The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1908-05-06

The Democratic convention which
met In the Court House on Monday
placed itself squarely on record in
clear and unmistakable terms in IA
vor Of the nomination Of w j. Bryan
for the presidency. but the senti-
ment Of the delegates, as expressed
In the debate on the several resolu-
tions that were introduced. was de-
cidedly against sending an instructed
delegation to Denver.
While the Democrats of Sumter
county are for Mr.. Bryan and believe
In him. they are not in favor Of send
theip representatives to Denver with
their hands tied hard and fast.
The resolution finally adopted on
the report Of the committee. consist
Ing OF r. d. Lee, r. I. Manning. e.
w. Dabbs. H. c. Haynsworth and
L. p. Jennings. to which all resolu-
tions were referred. was as follows:
Resolved. That 1t is the sentiment
Of the Democracy Of Sumter county
that II Ia In favor Of the nomination
or Hon. w. J. Bryan for the presi-
dency OF the United States, and that
In our Judgment a delegation should
be sent to the national Democratic
convention charged with. the duty Of
using all honorable methods to se-
cure the nomination Of Mr.. Bryan as
long a. there may be any prospect Of
securing his nomination.
This resolution was adopted by q
practically unanimous vote. there be-
|jns only one -or two. audible Nos
when the motion 70 adopt was put.
II was q compromise measure and
fairly represents the average senti-
ment Of the convention. Sumter
county Is for Bryan as long as there
IL any reasonable hope Of his nominal
ton. but 1t is not for him for ever
and q day. regardless Of unforeseen de-
velopments between this time and the
assembling Of the convention in Dem
yer or during the sessions Of that
body.
The convention was called to order
at 1915 o'clock by County Chairman
]. HI. Clifton. The roll of the clubs
OF the county was called and Secre-
tary H. L. b. Wells made up the roll
Of the delegates entitled to sit and
vote In the convention.
Col. w. d. Scarborough was NOM
mated by Mr.. H. c. Haynsworth and
unanimously elected president Of the
convention. He made q brief speech
thanking the convention for the hon
or.
Maj. H. Frank Wilson was nominat-
ed for 1st vice president and Mr.. w.
o. Cain for I'd vice president. They
were elected by acclamation.
MT. A. A. Manning was elected sec
retary.
Hon. John H. Clifton was nominat-
ed and elected by reclamation to
succeed himself as chairman Of the
county executive committee.
Mr.. L. I. Parrott was reelected
member Of the State Democratic
executive committee without opposi-
| tion.
Mr.. F.. w. Dabbs introduced the fol-
lowing resolutions:
Whereas. a most peculiar fight Is
being waged against the nomination
OF Hon. VIM. Jennings Bryan from
Republican sources. (and Joined in by
'bushwhackers" claiming to repre-
sent Democrats sentiment,) now,
therefore. be 1t
| Resolved. The Democracy Of Sum-
ter county. In convention assembled,
hereby expresses its unqualified ap-
proval OF Hon. VIM. j. Bryan's (con-
demnation OF such so-called Demo-
cratic papers as are engaged in this
campaign OF Misrepresentation and
pledge our delegation to the State
convention to work for none
but true and tried Democrats as dele
gates to the national convention, In
structed to use every honorable means
to nominate Hon. VIM. Jennings Bry-
an for president OF the United States.
believing him to be the greatest ex-
ponent OF the fundamental principles
OF Democracy since John c. Cal
noun, and the only man In the Demo-
cratic party who can successfully
| marshall the hosts NJ tho commop neo-