The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1914-01-17

day touched a variety or subjects. III,
dealt with tho primary reform, com.
pulsory education. to which ne is op.
posed; railroad rates. the mileage
question, and many other matters
that arc now before the people OF
the State.
In sections tho message is political
dealing with the bitter campaign OF
1912, attacking men opposed TO the
governor, calling for the abolition OF
the historical commission, under cer-
tain conditions. and generally dealing
with conditions in South Carolina.
In part his message follows:
Il am opposed to any change In
the primary system. I believe in hon
est elections, and I believe in letting
every white man participate In the
primary who is eligible to vote un-
der the rules OF the Democratic party.
Whenever we deprive the white people
OF the right to vote. or any large
number OF them OF their right to
vote. we will break up the primary
system. because those who are quail
fed want tho right to vote. and they
should have IT, and they do not pro-
pose to be put. by any party OF men.
on an equal footing with free ne
gro"
In view o. the proposed leggisla-
ton In connection with the primary
system the above views OF Governor
Biease taken from q section OF his
message TO the general assembly. are
OF especial interest at this time when
primary reform Is vital issue be-
fore the people OF South Carolina.
In his review OF the primary In
South Carolina Gov. Blease gives,
briefly. the history Of the adoption
OF the primary and outlines the rca-
sons for II. The last convention. Gov.
Blease points out. for the nomination
Of governor and State Official was
when Gov. John Peter Richardson
was nominated for the second term.
1T seems that this system." says
the governor. referring to the pri-
mary. was perfectly satisfactory
when Gov. Tillman. Evans, Ellerbe
and McSweeney were elected and 1t
reached Its height in the eyes OF many
oeople-esDecially certain newspaper
sditors-who are now condemning It.
and gave most splendid satisfaction
90 those distinguished gentlemen.
when Cows Hayward and Ansel wore
elected. Nothing was heard of Its be-
ins unsatisfactory to this great eie-
ment or our people when General Jo-
seph III. Earle was elected TO tho Unit
ed States senate and when many con-
Eessmen and many State officials
we're chosen. But alas the campaign
Of 19i, came on"
The governor then reviews tho 1912
campaign with regard TO tho primary
changes He quotes his proclamation
calling attention to tho lava as TO vote
buying and his offer of a reward for
convictions; cites his speech at Sum-
ter along the same line: and then
goes into the aftermath OF tho cam
paign. He refers TO the "the charges
or fraud brought. and these hoIler
than thou Lords OF Democracy, the
editors and somo others-all great
guardians OF South Carolina's prl-
maries who were defeated and whip
ped out or their boots. with all their
money and chicanery and trickery,
all ut once discovered that tho pri-
mary was rocking with fraud and was
a corrupt system and was horrible 20
contemplate"
The governor then asks a numbes
Of questions:
Why did Blease's opponent need
such an enormous campaign fund.-"
Was II 10 pay his campaign ex-
penses around over South Carolina ?"
Was II 20 pay his sons expenses
for travelling around with him and
carrying his books?
Was II To pay the legitimate ex-
ponses Of his campaign manager?
Who was To use II ana for what
purpose?
why did tho railroads make large
contributions 10 Pleaso's opponents
Campaign fund?
why did certain cotton mill prcsl-
donts make such large contributions
70 Bleosc's opponents campaign fund
Had any candidate in South Caro-
lima ever before neoded campaign
fund such as was raised against
Bleaso?"
The governor concludes with this
question:
IF men voted la H." referring 10
tho primary. who we're not entitled
10 vote who lQuled thet, frnp, North