The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-12-21
Governor Issues Statement Saying He
VIII Make 10 His Business To Stand
BACK Of the Fro :res~ive Members
"a His Party.

non-progressive. He proclaimed as
his duty to stand back OF the pro-
gressive forces In the Democratic party
now and at every juncture." and
added that the Democratic party
now has arrived at a point where
IL must choose whether II will be pro-
gressive OF not"
Just to what extent Gov. Wilson's
fight either In New Jersey or a similar
situation elsewhere might go was not
disclosed. but at the governors Offices
II was made plain that even as pres
ident Gov Wilson would come back
from Washington and go on the stump
before the people Of the state against
elements which he considered reac-
tionary whenever the people Of the
State encouraged him to think they
wished his aid and consel.
His announcement OF intentions was
coincident with his return to his Of
fice after a months vacation In Ber-
cent party caucus for the speakership
OF the New Jersey legislature Leon
Taylor was elected by a majority Of
four votes and was supported by the
4. assemblymen from Essex county,
who are alleged to be controlled by
the smith-Nugent wing Of the party.
Gov. Wilson's choice for speaker.
Charles Hennessy. was defeated. but
the governor declared today he had
found Mr.. Taylor always ready to do
the right thing" and personally had
20 objection to hin. What the gov-
r(noKf KfneG1rr1cnnG Ahoos-a - vths~ ~1sssss
- U0b4orted Nfr. Tayior's election
~ opposed to Mr.. Henessy. In the
contests that are forthcoming over
important State offices and matters OF
legislation the governor believes that
ne must concentrate every effort to
reduce the strength Of the opposition
wing.
The governor found things around
the State house quite exciting. The
corridors were crowded with gossip
Ing politicians. Early In the day ne
Issued his statement announcing to
the voters OF the State that he would
not forsake them after he went to
Wsshingte ..
Il have been surprised said the
president-elect's statement. "by the
numerous inquiries as to whether /
would continue to take interest In the
political Affairs OF the state after as
suming my duties as president. and
yet I realize the significance OF these
Inquiries. Last summer / warned the
voters of the state explicitly that
the men who formerly controlled and
discredited our politics were awaiting
their opportunity to recover their con-
troll and were expecting TO find It,
What I then said has been abund-
dainty verified by what has happened
In the interval.
II am keenly aware that these men
have so little respect for the voters
OF New Jersey that they think all
they have To do Is to wait to come
back into power. They will be sorely
disappointed. They can not again
impose upon the voters OF New Jer-
sey. AZ they should I'm some evil mo-
ment recover the party machinery
they will only ruin the party and put
II permanently out OF power. Every
step they take therefore to reestab.
Iish their power should at once be
exposed and stopped.
The people of the state need not
fear 4 will become Indifferent 80 long
as their confidence encourages me to
believe that they wish my aid and
counsel. j shall I'm the future use
every proper and legitimate power /
have and every influence at my dis
posai TO support and assist the new
forces which have regeneratcd our
life during the past two years /
shall not go slack In this business
for I understand my duty To be TO
stand back OF the progressive forces
In the Democratic party everywhere" "
Later n delegation from Augusta.
Ca. called on Mr.. Wilson to urge
him to take up his winter residence
there. The governor said he had re-
ceived many invitations to make his
residence In various places In the
South. but that his enemies i'm the
state already had begun To point TO
this as an evidence Of his early exit
from New Jersey affairs. The gov