The Manning times. (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, January 13, 1897, Image 1

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VOL XII. MANNIN~i~ S.C.. WEDNESDAY JANUARY1l1l.NO 5 A NEGRO LYNC[ED. THE MYSERIOUS HANGING OF L AW RENCE BROWN. He Was Suspectcd of Uihvlng -t Fir to the Barn of Mr. R. F. Waxnm.nmaer. near Sitton~--Arreste d and Disch arge d Hamged and Ridoled with Bullets Later. ORAs;i:uo, Jan. G.-The people of our citv v:cre thunderstruck this morning when it Was made known that there had been a lynk-inug witbin three miles of heve last night. The following are the fee's as aicertaineu: Early this morning the lifeless body of Lawrer c Brown, a well-built ne gro of about 20 y es s. was found lang ing from the daneer signal at the crossing of the old stage read and the South Carolina and Georaii rauroad, one mile from Stilton, and abcut three miles from Orangeburg. How it got there is still a mystery to every one. Several bullet and gunshot wcuands were found on the locciv. The post frcm which the bcdy was hanging is about 15 feet high and 3 feet from the track. The face of the corpse was turned towards the post and his bsck to the railroad. Pin nea to his back was found a placard wi:h the following irci iption: "Noticet& all whom it way corcern: Judge Lyrch's court is in session to night for the protection of ur proper iy, and by the help of God he wil convict and execute any man, woman or child that burns or destroys our property with fire. We will protect our homes and property and our xieighbors shall not suffer loss from the hellish fire buas. Let this be a warning to others." Coroner Dukes went to the scene of the lynchinz.-early this morning and, after empaneling a jury, of 12 reliable 'men, with Capt. G. W. Brunson as foreman, commenced the inquest. 1sam Brown, brother of the deceased, testified that late last night he heard several shots fired in the direction of the crossing, which is about half a mile from his house, and later he saw three persons on horseback from Lhat dir6ction, but could not tell who they were, whether nes roes or whites, or even if they were men or women. He attached no importane whatever to these circumstances until he foand that his brother had been lynched.. Mr. R E. Wannamaker testified that he also heard several shots fired last night about the same hour as sworn to by the negro, but thought nothing of it, as it was a very c mmon occurrence. No one knew until today what those shots wreant, but now there is no doubt but that those with the rope used, were the means of sending the soul of Lawrence Brown into eternity. Whether or not justice has been done, time alone will prove. Following are the facts and circum stances which undoubtedly led to this lynching: On last Friday night the barn of Mr. R. E. Wannamaker, who lives at Stilton, was burned to the ground, proving a very severe loss to the owner. Lawrence Brown was suspected of the crime and lodged in jail to await a preliminary hearing. Mr. Wannamaker said he had strong proof against Brown, but as there were others implicated also, and he wishea to catch the whole crowd, he decided yesterday to withdraw the charge against Brown, turn him loose and in this way, with the aid of a dtetective, discover who the others were. Ac cardingly yesterday (Tues-iav) the charges against Brown were with drawn and he was sent on his way re joicing, but his joy was apparently short lived. Brown didn't go straight to his home, and nothing more was heard of him until his ghastly crpse was fountd dangling by the side of the railroad. Who did the deed, no one knows, and it will very likely always remain a mystery. There are two theories advanced-one is that Brown's accomplices, fearing expcsa at his hands, committed the deed and plse ad the placara on his back to mish ad those interested. Anotber is that it was done by the friends and neigh bors of Mr. Wannamaker, who sym pathized with him in his great loss of property. No one can tell which of these is correct. This is the secnd time Mr. Wanna maker has been burnt out in about two years. A hittle over two yea~s ago. at night, Mr. R. E Wannamaker had his barn and outbuildings burnt, and the very next night those of Mr. E. N. Wannamaker, who also lives at Stilton, were burnt. Several negroes are now serving terms in tnle peniten tiary for these crimes. Coroner Dukes was not Eatisfied with the result of today's inquest, so adjourned the in quest until tomorrow, when it is hoped that other fse'.s will be made known. Some excitement and indignation pre vails among the negroes, but no trou ble is feared. The coroner is using his best endeavors towards finding the guilty parties, but whether or not he will succeed is yet to be seen. It is hoped, however, that success will crown his untiring efforts. -State. DR T. A. JEFFoRDs, a regular licensed practicing play sician of the county of Orangeburg and State of South Carolina being duly sworn, says that at the request of Coroner D. E. Dukes and a jury of inquest empan elled in the case of South Carolina vs Lawrernce Brown, deceased, he exam ied the dead body of Lawrence Bown in the public stage road about three and a half miles from Orange burg, and foun~d the neck of the de ceased broken, a pistol bullet on the left side under the skin, about four inhes below a line drawn through the nipples arnd about five inches from the mecian line, one pistol ball in the leIt groin and about four inches from the median line: bullet was under the skin; cne oistoi ball in right side, about eight inches from median line, and about eight inches below the Ihae of nipples; this tullet was also under te skin: a fe r abrasions on the chin and under the chin on the neck. There were no other marks on front of the body. On the back of the body there were evidences of eighteer buck hot, or pistol baits, rang ing from the base of the neck to toe buttcck. Also there were evidences of three loads of small shot, one in the left arm at the elbow, one in the left side, about five inches from the spinal column, and one in the lef t butticc, about four inches from spinal column, all of which was