Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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. H," " - and VOL. XXX. WALTERBORO, S. C. MARCH iS. 190S. NO. 30 O. L. SMITH EXPLAINS Sajra Hi* Enlirt* RecOrd ah County Tronsurcf is Mnrkod by Favors ! Renderod, of Which He f* Proud. Editor Press and Standard:—It is seldom that I allow myself to be inveigled into a nawspiper contro- vcny. and I now write only because it seems to me neeemary in order to free myself from certain false im pressions current in the minds of a few of my fellow citizens who see fit to speak and write without tak ing the precaution of first investi gating the truth of the matter where of they speak. I realize, of codrse, that no evi dence, however indisputable, would be sufficient to convince him whose fixed and deliberate purpose it is to speak ill of sae, and, if pomible, effect my political downfall. But I am confident that there are other, fair-minded and free from the taint offerejudice or self interest, who hav ing heard aspersions against my integrity, will harken to these words of mine and give them due weight in arriving at a conclusion. It is a source of great gratification to me to feel that the majority of Colle ton’s citizens will not resign the confidence in me which they have so often expressed at the ballot box until I have been fairly and squarely '“weighed in the .balance and^ound wanting.” The occasion of my writing this card may be found by reference to the latest issue of The Press and Standard. Among the editorial references in that issue appears the following paragraph: A silence that is felt—that of themembers of the House of Representatives as to the expert examination of the offices of the County.” In the same issue a correspondent writing over the name “taxes” uses this language: “Who is responsible for Mr Griffin’s bill which was was recom mended in part by the Grand Jury in their presentment to have an ex amination of the books and records” Now the obvious purpose and in tent of these and other similar statements which have recently reached my ears is to create the impression in the minds of the people that I, as a member of the House of Representatives, am guilty ■of using the power reposed in me by virtue of the honorable office to prevent an exposure of myself as County Treasurer. Whether this be the deliberate purpose of state ments matters little, since, indeed, the inevitable result is the same. Before making a full and free statement of all my actings and doings as an officer of Colleton County 1 feel that I might, without transcending the rules of propriety, refer briefly to to the character of service I have always striven to ► render. In the first place, I may state, that the sole cause of my present •embarrassing portion is my kind ness to the people of Colleton Coun ty. 4s County Treasurer I never eonscioualy let slip an opportunity to “do a good turn” to my political friends and foes alike. It was my pleasure to serve and accommodate Ml the people^all the time so far as is lay in my power. My entire record as County Treasurer is mark- ad by favors rendered, and of that I am proud. My great purpose was to make it as" easy as possible for my fellow citizens to transact their basineoB~'ln my office. And it is with regret that I say that some of the same people whom it was my Measure to accommodate are now ready first to condemn me. Coming to the matter directly in point, I desire to say that I hold my- aalf guiltless of any wrong against the people of my county. Notone •penny of your money have I wrong fully appropriated to myself; Not one public duty have consciously pletely exhonorates me of any wrong except that of undue indul gence to some of the citizens of my county. The annuul report of the Comptroller General explains thoroughly the result of this inves tigation and this report was publish ed so that “a way-faring man might understand it, even though he be a fool.” The result of this examination was that my books showed a dis crepancy of $1350, all of which was fully explained and accounted for by a number of tax receipts aggre gating a like amount in my posses sion and unpaid for. These tax receipts represented just so many dollars due the the Treasurers office by citizens of the county whose taxes I had indulgently paid without first requiring of them the cmh. They represented just ap many acta of kindness on my part in the effort to serve the people as completely as I knew how. Not one of these receipts had brought a angle doUaa into my po&et, and to me they were absolutely valueless as money. Indeed, they are in my possession today unavailable tr me for any purpose, although I have personally paid into the State Treasury every dollar represented by than. .When it was called to my atten tion that my books showed a short- as indicated above, although it.came as a suprise to me, and although I was without money wherewith to make it good, yet I never faltered in ray determination to see that the people of Colleton | county lost nothing thereby. This and this only is what I did: When the