The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1914-08-29
JENNINGS RECEIVES OVATION,
PRESENTED TOKEN OF ESTEEM
FROM PEOPLE OF SUMTER
FOR HIS PART IN CAM.
PAIGN.
would Rather Have Confidence md
Respect of His Fellow Citizens
Than Any OfIicc in the Gift of the
People," Says Jcnnings-S. ii. Ed
munds Makes Presentation of Bowl
and Silver Service Set.


presented u beautiful cut glass punch
bowl, u heavy embossed silver and
mahogany tray and silver service
tea set as Il gift from the people OF
sumter in recognition OF the valuable
service he had done for his State in
time of need without any thought of
reward. The presentation was made
by Prof. 5. III. Edmunds on behalf
OF citizens and Mayor Jennings in his
speech of acceptance emphasized the
need Of healing all breaches and
wounds which had been made in the
recent campaign and primary and
having united people.
There were nearly thousand per-
sons gathered together to witness the
ceremony. many automobiles filled
with ladies being parked along the
sides of the streets. The ceremony
took place ut the crossing of Main and
Liberty streets, the gifts being placed
on table on a large dray wagon,
which served as an impromptu
stand. Supt. Edmunds and Mr.. Jen-
nings were seated on the stand.
The reception given Mr.. Jennings
was tremendous and was an indication
Of what the Sumter people thought
he had done for his State, and their
esteem for him personally. The ova-
ton was one such as is seldom ac-
corded to anyone in this State and
was one of the ways in which the
people gave vent to their qualification
and enthusiasm at the results Of the
recent elctiOn In which Mr.. Jennings
had played such an important role.
In his remarks Superintendent Ed
munds praised the valuable work of
Mayor Jennings in behalf of his State,
closing with these words:
"Mr. Jennings realized the obliga-
tion Of the citizen to the State when
I'm obedience to the voice of the moth
er state he gave in unstinted measure
his talents, his time, and his boundless
energy to her interests. He has fought
a good fight and he deserves the
plaudits Of his fellow citizens. The
citizens of sumter wish to convey to
him the expression Of their affection
and appreciation. Mr.. Jennings stands
among us tonight not as the cham
piOn of faction Of the Democratic
party, but as the beloved mayor of
our beloved city and with these ex-
pressiOns there goes not the slightest
vestige Of bitterness for our friends
on tho other side. We have no right
to deny to them the privileges that
we demand for ourselves. An honest
difference OF opinion. And now, Mr..
Jennings. in the name and in behalf
of the citizens of Sumter l present
this gift as a token of love. affection
and grateful appreciation"
Major Jennings i'm his reply stated
that now the campaign was over, he
would call on all persons, on what
ever side they had been allied
to unite and work together to do away
with factionalism and to work for the
good of the State.
Mr.. Jennings stated that while nc
did not get the office, he had rather
have the esteem, the respect and the
confidence Of the people I'm the State
than any office which the people could
bcstow upon him. If ne had done any
thing OF service. it was nothing more
than the duty ne owed his state. lie
thought that the people OF the State
had supported Gov. Blcasc through IA
misapprchcnsiOn, and as soon as they
learned just what kind Of officer he
was. they had turned against him, as
was shown by their votes. He stated
that ne had no malice i'm his heart
against any one on the opposite side
not even against Elcase personally
and he called upon all of them to lay
aside their prcjudiccs and to join to-
Scthcr in supprcssing lawlcssncss and
i'm making the state better and more
progressive.
Mr.. Jennings made an excellent
speech, which was well received by
all. his remarks being of nature cal
Culatcd to heal any breaches made
during the campaign.
~ the conclusion Of his speech
ScYcral Starlwart citizens hOistcd the
mayor on their shoulders and bore
him off, while the crowd chccrcd.