Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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Hcrlptton Price Is $1.00 per Year Payable In Advance. S. B. H()M:y, Editor. PUBLISHED liY ADVERTISER PRINTING COMPANY LAUHKNS. S.C. .TES KOK ADVERTISING. Ordinary Idvortisements, per square, one inser ,ion, $1.00; each subsequent insertion, iO cents. Liberal reduction made for jprge advertisements. Ituaries: All over 50 words, one cent l word. >tes of thanks: five cents the line. tered at the postoftlco at Laurens, S. C. as second class mail matter. \URUNS. S. C. DECEMBER I. 1000. "lkt ml han?, jmmjk." Down in Colleton county lasl week as held a trial thni has Interested be people tbrougboul tii" cnliru state, phn W. Messervoy, who had shot and Mod two state constables, was called roon to oxplain to tho state why the ;illing bad occurred. Messrs. r*hh lurno and Altman, rogulnr ofllccrs of :he law. had seized u barrel of alcohol [hat Mosservey was attempting to take from the express olllco, It being con signed to him and be having arranged with the express llgeill to gel it at this particular lime while Constable Altman was at supper. However, his reckoning was wrong for Constable Flshburno had boon apprised of tho matter and was on hand to assist Alt man. When the two olllcers attempted to geize the alcohol, Messorvey shot and killed them both; bonce, his presence In the co,uts of justice to explain the killing. The def< use was that the de fondant shot to protect his own life; that tho olllcers were Just about to bhool him tor resisting arrest. Evi dently tho Jury did n >t believe the tale, for the verdict was guilty of man .slaughter. Tho sentence of the court was that he bo confined to the state penitentiary at snob l ibor a.; he was able to perform, bIuci he was crippled. , lor a period of twontv years. It was when sentence was passed that an unusual scene was enacted in the court room. According to the correspondent of The News and Couri er the defendant broke down and cried and called upon the judge to let him han%'. "Change it to hanging, judge; let me hang, judge- (here is no use for mo to waste my life up there for .I'm not guilty; I'd rather he dead." And the newspaper man went on to describe the scene, saying that it was pitiful indeed to see this man. a crip ple and with just one eye. crying ami sobbing and begging to he hanged. Yes, we agree heartily with our brother in the profession: It must have been a pitiful scene, and on.' cal <ulatC(l to move the hearts of many. Mosservey is, we understand, about thirty, and when his sentence is com pleted. If it ever shall be. there will he Imle left, in years and usefulness for the condemned man. It is pitiful yes. to to hear a man begging to be hangt d. Messorvey sits in judgment in his own case; ho declares himself Inno cent even though a jury of his peers | have declared him guilty. Ho ad mits the killing of two human beings, and his explanation failed to satisfy those who sat in judgment against hir:>. Hut of course ho has pool opinion ?>f the law; ho was once convicted of Belling liquor against the statutes of the state, lie served a term on the chain gang; he said that was unjust, and even wont so far as to say that no justice could he got out of the courts. In this statement we are per suaded to agree, particularly In Mos servoy's own ease. From the testi mony we are almost constrained to be lieve that if Justice, full and complete, had been done In the case, this same John W. Mosservey would In the course of thirty days hang by tho neck until dead. But about the pathetic, scene that the correspondent has so beautifully and well pictured. Of course. It was pitiful; and wo guess our heart would have been somewhat touched, had we beheld It. But. must the law take in to account the pathos of a scene In the COurt room? Many sentences are doubt less much lighter just because the conditions are such that a pathetic BCene Is enacted. Judges aro human and their hearts must often be stirred by the events that transpire before them. But must the law reckon with these feelings? Why not recall the pathos of thoso scenes in the homes of tho two murd ered men? Picture tho eventn of that July evening around the hearth stone In those two homes, when the kindly neighbors brought the sad news that the husband and father of each had been slain by the hand of a violator of the laws. Think of tho renson be hind this scene In the court room; why was it necessary; who caused It? ln(whose power was it to prevent stich A scene"? We are too much Inclined to forget the wrong that hau been ' done and sympathize with the living I who are suffering or are about to Bllf ; fer the consequences of tbr>ir own deeds. Mercy? Yes, we should Judge mercifully: but mercy and luxness