The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, January 21, 1914, Image 1
VOLUME XXIX. LAURENS, SOUTH CAROLINA, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 1914. BP 6
PRIMARY R[OR TO
RKC[IR _ATTMTION
Will Likely Come Up This
Week.
NICHOLSON BILL
ON CALENDER
Gov. Blease is Opposed to Any Change
in the Primary and ie will Likely
Veto any 1111 Affecting the Present
Primary Laws.
Oolumbia, January 18.-When the
General Assembly finishes with the
remaining elections this week it is ex
pected that the matter likely to turn
out as the one big issue of the session
reform of the primary, will make its
appearance on the legislative boards.
There is a general admission that
primary reform is the 'paramount is
sue .before the present session.
Senator Nicholson's bill "tightening
up" the primary comes over from last
year and stands at the head of the
third reading bills in the Senate. The
Edgefield Senator is preparing to push
his bill and it is probable that it will
be strengthened before it gets third
reading. The bill was not pushed
through last year, it having been stat
ed by several members that they de
sired to familiarize themselves with
its provisions and otherwise make a
study of the whole question of the
p)rimgry, its needs, if they deem it
has any, and then they would be in a
position to apply such remedies as
they deemed best. Hence Senator
Nicholson will in all 'probability call
up his bill at the first opportunity and
keep the Senate working on it uiltil
the bill is either passed or disposed of.
Other proposed measures for deal
ing with the primary are possible. In
$act Representative Rittenberg, of the
Charleston delegation, has a bill deall
lag with the subject which has already
been discussed in the press and which
he will introduce in the House. Other
members may have bills to offer on
the subject for the constant agitation
of some change in the primary since
the last election has awakened the
'people of the State it is said, to a man
ifestation of great interest in the un
dertaking.
Bilease Opposes Change.
Covernor Blease is opposed to any
change in the primary and he will un
doubtedly veto any measure restrict
ing it. Here is what ho had to say
along this line in his annual message
to the general assembly:
"I am opposed to any change in the
primary system. I believe In honest
elections, and I believe in letting ev
ery white man participate in the pri
mary who is eligible to vote under
the rules of the Democratic party.
Whenever we deprive the white peo
iple of the right to vote, or any large
number of them of their right to vote,
-we will break up the .prihmary system,
because those who are qualifledl want
the right to vote, and they should
have it, andl they do not propose to
'be -put. by any party of men, on an
equal footing with a free negro."
Ofhices to be Filled..
The places of State librarian, for
which there are a score of young Ia
dies offering, insurance commissioner,
trustees of the various State colleges,
'and two members of the board of di
rectors of the Penitentiary, are yet
to be selected. The general assemi
bly will begin balloting on these va
cancies Tues<}ay night at 8 o'clock.
The house meets Truesdlay at noon and
the Senate on Tuesday night at 7:50.
Liquor Quesion.
The liquor question has already
miado its appearance in bills dealing
with the ho-called "social club" evils.
Senator Crouch has gotten through
the Senate a bill tightening up the re
quirements for' getting a charter for
one of those clubs, making it neces
sary for those seeking a charter first
to get the signature of fifty freehold
ers, if in a town, or twenty-five, if in
the county, and also of the county au
ditor, tr'easurer, Judge of Probate,
sheriff and clerk of court. Several
Senators denounced inm severe meas
uires what they termed the present
widespread method of opening bar
Trooms throughout the 'countr'y under
the guise of social clubs.
Senator Carlisle wvent one step fur'
thei', in a bill which lhe introduced,
(Co1ntinued on Page Five.)
NEW PICTURE SHOW.
In Building now Occupied by Wham's
Garage Underneath Advertiser Office
According to latest reports, Lau
rens is to witness keen colpetition
In the moving picture business. A. C.
Perry, of Charlotte, N. C., lis leased
the store-room now occupied by Wham
Bros.' garage and will open up a pic
ture show at an early date. It is un
derstood that he has signed up for
a long lease and that he is coining
prepared to stay awhile. Laurens al
ready has two picture shows, one be
ing run in the city opera house and
the other In the building formerly oc
cupied by the post office.
