The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1914-08-19
CANDIDATES At llUREMs.
THE POLITICAL MEETING GOOD
NATCRED AND ORDERLY.
Candidates Continue Their Charges
Along Lines Laid Out ON Previous
Occasions.

iy citizens OF Laurens county n large
percentage of them women. listened
here loday with close attention and
with spontaneous bursts of approval
to the speeches of the candidates for
State offices. They accorded a warm
welcome especially to the sons of
Laurcns county. Robert A. Cooper
and William C. Irby. Jr.. candidates
for governor. and ]. III. Wharton,
candidate for railroad commissioner.
Flowers also were given In the great
est profusion.
Robert A. Cooper nc Laurens was
given an ovation by his fellow towns
people rs he said:
1T Is n real pleasure for me on this
occasion to extend to the members of
the state campaign party a genuine
welcome to my home town and the
grand old county of Laurens. u coun-
" that has never failed To do her
duty as she saw II. You are standing
today on historic ground consecrated
oy the memory of heroes I'm five
wars and their descendants are facing
you today. worthy sons of worthy
sircs. IL gives me a peculiar pleasure
to extend "A cordial. heartfelt greet
Ing To my competitors I'm the race for
governor OF the proud old state of
South Carolina.
Il shall not discuss here the Inn
portant issues that are before as. but
give my time to our honored guests
hut you will pardon me In saying that
In seeking this high office am actu-
ated by my great love for the State of
my birth. the land OF my childhood
and my home until shall sleep upon
the hillside yonder. In tho language
Of the immortal and classic Virgil,
AS long as the river flows ON To the
sea. ss long as the shadows fall upon
the mountain side. as long as the
heavens feed the stars" just so long
will the welfare ana honor of the old
Palmetto State be my sacred charge.
whether as governor or us private
citizen In the humble walks of life.
Again. gentlemen. 1 bid you well
come to our city and county. The
keys are turned over to you. IL you
DO, not see what YOU want. ask for it,
He was showered with bouquets
and the audience again cheercd as he
feslsngly thanked them for their en-
hloms of love.
WiDssw G. irby. Jr., OF Iaurens was
afso accorded generous welcome
.cs he arose and said:
As the question has been asked.
Why Mr.. Cooper and 1 are In this
race. wish to answer: MIR. Cooper is
my personal friend. and an honest
man, and there Is nothing I'm reason
that l would not do for him. but we
represent different views in politics.
Ask who is supporting him here and
consider the fact that u great daily
paper. owned or controlled by one of
the biggest ana most powerful bank
ers I'm this State. Is So afraid that the
people will not know for whom TO
vote that II carries his name inl big
type. with instructions to vote for
him. at the head of It's editorial page.
III ne Is not with them why are the
dig financial interests supporting
him The people may at times he.
disappointed I'm their men. but the bi..
financial interests never. will do him
Justice To say that his entrance into
their ranks Is so recent that he stili
realizes the aspirations of his people.
and believe would yield To many Just
demands. but ne could not become :,
Fighter I'm their cause without aliena-
ting many of his present supporters
and being distrusted 10y the people.
You know where have stood for
IL years. You have trusted me. and
TWO years ago. I'm one of the bittorest
fights this county has had In years.
although my enemies predicted that
Il would be overwhelmingly defeated
you elected me. tho only one on the
first ballot with nine men In the race.
After your loyalty To- me after the
legislature had turned down nearly
everything YOU sent me thcro to work
for would I not have been a cowar,,
~ i had laid down on the ioh and not
appealed tO the people OF this State To-
put me la "a position that when call
on the legislature for the passage Of
laws that they will know that II is not
mine but the voice fo thu people
speaking to them through me? BE
cause Of my stand fcr the rights ~
the people have received many bitter
A.