The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1922-05-20
DEMOCRATIC
CONVENTION
Was General
~ Harmonious and
There Were No In
cidents Of Particular
Interest

NoltfIlDid NLtN ttt
Democratic convention held here
today marks a political epoch.
First. because of the utter appar-
cnt lack of evidence of partisan
ship and feeling and, second. be-
cause of the presence of so many
women delegates. 1t was the first
appearance in force of the newly
cnfranchiscd voters. They were
charming and on the job. 1t was
a good natured and jolly gather
ing Of the good Democrats of South
Carolina. If there was harshness
it vas in committee meetings or
under control. The spirit of opti-
mi.m and levity prevailed.
The keynote speech OF Tom Ct.
Mcleod. Of Bishopville, was n Of
good cheer and brighter days and
laughter provoking. lie defined the
pessimist as the banker who had
loaned money to the optimiSt and
when he presented Senator Frank
Watkins of Anderson. as the per-
msnent chairman of the convention
he expressed the hope that he
would prove as good as he looked.
Both Tom Mcleod and Frank Wat
kins were nominated for perma-
ncnt chairman. but Mr.. Mcleod.
WHO has been temporary chairman.
suggested thatG'thc natural ten
dcncy OF South Carolinians was to
run for every Office in sight. but nc
had his speech off his chest and
declined. When the clerks were
trying to get the names Of COM
mittcemen there was confusion and
delay and Dan Sinkler Of Charles
ton suggested that the names be
handed up and not announced.
This brought the remark from Mr..
james. Of Lee. that he never
heard Of Charleston people want
ing to hurry before. Laughter.
and the roll continuing.
The very first response from
the floor was when Miss Kate
Lou Wofiord in Il ~clcar-cut man
ner presented the name OF Miss
Will Lou Cray for temporary
chairman. She declined or Mr..
Mcleod would never have gotten
off that excellent keynote speech
he said he had in his system.
Mir. McLeod's speech was II OF
cheer and optimism with the
conclusion that there he no adjust
ment that Will be at the cost OF
the future manhood and woman
hood of the state. His appeal was
for education an all lines. The con-
vcntion was representative in every
way. Men who had been active
leaders in politics for generations,
from the veteran Il. e. Watson,
now in his c~ighty-siXth year, sat
side by side by his old friend, for
mer Governor Sheppard, who was
there with his son, James o.
Sheppard.
The 1920 rules were adopted rs
the rules fof 1922.
The platform rs reported out by
the committee is being taken up.
Following the adoption of the
first three sections Of the platform
the soldier bonus bill VAS reached
and u stiff fight ensucd. Debate
had been limited to two minutes.
Frank K. Ellerbe of Manning
made a dramatic speech in favor
of the bonus bill. Mr.. Eilerbe and
Governor Cooper entered into a
heated debate on the resolution
to endorse the prcSnt bill in con
Sress. Mr.. Ellerbe declared that
he believed the patriotism of the
American soldier had been ques-
toned and he asked the governor
why he was opposed to adjusted
compensation.
Governor Cooper defended his
! position and declared he did not
think any man who accepted any
| thin" with a dollar mark on it
could possibly call this compen-
sation. The governor spoke earn
estly on the subject. declaring that
he had the highest regard for the
soldiers and that he would not foi
Il moment reflect upon the man
who wore the uniform. The gov
crnor said the government would
never be able to repay the soldier.
5. G. Mayticid OF Hamberg spoke
earnestly for the Endorsement OF
the bill. Mr.. Mayticld said he WAS
ashamed Of the position taken by
the governor.
Mrs. VI. ]. Colel IN of Abbeville
said she knew eX-scrvice men had
hardships. She said it WIS
shame that the bonus had no beer
passed.
T;l" convention finally passed d
: resolution indorsiug the adjusted
compensation act now before con
grcSs.
The platform as so far adopted
rcatlirms the allegiance Of the
. Democratic Darly OF the stat: 1t
the principles OF Democracy cN-
pressed in state and national plat
forms and extends the convcn-
tons best wishes and hopes foi
! the renewed vigor. health aud hap
pincSS OF our stricken leader
Woodrow WILSON. We are sat,
iSlied." it says. that the noble
principles for which he fought vii
yet prevail. it is With great salts
faction that we learn of the IN
crraSinS love and admiration fol
him by the american people man.
ifcstcd by pilGrimagcs 10 hi:
home. We pledge ourselves Il
coutinuc the tight until the pcac,
/ OF the world is guaranteed
Greetings and Sood wishes ar,