suilicient to cause ceath. iSAAC B~towN, a venerable looking old colored man, came up next. He is the fathe rof wrence Brown. who was ynched. e lived neata'ir---am,- S wamip. ut vfrs ago he hired Law his son, to Albert Bennett. ce would have been 22 years couple of weeks- He has not so since Christmas. He saw hun at his home: since tn he has not seen his ;oa until the killing. He was not at the tire. Liwrer.ce went home to soend Christmas. and carried presents with hin. H1e was tod of ,be kiiling by a hale boy, who saw him while on his way to school. He heard of tbe i tir during the rnorn ing. le knew his son was im ,i and be c me down to see about i boy Monday. It wis then put ot un til Tiurfdy. Mr. Jefords: "You new he was discharg sl :' Uzeie Isa-c: -I knew notbing about the whole thing.' He said he knew aosolutely ncta ing of his sou's death or how it oc curred. GKORG. WHETSTONE, a bright looking negro, saia be livel on Mr. R. 'E. Waunanaaker's place ar.d knew Lawrence Brown, whcse body was found by the roadside. le was going up the road yesterday to lcok after some sicck with William Govan. He siw the boy's body hang ing on the crcss piece. 'He did not go anv closer to the body, and reco:mized the body as tnat of Lawrence Brown. A short while afterwars-j brother recorn'zed him, He then went back to his nome and reported his find. The last he saw cf Brown was the ziiht of the fire until be saw the dead body . By his clock the shooting oc currEd at sixteen minutes to 10 o'cicc0. When he was roused there were eight or ien shots tired. and he was in a doze atd the firing did not disturb him. RICHARD WILSON, COLORED. lived near the scene of the trouble. He was at home on the night of the killine. Yesterday Isham Brown asked him to cime to town with him, and on his way from home to town they saw Liwrence Brown's dead body. He did not go t> the body. Isham Brown recognized him. He heard shooting about 10 o'clock. He last saw Lawrence Brown alive Friday morning. Brown worke d for Mr. Bennett. He did not go to the fire at Mr. Wannamaker's. ISAAC BROWN. a brother of L iwrence Brown, was at the O'cain pl %ee tUe night of the kill ing. He kner nothing further about the killing. .. LOX Ron1NSON. WHITE, lives Uear Ja:u-son. He knew noth ivg about the case. lie did not hear the shooting, living about 1 to 1E miles of Orangeburg. He saw Brown Tuesday afternoon in Mr. Wanna maker's buggy. MR. .1. M. KNOTTS. a young white man from the county, who livEs about 16 miles from here, was next examined. He bougat the "railroad place," where Mr. Alfred Bennet lived. Tne 'place" was owned by the South Carolina and Georgia Road. He was yesterday moving to the place. He is Mr. -Wannamaker's brother in-law. Day before yester d.y, Tuesday. he heard of the Wonna maker fire. He found the barn burn ed, and saw Mr. Wannamaker about sundown Tuesday at his home. They were all 1,i the store about 10 o'clock, when ther heard shcoting. There were in the store with him: Mr. It. E..W'nnamaker, Cliford Westbury, Addison Haynes, "Solomon," a col ored boy, probably, and myself. He was certain that Mr. Westbury, Mr. Havnes and Mr. Wannamaker were there with him. They heard shooting about 10 o'clock. The front door was closed and they could not locate the rmng. Some said it was up at a ne gro house on the place; they all thought it was firecrackers shooting of. At tirst there was a gun fire, both barrels were fired. After that the firing was all from pistols, he thought. They walked to the door, and by that time all was over. They did not see anyone pass. The next morning a colored boy told Addisor: Haynes there was a dead man up the road hanging on the railroad crossing post. He and Mr. Wannamaker re turned about 12 o'clock. They were together all evening. Ttey were talk ing busihess, as he had .iust moved over. He knew nothing about the guilty par-ties, or of the burning. Mr. Ri. E. Wannamaker simply cor roborated the evidence c f Mr. Knotts. He saw Lawrence Brown Tuesdlay. ie went on to say that Brown was held on suspicion of burning his barn, and "in fac:, I believe we had enough evidence to convict him." After consultation with his attorney, he had him turned out, and to with draw the indictment temrnorarily for the purpose of working up other testi mny implicating other parties. Mr. Lite was the attorney I consulted. Af ter getting the disecharge he went to the jail and had Brown released. He wanted to ask some questions of Brown and wanted a witness present to hear what he had to say, and asked Mr. Noah Wertz to go up with him. The jailer was not present when he went there, and a young lady allowed Brown to be removed after getting the order of dismissal. Brown came out wita Mr. Wertz and Mr. Wannama ker. lie asked him if he was going home, and he replied, yes. lie asked me if he could get a seat in my buggy and I at tirst told him yes, but know ing and believing he was the party who burned my barn, I told him be had better walk home, Hie walked to wards the postotlice, and I did not see Brovn again until he was hung up on the post. When we turned him out it was understood that it was not be cause we believed him innocent, but aim ply to implicate others. Hie said he had gotten Mr. Hampton Dukes to ar range to employ a detective to work up ine case, and ne was to or had writ ten about the matter. OIAGISTR ATE C. I'. BRNNSoN swre that he wrote the discharge for Lawrence Brown on then5th, Tuesday. The disenarge was directed to the sher if. It was given at the request of the prsecuing~ witness, who came to him and told him he would like more time and saic~. he wanted more time, and if he got more evidence he would renew the charge, as he could work up the case better with Brown at large. He did not consider the dismissal temporary. He judged that the case was to be pushed, out that the dismis sal was final so far as he was concerned. Tim cnarge could be renewed at any time. There was no preinninary hear ing. There was no evidence otf'ered. The warrant was issued on informa tion and belief. He understood Drown was to be ussd as a decoy. If he had gotten hold of any evidence he would never have discnarged hun. ie asked for the nature uf the evi dence, but none was pressted Mr. Wanuamsker believed Bro su was the guilty party, and expected to get proul to show it conclusively. 