Newspaper Page Text
t IM THE COUNTY
"**Xews Letters From Many
Sections.
CORRESPONDENTS
GIVE LOCAL NEWS
Happening* of Interest to Many Too
pie all over the County and to Those
Who Have Left tho Family Hearth
stone and gono to Other Slates.
<JroB8 Hill, Jan. 15.?Messrs Frank
Simmons, John Lowe and Sloan Lukes
have gone to Florida to work for the
Jacobs Advertlsine; Company. They
looked quite stylish In their Confed
erate gray uniforms.
Mrs. A. M. Hill Is at the hospital In
Chester for treatment. Her many
friends hope for a speedy recovery.
The heaviest snow In years fell here
last Friday night and Saturday. The
vnow that fell a week ago had not all
gone and we aro having very cold
weather wit it the mercury at ahout 16
above zero.
Mr. and Mrs. J. O. Denny have .mov
ed Into their new homo on Main street.
Mr. Austin Leaman who has been
with a prominent firm at Camden for
some time, has accepted a position as
bookkeeper for the Milling Moore Gro
. eery Company, Greenwood, S C. He
is at home today en route to his now
home.
We sympathize with our friends and
neighbor Mr. P. S. Pinson, who has
been kept in for more than two weeks
with a sore log.
Messrs. Pinson and Walker con
p.tractors, have nbout finished the hand
some resldenco of Mr. C. ?. Nance.
A negro, Carley Grant, who lives
abopt two miles from town was found
dead this morning by the road side
near his home. The body was nearly
* covered with 3tiow. An Inquest will
f bo hold today. ?
Ekom, Jan. 1G.?Wo have had an
other pretty snow. This is the first
snow to amount to anything in eight
or ten years.
Mr. Joel Moore has been fight sick
for several Days. *
Little Miss Dollio Culbertson has
,?^_ ft sick for a few days but is bettor.
4H| (ssus Agnes Cooper and Am 1
^^.{ker spent oiio night last week
with Mrs. Jane Culbertson's family.
Messrs. Carl Culbertson and Rdgar
Burts made a business trip to Ware
Shoals and Anderson last week.
Mr. Ray Culbertson and Mr. (Stay
Cooper spent Saturday night with Mrs.
Lou Culbertson and daughter. .
MrB. Mattle IPtts spent a few days
last week with her aunt, Mrs. Mat Bl
more, who has been sick.
Lnnford, Jan. 16.?The ground has
been covered with' snow for a week,
which ahs greatly hindered the Janu
ary farm work.
Mrs. Minnie Willis was called to
the bed-side of her sister, Miss El Ho
Franks, who Ib sick In Spartanburg.
Mr. Earl Thomas, was at home Sat
urday night, his wife and baby re
turning to Augusta, Ga. with him Mon
day.
Mrs. Dugns Martin was in town for
a few hours Suuday.
Miss Mary Patterson has returned
from a very pleasant visit to Union
and Pacolet.
Mr. Rex Patterson visited hero re
cently.
Miss Ruth Martin returned to Lan
drum to school Monday.
Mr. Glen Martin was In Spo'tan
hurg Monday.
^ Mesdames M. G. and W. L. Patter
son were in Laurons shopping, Thurs
day
Thero wero no ' services at tho
churches Sunday on account of the
heavy snow.
Capt. J. W. Lanford la in Tennessee
looking after some stock. Ho ex
i^t-j to have a car of mules, hogs and
this writing. Llttlo Oraco has boon
fljp'k also but is better at this time.
'? \ Hon. John M. Cannon and wife spent
t Sunday with Mr. Cannon's parents
hfre.
Mrs. IL F. Rums of Spnrtnnbnrp
'pent last week hero with Mr. L. M.
Cannon and family.
Mr. F. C. Allen, of Spartanburg Was
? Vg* town WMlnesdny.
Mr. John II. Cunningham was in
Laufend Friday on business.
soon.
rs. J. M. Deshlolds is quite sick at
J. ARCHIE WILLIS
DEFENDS REPUTATION
Replies to the Charge of Governor
Blease made Jn the Governor's Mes
sage on the -Nonsimper Libel Veto
Measure.
