The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-08-24

first gun in the political campaign OF
1918 fired at Pomaria July y, 1871
Did not Blease and his organ so de-
clare it? Is not the honor of our gal
liant boys at stake? Have not Blease
and Richards repeatedly raised the
issue and waged a fight? Shall we
lie supinely on our backs while the
enemy binds US hand and foot? Sure
lv Cooper does not seek the reward OF
victory while others battle for right
1.-THE time has come, therefore,
when Cooper must speak out. HIS
voice must ring with unmistakable
meaning 1t must thunder from the
:ncuntains to the sea. He must speak
loud and clear and strong against the
iisloyal uterances of Blease at Fill
cert and pomaria. For Al days have
listened i'm vain to hear his voice. The
time is brief. But three more days
are left. He must now speak or for
ever herafter hold his peace"
A,r Cooper, the last gubernatoria3
speaker, said, in reply to Mr.. Bethea
that this was the first time IN South
Carolina that his position on Blease-
ism had been brought into question.
On two occasions he had been pu'
to the test, and had not hesisttaed
20 show his opposition to Ex-Governor
3lease, and Mr.. Bethea knew 1t. III
.el1 YOU what's the matter" he stated:
Mr.. Bethea is trying to push me
off the platform and attempting tc
make me swallow his DOSE" Mr..
Ccpoer said that, never in his life, had
he tried to gain votes by stirring up
the factional issue and to gain office
by vilifylng his opponents or any
other man, and he would not star:
now, even for the governors office.
rbe Laurens candidate said that he
had repeatedly stated from many
.stumps" of the State that, If he hao
oeen in congress. he would have voted
or the war resolution. and should no
,ne else have introduced it he would
aave done so himself. He asked the
people if they thought, holding this
sentiments that he did, could he in
5orse the assertion that the blood OF
- ung American manhood, shed IN
his war, could be on the hands OF
President Wilson and the members OF
congress in favor Of the war;
Mr.. Cooper made his usual speech
IN taxation education and his loan
system for State colleges and conclud-
ed by urging the people to vote for
their country and not their friends
md to give political preferment only
those whose election will not throw
suspicion on South Carolina's partl-
cipation in the war and its adherence
% President Wilson.
T. J. McLouchlin. candidate for
,ailroad commissioner. said that one
Of his opponents, D. L. Smith, could
not now be considered in the race.
He alleged that Mr. Smith had stated
hat, if MCLAUGHLIN could get the IN.
lorsement of 25 reputable citizens OF
st. Matthews, McLauchlin's home
town, Smith would withdraw from
the race He showed a paper which
he said contained the written en-.
lorsement of nearly all the citizens OF
St. Matthews, more than 25 by
great deal" go, if you stick te
your word" he continued, your res
ignation is already in and will pay
no more attention to YOU" Mr.. Smith
m his reply said that he made tho
statement in confidence to party
gentlemen, and he was. surprised
shat it had been repeated He SAID
ne would have more to say on the
matter latter.