0ix. S. w. WERTz wet to the jail with Mr. Wanna maker a littue after 4 Oclock. Hie was aked whether the discharge was all buzzy wi.h Mr. Wannamaker. Brown told Mr. Wannamaker he knew noth ing abjut the burning of his barn. Mr. Wannamaker told Brown that he did not have much evidence against hin: although he believed he was guil tv, and if he promised to behave him stif he would have him released. ADDI-SoN HAYNES, COLORED. corroborated the testimony of Mr. K notts as to being iu his store about to o'clock, . e.. he was in the store with M r. Wannamaker and Mr. Knotts when the firing was heard outside. MR. WANNAMAKER, b-irg recalled, said that Brown was in his bigv only for a few minutes, and ht told Brown to get out, as he had other business. Brown did not ride out with him. MR ALBERT BENNETT swore that he lived near Stilton's. He was at home Tuesday, and in the after noon took a load of oats to his new place. Returned home about 8 o'clock and went to spend the night with his father, who lived about a mile away. He heard of the lynching next morn ing. He saw Brown Friday night at his house. Rrown lived on his place. He did not see Brown Tuesday nignt. Yesterday Isham Brown, a brother of the deceased, testified that he saw three men ridtby his house af ter he heard firing. This ended the testimQov i : the case. The jury, of which Capt.-G.orge W. Brunson was foreman, went iutm a consideration of the case, aad ren dered the following verdict: "That Lawrence Brown carnie to his death by violent means, indicted by party or parties unknown to the jury." The jury was dismissed, and this ended the second chapter in the tra gedy. As was stated this morning, it was suggested that the confederates of Brown were suspicious of him and fearing treachery on his part, killed him. This is a theory. Then there is another, which is much more likely. The community, hear ing of Brovn's release, not knowing of Mr. Wannamaker's plan to use Brown in making other arrests, but feeling that Brown was the guilty par ty and would not suffer just punish ment, immediately organized and dis patched the sapposed "fire bug." This frame of mind was assisted by the fact that there had been three such fires in the immediate neighborhood within a short period, and that a brother of Brown was now serving a ten-year sentence, having been con victed of setting fire to Mr. Elliott N. Wannamaker's barn. There has not been any talk about the relatives of Brown bringing an action under the provisions of the new Constitution for the "violent" killing of the lad, ana it is not knc wn that any such proceedings will be under taken. HE WAS NOT A MARRIED MAN. It is said that Brown and his family lived on a piece of property that went into the hands of Mr. Wannamaker, or his family, and that when the Browns had to leave the place Law rence said: "It will never do him any good.'" This is alleged to have been a threat that pointed to Brown's guilt. The last lynching in Orangeburg County was that of Jack Prater, who was stung up in the eighties, after a jury had failed to render a verdict in response to public sentiment.-News and Courier. A Chicago Yarn. CHicAGO, January 6.-A Superior, Wis., special says: Bloodshed may be the result of a misunderstanding between tIwo prominent men. The parties are Col. C. D. Loud, who is here from Savannah, Ga., and WV. J. Holden, a local shipbuilder and poli tician. Col. L->ud was engaged in en :ouraging immigration to the fruit growing sections of Georgia. Holden was sent with Col. Loud a short time ago to Georgia by a party of ship yard ont to look over the country. W hile .:ay Holden conceived the idea of oing into business himself and start d a rival business about three miles from Col. L-ud's lands, near Macon. he Colonel demanded an explana ion and got Holden out in the South >ae night to cowhide him, but the lat ter escaped in the darkness. Both men were armed, so said the Colonel, although shooting on his part was to be the last resort. The q uarrel has been carried to this city, and Loud hreater'ed either to cowhide Holden :r kill him because he had done him a dirty trick. Both men are talking oud and threateningly and a duel has been hinted at. Col. L-ud is a typical 3outherner, who has the reputation of aving protected his honor on ground where blood has been spilled. Holden stubborniy holds off and friends are keeping them apart and say that a uel may yet end the misunderstand tg. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ D~eath of a Noted Yankee. NEW YoRK, Jan. G.--Big Pete Au brey, a war veteran, died at his home in Florence, Mass., today of blood poisoning resulting from an cld wound Ee was famous as the giant chief of police at Andersonville prison and other Southern prisons in the latter part of the war. Aubrey was born at Ruse's Point, N. X., in 1833. When the civil war came he enlisted in Com pany B. Wih New York regiment, and was~ in the Peninsula campaign. At Yorktown he was wounded in the head by a bullet, which was never removed. On April 30, he was cap tured and sent to Andersonville where he was elected chief of police. Later he was removed to the prison at Flor ence, S. C., and again to the Onarles ton Race Course, and at both he acted as the head of the police. He had a number of thrilling adventures in try ing to escape. ____ sunk Near Fort Carroll. BALTIORE, Jan. .-T vo lives were lost as the result of a collision in the Chesapeake Bay. near Fort Car roll, this morning. The Merchants' and Miners' steamer Howard, from isoston and Norfolk, crashed into the tug Job T. Wilson, of the Virginia Dredging Company, and sunk her. The engineer, James Chilrus, 54 years old, and Charles O Chappell, aged 17. son of the captain of the tug, were crowned. Tne captain and tne other four members of the crew clung to th~e mud scows which were in tow of the tug until rescued, Chilrus leaves a widow and four children at Norfolk, Chappell's home was in R-ichmond, A vic'.ory fojr Darmt c:ras. D~ovER, De. ,Jan. 4.