shortage was brought to my attention I first explained it and convinced thoee who had discovered it, that I was guiltless of wrong, then I called in all the money that I had in the world and borrowed $225, from Mr J. F. L. of Waltarboro, and paid every dollar of it into the State Treasury, thus completely clearing myself of any responsibility. If any citizen of the county doubts these plain facts, I am prepared to prove them and if light is desired let them come to me personally, and not accept the statement or insinuation of some little poisoni scattering politician who couldn’t retain the truth if he were forced to swallow it. Now as to my opposing and caus ing the defeat of a bill in the legis lature seeking an investigation of county offices, I desire tossy that this is absolute! false. On the con trary I favored such a bill and was anxious for its passage. In the first EX-GOV HEYWARD HERE ROSTER OF CASES Looking After Political In- To Rf Tried at Next Term tcrests in Campaign for the Senate Ex-Gov. D. C. Heyward passed through Charleston today on his way to his old home in Walterboro where he is going to spend a few days on personal and political busi ness. Mr Heyward, who has an nounced himself a. candidate for United States Senator in the prim ary this summer, said he had re ceived moat gratifying —uranccs of support from all sections of the State, and everywhere his Mends were rallying to his support. It is, of course, too soon to judge of the results but the former Governor seems very confident of his pros pects of success. Mr. Heyward will make his heed- quarters in Columbia where he has been engaged in business since his retirement of Governorship, and will make numerous visits about the State. He has a host of friends in Charleston and he was in confer ence with a number of them today. On his return from Walterboro on Saturday he will stop for a few hours in Charleston again. Mr. Heyward was not prepared to state just what issues he would press in the campaign.—The Evening Post. Civil. Coi rt, March 23-April 6. and the number of the bill was 1523, so that the practical impossibility of its passage at that late day is evident. However at the first op portunity I offered an amendment as follows; Mr D.L. Smith proposes the fol lowing amendment to Bill No 1523: ”Amendby striking out all after the enacting words and insert the following; Sec. f. The Governor shall, on the recommendation of the delegation appoint three expert accountants to examine the fiscal offices of Colleton county for the past ten years and to report their findings to the Governor. Provided, That said commission shall be paid a per diem not to exceed five dollars and travelling expenses, provided father. That a majority be not from Colleton county. Provided father, That said examination does not ex ceed eight hundred dollars. Sec. 11 That the Supervisor shall pay said commission on their war rants properly approved out of any funds in his hand for any ordinary county purposes. This act shall take Sec. Ill This act shall take effect immebiately upon its approval. Thus making a better bill,* in my opinion, that the one introduced by by senator Griffin. So much for that. And now I must thasten -to close lest I extend this card unduly. I wish to say by way of conclusion that I have nothing in my official record any where of which I am ashamed, and I ask all my friends to of anything which seems t* them ir regular and if lean give them light, I will Do not speak falsely behind my back when by comin? to me face to face you may learn the truth. If I am unworthy I ought to pass down and out—But if you cannot put your finger on my unworthiness, think well before you speak ill of me. All I ask is fair play and I know the voters of Colleton will give it to me. Yours respectfully D. L. Smith. place, let me say, that it was agreed among all our representatives that er k em ^ es ^ 00 . if they will, such a bill should pass. | comc to me. for an exhaustion Mr Griffin did introduce ffbill to that end in the Senate and it passed the Senate and was sent over to the house. It reached the house however, at such a late time during the ses sion that its passage by the House was almost an impossibility. There were nearly Eleven hundred bills ahead of it on the calender an only a few days before abjournment. In the short time allowed I did all in my power to secure its passage, an 1 through no fault of mine failed. Indeed, I took up Senator Griffim’ bill and finding in it certain provi sions which I deemed undesirable and unwise, offered amendments to fit the needs as I saw them and fought for the hill as amended by me. Mr Griffin’s bill was as follows: A BILL Be it enacted by the General As sembly of the State of South Carolina Section 1. That as soon as prac ticable after the approval of this Act the Governor shall arooint an expert bookkeeper, who shall pro ceed to Colleton county and ex amine into the books and vouchers, the actings and, doings of all the fiscal officers of said county, fora period of ten yean last past, and to report the recult of such exami nation. Sac. 2. Thit the County Super visor shall pay each emit his ex- •*4 •**» »«««■» Monday, March 30. 