Columbia, Jan. 12.?Rising to a
question of personal privilege Just bo
fore tho adjournment of tho morning
session of tbe bouse yesterday, J.
Arcbio Willis, tho youthful represen
tative from Laurens county, delivered
a dignified address in defense of bis
reputation as former proprietor and
editor of tbe Helton Times, which the
governor of South Carolina attacked
In his special veto message to tho
house on tho libel act Wednesday.
Mr. Willis stated that bo had re
ceiver! a letter signed by "the Black
Hand of South Carolina," threatening
him with death, if ho answered tho
charge contained in the special mes
sage of C. L. Dleaso.
Mr. Willis Speaks.
The speech of Mr. Willis on his
question of personal privilege, pre
senting affidavits to prove the truth
of the Story, printed by the Helton
Tinies in regard to the conduct of C.
1-. Blesse toward Miss Mary L. Rogers
the tickot seller in tbe office of tbe
OUthern railway at Helton, follows in
full:
"Mr. Speaker: I rise to a question
of personal privilege, and despite tho
fact that I bold In my hand a letter
from the 'Black Hand of South Caro
lina,' as the writer or writers are
pleased to torm themselves, warning
me that if 1 again pay my respects to
the governor of South Carolina, I shall
bc> killed in short order, I want to
take tliis opportunity of defending
myself against the uncalled for attack
of Iiis excellency In a special message,
yesterday, when he took occasion to
call me a liar, to which was added
certain adjectives peculiarly all the
governor's own.
'South Carolina is calling today for
some on<> to speak out in defense of
her fair name, and protest against tho
unparalleled degradation that Is be
ing heaped upon her by tho man who
occupies tho chief executive's office,
and, cost me what it may, I am here
to answer that call. And 1 thank Cod
that it is to you that I am to have
the privilege of appealing:
Obtaining the Letter.
"Before 1 go further) however, I
want to settle the matter of tho tickot
incident at Bel ton. Tho governor has
made the charge to you that. I lied
when I published tho account of his
alleged Incivility to tho young lady
ticket agent, and he has produced a
letter signed by her, which, on tho
faco of it, scorns to substantiate bis
claim. When once you understand
how ho secured the letter, though,
you will understand a iittlo better tho
cowardly. underhand methods to
which the governor will resort, when
occasion demands. ?
"Governor Blenso, Tor reasons of
which you are doubtless aware, Is the
pet of certain officials of tho South
ern railway; at a banquet in New
berry on December 20, 1910, the
govornor mado tho statement that
because >f Supt. Henry A. Williams'
friendship for him, tho Southern rond
would have warm friends in tho gov
ernor's office for tho next two years.
Not content with his assurances of
friendship, however, after he had as
sumed bis duties as govornor, R. L.
Abney, the Southern's division coun
sel for South Carolina, took up his
residence at the governor's mansion.
Arc you then surprised that when tho
governor, In an unguarded moment,
forgot his alleged usual courteous
manner and treated a lady tickot sell
er discourteously thnt when the pub
lie was acquainted of the fact, which
was substantiated by affidavit from
tho young lady, and by one from one
of tho best known citizens of upper
South Carolina, a man who was a dis
interested onlooker, that tho Southern
r?ad should feel it. Its duty to take
care pf its own.
"Henry A. Williams, Cloaso'o warm
friend, and division superintendent
of tho Southern railway, forced tho
young lady ticket Seller to wclto the
letter which tho govornor sent out
yesterday, nnd when asked why sho
had written tho letter, with tears In
hor eyos, sho cried, 'Oh I had to do
it. The account published won true,
but I had to.write tho letter." Then
the affidavit that W. P. Harper, of
(Helton, is roprosontqd ns having
fclvon voluntarily, was made out nnd
ligned In the outhern railway's of
fice hero in Colufnl la, nnd was taken
l\> J. P. Darby, a notary public, who
PRACTICING FOB CANTATA.
lleautlfal Rendition of "Saul* to bo
Given At an Early Date by Singers
of thlg City.
