The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-07-03

happily upon his listening ears, that
ne would go upon the stump through
out the entire campaign and present
to the people his candidacy.
Mr.. Lever would have you believe
mat in voting for him you are dis
charging patriotic duty. If that be
the case he must show a record Of
Such self-sacrifice as would put be-
yond any question his own patriotism
We are fighting under the leadership
OF woodrow Wilson, to whom 1 am
absolutely loyal, to win the war for
humanity and to make the world safe
or democracy. Has not Mr.. Lever
brought about an unfortunate confus-
ION! DID he not unhappily engage at
THIS crucial and critical time in a con-
troversy for a seat in the United States
senate with man who was chair
man of one of its greatest commit
tees! Does not Mr.. Lever at this cru
cial and critical time likewise un-
happily rrecepitate an unfortunate i'm
quiry, in that, while we, the Ameri-
can people are trying to make the
world safe for democracy, he, Lever,
would throttle the democracy of the
Seventh Congressional District. and
prevent them from an untrammelled
consideration of their choice. by seek
ing to embarrass the issue by calling
in question the loyalty of all men who
would oppose him.
Is il Fair Play? Is it just? Is il Right
The people of the Seventh Con-
gressonal District are loyal. They
have substantially expressed their
loyalty. They will continue to do so,
and | for one sincerely hope that
there Will be no relaxation, but in
crease OF effort to carry out the aims
Of the government and win the war
At the same time, following the ad-
vice Of our president. it becomes our
duty likcWieS to preserve and conserve.
in every way consistent with this great
and ultimate purpose, the resources Of
our land and country. To preserve in
tact the democracy of our district and
state will not be an expression of dis
loyalty, but the highest expression of
loyalty. | am willing to surrender my
ambition and all hopes Of promotion
for the good of my country | am
willing to sacrifice all that | have,
even life itself, for the good Of my
country, but I do not believe it to be
'or the good Of my country, / do not
believe it TO be an expression of 10y
atty or patriotism to surrender into
the Keeping of Mr.. Lever. the Sew
"nth Congressional District. for the
reason that upon more than one oc-
'asion his plightcd word has been
broken. The implied faith with the
announced candidates for Congress.
who entered the race when he was out
of it, has been broken, | call you to
boar witness that this congressman
whom YOU have hOnored for sixteen
Years, who should be an example TO
all men, not only in self sacrifice and
patriotism, but in courtesy and gentle
ness, did not have the ordinary con-
'idcration or courtesy TO acquaint the
announced candidates with his inten-
lion of entering the race until he had
given out to the press the statement
ihat appeared the morning following
his telegram to the various candi-
dates.
II the people of the Seventh Con-
Sressional District wish to retain in
office politician OF such acrobatic
tendencies, Il man Of proved infidelity
10 his friends and bcncfactors. a man
whose ambition has led him even i'm
the crucial and critical times of a |
world war, to confuse the political is
sues of this State us they have hard
" ever been confused before, let them
9"S 80 1T tnc pOllS, ana | am SatlS-
fled. My sole purpose will be to vim
licatc and honorably promote that
democracy which | believe is the very
basis of our existence rs govern
ment, and maintain my self respect
Some people express their intention
TO vote for Mr.. Lever on the ground
j. dischar2ing Il political duty, because
IS they construe it, the president has
requested it. This is the Only reason
have heard advanced tnat he
should be returned to congress for
another term. ] beg you to refer
lgain to the presidents letter. Does
t suggest or request, even with the
begging intcrroGations of Mr.. Levers