The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-03-09
JONES At HAMPTON.
CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR AD-
DRESSES LARGE CROWD.
Governor Blease Who Was Invited
Made Excuses and Did Not Face
JOnes-Judge Jones Made an Ehu-
cational Talk But Touched on Poll
dcs.


candidate for governor. speaking at
the exercises incident to the compile
ton Of the Hampton high school to-
day delivered his first public political
utterance since entering the race
Several hundred voters were present
and the speaker was given an ovation.
Cole l.. Blease. governor OF South
Carolina. was invited to attend the
meeting He did not attend. saying in
letter that he had some business in
Columbia to require hin attention.
This is the second time that Judge
Jones and Gov. Blease have been in
vited to speak at the same place. The
other invitation was sent from Wal
terboro at the opening Of the Colleton
county fair last fall judge Jones at
tended. but did not discuss, politics at
that time. When the Invitation from
Hampton was extended to Judge Jones
and Gov. Blease it was stated in the
letter Of invitation that politics was
not barred 1t was generally be-
lieved that the opening debate Of the
campaign would be held here today,
but the governor did not attend.
Judge Jones retired from the SUI
preme court on January 8. Since that
time he has been preparing for his
campaign. He stated at the meeting
today that he was undecided as to
what questions to discuss. He declared
that he was prepared to discuss either
politics OF education. A great part
Of the address Of Judge Jones was
given up to a discussion Of education.
He did not refrain. however, from
entering into the political phase. He
made a plea for the dignity Of the
courts. urged every citizen to work
for law and order. gave his concep-
ton OF the duty OF the chief executive
of the State. and In general manner
presented his qualifications for the
Z 'kocsfn0fxnfb. $780, -~-s - - v (.
One man In the audience Of several
hundred called the name Of the gov
ernor and Judge Jones replied with
dignity. winning the applause Of those
present A
The meeting today was held in the
auditorium OF the Hampton high
school. which has just been completed
at cost of over $1,000.
About 10 80 o'clock the school chill
dren were marched from the old
school building TO the magnificent new
structure. where they are to work in
the future. and the ceremonies were
commenced on their arrival. After a
song. "Ho, for Carolina" by the
school George Warren delivered the
address Of welcome. He was follow
ed by ]. f. Swearingen, superintend-
ent OF education. who delivered a most
excellent speech on the present day
school problems. Mr.. Swearingen told
OF the advantages OF education, and
pointed to the progress Of Hampton
county along educational lines. He
said that community cooperation"
was needed for the highest develop
ment Of the educational system Of the
State.
A barbecue was served after the
exercises. The celebration was held
under the direction OF George War
rem, A. It. Sites. w. A. Mcdaniel and
u. F. Hammond. Over 1900 persons
! attended.
! Judge Jones said that 1t had been
a hard matter for him to decide upon
the question to be discussed at the
rally. He expressed his sincere ap-
probation for the invitation to attend,
and said that he was truly glad to be
present. II think that the people of
Hampton county" said Judge Jones,
have caise TO he proud OF this mag
! nificent building" He urged the i'm
portance OF the schools Of the State.
and said that they should be carried
on Ito grandcr fruition." He dis
cussed I'm general terms the question
of drainage. improved agriculture and
the great possibilities OF this section
of the state. hut said that the great
est possibility and the greatest asset
OF any community lie In the training
i of children ON religions and moral
lines.
II came to Hampton" said Judge
Jones. prepared To talk education
or politics, and ! ann prepared to dis
cuss them both" Judge Jones then
launched into the political phase Of
/ his speech. lie referred 10 the state