The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1911-07-11
WANT SECOND TERM
BLEASE so DECLARED IN SPEECH
At FOUR HOLES.

Senator TiIlman Most Enthusiasticaf-
ly Applauded by the Large Aud
fence Present.
The picnic of the Tillman Volun-
teers at Rickenbaker's Grove, near
Four Holes Church, on last Friday
was great success, and the large
crowd present thoroughly enjoyed
the day. The attendance Is estimat-
ed at over three thousand people, and
a better natured crowd has never
assem- mbled in South Carolina. The
day passed off very quietly, the only
interruption being a she Yer of rain,
which fell while Gov. Blease was
speaking. The shower did not last
long as some Of the farmers wished,
as rain is badly needed in that Sec
ton of the county.
The occasion which brought the
people together was the annual picnic
of the Tillman Volunteers, military
company of this city, which was or
ganized while Senator Tillman was
Governor of the State, and which took
his name. Many Of the members OF
the company are from the country.
The company ever since its organiza-
ton has been commanded by Cape.
James H. Claffy, who seems to be
lied by his men. Capt. Claffy pre-
idolized by his men. Capt Claffy pre-
sion, and Introduced. the. different
speakers in his usual happy style.
Featuring the days exercises were
the addresses of Senator Tillman,
Governor Blease, Senator S. ]. Sum-
mers, of Calhoun County, and Presl-
dent w. M. Riggs, of Clemson Col
lege. Senator Tillman who was the
first speaker, was received with
burst of applause that made the vel
kin ring. 1t was plainly to be seen
that the Senator had lost none of his
old time popularity with the people,
and that his hold on them was great
as ever. 1t was evident on all s1des
that the people wee glad once more
to greet the Senator and his emo
tions plainly showed that he was eq-
ually as glad to meet the people OF
Orangeburg County again.
Senator Tillman had determined
before he went to the picnic that he
would not attempt to make a regular
speech on account Of his health.
Therefore he only used the six or sew
en- minutes he occupied the stand in
a talk of thanks to the people OF
South Carolina for what they had
done for him in the way of political
preferment, declaring that he was
keenly appreciative of the honors
conferred upon him. "Once in a
while feel the old fire again. said
the, Senator, "but realize that my
race is almost run, even though
should like to get back in race for
the Senate" AS the Senator took his
seat at the conclusion OF his little
speech there was long and loud ap-
plause.
Governor Blease was the next
speaker to be introduced. He spoke
for an hour or more, and was given
good attention. With a few slight
alterations to meet the local cordl-
tions Governor Blease's speech was
substantially the same one he de-
livered in Spartanburg County on the
Fourth of July, which was publish
ed in Saturdays Times and Demo-
crat. We have been informed that
Governor Blease did not get the EN-
thusiastic welcome that was accord
ed Senator Tillman, but the Governor
need not feel bad about that, as few
men would be received as Senator
Tillman is by such an audience.
Among new things in his speech
Governor Blease declared that he
would again offer for the Governor
ship and that Senator Tillman should
he continued in office so long as that
distinguished statesman should live.
There has been more or less specula-
ton as to the intentions Of GoveSI
or Blease in reference to again oSer-
ing for the office he now holds; his
declaration appeared to indicate his
purposes, dependent, Of course, upon
circumstances that now may not be
foreseen. In his Spartanburg speech
Governor Blease said if an attempt
was made to impeach him he would
stump the State and succeed Senator
Tillman in the United States Senaae.
The News and Courier correspon-
dent says "the consensus Of opinion
was that he made nothing Of what
has come to be known as 'Blease
speech although his condemnation
Of men and measures that opposed
him and sought to discredit him with
the public was in unqualified terms
and his language even bitter at
times" Governor Blease has evident
ly changed his mind in reference to
offering for Senator Tillman's place.
Still, his utterances, taken in their
entirety, were considered forcible
presentation of his side Of affairs in
South Carolina. Much attention was
paid to his pardon record, the Govern
or going into the details Of several
cases, and explaining the reasons for
his actions.
An interesting incident of the day
was at the conclusion of Gov. Blease's
speech, when Senator Tillman called
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