-The court of errors and appea!s today reverred the decision of the superior court for a re cont of the vote in Kent county by the canvassing board. This is a vic tory for the D~emocrats and gives that party a decided majority in the legis lature, which will elect a Unmted Stis Senator. THE FARMERS' COLLEGE. NUABER OF STUDENTS A LITTLI LESS THAN LAST YEAR. The I;oard of Trustees Argue for a Contin uance of the Appropriation of the Pr1V ilege Tax-Presildent Craighead's Re port of Operatlons. Clemson College is one of the insti tutions of the State in which the far mers especially are interested and r will be gratifying to them as well a, all of the people of the State to knov that the institution is flourishing an from the reports of the officers seem: to be accomplishing much good. President Craighead, in the course of his report, gives the following fig ures to show the number of student. by classes, which is slightly less that last year: Seniors, mechanical.............. 2. Seniors, agricultural.... ......1 Juniors. mechanical.......... 1 Junors, agricultural.......... 1; Sophomores, mechanical......... 2( Sophomores, agricultural...... 2 Freshmen................... 6 Fitting school....................16 Special students............. Summary by counties: Abbeville,25 Aikeu. 5; Anderson, 32; Barnwell, IS Berkeiev, 2: Beaufort, 1; Charleston : Chester, 5: Chesterfield, 4; Claren do on, Colleton, 7; D irlington- 9 .i"getield, i - Fairfield, 7; FL 'rence, 5; Greenville, 1,3Hnip~a'- 1; Ker shaw, 6: Lancaster, 1: Laurens, 1 Lexington, 11; Marion, 3; Marlboro 12: Newberry, 7; Oconee. 16; Orange burg, 18; Pickens. 21; Richland, 6: Saluda, S Spartanburg. 16; Sumter, 5; Williamsburg, 4; York, 5; total 315. By States: Washington. D. C.. 1: Transylvani-, N. C., 2; Fulton, Ga., 1; Steuben. N. Y., 1; Colquitt, Ga., 1: Faette, Mo., 1; Rome, Italy, 1 total, not counting student twice 350. FITTING SCHOOL. About half of our students, as will be seen, are in the fitting school. Ex perience shows that, of the boys whc come to us, an average of only aboul one in twenty is prepared for college. It is true that our entrance require ments, owing to the excellent work done in the fitting school, have been somewhat raised. I need not stress tne importance of thorough elementa ry instruction, and, until the district schools fit boys for college. preparato ry classes here will remain a necessi ty. Six years is rather a long time fo: a boy to remain at college. and it is to be regretted that boys cannot obtain at home good preparatory education. If this cannot be done, - each county or each congressional district should have at least one school where boys and girls could be fitted for college at a cost not exceeding that at Clemson. Major Edgeworth Blythe,who,since February, 1894, has done faithful and efficient work in the fitting school, will sever his connection with the col lege at the close of the year and begin the practice of law. Major Blythe car ries with him the respect and esteem of both faculty :nd students. . There are men in our senior class able to do his work well, and I, there fore, recommend that one of our own graduates be appointed to fill the va cancy. Prof. Morrison, the head mas ter of the school has been from time to time assisted by the professors in the college department. I deem it unnecessary to make more than a brief summary ot the work of the vario.us departments during the year. The reports of the professors ieretfore attached will give a correct idea of the work done, the text books used, the money expended, and such other information as the board may care to know. AGRICULTURAL DEPART31ENT. The agricultural department has sustained a great loss in the death of Prof. WV. L. McGee, who, on October 22, while instructing the senior class at the college barn, was caught in our corn shredding machine and fatally injured, dying after an illness of four hours. His untimely death cast a gloom over the whole college. At your last meeting it was decided to elect at this time a botanist and an etymologist. OU t of a large number of applicants for these positions I have selected two whom I feel justified in recommending to you. CHE3iCA L I EPAR T3NET. The work of the chemical depart ment, which from year to year has grown in importance, is fully set forth in Prof. Hardin's report. The number of analyses of waters, made at the re quest of parties living in nearly every part of the State, shows that our peo ple are at last realizing the necessity for good pure drinking water. No State, perhaps, is doing more than South Carolina to protect the farmers, not only against fraadulent fertilizers and other impositions, but also against impure water, the fruitful source of many ills, both to man and beast. Prof. Hardin recommends that the salary of Mr. McDonnell, a graduate of the Maryland Agricultural College, who has been employed in the fertil izer department since J uly 2, be raised to $00U. Mr. Mci)onnell's excellent work fully entitles L is to this amount. The mechanical department is at last fairly well equipped. With the excelent instructan given here and the creditable equipment already had I see no reason why students seeking courses in electrical engineering and mecanial engineering should go to other States for i.nstruction. The ex hibit recently made by this department at our State Fair was pronounoed by many to be most creditable, and gave to the people of the State s ,me knowl edge of the work attempted here. All the instructors seem to be earnest and faithful, determined to keep up with the rauid progress being made in the mechanic arts. Several of the instrue trs, including the superintendent. Prof. Thmpkius, wish to spend their vacations at Cornell, the Drexel insti tute, and other great polytechnic schools. TH E ACA1E11r DEPARtT3ENT. The mathematical department, un der the direction of Prof. Clinkscales, who, at the beginning of tne year, was promoted to a full professorship. is. I think, meeting the need especial ly of mechlanical students for thor uh miathematical training. If, as was once' contemuplated by the board, stuents