have fostered crime in this old slate of ours. "Lot mo hang, judge". No. Messer vey will not hung, but the law says that he must serve a term of twenty yours in the penitentiary. "There Is no use for nie to waste my life up there." No. Mr. Messenoy, your life is nol to ho wasted. Vou have committed an offense against tho laws of South Carolina, and those twenty years "up there" will he spent in satisfying the law's demand. Von are Indebted to the state for this: be sides, you are adjudged unlit to have that God.given liberty that was onco .?ouis and thai you havo abused. ? * ? "PKOIIIIMTIOVS KKAIi l-FARKR." Following the annual state fair, there is always a great deal of politi cal talk, some of immediate moment and some pertaining to campaigns yet a year olT. As usual this year, the political pot began to ho 11 when "tho leaders not together in Columbia." Messrs Manning. Footherstono, Ly on and Dlonso are tue "probables" for governor It is by no means certain, though, that eiih. r Mr. Manning or Mr. Lyon will offer for this ofllco. And now, ihat Mr. 131 ease lias been elected mayor of Ncwberry. he may , be satisfied lor a time at least with his political honors. Maybe? The Advertiser will support Mr. Feathers!one for governor; first, be cause we bolleve he is the ablest man so far mentioned; and second, because he is a Laurons man. We have al ways believed in his ability as a law yer, and Iiis equipment to handle i>us lm ss affairs of large proportions, A groat deal is being said about "a bus iness governor"; the Columbia State, some days ago had an editorial arti cle on the subject. As a business j man and one altogether fitted for the duties Of the OtllCO WO believe Mr. Fentherstone to be superior to any of those Ilms far announced. Under tho heading of this article, are the views of this paper expressed in the issue of February 12th. 1908: Rapid Changes have taken place In the South Carolina political situation during the past ten days. The senate has passed the resolution calling on the Democratic" party to hold a prim ary on the whiskey traffic question, and before this article is printed the house will probably j?i.<s a similar resolution. Rumors are afloat that Governor Ansel will be opposed by n straight prohibition candidate, and there seems to be some doubt as to what Governor Ansel's platform will he, though justice to him requires the assumption that he will stand for lo cal option. We do not advise a pro hibitlonlst to enter. Our platform Is local option. Including the option of licensed saloons, and we believe that the vexed whiskey truffle question will never be settled until the people con sent that each separate county and city determine for itself how the traf flc shall be regulated. Many believe that a period of state prohibition will be quickest way of reaching that de sirable conclusion. Gov. Ansel has made an excellent Chief executive and it was fortunate for the State that his candidacy was available for the reg istering of popular condemnation of the infamous stale dispensary in 1900. If the prohibitionists must have a candidate their candidate ought to be Mr. C. C. Fentherstone, for two rea sons, either of which alone should be sufllcienf to influence them to concen trate upon him. In the first place Mr. FeatherstOUO completely outclasses any prohibitionist in South Carolina in all-around ability and equipment. They have no man who is Iiis equal as a ready, vigorous, aggressive and resourceful stump speaker. On the Stump be can hold hit* own with any man in South Carolina, and few men can hold their own with him. He Is a euccr iu l and practical business man; he Is one of the strongest law wers in the state; he bns had experi ence in the direction of large affairs; his reputation is unspotted; he has common sense. He Is no half-way man in anything and, regardless of his views In the liquor traffic, he would administer tho affairs of the common wealth In a wise and successful man ner. We know of no man who has less of the fanatic in his temperament, and as governor his course would bo directed by the same broad-gauged judgement that would make him the ! successful head of a plantation, a bank or a railroad. In the second place, Mr. Feather stone has done twice as much for the cause of nrohlbltlon an has any other living man in South Carolina. When the prohibition campaign of 1898 was about to collapso Mr. Fentherstone seized Its fallen banner and the race ; he made for governor was one of the most remarkable in the recent history of the state. The people discovered then that he was a man of power, and In spite of tho domination of the state dispensary lie lacked only about three thousand votes of defeating the lato Gov. Ellerbe, who hod also the second term /umtlment In his f.ivor. In 