The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1910-03-02
is TILI.MAN TO RESIGN POSITION? ?
RumOr That Is Current In Washing
tOn-It Is Not known Definitely
That He Will Do SO.

The Washington correspondent Of
the Savannah News sends that pa
per the following:
'The almost certain resignation Of
Seanotor Benjamin r. Tillman from
the senate of the United States. as
the result of his present illness, has
caused a considerable amount Of in
teresting political gossip to be heard
here concerning his successor. That
there are many persons in South
Carolina who would have no objec-
tion to wearing the senatorial toga,
if Tillman resigns, has been appar-
ent for some time, but naturally has
become more pronounced since the
serious illness of the senator.
Had Tillman resigned before the
legislature adjourned Saturday that
body would have been called upon to
name his successor and the new man
would have held on until next De-
cember. when congress will recon-
vene. Now, however, the legislature
having ended it's work and gone home
it would be for the governor to name
the new man should a vacancy oc-
cur
without discussing the matter
with any candidate, but just from
what may be picked up here and
there among the South Carolina poll
ticians who have been in Washing
ton the last day or two, it is believed
that the men who would probably
be considered by Governor Ansel are
George Johnstone Of Newberry
member Of congress several years
ago from the third district r. Good
wyn Rhett, present mayor Of Charles
ton; Lewis W. Parker of Greenville,
one of the best known cotton mill
presidents of the country, and Jo-
seph A. Mccullough, a lawyer Of
Greenville. In addition to those
there is j. Fraser Lyon, now serving
his second term as attorney general
Of South Carolina, and former Gov
ernor D. G. Hayward All are good
strong men and would no doubt fill
the senatorial chair with credit.
"The nominee, whoever hight
be, would go at once into the prin,-4y
and stump the state during the
coming summer. In the list Of free
for-all candidates would probably be
not only some Of those already men,
toned. but Representative Lever, the
seventh district congressman, it is
believed, would also make the race.
If this primary should be like those
that have been held for many years
past there might be at least half
a dozen men to seek the nomination.
"While none of the persons named
probably would care to discuss this
matter now, because Senator Tillman
has not yet resigned, and, in fact,
many not do so, there is reason to be-
lieve that few of them would decline
the honor of representing their state
in the upper house of congress.
SHOULD Mr.. Lever enter the race
under the conditions named there
would ensue a scramble for his seat
in the house, with the field open for
| many good men to choose from and
any one of a half a dozen would make
a good, capable representative. 1t is
said that Commissioner e. j. Watson
of the state department of agri-
culture, is perhaps better known for
his public work than any other man
in the district, and there is a feeling
that he might make the race a lively
one for his competitors should he
run.
THE whole situation is most in
teresting and while, as stated, Sem
ator Tillman has not yet resigned
and may serve out the remainder Of
his term, should he decide to quit
and spend the balance of his life on
the farm, South Carolina would have
some lively politics in the near fu-
ture.'