desiring it are to have in structon in civil engineering, I re commend that this work be assigned to Assistant Professor Brodie. Tne report of the surgeon shows that the health of students has been fairly good, but not so good as our excellent sanitary conditions seem tc wvarrant. The surgeon, however, has treatment of a number of critical cases. We have lost by death one student during the year-W. H. Mar tin of Orangeburg, who died of meas les. complicated with pneumcnia. It is gratifying to report that the mat ron of the hospital, Mrs. Porcher, is also a most excellent nurse. Mr. Gor don is also a reliable and conscientious nurse. The manazement of the hos pital is entirely satisfactory. The laundry cannot be made self sustaining unless the number of gar ments which students are now per mitted put out be cut down or the price raised. LIURARY. The library now contains 2 105 vol umes, 700 of which have been added during the year, and many Damphlets and government reports. Nine hun dred and ninety-eight dollars have been spent for books and cases during the year. I earnestly recommend that not less thaa $2,000 be anproriated for library, and I also call your attention to the following resolution of the faculty, which I heartily endorse: 'n mo tion of Mr. Morribon (seconded by Mr. Lucas), it was "Resolved, That the faculty peti tion the board of trustees, through the president of I e o f pro vide for a trai iibrarian." LI NARY SOCIETIES. The. ee literary societies-the .La] oun, the Palmetto, and the Co lumbian-meet every Friday niaht in their handsomely furnished halls for exercises in o--.:4ory, declamation and debate. I recommend that every stu dent join one of these societies, but those who prefer not to do so are re quired to declaim before the fac-altv. In connection with the library is a reading room, supplied with the lead ing papers and periodicals, half the expense of maintaining which is de frayed by the faculty. The Young Men's Christian Associ ation is a strong influence for good among thecadets. Six members of the association, whose expenses were partly defrayed by the faculty and students, attended the Knoxville Summer School. FARMERS' INSTITUTES. Seven Farmers' Institutes have been held at the following places: Orange burg, Walhalla, Laurens, Fairview, Anderson, Manning, and Darlington. Dr. Wyman and I attended all the in stituteF, and Profs. Hardin, McGee, DuPre and Hart three or more. Near ly all the institutes were well attend- i ed, and I think both the farmers and the professors attending were benefit ted. In many States appropriations by the Legislatures of from five to fifteen thousand dollars are made for this work. Our experience this year will enable us to do better work next year, should the board see fit to appro priate money for this purpose. The faculty recommends to you for the degree of B. S. the following ca dets, each of whom has successfully comleted the agricultural course: J. M. B3ain, G. P. Boulware, J. F. Brea zeat, J. F. Folk. C. M. Farman, Jr., P. 1H. Gooding. Rt. G. Hamilton, J. H. - oore, B. F. Robertson, B. F. Sloa 13 R.Ts r ., L. _. Tompkins, B. R. Turnipseed, and L. A. Werts; and the following, who have successfully completed the me chanical course: B. M. Aull, J. T. Bowen, J. T. Bradley, F. L. Bryant, P. N. Calhoun, W tarpenterr A. M. Chreitzberg, T. W. Cothran, D. Dowling, E. P. Earle. P. G. Langley, R. E. Lee, I. M. Mauldin, 0. M. Pe gues, L. A. Sease, J. G. Simpson, A. J. Tindal, T. H. Tuten, and W. W. Wardlaw. The faculty is composed of able. energetic, conscientious gentlemen, nearly every one. of whom is an ex pert in some line of work. The kind liest feeling exists among the mem bers and all the faculty, and all the employes of the college are, I believe, enthusiastically devoted to its inter ests. They are mostly young men, ambitious to win for themselves dis tinction in their* several specialities, and if left undisturbed by political combinations, threatening frequent changes in the affairs of the institu tion, will make Clemson a college of which the State may be proud. The deportment of students has been ex cellent, and their devotion to the col lege most commendable. In conclu sion, I desire to thank the board fo~r their support and for the interest which they have always taken in the success of the college. Respectfully submitted, E. B. CRalGEEAD. The Board of Trustees in the course of tneir report, in speaking of the privilege tax says: By reference to the report of J. P. Smith, secretary of the fertilizer de partment, the total amount received from the privilege tax this year is $49,872.37. The expenses charged against this department is $4,533.82, leaving for the 'college from net pro Leds of the privilege tax, $45,340.55. (The salary of professor of chemistry and his assistant, the cost of bulletins and the analysis of waters are not in cluded in the expenses charged against the fertililer department.) The income of the college for the year consists of: The net proceeds of privilege tax.................53' 55 Interest from land script fund................. 5,7:4 o0 Interest from Clemson be quest...............- 3,5.2 30 From incidentals...........554 95 $55,l01 86 Should the privilege tax realize as much next year as this there will be a sutlicient amount to meet the expenses of the college, and comp:.ete trie de velepment of the agricultural depart ment of the college. which is very much needed. We therefore earnest ly re quest that the college be left in undistur bed possession of the privilege tax. Thev advocates of Clemson Col leea wy ontended that this privi lege tax, if properly expended, would pay the expenses of a college wawah would be of a great benefit to the peo ple of the State. This claim has been fulfilled, and to-day Clemson college for the year 18%, graduating a class of thirty-seven young men, and that too without a dollar of appropriation from the State Treasary. The appli cation of the privilege tax to Clemi son College was decided by the peo ple in the campaign of 1S:, and we trust that this fuand will not nIow be taken from the college when it is just getting upon its feet, ar