1900 ' Mr. Featherstooe exerted himself to the utmoBt to bring about the election of the late Col. Jaines A. Hovt, aud during his whole career he bar been not only a consistent hut a working prohibitionist. Kiaukly. we have not I the greatest faith in the political sa gacity of a prohibition party. The prohibitionists often take tin- wrong Btop wlnn the right step is plainest ami easiest! and if they choose any other leader than Mr. Feather stone, In- consenting to be their candi date, they will richly deserve defeat lor their want of ordinary discern ment. The Advertiser has not a word to say about OOV. Ansel, except that he has made a good record, bin The Ad vertiser would support .Mr. Feather BtOIIO should he b.' induced to enter the contest, regardless of the opposi tion to him. We would support him, although he does not represent our views on the whiskey tratlic question. While this proposition is shaped large ly by personal considerations wo could not lake it were Mr. Feather stone not exceptionally fitted for the leadership in the affairs of the state and worthy of tlte cinlidcnce of all intelligent voters ami taxpayers. ? * ? ivno is mi: Boss? Our esteemed contemporary, the Manning 'rimes, rather surprises us with the bold declarat' n thai there is a man in SpartunblU'l who controls the political situation in South Caro. Una, and any aspirant for the gover nor's oflloe must seen re his endorse ment, if he hopes to win. There might have been :t day in this state when one could dictate as to the disposition of public favors, but if we mi- ss aright that day lias passed. Who is the political boss, that our friend refers to? Well, well! It has just dawned upon us. Possibly it means that the Rev. .1. I.. Ilarley, of the Anti-saloon league controls the situation. Why were we so slow to guess? Great is the power of the league in this state; and its mandates must he obeyed. Col. Fenth erstone, get down on your knees be fore the lord and master of South Carolina polities, or forever "hang up your hopes" for the governorship. No. dear friend. The prohibitionists in this state are not bound to the Anti saloon league; while the league may have given valuable assistance to the cause, it is by no means master of the situation. The league may have accomplished some good, and doubt less has; and as we have often said, in spite of the lack of wisdom on the part of Rev. .T. I.. Harley; but the lea gue does not control the politics of South Carolina. The prohibitionists of the state have been lighting a long and hard struggle and their efforts will he rewarded. There is glory enough for the old tlme prohibitionists, for the new con verts, and for the members of the league. Col. Featherstone devoted his efforts to the cause long before the league was ever hoard of in these parts, and the people of the state know it. ? ? ? From the Associated Press cone, spondence at Union, S. C, wo have the very latest in good English' "The negroes had Mown.". ? * ? Oh. you Cross Hill chicken lighters. ** ? Cook won glory for discovering the pole; now the man who will discover Cook will thereby write his name on the list of immortals. Advertised betters. Arther, Miss Morle; Andrews, T. W.J Cunningham. Miss Daisy ; Fuller, Mat tie 15.; Qilcuose, (Jeo.; Hlllyrun Henry Joly, Emma; Korr Sara 0.; Martin, Elian. (2); Mills Jno. B.; Patterson, W. M.; Patterson Moggie; Handall L. w.; Sueenian, J. N.: Stocey, Hurse; Thompson, C. B.; Wallace. O. N.; Wil son. T. O.; Young. Sebun; Young, .Hille; Yarbrough, Ella. The above letters have remained unclaimed in the post ofllce at Laurens S. C, for the term of two weeks ending Nov.27th, 1909. Persons who desire any of them can get theirs by calling at the Qenl. delivery window; state that said letter or letters have been advertised and pay one cent. Respectfully, Oeo. S. McCravy, P. M. Nov. 28th, 1909. Note of Thanks. Mr. and Mrs. O. L. Hunter through the columns of The Advertiser, wish to thank ench of their friends for the kindness shown their daughter. T. Cralg Hunter In the "Great Popularity Contest", and wo Invite you all to call round and share the results of the contest with us, though we may be rocking in the comfortable "Rocking Chair". Long live The Advertiser ! Roper Family Reunion. The members of Mr. L. H. Roper's family enjoyed a happy reunion In this j city Thursday, at the homo of Mr. C. H. Roper, the eldest son. Those pres ; out. Including the twenty-three grand j children, wore Mr. L. H. Roper, Mr. and Mrs. C. II. Roper of Laurens, Rev. and Mrs. L. M. Roper of Spartanburg. < Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Roper of Laurens, ! Mr. and Mrs. P. J. Roper and Mrs. D. j B. Roper of Fountain Inn. Mrs. B. F. [ Roper of Laurens. I OUR SPECIAL NOTICES, | For Sah*?On?