The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1914-08-15

Mr.. Richards to task for his changing
attitude on the liquor question. He
presented for inspection the several
political friendships of Mr.. Richards.
Charles A. Smith said that he was
not one Of those who changes with
every shifting wind that blows, but
tnat he was making his race on the
same platform he advocated four
years ago.
Mr.. Simms favored a rural credits
law which would make it possible for
small farmers to own their homes
and farms. He repeated his stand on
the liquor question.
Mendel L. Smith launched at once
into an attack on the Aiken elimina-
ton plan. saying that from three can
didates they had narrowed down to
two, leaving out Mr.. Clinkscales, and
next week they will reduce it to ne.
Mr. Smith said that he had never
voted for Blease in any OF his races
and that his anti-Bleaseism was we'll
known. He said that he was not
pleading for factionalism on one
stump and for peace and harmony on
another. Mr.. Smith then went on to
speak Of the work of the State board
OF health and favored its expansion.
Il do not want the VOTE" said Mr..
Smith, "and influence of such men as
Chicco Of Charleston and would, un-
der no circumstances, encourage or
accept 1t. l have given men in Char
lesion written statements to this ef-
fet and have urged upon my friends
not In any way to solicit it but to
avoid it," He condemned the abuse
OF the pardoning power.
Lowndes ]. Browning scored the in
tentions of the elimination confer
ences, saying that any candidate who
might have withdrawn from the race
would have had feathers on his legs
down to his toes"
Mr.. Browning then discussed the
"refunding bill" of 1912 and his work
In the legislature in connection with
the finances Of the State. He ex-
planned In outline his plan Of rural
credits. He called attention to the
fact that FL per cent of the land
owners in the State are negroes and
urged this as one reason for getting
more white farmers in the State. He
condemned the inadequacy Of the
present personal property tax, advo-
eating a graduated tax on inheritances
and incomes.
Mr.. Browning was given a basket Of
fruit.
John G. Clinkscales repeated his
stand on the liquor question, telling a
joke at the expense Of Charles A.
Smith. He disclaimed any intent to
criticise any Of his competitors. He
said that he was in the running" and
was far from being eliminated.
Mr.. Clinkscales then went into an
explanation of his plan of compul-
sorry education.
Robert A. Cooper repeated his plea
that the people vote for the State on
August 25. He explained his posi-
ton oa education and outlined his
plan for advancing the farming in
terests Of the State by establishing a
farm demonstration school in each
county as a part Of the general edu-
action scheme. He told of his stand
in favor of the strict enforcement Of
law.
John T. Duncan discussed the
system"
William c. Irby, Jr., excoriated the
immigration bureau and the cotton
mill trust. He advocated a commits
sion to investigate the condition and
the finances Of the mills.
Mr.. Richards" said Mr.. Irby, "at
the Union meeting tried to explain
why he is unwilling to tell how he
voted two years ago. while so anxious
to tell how he will vote on the 25th
inst. He spoke as follows: AT that
time l was a candidate for an office
that was administrative and l did not
think that the question Of how
was going to vote was pertinent to
my candidacy. Why was it not just
as pertinent then as now? Mr.. Rich
ards class to be voting for Gov.
Blease now because he is close to
the masses Of the people, ask him
why Gov. Blease was not just as
close to the masses Of the people
when he was giving Judge Jones