The Fairfield News And Herald

EX-MAYOR COURTENAY'S VIEWS.

His Letter Declining to Be a Candidate for Office—A Review of Present Conditions.

J. J. HULL, Esq.—My Dear Sir: I recall with pleasure your friendly announcement, on behalf of the citizens of Rock Hill, four years ago, and renewed in 1886, proposing my candidacy for Governor of South Carolina. While absent temporarily in Alabama last spring I received a copy of your paper renewing the nomination for 1890. As the evidence of friendly regard by the citizens of Rock Hill these several mentions of my name for the executive office have been highly appreciated and greatly valued by me, coming, as they do, from a community in the front rank of progressive South Carolina cities, moving forward on the correct lines of industrial and business development—a suggestive example, worthy of imitation.

I looked forward to this campaign as presenting a favorable opportunity to discuss important party methods and matters of grave public concern to the State. Both call imperatively for reform. The canvass has been initiated, however, and the issues are seemingly made up on certain personal lines. What, in my humble opinion, should have invited a temperate discussion by the best thought and experience of our State, has been unwisely forced into a purely personal issue, marked by misrepresentation and invective.

Disguise it as we may, there are large questions in South Carolina to be wisely solved, pressing public matters evolved by the slow growth of many years, either originating in antiquated precedent, or founded in an imported constitution. To such high plane this year's canvass should have been raised and might have been elevated, but has not been; only an enforced personal campaign is in progress. Nevertheless, its general direction is toward reform, and the only proper course now, in my opinion, is to surround it with every conciliatory influence and wisest counsel. The ultimate result cannot bring harm to South Carolina, if a prudent management of the canvass is mutually agreed upon, with recognition of the fact that conciliatory language is better than unmerited abuse.

The excitement of the canvass will presumably run its course, and the September Convention will finally decide for the whole party. Then will come a season of quiet and rest, a time for calm reflection, which wisely used, can be utilized to the benefit of the party and the State.

You are well aware that I have not at any time been an active candidate for Governor. My position, publicly stated, has been, that I would take no step to that end, and yet I have felt, and have frankly said, that I would not decline a service-call which I felt came from a majority of the party, in responding to which I might be useful.

Under the circumstances, and in the present condition of the campaign in the State, I would ask that you discontinue the mention of my name for Governor in your valued journal.

With renewed thanks to my Rock Hill friends, whose good wishes I value, and in the hope that unofficially I may be of use to our party and people, at all times I am yours respectfully,

WM. A. COURTENAY.

Charleston, S. C., June 14.