The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1914-08-01
nlnM|nG DEFINES ISSUE.
BRINGS ADMINISTRATION INTO
STATE CAMPAIGN.

Orangcburg Crowd Cries ENCOURAGE.
ment as He Assails Chief Executives
Record.
Orangeburg. July 29.-Richard 1,
Manning, candidate for governor al
the meeting of candidates for State
offices here today for the first time
during the campaign injected the is
sue of Bleaseism or what is COM
monty considered the policy of the
present administration. Throughout
his attack on this issue the audience
cheered as one man for the senti-
ments expressed, and there were
about 800 citizens Of Orangebure
county present. who gave to each can
didate an attentive and respectful
hearing. Like the meeting at st.
George yesterday. the cheers, when
factionalism was brought in, were for
Il. ID. Smith, candidate for United
states senator. and the applause,
which was given every speaker. was
both louder and longer when the sem
timents expressed were in favor OF
strict enforcement of law and against
the injudicious use of the pardoning
power.
Charles Carroll Simms again at
tackled John G. Richards for his nu-
merous political affiliations, telling in
contrast Of his own long friendship
for the governor.
w. c. Irby. Jr., stated that many
times he had refused to sign petitions
for pardons and paroles and that his
friendship for the governor was based
on personal opinion.
Richard I. Manning said that there
is but one issue in South Carolina. :"
as there was certain amount of
agreement towards the other ISSUE,
which he outlined. This issue, hu
pointed out emphatically. was the per-
petnation Of the policies of the pres
ent administration.
Tho senatorial campaign" said
Mr.. Manning. has overshadowed the
State campaign, fear our people
may lose sight Of the Importance of
the race for State offices. / can not
overstate the importance Of the State
A senator in Washington
has but one vote in the congress for
our country while a governor to
large extent has the destiny of his
State In his hands.
"And this brings me to the issue
most vital to all South Carolinians
In my opening speech Of the cam
paign 1 declared that I would not in
ject factionalism into this campaign,
and have not done so. But. against
my wishes. developments have
brought us face to face with the facs
that the race for the gubernatorial
chair has narrowed down to the aues-
tion whether q man stands with those
the perpetuation of the poh-
cies OF the present administration with
It's lawlessness or whether he stands
Mt the head Of that other element
which thinks the present administra-
tion is disgrace to the State.
The paramount issue Of this cam
paign Is not good roads; 1t Is not
liquor; even compulsory education Is
n minor question compared with the
real issue. The one tremendous issue
before the people Of South Carolina in
this campaign is the condition Of de-
brought about by Gov.
Blease's administration.
"In my opening speech declared
had never approved the course of
Gov. Blease. Now I do not criticise
the personal record Of Mr.. Blease; the
issue is not Blease. The great, vital
question before the State Is whether
or not the man elected governor will
carry on his administration as n con-
Of the present, one, grant
ing unreasonable pardons and paroles
at the rate Of 800 whites and 500 ne
groes In three and q half years. al
lowing lawlessnes and crime to be
rampant i'm the land, and encouraging
a veritable reign Of terror.
There are men who have stood be-
fore you today asking your support
for the governOrship. protesting to be