in Charles
ton and educated abroad it had been
| charged that he was not i'm sympathy
with the interests of Iaurens county,
although he has resided here for many
years. He had also been charged with
being Catholic, whereas as a matter
of fact he had, during his residence in
Charleston, fought Romanism politi-
cally in that city. Stood for the State
dispensary two years ago, now favors
the county system. Prohibition is
wrong in principle, although very nice
in theory. Discussed the material and
moral aspects of the subject. "Prohi-
btion docs not prohibit" If the State
votes general prohibition il will mean q
(GnnIinnoJ on, Daoa E;nhl