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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.