d just getting ready for eilicient work. There were in attendance upon the college at tihe close of the collegiato year 'about 30; students. F-rom the best information we have this number will be largely increased at the reop enn of the college in February, net.Th curraium of the collee has been thoroutely revised at the present meeting of theBoard and Clem son College is in reality and truth an Agricultural and Mecanical College, and is the largest institution of the kind in the Southern States. It has no catch courses, the only two courses. in the college are the agricultural and mechanical courses, and every boy is required to take one of these courses. ln concluding, the Board sav: This Board earnestly entreats each and every member of the General Assembly to remember the ditficulties and backsets which have been en countered n bringing the college up to what it is to day, and to lend to the Board their help and assistance. Fur thermore, we urgently reauest, if possible, every member of your bodies to visit Clemson College during this session: and if you desire to ac cept this invitation an intimation to that effect will be suilicient, and some members of the Board will make the necessary arrangements, and look after the e >.nfort of the visitors. R. W. SiuPsoN, President Board of Trustees Clemson Agricultural College. ARMOR PLATE FRAUDS. Herbert Tells How Uncle Sam Has Iseen Victlmmle: W.sINuTON, Jan. 5.-Secretary Herbert today transmitted to Con gress his reply to a provision in the last naval apprapriation bill, direct ing him to examine into the actual cost of armor plate and report to Congress before January 1, 1897, and to make no contract for armor plate for the vessels authoriz-d by that Act until after the report was made to Congress. The report is a very important and in mary respects a sensational docu ment. The present cost of armor is $583 per ton. Mr. Herber's conclu sion is that the cost of material and labor is $193.70 and allowing for the cost of maintaining the plant and the nickel now furnished by the govern ment and 50 per cent. proat to the companies the next cost to the govern ment would be in round numbers W00 per ton. The Carnegie and Bethle hem Companies have both expressed a desire to sell out their plants to the government. Secretary Herbert says that both the Carnegie and Bethlehem Com paines declined last spring to give the information on the ground that they were not obliged to give to the public the secrets of their business. The Bethlehem Company fnaally submitted a statement placing the cost of armor plate at $194 per ton. Ac ompanying it was a letter which stated that in view of the government's proposal to operate a plant of its own, the company desires to withdra w "from this troubiesome business by selling to the government below cost our entire armor plate plant, which we be lieve to be the best in the world." The Cargenie Company also sent a letter about this time declining to give a full statement of cost, but giving the elements entering into the cost, exclu of the shop cost, making it $221. 'he Cargenie Com urn then also nimadverted on t act taat the work f making arLc.L had bee undertaken at the reouest of the g-vernment and said it would, if the government de sired to manufacture its own armor. be "only too happy to sell its plant at cst." Mr. Herisert says the government experts do not sustain the estimates o the Cargenie Company. Mr. Her bert calls attention to the fact that the companies made no statements until be had returned from Europe where he had procured two estimates of the cost of armor plate. "An inspection of the prices paid by the American companies," Mr. Herbert says, "will indicate that they agreed with each other as to prices. Taey divided the contracts of tais government bet ween themselves, each bidding lower on one half of the armor required by the government." Secretary Herbert concludes that 3250 may be taken as a fair cost of a ton of armor. The Secretary says that it is essential that these or other plants be kept in operation. Mr. Herbert1 says it is not desirable that the govern ment should manufacture armor and for these reasons very liberal profits should be offered to the present con tractors to induce them to continue their plants in operation and r.e re cmmends as a fair profit 50 per cent. on the cost of manufacture, which would be $375 pe:- ton. It will p'rove litiicult to obtain armor for the battle; ships already under contract if the 3mpanies refuse to bid within the limit Congress may fix. To eliminate this difliculty Mr. Herbert recom mends that upon fixing a price for armor. Congress also authorizes the Secretary to erect or buy or lease an armor plant or a gun plant il necces sary. A Political Freighxt Train.~ SILvER SPIUNos, N. -., -ian. t3 - Dne hundred and sixty cars loaded with 5,450,000 pounds of salt left here oday consigned to New England tirms. The train was the Worcester salt special, bearing a consignment of orders to New England, which had been given contingent upon Presi lent McKinley's election. The vast shipment made up the finest freight train ever put together. The cars were handsomely decorated with vari :olored banners. Tbis train will go ver the Etrie Railroad to Jersey City and thence by the Consolidated Rail oad to Boston. A large crowd was gathered about the tramo, and as i started there was a great cheerimg. he first section has attached a private1 3ar- for representatives of the press anda oil ials of the Worcester Salt Comn pany. Tue shipment contains 14:322 barrels packed with salt in bags and ulk and 10.774 sacks not in barrels. [ the barrels in the train were placed staning one on the top of the other :he most elevated barrel would be ver six miles high. A re Pop uis~ts Honest ' RaLEIG Hi. Jan . -.-The Democratic! egislative caucus adopted unanimous - y the following resolution which1 ias passed in the hands of the Popu ist caucus: "Contiding' in the P'eople's partyI orofessions favoring free silvr we nvite cooperation witu the PopulistL uembers of the legislature in the elc ton of an advocate of.free silve;, a opponent of trusts and comabt, an n advocate of an mncomn tax to me Unted States senate. J the Peole' part" acc ' stio we ee THE OTEAT(J TIIAGEY. THE INQUEST BEGUN. SUT AD JOURNED UNT!L TH!S WEEK. Fiva Witnesses are Said to H-tavo Seen store or Lt.4 of the Tragedy. l)nt Only Two nave i5een Examin< et-The Sory s Still a H arrile One. CUA1tLESToN, Jan. S.