The New York herald., 1921-08-28
Former Governor Threatens to
BECOME Factor Again in
States Politics.
ruUPER'S PLANS IN DOUBT
Talk of a New Republican Or
ganization So Far Has Not
Crystallized.

Special Despatch to THE NEW YORK HERALD
Rock HILL. s. c.. Aug. 27.-Wlll Coli
L. Blease former Governor, be a factor
in South Carolina politics during the
campaign next year? This Is a question
that doubtless will be viewed with more
or less concern by the politicians Of thu
State during the next few months. The
present indications are that Mr.. Bleass
will enter the race for Governor. sue
ceeding Robert NJ. Cooper. II he does
again throw his hat into the politica
ring. IL Is expected that South Carolina
politics will assume the Importance oi
the campaigns OF 1912 to 1918. in each
Of which the former Governor was &c
some a disturbing factor.
Speaking In this county at the annua
Eilbert picnic several weeks ago, the
former Governor pleaded for some ener-
getic young man of ability and charac.
ter TO arise and lead the people or Soutl
Carolina through an efficient and eco
nomical administration. At that time
Mr.. Blease informed newspaper men
that he had no desire 20 again run
for public office, but preferred to be-
come high private in the rear ranks
and lend his influence and support 70
some worthy young man who could lead
the South Carolina Democracy safely out
OF the wilderness.
At Newberry few days ago, how
ever, the former Governor is quoted as
stating that his hat would be IN the ring
again next year unless some one who
lie feels is better qualified than himself
speedily announces for the office of
Governor This is taken as the equiva-
lent OF saying he will be IN the race,
4. frA
the position expressed at Eibert. lie
is still anxious to follow safe and
aane leader, but the utterances of the
former Governor in his latest address
are construed as meaning that he Is
doubtful il the right man can be in
luced to become a candidate snd that
II will devolve upon him to aave the
state from impending ruin.
Bitter Critic of Wilson.
Mr.. Blease is still sticking to his posi-
ton taken before the United States
entered the war. He bitterly opposed
this action, declaring that the lives of
American men should not De spilled
upon the alter of service for the benefit
uf other nations. He was n bitter critic
Of President Wilson's Administration
and of the selective service act, which he
hood Now he is pointing to the billions
of indebtedness and the thousands OF
empty chairs by American firesides as
evidence OF the soundness of his posi-
ton taken when the war was started.
The former Governor would have re-
mained hands off until the Germans
actually invaded the United States and
American men and guns would have
been used only in defence of American
homes and lives.
II Is yet little early for the 1922 DO.
litical campaign to begin, but 1t is ex
nected that the statement of Mr.. Bleas'
that he may be a candidate will cause
carly announcements Gov. Cooper ha:
served two terms and the custom ha:
hecn for n Governor to decline being g
sanffSate for third term. There alsc
AZ fumor 10 the effect that the Gov
fNnav 10y AT the next session of ths
fsmcikiafure be elected to the State Su-
nrenne Court Whether there is anything
- this rumor is not known, but II II
becomes a fact the Governors advent
70 the Supreme Court would make VIII.
son G. Harvey OF Charleston. Lieutenant
Governor. Governor of the State for the
remainder of Gov. Cooper's term.
II has been long time since the Of
flee of Chief Executive has been occu-
out, and the elevation of the Lieutenant
Governor would, in a large measure. pla-
cate the Charlestonians and probably re
iicve an embarrassing situation a little
later on. At present Charleston would
like to have the Supreme Court vacancy
Tiled with Judge from that section oi
the State. but those believing there i
nything to the rumor are OF the opinion
that Charleston would as lief have ths
IN. -
tion as to whether Gov. Cooper would
give up his office to become Associate
Justice of the Supreme Court.
". 9. Senator to he Elected.
The people of the State also will elec'
2 United States Senator next year, th'
term of n. b. DIAL who filled the unex
pired term Of Senator b. II. Tillman
ending in 1923. Mr.. Dial will probably
he In the race, but as yet no candidate:
rave been mentioned. 1t Is possible thai
Gov. Cooper will make this race, in tht
event there Is nothing to the rumor re.
garding the Supreme Court Justiceship
The Governor has many personal friend:
in all parts of the State. He would pol
, big vote should he decide to oppose
Mr.. Dial.
The primary Is really the election ir
South Carolina. as the primary vote Il
several times that of the general cleo
tion, and the result determines the selec
Jon OF the men In the general election
The primary will be held next August
and the preliminary meetings occur ir
APRIL. II Is generally known who will
be the leading candidates before the
Npril precinct meetings. and next veal
wiu be no exception to this rule. Il
Oill be the first year the women have
voted in the primary. and the women''
vote may be a disturbing factor In some
respects. The old-time politics OF som,
candidates will hardly appeal to tn,
women, so the candidates will have I,
seek new avenues OF expressing theii
convictions. Politics Will as result
probably be pitched on a higher plan,
Than heretofore and personalities will nc
doubt be relegated to the past.
Although talk OF a new Republican
party In South Carolina bobs up nov
and again there has been no evidenc'
thus far OF concerted effort TO form 8
new organization. In fact. II il gener
ally conceded that the Republicans coult
make little headway prior to the mex
general election, as the building OF
strong party organization In this Stat
VIII have to be done carefully and grad
ually II any measure OF success attend
the effort.
There are many who are convincei
that strong Republican organization
IN the State would have a beneficial ef
feet, but those favoring the new part.
are 10th TO beccme leaders In tn
movement. III the Republicans shoul
establish sound fc~-tdation for III
uarfv Jr kts State and secure men q
ntyffv a,d In uba,,, tho naonto hnva cop