The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-06-15
LEVER QUITS The RACE.
WITHDRAWS FROM SENATORIAL
CONTEST AND SEEKS RE.
ELECTION TO HOUSE.
This Action Based Upon Suggestion
OF President Wilson That His Ser
vices Would be More Valuable I'm
the House of Representatives.

washington, June ia. f. Lever
has withdrawn from the senatorial
race and has again announced for the
house. When asked If he had any
statement to make, Mr.. Lever said:
THE correspondence between the
president and me speaks very plainly
and points very clearly to my duty,
which l fulfill in seeking a renomina-
tion to the house.
II express to those who have SO
loyalty supported my candidacy for
ton.
II regret the embarrassment which
this action causes to those who have
announced themselves for congress
from the district, and to me-"
The letter from the president to Mr.
Lever, follows:
The White House,
Washington, June Z, 1918.
Dear Mr.. Lever:
Il know that some time ago you
submitted your name for nomination
in the Democratic primary election in
South Carolina as senator from that
State and that the last day for the
filing of papers is the 18th of this
month. There now seems to be a very
reasonable assurance that no one will
succeed in securing the nomination in
South Carolina whose entire record
does not make it plain that he will
support the nation and the govern
ment with unqualified loyalty in the
vigorous prosecution OF this war to "a
successful conclusion. / am writing to
ask if this is not also your own view.
and If it is. whether you would not
be willing to reconsider your decision
and to remain in the house where you
would continue to serve as chairman
OF the very important committee on
agriculture. 1t is clear to me that un-
less there are very compelling rea-
sons to the contrary you should do
this.
1.-The past five years have been ex-
ceptionally fruitful Of legislation of
vast importance not only to agricul-
tural and rural life and to the 5O.OOO.-
600 of people living in the rural dis
tIicts but also to the whole nation
and the world as we'll. There is still,
as you know, important and critical
measures pressing for solution. The
regular appropriation bill, not only
providing for the highly important
activities of the department of agri
culture but also containing an unfor-
tunate proposal to change the price
or wheat fixed In a proclamation is
sued some time ago. is still pending
IT is important that this measure he
disposed Of wisely at the earliest DOS
sible moment
THE emergency food production
Dill with two unnecessary and objec-
tionable riders. which has passed the
house. has not yet been taken up by
the senate. and will doubtless again
require careful consideration by the
house before it becomes a law. It is
important that this measure be pass
ed before June so; otherwise, the de-
partment may have to discontinue ac-
uvities essential to the winning of the
war or be greatly embarrassed in it's
efforts to stimulate production and
render assistance to the farmers IN
the solution of emergency problems.
The water power bill which is un-
der consideration by the special com
mittee of which you are member is
another urgent and important meas
ure which should be acted upon nc
promptly as possible. 1t is obvious
that many other matters of vast con-
sequence to the nation in the field of
agriculture will continue to press for
solution not only during the con-
tinuance of the war but also after the
return of peace.
In your long experience in tho
mouse as member of the committee
on agriculture and, for number of
years as chairman. and the import
ant part that you have been able ia
play in securing wise action on vital
measures already enacted into law.
clearly point to the desirabilitv of
your continuing in the house for the
time being il possible. l hope, there
iore, you will not feel that | am TAX |
LAMBERT HEADS ASSOCIATION. !