The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1921-11-23
POLITICS NOW BEGIN
TO ATTRACT NOTICE
Friends of Blease Say That He Will
Be In Race.
LEVER BEING URGED TO RUN
Francis II. Weston, Mendel l.. Smith
and Holmes B. Springs Mentioned

been made and although he has made
no unqualified assertion to the effect,
it has been reported here today that,
in few days, statement may be is
sued by Cole l.. BleaseSf6f Columbia,
will be in the Democratic primary
next summer for nomination as Gov
ernor of South Carolina.
Those closest to the former Execu-
tive, say that if he does nanounce
(and they are sure that he wilD
he will pitch his campaign on con-
tention for lower taxation by cur
tailment of "excess political posi-
tons" consolidation of some depart
ments and the abolition of others.
If Mr.. Blease enters, it probably
will eliminate several who have been
suggested as possible candidates,
anon gthem Thomas II. Peoples, for
mer attorney general, and one time
candidate for Governor and the
United States Senate, and George w.
Wightman,. Senator from Saluda
county, who was defeated by Viii.
liam Banks Dove for Secretary of
State.
An effort has been made for some
time to get A. f. Lever, former, Con-
gressman from the Seventh Congress.
sional District and no wchairman of
the Federal Farm Loan Board, to
give up his Washington appointment
and enter the gubernatorial lists. Mr.
Lever has not given any definite an
nouncement as to his political future,
but it is known that he has the pro-
posal under serious consideration.
Likewies, George X. Laney, vet
eran in legislative work as Senator
from Chesterfield county, has been
urged to run, and there is a posSi-
bility of Mr.. Laney announcing if Mr.
Lever is not in the race. Although
he has not made any public announce
ment on the question, it is known
that Mr.. Laney strongly feels that
the farmer and the State warehouse
system should have a champion in the
race, and he has been the continued
friend Of the agricultural interests
and "thc man on the street" during
his political life.
Judge Mendel L. Smith, Of Camden
American Expeditionary Force, ex-
speaker of the House Representa-
tives, and conceded one of the most
experienced parliamentarians in South
Carolina public life, has repeatedly
been urged to run, but as yet he
has not arrived at any definite de-
cision, so he stated this morning
while in attendance at the State Su-
preme Court.
B. f. Greer, of Greenville, one of the
most widely known textile manufac-
turers and business men of the State,
has been prevailed upon recently to
announce his candidacy, but as yet he
has made no public statement on pol
itics.
Holmes B. Springs, of Grcenville,
who made a wonderful record as col
onel in command of transportation in
the Thirtieth division overseas has
been repeatedly talked Of as a Sue
cessor to Governor Cooper, but he also
has kept quiet on the subject.
Wilson G.. Harvey, of Charleston
Lieutenant Governor, has been talked
Of as probable candidate, but he
has not talked Governor Cooper's
friends have been working in his be-
half to have him nominated as AS
sociate Justice of the State Supreme
Court to break the deadlock which
has existed since last year. Although
the Executive has made no effort in
his behalf, he undoubtedly would ac-
cept the commission to the bench, if
elected, which would necessitatc him
resigning as Governor. Mr.. Harvey
then, automatically, would step up to
the Executives chair, logically put
ting him in the race in 1922 to sue
ceed himself.
Another prominent possible candi-
date supposed from various quarters
but who has made no definite deci-
sion as far as is known, is Henry G..
Iillman of Greenwood, son of the late
United States Senator 3. r. Tillman
lie has had distinguished career at
the bar for young man and has not
been in State and federal politics in
his own behalf. He was a captain of
coast artillery in the World War.
Francis Fl. Weston, of Columbia dis
rict attorney for the United States
Court OF the Eastern District of South
Carollna, for years one of the "war
horses of the State Senate as Rep
resentative of Richland County, may
make the race. However, he has made
no definite announcement, although
according to reports, he is giving the
matter serious consideration. His
term OF office will not expire until
next March and it is unlikely that he
VIII make any announcement until
that time.
Andrew j. Betkca, Of Columbia, for
mer Lieutenant Governor, and or
time candidate for Governor, has an
nouncccd that his chat is in the ring"
or gubernatorial honors. Mr. Bethea
has long career filled with political
honors. Code Commissioners, Lieutcn-
ant Governor and private secretary to
former Governor Ansel. and he has