The members of the different choirs
of the city, assisted by a few others,
aro having frequent practices at the
diffcront churches in preparation for
the rendition of the cantata "Saul" at
an early dato. A number of practices
have already been held and the prin
cipals and chorus have almoBt mas
tered their parts. No definite dato has
been set for tho cantata to be given
nor has tho place been decided upon,
but theso matters will bo attended to
very shortly aftor which a definite an
nouncement will be given out.
Those who have heard the practices
praise it very highly. It is the almost
unanimous opinion that it will be even
a greater success than any of the
cantatas that the party has sung here
tofore. To say that it will be better
than "Tho Nnzareno", rendered last
year, is to say *a great deal but those
who have hoard both say that "Saul"
will he distinctly better. After sing
ing the other cantatas together, the
different members of the chorus and
the principals have learned to work
better together and of course this
makes it much easier for the director
to bring out the beauties of the lines.
A number of new faces will he found
in tho casto and a much larger chorus
will sing than has sung in the other
cantatas. Taken till in all, it is ex
pected that when "Saul" is sung for
the first time it will score a triumph.
The cantata depicts by means of
music and .song the bible story of the
ascent of King David to the throne
of Israel.
Moves to the City.
Mr. B. P. Hill, who has been living
in the Hooky Springs neighborhood on
his farm, has moved into the city. He
is now occupying the house of Mr. W.
W. Jones, next to the Gilkerson Board
ing house.
works as chief clerk for tho road
master of Henry Williams' official
staff.
"Gentlemen, the governor treated
the young lady ticket seller at Belton
?\actl.v as he was represented with
having done, and 1 submit to you, in
the form of sworn affidavits, proof of
same:
Affidavit of Miss Hogers.
"'To whom it may concern: This
is to certify that the account of G?v.
ernor Bleasc's conduct in the outh
ern railway station at Belton Satur
day, July, 20, which the Belton Times
published Friday morning, August 4,
was a true account of what happened.
(Signed) "Miss Mary L BogerB.
" 'Sworn to and subscribed to be
fore me this the 8th day of August.
1911.
" 'John A. Horton,
" 'Notary Public South Carolina.
" Witness, J. O. Meredith.
Affidavit of Mr. Alexander.
'"The controversy between Gov.
Cole L. Blease and Miss' Rogers,, as
printed in the Belton Times, is cor
rect. As I was present trying to get
a ticket for tho train going to Green- |
vllle, and heard tho conversation. I
Would not have known the man If
ho had not said, 'I am Cole Blease,
governor of South Carolina,' etc.
(Signed) " 'Jas. M. Alexander.
" 'Sworn to before mo this, the 8th
day of August. 1911.
M'J, H. .Menu,
" '.Votary Public for South Carolina/1
Letter to Williams.
.Appended to Bleasc's special veto
message was a letter addressed- to
H. A. Williams, division superinten
dent of the Southern railway, from
Miss Mary J. Rogers, of Bdlton, say
ing that the governor had not Insult
ed her. Mr. Willis declares that she
was forced to write this letter.
Tho portion of the special veto
messngo relating to the Belton Inci
dent follows:
"Also tho story that the governor
of the state had Insulted a young la
dy at Belton, when the girt herself
camo out in an open lotter and stated
tha* sbo had not been insulted, tho
newspapers which had published tho
dirty infamous Ho were furnished
With copies of the letter from tho
young lady denying the lie, but refus
ed to publish It, and the liar who ori
ginated the lie himself was too dirty
and contemptible to correct tlu< ma
licious lie that his pen had given cir
culation t?>'
Mr. Willis lives at Owlngfl, in Pall
iens county. |l<> w;:s graduated from
Wofford col I ego !n lflOS. This is his
first lernt in the st.at? l?gislntlire??
The State.
LAUKENS NE GBO SENTENCED.
Nogro who Broke Into Several Stores
Here Before Christmas Glren Homy
Sentence in Spartanburg.
