Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1912-07-30
Prom tho Columbia State,

From the Columbia State.
Aiken, July 26.-Perhaps the heat
struck in" or maybe 1t was due to
a tacit agreement to make memorable
this campaign day, the last before the
one week mid canvass "lay-off." What
ever the cause, it is certain that can
didates for state offices put extra ef-
fort into their appeals today to Aiken
county voters.
Circumstances conspired to make II
a political meeting Of exceptional live
illness, and lively it was, although
none Of its several incidents were ex-
traordinary - for South Carolina
Speakers who make normally placid,
pleasant little talks that set nothing
ablaze, threw a modicum OF ginger
into either the substance or the de-
livery of their addresses. Those hardy
campaigners habituated to highly sea-
soned forensic fare dashed their dis
course with extra portions Of verbal
tabasco. There was, again, almost
but not quite, physical ecounter''
between Barnard Evans and Fraser
Lyon, accompanied with an acrid ex-
change of denunciatory language;
James Cansler became so exercised
over Lies" which he heard were be-
ing told Of him in the Horsecreek val
ley that he forgot, almost but not
quite, to charge Messrs. Richards and
Wharton with having sold out to the
railroads." and again there was fis-
tic battle, almost but not quite, be-
tween the chief executive Of the state,
seeking e-election, and the former
chief justice of the supreme court who
is hoping to displace him.
almost"
Forecasters averred that this would
be "red-hot" meeting, and 1t was
almost but not quite.
1t was curiously constituted
crowd, composed of several distinct
groups, differentiated from each other.
in habits of thought, in political pre-
dilections and even in physical ap-
pearance, by wide variations in econ
omic environment. Largest In num-
bers-and noise-waS the delegation
from industrial communities strung
out along Horsecreek valley. Most of
these textile operatives are as hereto
fore, hackers Of Blease, but evidences
apparent today indicated that effect
i've missionary work had lately been
done among them in the Jones cause.
Another and radically different ele-
ment consisted of planters and farm
ers. Still another section, less cohe-
sive, was made up Of townsfolks-
merchants, mechanics statesmen and
professional men. North Augusta con-
tributed a contingent Of visitors, most
of whom, though they live and vote In
South Carolina, make their livings In
Augusta. From the latter city itself
there came by trolley upwards Of loo
persons, whose interest was chiefly
that of spectators at a sideshow,
though this did not prevent them
from joining in the cheering. More
women were present than ordinarily
attend such meetings.
Aiken's guaranty Of a fair hearing
for every speaker, made yesterday
through the newspapers. and con-
firmed from the stand today by the
mayor, Herbert E. Gyles, was execut-
ed faithfully by the county chairman,
]. B. Salley, and by George Croft, who
presided in his place during the latter
half of the meeting.
Police At Hand.
Uniformed men and special officers
of the city police force, with rural po-
Ecemen and deputies Of the sheriff,
owen Aldermen, were distributed
through the crowd, and one policeman
in uniform was posted on the plat
form. A man who interrupted Cover
nor Blease's speech and Of whose in
reference the governor complained
was collared by an officer at the re-
quest of the chairman and hustled
off the grounds, under arrest. Tenta-
tive attempts were made to howl down
both Governor Blease and Judge
Jones, but these were promptly sup
pressed. Mr.. Croft, in silencing an
outbreak during Judge Jones speech
exclaimed, You must hush, or we will!
make you hush," and Governor Blease
asked the reporters to make note OF
this language, saying it would be
good political capital" and he in.
tended to use it as such during the
remainder Of the campaign. There
were assembled around the stand
about 1000 people when the meeting
commenced. but Geddings park held
1900 to 1900 persons-many esti-
mates ran to 1000 and upwards-by
1.30 o'clock. when Judge Jones was
introduced. NONeTllOT DlcdSS was thS
second Of the candidates for governor
to speak today.
Liberal With Flowers.
Friends of Messrs. Jones, Blease ant
Lyon were liberal with floral tributes
Judge Jones had the honors of the oc'
casion. An extraordinarily large ant
elaborate basket Of flowers and severa
bouquets were handed up to him, Il
say nothing Of a big iced watermelon
in garlanded basket and box o.
caramels which were made for hin
with her own hands by friend Of hi!
boyhood. Governor Blease received
some handsome flowers and at the
conclusion of his speech was borne
away to his hotel on the shoulders o.
perspiring but enthusiastic admirers
A double-hand primary taken by
the governor indicated that Bleast
men outnumbered Jones supporters II
the crowd. Governor Blease carried
this county two years ago over Feath
erstone by a vote of approximatel!
1000 to 1900.
The next campaign meeting will b'
held August at Camden. Several O
the candidates are speaking tonight t.
mill operatives at an unofficial meet
ing in Langley.
Jones for Local Option.
Judge Jones by request outlined hi
position today on the liquor question
saying he favored the highest degre,
of local government consisten
with the enforcement of the laws, ant
believed that unless counties were al
lowed to dispose OF the liquor issue 70
themselves there would not exist tina
local sentiment in support of the law
on the subject which was essential t
law enforcement.
Ridicule by Judge Jones of the lug
ging of the ''nigger' into all the gov
ernor's campaign speeches provoked
the first tentative effort to howl dowl
the speaker. but the demonstfatiol
was checked by the chairman. Dis
cussing his votes on the separate coacl
bills Of the early nineties, Judge Jone
said that several former legislator
from this county must be terribly ba'
men, because they voted just as n
did on these measures. Among then
were owen Alderman, NJ. T. GunteI
o. c. Jones and F. p. Woodward
land even John T. Duncan voted jus
as did" He asked the Blease back
ers present whether they though
Governor Blease himself believe,
Jones an advocate of social equality
reminding them that after his votes ol
the separate coach issue had bee
cast, he received the vote of Bleas
for speaker of the house. for associat