The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1922-08-18
ABBEVILLE VOTERS
HEAR STATE CANDIDATES
HERE YESTERDAY-sPEAKING HELD OPERA HOUSE AND
WAS WELL ATTENDED, ABB OUT $4,000 VOTERS BEING
PREsENT-THE USUAL SPEECHES WERE MADE.

Inc state campaign meeting III
Abbeville yesterday was we'll attend
ed, about fifteen hundred people be-
ing present and of this number about
500 were women. Plans had been
made to hold the meeting in the
grove back of the Court House, but
on account of the uncertain weather
it was called to order in the Opera
House about II o'clock. There was
not standing room available for the
crowd, and many stood on the out
side during the speaking.
Hon. J. Howard Moore presided
and introduced the speakers. The
candidates for Governor spoke first.
Cole L. Blease was greeted with a
rousing cheer. He had many friends
in the audience and made a good
speech. He declared himself in favor
of good roads and good schools. He
said all the tax commission had done
was "to make liars of the people,"
and was not much in favor Of the
County Demonstration agents. He
defended at length his pardon rec
ord, and had no apologies to make.
Mr.. Blease was followed by J. J.
Cantey of Clarendon County. Mr..
Cantey dwelt on Canteyism VS..
Bleaseism and the ten command
ments. He claimed if the daily pap
ers would only publish his speeches
he would be elected Governor by an
overwhelming majority on the 2sth
Of August.
1t was during the address Of Mr..
Cantey that Mr.. John U. Wardlaw
succumbed to a heart attack. He
was in the gallery and the building
was very warm and crowded. Draw
ing an audible breath he expired
without a word. DR.. J. E. Pressly
was present within a few minutes,
but there was nothing that could be
done. The incident cast gloom
over the meeting.
William H. Coleman of Union was
the next speaker. He had great deal
to say about the "oligarchy." He
said he had been at the head of a
bank for 16 years and at the head
of manufacturing concern for 18
years, and felt convinced that he
was the best qualified man in the
race for the governorship. y
John T. Duncan of Columbia went
after the system. He says that no
man can accuse him of being a
"quitter." He used the word "perad-
venture" in his speech. This word is
frequently used in the Book of
Esdras, which by the way was ruled
out of the Bible by the System"
George K. Laney of Chesterfield
spoke with a tragic delivery and ex-
claimed, 81 will not be a pessimist. "
He said that he stood behind the
state warehouse and good roads laws
and any man that voted against him
August the 10Th would have to put
his conscience to sleep first. He
promised an "acute, energetic devo-
tion to duty" if elected Governor.
Thomas G. Mcleod was the last
candidate to speak for Governor. He
paid tribute to his old friend, Gen.
Robert R. Hemphill, now passed
away, who he said was responsible
for his knowledge of the history of
Abbeville County. He. believes in
economy and efficiency IN govern
ment and the cutting out of useless
Offices. He is a finished speaker and
made a favorable impression.
The candidates for governor were
followed by those for Lieutenant
Governor. Mr.. J. K. Owen, of Ben
nettsville was the first speaker and
expressed himself as feeling very
much at home in Abbeville, having
had one of Abbeville's daughters as
an assistant in his office for many
years. He had reference to Miss Hat
tie Roche, who has since been pro-
moted to one of the best positions
in the State, and he now has with
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