Ellis Sampson, the nogro who broke
into tho stores of Clardy & Wilson and
othors at this placo during tho carni
I vul last fall, was given a trial at
j Spartanburg a few days ago for sim
ilar offenses committed tboro. A total
of twelve years In sentences was Im
posed ou him, to be served on tho
county chain gang. Sampson has the
charges stiil against him bore and
when he finishes his sentences In
Spartanburg county ho will be brought
hero for trial. From an examination
of his premises at Spartanburg, made
by Chief Bagwell of Laurens assisted
by several Spartanburg officers, it was
found that Sampson had concealed a
large amount of clothing and other
things going to show that he had con
ducted a systematic campaign of plun
der.
Matthew Eichelborger, also colored
and a native of this county, was con
victed along with Sampson of several
thefts. Ho is also serving time there.
THE LEGISLATURE
NOW IN SESSION
Legislators have been Overrun with
Messages From His Excellency
Slashing Right and Left at Every
thing in View.
The first week of the Legislature
passed off without anything of Impo.t
ance being accomplished. The week
was principally taken up with routine
matters, reports, first and second read
ing bills: judicial elections and Blease
messages. Nothing has yet been said
about having a short session, so it is
supposed1 that the solons will stick out
tho'whole forty days and get the per
diem. In this connection it might be
said that Sen. Wharton, of this county,
has introduced a bi-ennial session bill.
No action has yet been taken on it.
Senator Wharton has also introduced a
bill authorizing the county commis
sioners to appropirato $150 for the
collection and collaboration of Con
federate records of this county.
Tho session was called to order
Tuesday at noon, when the governor's
message was road. The governor
made sweeping recommendations as
to changes in the different offices. He
recommended that the offices of state
bank examiner, bureau of agriculture,
state geology, game warden and in
surance commissioner be abolished,
the work to be put in the hands of
other departments of the state's gov
ernment. He also recommended the
reduction of appropriations, especially
those to the colleges of higher educa
tion in the state. He advised the in
stallation of an electric chair in the
state penitentiary to take the placo of
tho gallows. He made his usual rec
ommendations .as to negroes and rec
ommended; again all measures sug
gested in former messages. The Sen
ate passed over tho governor's veto
the Newborry rural police bill, which
came over from last session.
Wednesday.
Wednesday -the govornor sent a
scathing message to. tho legislature
along with the- newspaper libel bill,
which he vetoed at the last session. In
his message he made on'o of his char
acteristic attacks ou newspapers in
general and Columbia State in par
ticular. Later the judiciary commit
tee, to whom tho message had boon re
ferred, recommended that the mes
sage bo ? expunged from tho records
and also that tho libel bill be passed
over his veto. Both recommendations
were not acted upon but were placed
on tho calendar to be debated upon
today. Then senate Wednesday als*"
passed over tho governor's veto, tho
bill ordering an Investigation Into the
doing of the old winding up' commis
sion. Tho.house also passed over his
veto tho Spartanburg rural police bill.
Tho senate passed the same bill over
his veto later in tho week. Wednes
day saw tho introduction by Charles
ton mombors of an anti-raco track
gambling bill.
A bill was Introduced Thursday to
appoint a commission to build a su
preme court building on tho grounds
belonging to tho state in Columbia.
Friday 'Comptroller Jones sent In
bis usual report to the Legislature
showing that it would take at least
$2,654,614 to run the state during the
coming year, according to the recom
mendations of tho different stale of
ficers. It required $1,038,268,67 to run
tho stntO lost year. As tho income of
the ? i tfl i I not over $ I .OOS.Onp, the'
;? iconnnohded appropriations will havo
to bo shaved considerably. .Mr. Jonen
JUDICIAL ELECTIONS
FINISHED EARLY
Expected Contents for Judicial Posi
tions did not Materialise, tho Elec
tions being Finished the First Week.
(Columbia Record, Saturday.)
With the reelection of Judge J. W.
