The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1910-04-09
A STRONG QAltI HAN.
GOVERNOR HARMON THINKS
CLEARLY AND ACTS COURAGE
OUSLY.
He Has "Neithcr Roooscvelt Teeth
Nor Taft Smile"-Mistakes of His
Opponents Aid Him.

Harmon has neither the Roosevelt
teeth" nor the Taft smile" He is
neither forocious nor ST ave; neither
boisterous nor broodinR. He has a
sense of humor which Is sufficient to
give light to the atmosphere around
him. but ne is not jocular nor beam
ing. When there Is occasion he can
laugh. but he does not keep it up all
: the while. His face Is usually in re-
pose. There is nothing startling in
his personality, but there is a peculiar
charm about him that does not seem
to come from some single source or
characteristic. but from the even bal
anct of the individual. Ho does not
seem to be trying to make friends
but after you have met him you feel
as II you had been talking with a
friend. Anyone who has ever seen
him will say. " Oh, yes. 1 know Har-
mon." and mark II down in his
memory that he and the Governor are
pretty we'll acquainted. 1t is not that
ne Is over-cordiGl or that he exhibits
or invites familiarity. or that he seeks
to win by any form of Establishment.
He is so natural and self-poised as
TO inspire confluence at once. With
out the manifest magnetism of a
Blaine or the winning friendliness of
a Mckinley. he still has Instinct in
dividuality which tells you that you
must like him and trust him. and,
IL need be, rely on him in an emer-
gency. L imagine people go to him
with their troubles Yet. If this is
true. there Is nothing insincere or
weakly sentimental In his sympathy.
He would give sound advice in a
friendly manner rather than make a
manifestation of sympathy. and the
one in trouble would depart with
new courage instead of in tears of
self-pity.
Any man who can command the
clcse friendship Of Governor Harmon
should value IL all his life. I speak
impartially. for the acquaintance is
all on my side-through the medium
OF analysis.
In manner the Governor is busi-
nOsslike, but not brusque. He thinks
quickly, but not excitedly. He is
clear investigator and his discern
ment is much stronger than his imagi-
nation. Suggestions are readily re-
ceived by him. but their adoption
must be the result of inquiry. at the
end OF which his conclusion will be
one of exceptionally sound judgment.
There is nothing perfunctory in his
methods, nor does he approach any
subject with prejudice.
Even in the Investigations which ne
has caused 10 be made in the State
affairs. leading to results so astound-
Ing that any mere politician would
see In them nothing but huge political
capital. ne has been moderate in every
move, though not less effective for
his me :eratlcn.
Ills tC-l: orament does not admit
OF the spectacular. Yet this does not
imply a. cas-. going disposition, with
lack CO CHccgy and force. lie has
within him az much force az Roose-
welt has On tho inside. ana many of
the more excellent qualities attributed
TO Roosevelt by good people who do
not really know him are possessed i'm
their best form by Harmon. He ac-
complishes promptly and silently,
while Roosevelt procrastinates ia
noisy conversation.
Moreover, he possesses the quality
OF consistcnce and steadiness Of pur-
pose, with courage shown in what
he does. not I'm what ne says lie has
acted courageously on all occasions
requiring courage. but has had little
TO say. He turns the searchlight up
on dark places. hut does not design
TO stand always I'm the limclight lie
Is tho silent hunter of big game" in
the Jungle Of Ohio Republican poll
ties. and his specimens, like the less
harmful ones collected by Roosevelt
in Africa. will probably bc placed in
public Institutions
Governor Harmon is an intelligent
and diligcnt worker. being i'm what Is
termed his little hall bedroom" at
the state House carly i'm the morning
and taking much work home with
him To- do at night But ne plays
golf or rides horseback every day,
and Is In superb physical condition.
He o. about &C. years old and looks