The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1917-09-06
A SURVEY OF
STATE POLITICS
JOE SPARKS SIZES UP THE SITU-
ALTON AS 1T APPEARS IN
COLUMBIA AT PRESENT.


In spite of the all-absorbing apd
unusual interest in the preparation
for war some South Carolinians have
turned their attention to the politl-
litical issues. The 1918 campaign
at the present time gives promise OF
being most interesting. However,
it is entirely possible that develop
ments on the Western front may
cause the people of the State to for
get entirely the matter of politics.
The first political announcement
of the year of interest was made by
C L Blease. former Governor, who
has been running for one office or
another for more than a score OF
years. Mr. Blease announced posi-
lively that he would not be a candi-
date for Governor next year. Of
course this statement is subject to
revision. The minor lights in the
Blease organization have been clam
oring for a chance at the Governors
race and it now seems that the lead
er of the faction will step aside and
let SOME of his lieutenants have a
try at the pie. Among those who
will probably be in the race for
Governor on the Blease ticket are:
Thos H Peoples, now serving as at
torney general; W A Stuckey, well
known and successful farmer of
Bishopville in Lee county; John q
Richards, member of the railroad
commission, and possibly others.
Mr. Blease has stated that ne
would not be candidate for any
office unless urged or called upon by
the members of his faction. There
is possibility that he will be in the
race for the United States Senate to
succeed Senator B R Tillman. Sena-
ator Tillman has made no announce
ment as to whether he will ask for
reelection, although it is thought
that he will be in the race. If Mr.
Rlease enters the race for the Senate
there will be others. Among those
mentioned are: N B Dial of Lau-
rens; Jasper w Talbert of Edgefeld
county; w P Pollock of Cheraw. and
others.
There is another angle to the stu
alton. 1t is entirely possible that
Mr. Blease will confne his efforts to
being elected to Congress from the
Seventh Congressional district. A
F Lever, now serving from the dis
trict has made a national reputation
by his work as chairman of the
House committee on agriculture
and especially has he gained recog-
milton for handling the food legisla-
ton in such statesman like man.
ner. He has been considering the
matter of entering the race for the
United States Senate and would
make a formidable opponent for
any man in South Carolina. Mr.
Lever has been too busy attending
to the affairs of the nation in Wash
ington to give much thought to
politics.
Over in.Lexington county much
has been created against
Mr. Lever because of his thorough
going American stand on the war
issues. There are many who do not
believe that he could carry his own
county in the congressional race.
However, the other counties of the
district would re-elect him over Mr.
Blease or any other man who might
offer.
Robert A Cooper of Laurens is
considered just now the most for
midable man in the race for Gov
ernor, Who ever is the next Gov
ernor of South Carolina will have to
make a second race with Robert A
Cooper. Other discussed candidates