The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1914-04-15
POLITICAL TALKs
Spartanburg Folks Have Begun Dis.
cussiOn Of Candidates for Governor.

| oolSS ulc DeSiHnluB 10 circulate
around Spartanburg county The folk
here expect to see a good deal Of them
during the next few months. The rea-
son is this: Spartanburg county, with
the largest white population OF any in
the state, ordinarily polls about 10000
votes-as many as half dozen low
country counties (barring Charleston
combined
Most Of the candidates have close
personal friends in Spartanburg whom
they press into service in making them
acquainted with the voters. The friend
accompanies the candidate through the
streets and stops and introduces to the
aspirant for office every acquaintance
whom he meets.
Lieutenant Governor Charles A..
Smith was here Tuesday. He Is one
OF the dozen (more or less) announced
candidates for governor. Mr.. Smith
made Il favorable impression He did
! not hesitate to tell frankly what his
attitude was toward the various ques-
tons which may be injected into the
campaign; but made 1t plain that he
saw no reason for the introduction of
factional feeling into the race.
One Of the planks in the platform
which he announced is the submis-
sion Of the liquir question to the peo-
Spartanburg county in favor Of prohi-
bition, albeit petitions for election on
the question of establishing the dis
pensary are now being circulated. Mr..
Smiths prominence is the Baptist
church will also stand him in good
stead in Spartanburg county, where
that denomination outnumbers all 9TH
erS in point Of membership.
The candidacy of Senator John
Lowndcs McLaurin, an avowed sup
porter of Governor Cole l.. Blcasc, is
not being very cordially received, it
seems by Spartanburg County Bleasc-
ties. Neither is Charles Carol Sims
also a supporter Of the governor, look
cd upon with great favor.
The impression is gathered from
conversations with leaders Of Cover
nor Blcases forces in the city that
John G. Richards, railroad commits
sioncr, is their choice for governor
although Mr. Richards has never, in
a public utterance, SO far as is
known, said whether or not be ap-
proved Of the policies of Governor
Bleasc. Unless partisan feeling rises
to the pitch OF intensity which 1t
reached two years ago Mr. Richards
will receive votes here from both fac
tions.
Next to Mr.. Richards, the local
Blcaseites appear to talk most Of
Mendel l.. Smith, speaker OF the
House Of Representatives. He is not
SO well known, perhaps, as Mr.. Rich
Sparanburg delegation in the lcgis-
| laturc arc enthusiastic about him and
are said to be singing his praises at
every opportunity. Like Mr.. Richards,
Speaker Smith is believed never to
have publicly declared whether he was
for or against Governor Blcasc.
Although there seems to be a gener-
al disposition on both sides to avoid
raising the Issue OF Bleaseism in the
gubernatorial race this year. the ques-
ton OF whether or not candidate Is
a Blcascitc is almost invariably raised
| in conversations of Spartanburg. citi-
zens concerning the approaching cam
paign.
Dr. John G. Clinkscales, professor
probably the most formidable candi-
date, so far as the city OF Spartan
burg, which ordinarily polls about
1000 votes, Is concerned. His friends
will be surprised If lie does not carry
the city at least If not the county. Dr.
| Clinkscalcs has winning personality
and is becoming better known every
day. He is letting no grass grow un-
der his feet. AS Lieutenant Governor
Smiths church Affiliations are expect
ed to help him with the Baptists, so
DR.. Clnkscales connection with the
Methodist church Is spoken OF as like
ly to win him many votes. The stu
dents of Wofford college. numbering
about 500, plan q campaign OF adver-
tising in DR.. Clinksca1es' behalf, and
| the alumni, scattered all over the state,
are also counted upon to help him.
/ r. ..lz