-It was a hor rible tale, that which the News and Courier was forced to tell yesterday morning. At the breakfast tables it caused a shudder and all day the peo ple were talking of it. Two men slain and their blood on the hands of another-a man who had been always known as both hospitable and hu mane. And, worse still, one of the mea lying dead was said to have been a personal friend of the man who shot him down. Not fire hours before the fatal shooting Mr. Poppenheim is said to have greeted Mr. Mazyck most cor dially and extended to him the privi leges ot his hunting preserves. It was known that there had been hard feel ngs bet ween Mr. Brown and Mr. Pop penbeim, but no one was prepared for such a tragic and fearful end to their dispute. The story in the News and Ccurier ?esterday was even discrediteed by -ny. It was too hard to btlieve for those t -new the men and had b ashort time befor , erhaps, ).en in timately associated with '7 is was only too true. From all sources the story conies and the variations are but fe w. Mr. Brown and Mr. Maz ck, it seems, were hunting upoa lands lased by Mr. Beown: a buck was jumped and wounded: it swam the cree', and in order to pursue it the two men went over onto Mr. Poppen heim's land, hitched their horses and hired a boat. Tney were out in the stream when hailed by Mr. Poppen heim and told to take their horses and leave his land. Then a conversation occurred, it is stated, between Brown and Poppenheim. Brown is said to have gotten up in the boat with hi, gun and the next instant fell over board, shot to the heart. His com panion. Maz;ck. is then said to have made a move as if to rise and use his gun, and received the second load from Poppenheim's gun in his fore head. Botn men;were killed instant ly. Mazyck fell forward in the boat. Mr. Poppenheim, it appears, gave some orders to several negro hands who were employed about the place and then went up to Strawberry, a station about eight miles from the scene of the tragedy. He did not sar render to the sheriff of Berkelev Wed nesday night, as was stated, but yes terday morning. He is now in the Berkeley county jail, and has em ployed Mr. H. K. Jenkins and Major Dennis as counsel. THE INyUEST was begun at the Ceaar Hill landing by Magistrate Whaley, acting coroner, yesterday morning. There were five colored witnesses to the shooting. Two of them gave their testimony yesterday, and then the in quest was adjourned to be continued] Tuesday noca, at O;ranta-. Tae tsti: nony given below is exactly as taken down by Mr. John Buzon for the act ing coroner. Magistrate Whaley. It is in a crude form and statements are repeated coatinually. but as it is below it is in possession of the proper au thorities: The jury was as follows.- J. A . Mal lard, white, foreman; John Watson, colored; Aleck Jones, colored; Caro lina Davis, colored; Christmas Lef tenant, colored; Sam Gamble, colored; Richard Ladson, colored; Joe Nelson, colored:; Sam Lef tenant, colo -a. ; Dan iel Flua, white; William You~ng, col ored: Robert Jefferson, colored; W. D. McCoy, colored; Sam Green, col ored. James Gold, colored, the first wit ness s worn, said: "I was away ar ound oak pile cording oak wood; saw Mr. Brown and Mr. Mazyck coming down the road down to the river. They got off their horses. Did not see them again till they were in the boat about middle of the river, paddling out. I then heard the galloping of a horse and on looking to see whao it was found it out to be Mr. John Poppen neim. Juast as Mr. Poppenheimn got to the landing near the water he said: "Did .'not ask you not to trespass on my land ?" I heard the gentlemen in the boat speak, but could not hear what they said. "Come back; take your horses off my lands." I heard one of the gentlemen in the boat say, "All right." They turned the boat about so as to return to the landing. When they got near the shore I heard Mr. Poppenheim say: "Did~ I not -ask you not to trespass on my land ? Did not hear what reply the gentle men in the boat male. Heard Mr. Poppenheim say: " I do not want to hear a word from you." Heard no more until gun was nred. Mr. Pop penheiim called me to help Cato Reese to get him out of water. I a~ked Ca to who was in the water and was told that Mr. Brown was. Cato got into the boat before me. Before we got to him Mr. Brown sunk. We picked up his hat. One man was dead in boat, face down, across the seat next to the stern. Did not hear Mr. Poppenheim tell Cato to take horses otf. Just be fore the gun shot heard Mr. Brown or Mr. Mazyck talking, but could not hear what they said. Cato was near est to Mr. Poppenheima, Mazyck andi Brown. When heard gua. tired II jumped up on wood pile, looked over in the river and time I get upon wood~ pile I heard anoth-er shot. When second gun fired I jam ped 0ii wocod pile. Mr. P'oppenheim called me to iielp take him out of the water. Cato ileese, sworn, says: When I~ camne down yesterday ? met Mr. .James Gold and three other- boys, rSandy Tindall,- who works for Mr. Clark, Isaac Parker and Jacco Grant. Ij heard Mr. Po)ppenheinm talking to Mr Brown and Mr. Mazyck; could not hear what anyone said on account of wind blowing hard. About thre e minutes after being on lacdinz I looked down the creek acd saw Mr: Mazycek and Mr. Brown. in a smna boat. I heard'. 