1. Dandridge vs. Nix. 2. Warren vs. Drawdy. r - 3. Maxwell vs. Brown. 4. Emily Taylor vs. A. C. L. R. R. Co. Tuesday. 1. Cohen & Bro vs. Combahee Lumber Co. 2. Bennett vs. Padgett. 3. Soseen vs. Jalad. 4. Towles & Arnett vs. A. C. L. R. R. Co. Wednesday: 1. Southern Hat Co. vs. Jalad. 2. Rosenheim A Son vs Jalad. 3. Golden A Son vs. Jalad. 4. Hawes vs. Drayton. 5. Gen. Fletcher vs. A. C. L. 6. Sanders A Lemacks vs. A. C. L. Thursday: 1. Sanders A Lemacks vs. A. C. L. 2. Fletcher vs. A. C. L. 3. Bodiford vs. A. C. L. 4. Fletcher vs. A. C. L. Friday. 1. Fletcher vs, A. C. L. 2. Carter vs. A. C. L. 3. H. W. Jones vs. A. C. L. Monday, Second Week: 1. Kingham vs. Col. Cypress Co. 2. Boynton A Marvin vs. A. C. L. 3. Terry A Shaffer vs. Charles ton Lbr. Co. 4. Eld. Thompson Co. vs. J. M. Walker. Tuesday: 1. Howell exix. vs. A. C. L. 2. - Fincken-Jordan Co. vs. Rit ter. 3. Benton vs. A. C. L. 4. Benton vs. A. C. L. Wednesday: 1. J. C. Guess A Bro vs. A. C. L. 2. Towles vs. A. C. L. 3. H. C. Bennett va. A. C. L. 4. G. K. Ackerman vs. A. C. L. Thursday: 1. Ackerman A Reeves vs. A. C. L. 2. Wm Tyler vs. A. Bennett. 3. Norvell vs. Charleston Lbr. Co. 4. McGowan vs. Car. Mut. Ins Co. Friday: 1. Ike vs. Heyward Brothers. 2. W. St. E. Capers vs. A. C. L. 3. Maxey vs. Key. 4. Carter vs. Colleton County. 4 , 5. Brant vs. A. C. L. DEATH OF JOHN T. BELL. Editor Press and Standard: Some time ago one of our students, John T. Bell, of Islandton, left here to go to his home. By a strange fatality, although he appeared normally well and strong when he left. He was taken with pneumonia in the road home and died in a few days after reaching there. I wish to bear testi mony to the excellent character of this young man. While here he was a model student, striving to learn and carry out thd wishes of his in structors. There are nq demerits but many merits in Kb record here. It is one of the mysteries of life why one so gentle and tractable should be takes while many who are unruly, disobedient, teem to “bear a charm ed life.” It ia a pleasure to lay this small tribute in the grave of this cbecure, but worthy young man. C. F. School, Bamberg, 8. R. G. Behre Writes. Editor Press end Standard: It would be well for the Grand Juries to examine the Presentments of the Grand Juries for the last few years, and see how much respect has been paid their findings and recommendations by the ‘Servants of the people,” who have duties ■■signed them by law, and should be held responsible for their conduct in relation to the same. The people’s nionev has been wasted and distributed by favor and without ”fear”. The system of bookkeeping is very primitive and not kept by any rule by which the debits and credits dm be ascertained. The law allows them $20.00 for an expert, which does not, necessarily imply a lawyer as the best experts, are good business men and account ants. I would call their attention to disbursements for postage, and large accounts not under contract, as required by law. They should inspect the “twin wells” on the Court Hill under con struction and destruction in co-part nership with County and Munici pality of Walterboro. Let them aak for and examine offices for con* tracts, and official bonds, which should be kept in a separate book in the Clerk’s office. They should enlist the services of good Citizens to aid them without pay,*for the good of theJCounty at large, and I advise against separate committees, as an expensive business March 18, 1908. F. G. Behre CADETS ARE COMING, j The Corps of Cadets of The Cita del to Enc amp Here From Saturday, ApriljI to April9. AN UNUSUAL PROCEEDING. - *• o It appears that Magistrate D. H. Towles, of Meggetts, is having some trouble in connection with his office. It seems that on the 6th of March Magistrate Towles sentenced one Doc Smalls, a negro, to pay a fine of $10 for alleged failure to work on a public highway in 1907. Smalls is employed by M. L. Grimes, a truck fanner of Meggetts. }Mr Grimes went to Magistrate Towles and re quested that the amount of the fine be reduced, or that the negro be given a trial. It seems that Mr Grimes was insistent on this, and Magistrate Towles, becoming angry, ruled him for contempt of court, and fined him $100.00 or thirty days in jail. Upon failure to pay the fine Mr Grimes was arrested and lent to jail Saturday, where he re mained until Monday morning, when he was released. He had previously, however, been fined by Magistrate Towles on two addition al counts $100.00 each, or ten days in jail, making a total of $300.00 oy 50 days. Mr Grimes claims that no court was being held and that he was not, therefore, in Contempt of court; that he was not insulting m his manner to the magistrate. Some intereating developments will probably follow, as Mr. Grimes claimes thai Magistrate Towles has exceeded his authority and that he does not propose to be treated in this way. G. W. Way, Seconds Call Editor Press and Standard:—I see that the Hon. J. B. Dodd, has suggested that there