-house and lot in town of Mount ville, will sell for easli or exchange for farm property. Also several houses and lots in city of Laurens, and quite a number of farm lands very cheap. Call 011 Anderson & Blakely If yon need any property or have any to sell. Copyright Flour, is a 'lour of Qual ify, when you buy Copyright you should feel satlstleld. You have bought the BEST value money can buy. For Hi nt Dwelling and Farm of 10 acres, located Oil South Harper street. Property formally owned by Mrs. Tallulah Irby. Now having noust thoroughly repaired & painted. Would sell the dwelling & lot. Ap ply by letter, T. i>. Darlington, Lau. rens, s. c. For sale or Kent Storehouse In MountVile, S. C. SV. \V. Worts. Snlesmaii Wanted To look after our interest in LaitreilS and adjacent counties. Salary or Commission. Ad dress The Harvey Oil Co.. Cleveland O. Wanted -A live hustling man to represent us in this section in hand ling monuments and cemetery work. We have a good proposition for the right man. References required. Ad dress Owen itros. Marble Co.. Green wood, s. C. tG-;:t For Sale Controllng Interest in a well established furniture business, satisfactory reasons for selling. Apply to it. i\. Humphries at the Cnlne & Pitts Furniture Co. 17-tf For I'eat Two up-to-date store rooms, several ofllces, splendid dwell ing newly re-covered and freshly painted inside ami out: in two blocks of square, w. ii Dial. ;t Professional llorse-Slioer For blacksmithillg and horseshoeing come to my shop. I have a professional horse-shoer employed; he beats the world. G nernl blacksmithillg and re pair work done. ROBERT I.. WHITLOCK, it Mountvllle, s. C. Reiristered Iterkshire Roar Ready for service. Fee $2.00, I), 10. Todd. Laurens, R, I-'. I). No. l. 2t-pd Notice?-Don't fail to read the special offer of !'."> per cent reduction at pres ent on Farrand Pianos. XotlCC? Don't fail to read the special offer of 2.1 per cent reduction at pres ent on Farrand Pianos. For Sale?128 acre farm with dwell ing, tenant, bouse and other Improve ments, located 2 miles east of Reedy River Power company and known as the Cunningham place. Price $2."> per acre. Andrew C. Phillips, Laurens, R. F. D. No. 6. 4t ( ol.I l.i.i STUDENTS ENTERTAIN. Hoys Give-Their Friends A .lolly Good Time -Proceeds $:i.").(M). Clinton. Nov.29?The college stu dents gave one of the jolllest enter tainments ever seen here last night at the college. The affair was modell ed on the carnival. A short play, a fortune tidier, barkers, fortune wheels on which people won roses, a burles que shooting gallery, and a burlesque art gallery, an Ice cream and cak.e parlor, were the features. Mrs. Mazyck, Miss Fronde Kennedy and Miss Tallulah Neville helped. The proceeds amounting to about .$:*,.->.C,0 go to the Y. M. C. A. and will be used to help send a delegate to the national conference at Rochester, N. Y. Hottlimr Works Sold. Mr. W. H. Gllkerson, dr. of this city has sold his interest in the coca cola bottling works to Mr. ('. W. Bills of Greenville, Who Will in the future con duct the business in connection witli the plant in Greenville. However, there will be no apparent change in the business here, for Mr. Guy L. Watson, who has b.i the efficient manager for some time, will continue in that capacity. 185 Barrels Flour guaranteed first patent at prices to move it, we need the room. See us for your Christ mas Goods and Cake Ma terials, full line everything kept in a first class Grocery Store and everything fresh. J. W. Payne & Co. The Cash Grocers. Dial?Gray Block. Sow Vetch and Alfalfa Get fresh seed from me. A fidl line of Fountain Syringes Dr. Posey's Drug: Store Laurens. S. C. I The Best Gift You Can Give. % You Cannot Make a Present to Those ?T Near nud Dear to Von on ^ Christmas Day ^ that will be more appreciated by them than a good portrait ^ ^ of yourself. Why worry? One dozen pictures will take ^ care of one dozen friends or relatives. Thai much off ^ vour mind. \ The Nichols Photo is the best Come to-day YYc deliver when promised regardless of weather. I Nichols Studio > LAURENS, S. C. J.W.&R-M. Eichelberger We desire to-call your attention to the fact that we have on hand a full 5tock of the best grade of Lime, Brick, Cement, Plaster, Crushed Stone for all Concrete and Pav ing purposes. Also? the best grade Blue Gem and Jellico Lump Coal delivered promptly anywhere in city. The best Dry Pine and ()ak Wood, cut for stove or fire place at reasonable prices. Give us a trial order and you will become one of our regular customers. We appreciate and give all orders large or small our personal attention. We make Drayage a Specialty. J.W.&R.M. Eichelberger Old Santa Claus Has aWived and will make his headquarters at my store. He wliii be opened up and on display Vm ( Saturday J.\ L. Hopkins