1--u- -'9 off~ that horse, speaki- to Mr. aop-' penheim, "andi we we ses tm'S now." I do not ku-. -vhth meant. When I saw M- ';ow~ a he hadt a pad dle holding -t sp "tte shnor. I went t. nialn my wagoa andI we~n lo * ~aan where Mr.t p'. a ,:' Mr.azyck were I~ saw~ - sit his gun in his hands. n I eard report of a gun. ' n""! w-as standing up im tue boa' , t gun in hi h~ands, the boat on side of the shore.' I heard the rep'rL of the gun- aud saw Mr. Bro na rail overboard I becamne excited, cotnendm : ine aowards the boat. I saw Dir. M2z7cK oerore tnat siTting on the stern of the boat. Did not see him get up after second shot was fired. Mr. Poppenheim fired both barrels. Mr. Poppenheim called me to catch Mr. Browr, he being overboard. Mr. Poppenheim said to me, "You saw Mr. B1owna draw his gun on mel" I said, "I saw him with his gun in his hand, his face toward Mr. Poppenheim with his gun in his hands." Mr. Poppen heim did not tell me to take the horses away. Mr. Brown sunk. I went home. INTERESTING PARTICULARS. Mr. John Buzn went to the scene of the shooting on the early morning train yesterday. With him was Mr. Edward Mazyck, the son of one of the victims of the tragedy. Mr. Buzon made several sketcaes of the scene where the shooting occurred and has a diagram of the boat showing the po sitions of Messrs. Brown and Mazyck at the time of the shooting. These will be utsed in the trial. Mr. Brown was shot in the right breast, the whole load of buckshot taking effect there. Mr. Bazon said that if Mr. Brown was pointing his weapon or had even raised it at the time the shot could not have struck where it did, without some of it hitting the stock of the gun. The gun was-fished from the bottom of the creck and there were no shot marks o2 it. The two hammers were at the safety notch. Mr. Mazyck was struck in the top of the head by the load of shot from Mr. Poppenheim's other barrel. Mr. Buzon says that he was sitting in the rear of the boat gun lying under or beside him. Wld seem to have dodged his head do Sn -r. Poppenheim aimed at him. Tne boat was very near the laid upon which Mr. Poppenhim was. The distance between the- was hardly more than twenty feet. At the request of friends and rela tive of the deceased an autopsy was or dered last night. Tae bodies were brnught down on the 9:10 train of the Northeastera Railroad. Mr. Mazyck leaves a widow and nine children, the oldest being a girl of about 21years of age. The oldest boy, Edward, is 23 years of age. Mr. Mazyck went to Oranto saturday night. He took with him h'.s two young sons, Robert and Richard. to keep him c)mpany and to give them the pleasure of a few days in the woods. The boys were at Otranto when their father was killed, but were not allowel to see his body. They were sent do wn on the evening train to carry the sad news to their mother and brothers and sisters. List night nearly all of the boys of the family were at the depot, and saw the coffin taken from the train, and put in the undertaker's wagon. The grief in the family is pitiable. Mr. Mazyck leaves very little for the support of his wid ow and children, and this fact makes the tragedy all the sadder to their friends. 3IR. DOUGLAS'S STATEXENT. Mr. George A. Douglas, who was a member of the fatal hunting party, made the following ~.statement last night: "Oa Wednesday, :with Prty of geniemenaamona whom were Mr. L. F. Brown Mr. Stephen Mazyck, we hunted Hickory Hill on Foster's Creek. This place adjoins Mr. Poppenheim's place, Cedar Hill. About 12:30 o'clock Mr. Mazyck and myself in the drive jumped a buck, which ran to Mr. Mazyck. He fired one barrel, shoot ing the deer do wn. Mazyck was rid. ing a fiery horse and the second barrel went off in the air, the deer then took for the creek and swam for the oppo site shore, badly wounded. We stopped our dogs and continued the drive out to the stands. When Mr. Brown came up Mr. Mazyck explained the situation to him and the sugges tion was made that Brown and Ma zyck procure a boat and cross the creek, which they attempted to do, carrying one dog along and their guns. I then drove for the other gen tiemen in the direction of Mr. Bro wn's house at Goose Creek. We arrived at his house at 5:30 p. m. Hearing nothing of Brown or Mazyck we natu rally concluded that they had gotten the deer and were delayed in getting back. Tae party had to leave Mr. Brown's hcuse to catch the train at 7:30 and while at dinner about 7 o'clock a messenger from Mr. John Happoldt sayiag that Mr. Brown had been killed by Mr. Poppenheim at Cedar Hill Lhnding. and requesting me to notify the coroner. This I promptly did. "I then jumped into my saddle and rode over to Cedar Hill. When I ar rived at the landing, about 8p. mn., I could find no one, and not knowing that Mazyck was killed I hallooed for him. Receiyed no reply. and rode back about half a mile to a darky's shanty. The darky sent a boy back with me to sho w me the body of Mr. Brow~n. When we got to the .landing he carried me to a .boat in a lead o' the river, and I asked him who was in the boat. It was very dark and I could not see. He said it was Mr. Mazyck. I struck a match and found poor Mazyck dead. Then I asked for Brown, thinking, perhaps a mistake had been made. He took me to a little island, fifty yards from the boat, and there I found Mr. Brown. Upon in vestigat ion I found Mazvek~shot in the top of the head and Mr. Brd~n shot in the right side and the region of the heart. I remainett with the bodies all night, and came back to the city with them tonight. Died~ of Hydrophobia. E~AmLTI M Jan. 5.-Iwrence Wil soa of Enhia Park, who was one of t eighat bays bMtten by a mad St. RErnard dog On December 1, died at tea minutes after three this morning in horrible agony. He was bitten over the lef t eye and was the boy taken to the Pasteur Iastitute. arriving there with his father :and mz:her, Mr. and Mrs. F.~'~ E to. otv-two hours afe he was . it. Dr. Gibier, direc e:.e r thePaster Institute, 'when in stinor tod Mr. Wilson that after a~ee (/ays thae danger was reduced to a naismamf and the child had been in the best of sp 'iriths parents thought he was perfectly safe The nrst sign of te drd mt y appeared on Sat -uday, whe~n >e compltained of a dull "ai, exening from the wound in his eve to his treart. Oa Sunday night he could not sleep and towards morn ing his breathinz was very short and he was unaole to s wallo w. His father boecamne alarmed and telephoned for Dr'. McKnew, who arrived at 3 o'clock in the morning and found his patient with all the symptom of rabies. At daylighit Drs. Chew and C. Downs, an uncle of the little fellow, were called into consultation and decided that it asa case of hydrophobia.