The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-06-22

blSnopVllie, June 19.-Breaking up
almost in a riot here todav. the
meeting of the State campaign partv
was the means Of revealing the tense
bitterness Of feeling that exists be-
tween Judge Ira b. Jones and Cover
nor Cole l.. Blease, candidates for
Governor, and it is feared is a har-
binger Of the most tumultuous DO
ltical contest the State has known in
two decades and more.
AS the meeting closed there was
presented rare spectacle, that Of
the two unrelenting opponents fac
ing cheering, bowling audience;
their shoulders jammed against each
others, fairly bristling defiance;
Judge Jones refusing to bulge and
Governor Blease protesting violently
against his opponent saying a word
In reply. blue coat figured in the
tableau and County Chairman Baker
was on the job, and it may be stated
that his firm, expeditions action in all
probability prevented trouble
The situation was brought about
somewhat in this wise: Judge Jones
was the first speaker today, Governor
Blease following. The latter made
vigorous attack upon the legislative
and judicial records Of Judge Jones.
Under the rule adopted by the cam
paign party. which rule according to
Secretary Carter's recollection, was
seconded by Governor Blease, Judge
Jones had the privilege and right to
enter a denial. At the conclusion Of
Governor Blease's speech, Judge
Jones stepped to the front Of the
platform and attempted to say some
thing. lA.<dmably to deny sorle
charge. Governor Blease quickly
stepped forward again and took his
stand, shoulder against shoulder,
with Judge Jones, declaring that the
latter had no right to speak. A po-
licemGn pounced down from some
where and laid his hand on Judge
Jones shoulder, but his presence was
not particularly needed. Even the
county chairman could not separate
the two candidates.
For the sake Of quiet Chairman
Baker stated that he would not let
Judge Jones speak. This settled the
matter. Judge Jones stated to Mr..
Baker that he merely wished to en-
ter a denial and that he in nowise
contemplated violating the rules COW
ering the case. but Chairman Baker
took the position that since the crowd
was yelling and bowling SO and did
not understand the situation, it was
expedient to allow no further speak
ing.
Aside from this exhibition Of bitter
ness the features of the meeting to
day We're the vigorous attack upon
the Blease administration by Judge
Jones, and broadside in the form
Of a terrific onslaught on Judge
Jones legislative and judicial rec
ords, carefully prepared and force
fully delivered. The majority Of Gov
ernOr Blease's charges were TO show
that Judge Jones was controlled by
and a friend Of the corporations,
both while he was legislator and la
ter while Judge. Judge Jones GEN.
tired his fire on what he interpreted
as Governor Blease's violation of the
trusts reposed in him.
Contrary to the general expec-
tations. there was no actual difficulty
between Attorney General Lyon and
Barnard b. Evans. Mr.. Evans spoke
first and his statements were very
much tempered. Attorney Gen. Lyon
fulfilled his promise to expose some Of
the past life of mis- opponent The
crowd paid close attention and if ap-
plause be correct indication. senti-
ment was unquestionably with the
Attorney General.
About 1000 persons were in tho
audience today, several of whom
were ladies. They were extremely
patient, standing during the three
hours Of the speech making. Local
men state that there were large rep
reservations from neighboring coun-
ties.
Again today there We're some ff-
teen or twenty men in the audience
who continually interrupted Judge
Jones during his speech. Govern
or Bleasc was given respectful
hearing.