be a prohibition meeting in Walterboro on the first Monday in April, and I heartily second the suggestion. He also said that he had no authority to call such a meeting. Let that be as it may, I believe that he is the right man to, as he is in a better position than most any mau that I know of to manage the movement now. Should the meeting be called, I hope that every nook and corner of the County will be fully represented. I am glad that in the Primary next August we will have the opportunity of voting out the whiskey traffic from this County, and I believe that it will be done. I am glad from the fact that at the first primary we will have a full vote, and if profubi- tion prevails there wont bo a shadow of a chance for dispensaries. As always in other counties where whiskey is voted out they resort to the Courts and every time they do they, are only drawing the rope tighter around their own necks. The old adage is “A drowning man will catch at a straw.” More later on. March 16, 1908. * G. W, Way. Capt. W. H. Simpns, Command ant of Cadets at the Citadel, and Capt H. E. Raines, Quart*rjnaster, were in town the latter part of the eek. They had driven through from Charleston for the purpose of ■electing campsites for the cadets white on the march. The following places have been selected as camps: April 1, dementia Springs; April 2, Adams Run; April 3, Horse Shoe Mines; April 4, Walterboro till morning of 9th; April 9, Cottage- ville; April 10, Givhana; April 11, Summerville, till morning of 13th; April 18.12 miles from Charleston; April 14, back at Gitadel. The citizens of the county should vie with each other in giving toe boys a good time. Alaaady several plana are on foot for their enter tainment. Thursday night a special meeting of council will be held, which all citizens are invited and urged to attend to adopt plans for the proper entertainment of the corps. The corps will reach their camp ing place here about noon Saturday, April 4, and the boys must have a good time. Let every citizen do his duty or her duty. County TmcImts Association Moots. A number of teachers met at the Academy Saturday, at the regular meeting of the Teacher’s Associa tion, but owing to a slight misun derstanding, no regular program was prepared. The teachers, how ever, spent the time very pleasantly and profitably in discussing question arising in the teacher’s daily work. On motion of Prof. Betty, it waa decided to invite Prof. W. H. Hand to lecture on Friday. April 10 and insist upon the Trustees giv ing the teachers a holiday on that day, in order that they may attend. Prof. Hand finds it impossible to be present- on Saturday. This pjan meets the hearty approval of Dr. Black, and it is hoped that if Prof. Hand can accept, that every teacher in the County will bt present. Alter a few remarks by Rev. Curtis the meeting adjourned to meet again. ^ CANDIDATES IN WALTERBORO. Ex-Governor D. C. Heyward, who is now a candidate to succeed the late Senator Latimer, was in town several days last week in the interest of his candidacy. Mr. Heyward expresses himself as well pleased with the assurances of support that he received both nere and elsewhere. Col Frank C. Fishburne, candidate for railroad commissioner, was also in town Monday of this week. Mr. Fishburne is meeting with much encouragement wherever he goes, in hit race for railroad commission er, and he will, doubtless, make it interesting for his competitors. Colleton’s candidate for solicitor, John H. Peurifoy, Esq., has rfeefVed very encouraging reports from the other counties of this circuit.’ Mr Peurifoy has been indispoaed for several days and unable to be out in the interest of his candidacy, but he expects, shortly, to visit the other counties. The Hon C. W. Garris, of Den mark, was in town yesterday. Mr Garris ia cooeidcring whether or not JAMES FORTH HURT. Ti ursday night James Forth, who is one of the night operatives at the oil mill here, in some way got his arm caught in the giq and had his arm badly lacerat.d. Fortunately, the saw teeth of the gin struck his arm crosswise, but inflicted 21 gashes. It was necessary for the surgeon to take 127 stitches. At this time Mr Forth is doing as well as could be expected, consider ing the seriousness of his injuries, ane it is thought he will recover. IMPROVEMENT MEETING. The Association for the improve ment of the White Hall public school held its secopd meeting on Friday afternoon, March 13,1906. The improvements that were de cided on at the first meeting have all been carried out, and two new members have been.edded. « At this meeting more improve ments were decided on. and arten a very pleesant little meeting the as sociation adjourned to meet again the first Fridagrin April. • • — ANOTHER ESCAPE. Week before last a negro by the name of Hamilton escaped from the branch of the chaingang which is now stationed at Meggetts. In De cember, 1907, he escaped from the gang near Sniders by breaking a chain. He was caught in Char leston about three weeks ago and placed at work jm Young's bland gang. He has not been captured np to this writing. 'V