DeVoro and S. W. G. Shlpp to the
eleventh and twelfth circuit benches,
respectively, the joint session of the
general assembly filled all vacancies
in the judicial deportment of the State
last night, and concluded its session.
The election of Judge DeVorc was
forecasted yesterday afternoon, when
his name was proposed to the assem
bly, nnd voted upon with no opposi
tion, but thero not being a quorum
present, tho result was not declared.
The election was concluded in short
order last night, then1 being no op
posing candidates offering for either
place. While all the judicial elections
have been held, and all the vacancies
on the bench filled, tho legislature
still has several other positions to till,
among them being the election of ail
insurance commissioner. Mr. Mc
Mastor's term expires this year. There
arc several trusteeships to till, and
other offices, including that of State
librarian. This latter position Is now
held by Miss L. 1). LaDordc, who has
rendered very efficient service during
her past terms.
The fact that the legislature has
succeeded in tilling all the vacancies
on the judicial department of the
State, within the brief period of five
days in which it has been in session,
is looked upon as somewhat remark
able, especially in view of the fact
that, it was expected that there would
be contests for several of the places.
The general assembly has elected a
chief justice of the supreme court,
Mr. Eugene If. Gary, to succeed Chief
Justice Jones, a fourth associate jus
tice under the terms of the const it u
tionol amendment, Judge R. ('. Watts,
an associate justice to succeed Mr.
Gary, Mr. Thomas P. Faser of Suin
ter, and has reelccted Asociatc Jus
tice C. A. Woods, this giving a full
court with five members.
In addition to the supreme court
judges, the general assembly has
elected Mr. Hoyno F. Rice of Aikon
to succeed the late Judge Hoheit Aid
rich, of tiie Bccond Circuit; Mr. Frank
H. Gary of Abbeville to succeed tho
late Judge .1. ('. KlUgll, on the eighth
circuit; and Mr. Thomas II. Spain of
Darlington to succeed Judgo Richard
C, Watts of the fourth crctlit, whoso
elevation to the supremo court left a
vacancy and the reelection of Judges
DeVorc and Shlpp, thus filling all the
vacancies on the circuit bench of the
State.
The Scries Continues.
Rev. Mr. Thayer has announced his
subjects for next Sunday morning and
evening. The morning sermon, which
wfll be a continuation of the series
entitled "The Hall of Fame" will be
on "Job." The evening's sermon will
have as the subject "Jesus, as a Con
versationalist." Rev. Mr. Thayer has
also announced that on account of tho
inclement weather ho has asked Dr.
E. O. Taylor to cancel the ongngomcnt
Willah he had here for Thursday even
ing.
At the Moving Picture Show.
In spite of the very cold and (lift- !
agreeal le weather Manager Lavender
.has been keeping the moving picture
machine going every night. Taking
the weather Into consideration, fairly
good crowds have been attorning, too.
Mr. Lavender has announced that
three new reels will he put on each
night as heretofore. The prices are
always tho same, 5 and 10 cents.
To Attend Superintendent's Meeting.
County Superintendent of Educa
tion Ceo L. Pitts will leave today for
Columbia, where ho goes to attend a
meeting of tho superintendents from
nil over the state. The superintend
ents have an organization which meets
yearly during the sessions of the Leg
islature. Mr I'i'ts is secretary of the
organization and Ik one of the most
active mem hers.
I also asked for a tax board so that the
'state finances will be put on a bettor
basis. He charged that numbers of
big corporations are not paying any
tax at all.' At this seas ion c.ov HI ease
also sent another f?Ossngo h commend
ing tho abolishment of the lioslorj
mill and tho Improvomeitt'of Condi
tions generally In the sla'o prisons.
The scions adjourned Friday < v< n
in>. td meet again, Wednesday:.
Richard c. mm
associate justice
Elevated to the Supreme
Bench.
THOMAS B. FRAZER
ONLY OPPONENT
Judge Watts Wttfl Nominated by Mr.
YV. r. Stevenson und bis nomination
was Seconded by Semitor .J. .11.
Wbarton Judge Hemiuluger With
drew from the Uace.
