Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1913-11-07
LEADERSHIP OF MeLAuRIN
OF the Kind That Makes for Progress
Rather Than Strife, =.


Of the Kind That Makes for Progress
Rather Than Strife.
The announcement Of Senator John
l. McLaurin that he will not be can
aidate tor governor is not q surprise
to those of his friends who have been
in close touch with him for many
years. 1t will be recalled, we express
ed the belief several times that Sena-
tor McLaurin could not be induced to
enter the race as q factional candidate.
This belief was based upon talks had
with him, and getting from him his
views upon the political conditions In
this state. There Is no man in public
lie In south Carolina better quaithed]
, to be the chief executive than senator
McLaurin. It was his ambition to be
governor, but he could not give his
consent to offer tor the position as the
leader of a faction. Ee has for many
years argued against factionalism.
When he realized the harmful division
brought about by the revolution OF
1890, how the purpose of that move
ment had been diverted from move
ment for the, people into one for poll
ticians, he tried to remedy the defect
| by inspiring the Forty Movement
which resulted for time in bringing
the people, in q measure, back. to a
peaceful solution Of their political dif-
ferences, and because Of this step he
brought upon himself the wrath OF
those who relied upon excitement and
strife for their political success.
After few years OF comparative
peace, another movement was started,
which had the effect Of again dividing
the people into bitter factionalism.
tMcLaurin was not in active politics.
He had concluded to remain out
and did mot participate In the last
heated contest except perhaps, to vote
as an individual, but the people Of his
county, who knew him, called him IN
/ to public service to use his ability and
| influence in bringing about condi-
| ton by which the bitterness OF the
past year could be done away with,
and once more have the people har-
monized. Immediately upon his elec-
ton to the state senate from his ma
| tive county, there came to him de-
mands that he should stand for gov
ernor. Men Of both factions Joined IN
| this call, but to each and every one OF
them he said, shall not ally myself
with any faction, and unless can be
free and independent of factionalism
I cannot give 1t q moments consider
alton" f
he was invited to attend a confer
ence in Columbia last Wednesday
night. His speech was along concilia-
tory and conservative lines-a plea for
the people to come together. but 1t
did not meet with hearty reception
from those present. They wanted
something with the old time fire. the
speeches which urged continuance
Of the schism were received with ap-
plause. This convinced McLaurtn
there is no field for man OF really
conservative views" Therefore ind
ing himself without hope Of being
able to bring the people together; that
all may work for the good Of the state
he wiped his hands OF the whole bus
iness and refused to become a candi-
date. s..,,l
South Carolina needs men Of ability.
but as long as the people are bent on
having warning factions. very few men
/ ,i,h ability for statesmenship will of
fer their services. When we speak of
factional divisions, we do not mean
there should be no division Of sent-
ment, or that all Of the people must
think alike, not at all; but we do mean
their different views should be discuss
ed In q spirit of friendliness with q
view of arriving at what Is best. There
tshould not be a condition which causes
friends to fall out and become enc
lmies, sneighborhoods In turmoil,
schools and churches In condition OF
almost disruption. There should not
be a situation which will give excuse
for men to regard those who diner
Iwith them, on men and measures, as
personal enemies. Intense factional-
ism, such as has been Is having this
livery, effect, and 1t Is this that McLau-
rim pleads to end. He pleads to put an
end ITO such conditions, because, as
long as they exist, there cannot be the
progress which would come IL the
spirit Of harmony existed. ~
/ We cannot say we regret the Irdecl!
sion Of Senator McLaurin, much as we
would like to see him elevated as his
ability merits, because, If the people
are not prepared to let by-gones be
by-gones and come together sincerely
to better conditions, 1t Is as he says,
| there Is no field for q man OF really
conservative views" and he does him.
self proud when he refuses to sacrifice
his manhood and reverse himself on
what for years he has been pleading,
merely to lead q faction, and thereby
attain place.
There are thousands in the state
who will be greatly disappointed In
not having the privilege to vote TOT
McLaurin for governor. They sincere
ly wanted him to go before the masses,
| to set the pace for high order and In
telligent public debate. and. they want
ed him elected because they are con-
fident Of his ability and experience In
business, public and private, would
give him an opportunity to help South
| Carolina There are many, no doubt
who are glad of his decision. These
be Of the element who fatten on strife
and contention. Calm and peaceful
discussion Of public questions do not
appeal to them. They must have VII
| ification, abuse, Misrepresentation and
noise, or their stock-in-trade will not
attract. Until the time comes when
the people realize the necessity for
getting together regardless Of self-ap-
pointed leaders, there Is no field for
man Of really conservative views"
and Injurious divisions will continue
Manning Times.