The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1918-03-13

SiiclSlcS 10 Dullu Il Hcot OF submarines
When she was ready she mapped off
great areas of the ocean which from
the beginning of the world, had been
free to all peoples and notified the ma
lions that she would, without warning,
sink any ship that dared to enter these
areas. In pursuance Of this threat
she proceeded to sink our ships, caus-
ing the death Of hundreds of innocent
mon, women and children--citiZens of
the United States. In self respect, we
are forced to enter the war; and we arc
in that war to the finish unless VIC are
to belle all our traditions and lose all
of the rights, liberties and Inherited
privileges bcqucathcd to us by our
forcfathcrs.
Everything has been changed by our
entry in the war The life of the in
dividnal is no longer his own 1t be-
longs to the nation; and every man
ought to be guided by that considcra-
ton al0nc-a sense Of duty TO his
country. "lIow can I best serve my
OTIS arc asking themselves. Consider
ing my own case, the conclusion ]
have reached is that I can best serve
my country by continuing in the SEN
ate. Having determined that it is my
duty, will not be deferred from ask
ing for reelection because of a state
mcnt made in 1914 under entirely diff
fercnt circumstances.
In reaching this conclusion, I have
naturally been Influenced in grca.
measure by the hundreds of letters
from patriotic citizens in every sec
tion OF the State, who have urged up-
on me the view that. having given to
me every office to which 7 have as
pircd, it would be base ingratitudc on
my part if should retire in this crisis
when they believe ii to be my duty to
ask for recollection.
| know that twenty-thrco years Of
service hcrc--thc best Of which 7 was
capablc-havc given mo position
which no new man, however brilliant
u.
the Democrats took charge Of the gov
ernment, 7 have been chairman Of the
committee on naval affairs. My best
efforts have been given to the crea-
ton Of a great navy; and for the
navy's readiness to effectively coop
crate with the allies and the success
it has met in curbing the U-boat men
ace, can Justly claim much credit.
7 know that my intimate knowledge of
naval affairs, resulting from my long
service. enables me now to be OF real
service to my government. If retire
the craftsmanship Of the committee on
naval affairs is lost to the State.
Every day scores Of letters come to
me from soldiers and sailors and from
their relatives. asking me for service
and for advice. know that my init
mate acquaintance with departmental
officials makes il possible for me to
he Of service to them. My dealings
with government. officials have given
me their respect and friendship. My
principle has always been to ask for
South Carolina only what she was on
titled to. Having asked for something
have always fought until T got tiff
i wcrc possible TO got ii at all
IN view Of my conviction. that am
now bcttcr able than ever before to
serve the nation and my state. If re-
tired because Of the statement made in
l9l. 1t would be an act of cowardicc,
and an Injustice to our boys who have
offered their lives in defense Of their
country.
have everything 10 lose and moth
n. 10 gain by offering :2r rn-clcction.
would be safely out of the troubled
waters Of politics in which I have
been swimming since 1885. but I
would feel somewhat like a dcScrtrr in
the face Of .hc cncriy
When I frst came to Washington,
scctonaliSm was virulcnt and I was
forced to listen to false and insulting
accusations against The South and It's
people. The democrats had decided It
"'' " iH'o' W ouy 'io'i'tiSr. lndllN
God ] never followed tbs course. but
from tho beginning protested yigor-
ously with my brother democrats
against such cravcness. When anyone
threw rock at the South, was al
ways ready to throw two back. Indeed,
have been told by competent judges
and | believe it to be truc-that my
speeches in the senate and my lee
tures through thc North have donn