The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1914-06-17
BLEAS|TES MEET
TO MAKE PLANS
LEADERS OF GOVERNORS
FIGHT FOR THE SENATE
CONFERRED
POLITICAL GOSSIP
Rumored That Senator Smiths
Record Will Be Attacked
Other Stories At Front
POLITICAL GOSSIP

Other Stories AT Front
Columbia, Jan. 15.-The air has
been full OF political rumors for the
last few days. More talk was started
Monday when a number of the leaders
of the Blease side appeared in Colum-
bia and had long session in the su-
preme court room.
It is understood that this is merely
for the purpose of reviewing the stu
alton in detail and for, ascertaining
how the prospects are. They seemed
to be confident of success in several
Of the fights, especially for the senate
and for congressional races.
One of the interesting rumors is that
Gov. Blease will make an extended
criticism of Senator E. D. Smiths re-
cord, one of the charges being that the
Senator had voted for a negro to
be retained as police judge in Wash
ington city. Senator Smiths secre-
tary, Mr.. ]. Brooks Wingard, who was
here today stated that when the Sena-
tor had heard of this and other ru-
mors of charges to be made he was
very much amused. Mr.. Wingard sta
ted that Senator Smith, could, if he
felt disposed, disprove every rumor
that has been bought to his atten-
tion, but he dose not know that there
is any foundation for the rumors and
is not giving himself much concern
over them, as he has been in the SEN
ate six years and feels that II these
things are true and are so terrible,
the people would have heard 1t be-
fore.
Mr.. Wingard stated that it is Sena-
the campaign appointments as possible
and to render unto the people an ac-
count of his service in Washington,
and to conduct the campaign on a
high plane, as he would under all cir
cumstances.
A Complete Ticket.
One of the reports in circulation to-
day was that at the caucus it was de-
cided to put into the field complete
ticket for state offices, there being four
who are at present unopposed-State
Superintendent Swearingen, State
Treasurer Carter, Secretary Of State
McCown and Secretary E. J. Watson.
It is believed by their friends that
nearly all of these gentlemen can be
reelected, but if they should be op-
posed it would put them to lot of
trouble and expense.
With the exception of John L. Nc
Laurin and Geo. Bell Zimmerman, all
of the candidates for governor whose
names nave been mentioned" have fl
ed their pledges. The rumor Is persis-
tent that John L. McLaurin will offer
for the United States senate. The en-
tries will close at noon Tuesday. Nc
Laurin is just now the mystery Of the
campaign.
The decision of L. B. Jennings Of
Sumter to enter the senatorial race
has caused great deal of surprise and
speculation. He is the mayor of
Sumter and has done a great deal foi
that city. He is an aggressive speak
er and man of personality. He
has always been regarded as opposed
| to the governor, and it is SurmiSed
that he will get all of his votes from
Senator Smith. Mr.. Pollock's enter
ing the field is another mystery, al
though it has been a possibility for
many months, under certain other
conditions. He and Representative
Stevenson of Cheraw have always been
somewhat hostile, politically, and it
is not know exactly what caused Mr..
Pollock to get into the race, as Mr..
Stevenson is running for congress.
Another matter which has caused
much talk in Columbia and throughout
the state Is the fact that John Horton
of Belton has entered the race for
congress. He is known to be popular,
and it is thought that his coming in
to the race will make q great change
in the lineup in the Third District
and Mr.. Aiken's friends fear that Mr.
Horton will get more votes from Mr..
Aiken than from his opponents.
Tuesday afternoon the biennial trek
will begin, and the candidates for
state offices will move upon Sumter
where so many campaigns have been
inaugurated. The senatorial cam
paign will open at st. Matthews on
Wednesday.
The race for governor is anybody's
at 2sent, although it is said by many
tina it may be second race between
Clinkscales and Manning, or Richards.
There are others who say that Men
del Smith will loom strong as a dra-
matte campaigner and that r. A.
Cooper Is sure to make a splendid i'm
preston on the people of the state
and that they may upset calculations.
The impression appears to be that
Richards would not be much of a fac
tor alone, but if he should be the can
didate supported by the Blease people,
he would have good chance to come
in the second race.