By a vote of 89 to '>.r> Richard C.
Watts of Chesterfield, judge of tho
Fourth Circuit, was elected fourth as
sociate justice of the Smith Carolina
BUpreme court over Thomas B, Fraser
of Sumtor, tho only other nominee,,
Tuesday night at a meeting of the
joint assembly.
.lodge Watts was nominated by W.
F. Stevenson. His nomination was
seconded by Senator Wharton, Mr.
Dixon, Mr. McGill, Mr. Miller and the
m a rlboro delegation.
Mi*. Fraser was nominated by Sen
ator Johnstone. His nomination was
ttconded by Mr. Dick, Mr. Fultz. Mr.
Richardson, Mr. Chandler and Mr.
Wlngard.
The election of Judge Watts tills
the place provided for by the consti
tutional amendment voted ou favor
ably by tbe qualified electors of
the state and adopted by the gen
eral assembly at a later session.
Letter From Judge Meniminger.
Tho following letter in regard to
the refusal of Judge R, W. Meminger
to allow his name to be placed in
nomination has been given out for
publication by Senator Sinkler:
'Senator iUlger Sinkler, Columbia,
S. C.
"My Dear Senator. Referring t?>
our conference in Charleston last Sat
urday, and your offer then to put mo
In nomination for an associate Justice
ship at the present sitting of tin- gOU
eral assembly with support of mem
bers of the Charleston delegation (as
my duties In this cireiut will keep mo
continuously occupied for several
weeks, and i v.mi have no opportunity
of seeing you), 1 am writing to Btato
that I have decided not to enter the
contest.
"Please give this statement publi
city at the sanio time expressing sin
cere thanks to those who loyally ad
vocated my candidacy last year; as
suring them bow keenly it lias been
appreciated, and regretting that con
ditions were BUCh that i could not
reach a decision sooner and advise
thom of it; and fuhy sensible of tho
high honor which has already been
accorded me by the people of South
Carolina, together with the assurance
of continued sup; ort and thanking
you warmly for your willingness to
again put me forward for a pro
motion, which, however, at this time,
as stated. 1 do not care lo attempt,
but looking forward with absolute
j confidence in the future, while con
tinning earnestly to perform the trusts
now reposed in me, hello VC um- to be,
"Yours very truly,
"it. Withers Mcmmingor,
"Anderson. S. ('., January X, 1912"
How The) Noted.
Tho names of the members of the
senate who voted for 15. C. Wattfl fol
low:
Acker man, Appolt, Black, Carlisle,
Croft. Crosson, Dennis, Karle, Forrst,
Oroon, Hardtn, Lanoy, Lawson, Lido
Manning, Mars, W. L. Mauldin, Sink
ler. Strait. Sullivan, Walker, Waller
Woston, Wbnrton and Young-?26,
Tin; names of tho members of tic
house who voted for R. C. Watts fol
low:
Arnold, Ashley, Bailey, _J n.
guard, Hodle, Book tor, Royd, BrlCO
T. I?. Brown, Bryan, Butler. Charles
J. M. Daniel, Dixon, Dobson, Drum
mond, Earlo, ?vans, Oary, Hamilton
Hunter, Hlnos, Hopkins, Horlbeck
Hunter, Irby, Jackson, Jon OS, Kirvlu
Lee. 1.eland, MoCraney, MeDow, M i
-ill, Mansfield, Manuel. Mauldfti
Meares, Miller, Moite, fvfewar, Nlch
olson, W. I'. Otlom, Osborno, I' gues
I'oeplos, Polk, Rembet, Sail v. Saw
vor. Scott. Sea iron, |< . i.. Sim i Sin
eJcton, C. D. Smith, D. i. Sic'm . K
P. Smith, Stanley, Stevenson*. '? on
Todd. Ti.rnlatll. Willis, Y< III) . (Ill
The names of th/J senator ;vlu
voted for T. B. Ft!) r follow
Batet, Chrlstonsoii, CHfldtb ' '>s
(^Continued on Pi ?? ten.
