The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1916-08-03

for him. The crowd was distinctly
; Manning audience, as was evidenced
by the prolonged applause that mark
ed his retirement from the stand
When presented with the flowers, the
governor returned to the stand and
expressed his appreciation for these
| tokens of esteem.
Solicitor r. A. Cooper.
Solicitor Robert A. Cooper was the
next speaker. He was greeted with
cries of Cooper and applause when
he came on the steps. Mr.. Cooper
said that he had tried to make a
high campaign two years ago. He
denied emphatically that he was in
any collusion with "another candi-
date" stating that he had never sup
ported that gentleman, nor had he
had any dealings with him, political
or otherwise. He appealed to the
people to inquire of his home people
as to whether or not he was correct.
Has No Criticism for Manning.
Mr.. Cooper then launched into a
reply to the questions asked by Gov
ernor Manning. He said that he did
not intend to make any criticism of
the governor, and only discussed the
matter because the governor had
pointedly asked him the questions.
In regard to the enforcement of law,
he said that two years ago he stood
for a strict enforcement of all laws,
and that he still stands for it. In re-
gard to the pardon power, he would
exercise it very discriminatory. 'The
verdicts of the courts will stand, un-
less 1 am shown they are wrong"
said Mr.. Cooper. He will make no
distinction in his enforcement of the
law in Charleston or elsewhere, but
promised an impartial enforcement
of all laws in all sections alike. In
regard to the question as to what he
would have done in regard to the
board of charities and corrections,
Mr.. Cooper said that he did not know
exactly what that board was doing.
But he does not see the necessity for
several boards to administer the af-
fairs of any of the State institutions.
One board should be enough.
In regard to Manning's work for
the State Hospital for the Insane, Mr..
Cooper said that he stood ready to
commend Governor Manning for all
the good he has accomplished, but
that he would not take it upon him
self to supplement the salary of any
officer unless the law grants this au-
thority; however, he does not criti-
else Governor Manning for doing so.
He perhaps looked at the matter in
a different light. He did not know
what he would have done in regard
to calling out the militia; but if the
militia was necessary he would not
hesitate to call upon it. He said
that he probably would have taken
the same action as Governor Manning
did.
"Why am I in the race?" asked Mr..
Cooper, and answered that he did not
have to get anybody's consent to, run
for governor, but the contest was
open to any one with a desire to
serve his State, and he has no apollo
gies to offer. He promised, if elect
ed, to serve the best interests of the
State. He stated that he would not
attack any of his opponents even if
he knew that he would be elected by
so doing.
Would Use Veto Sparingly.
He favored State tax commission
years ago when he was in the legis-
lature, and still favors it. He favors
equalization of taxation, and thinks
that some kind of commission is
necessary. He would probably have
taken the same action as did the
governor in regard to the insurance
law; but he now thinks that it was
unwise and should be modified; and
he is in favor of this action by the
next legislature. He would not put
his own opinion against that of the
legislature, and thinks the power of
veto should be exercised with much
care. He favors a rating board for
insurance. He has no criticism to
make of Governor Manning for his
action in approving the insurance
law.
Would Be Governor of All.
If he is elected he will never ask
any man who comes to the governor S
office whether or not he voted for
him. He will be the governor OF
every man, woman and child in the
State or he will not be governor at
all, said Mr.. Cooper.