The license ordinance as published
several weeks ago showed that the
council had provided for a license of
$100 per year for picture shows run
outside of the opera house, but sev
eral weeks ago, upon the complaint
of interested parties, the license was
reduced to $50 per year.
Mr. M. L. Copeland, who has charge
of the building in which the new pic
ture show will be located, stated yes
terday that he had in mind consider
able improvements on the front of
the building.
DEATH OF MRS. MOORE.
Estiabhul Woman Died at her Home
in this City Monday. Buried at
Dials Churclh
Mrs. Nancy Moore, wife of Mr. W.
H. Moore, of this city, died at her home
here Monday about noon after a lin
gering illness extending over a period
of about two years. For the past few
weeks she had been in a precarious
condition, so her death was not un
e.pccted. The remains were carried
to her old home at Dials church yes
terday and Interred in the cemetery
there. Rev. J. R. T. Major, pastor of
the Methodist church here conducted
the services.
Mrs. Moore was a consecrated,
Christian woman of ian' estimable
qualities. She was a member of the
Methodist church and -took -a great
deal of interest in the church's af
fairs. -(esides her husband, she is
survived by two sisters and a brother,
ns follows: Mrs. John Robinson, Mrs.
Geo. S'mith and Mr. .1. N. Leak, all of
Gray Court.
For many years Mrs. Moore presid
ed over the .table at the Moore board
ing house, where she came into contact
with a large number of people and
was therefore well known over the
county. The boarding house will be
continued under the management of
Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Ilolder.
ESTEEMED CITIZEN PASSES.
Veteran Jim B. Higgins inswers the
Last Roll Call.
dr. Jim B. Higgins, a prominent
citizen of this county died at an early
hour yesterday morning at his home
near Gray Court. The funeral ser
vices will be held today at the Martin
Graveyard.
Mr. Higgins was well known all ov
er the county; he was a man *of many
admairable qualities and leaves many
friends who join- in symipathy with the
family over their deep loss, lHe was
a veteran of the War' letween the
Strates, haavinag enlisted at the begin
ning when only 16 years of age and
fought bravely thraoughiouat the str'ug
gle. lie was a muember' of Company
"G" Third S-. C. I nfantr'y. (Col. 0. G.
Thompson was a memaber of this same
comilpany.
At the time of his death Mm'. Higgins
was 68 year's old, lie land been v'ery
ill for sonme time and his death at this
time was not unexpected. Ils wife,
who was Miss Amnelia Martin, dIed
seveiral years ago. The following
chilldren survive hin: Mrs. John Mad
den, of Maddens, Mrs. Hiudgens of
Edgefleld, Messrs. lien and Cortez Hig
gins of Mississipp~i end. Mir. Ltuber
Higg' 3 who has been living with him.
BUI8 LAURIENS STREET LOT.
Mr. M. L. Copeland Buys Lot and Store
now Ocupled by Josiah Hunter, Col
ored.
Mr. 'M. L. Copeland has bought from
Josiah Hunter, colored, the two story
brick store and the hot on which It Is
situated, on west Laurens street, sev
eral dooirs below Minter Co~npany's
store. The consideration is not made
public. Mr. Copelaind stated yesterdlay
that lie and the Ball estate now own all
thme property fronting on that street
from the corner lot to Car'olino~strecet.
The corner lot is owned by the Mini
LOCAL MATTERS IN
THE LEGISLATURE
Rural Police, Bond Issue for Ioad.,
Change In School Laws and other
Things to be Considered.
The State legislature having taken
a recess over the week-end, the mem
bers of the delegation from this coun
ty, with the exception of Mr. Irby, re
turned to their homes to look after
private and public interests. A rep
resentative of The Advertiser saw Mr.
H. S. Blackwell and asked him as to
probable legislation affecting local or
county interests.
Bond Issue for Roads.
M1r. Blackwell stated that he had in
mind -personally a bill to 'provide for
an election in this county on the ques
tion of issuing bonds for road-build
ing. Mr. Blackwell said that he had
not yet come to a conclusion as to
what size issue would be recommend
ed In the bill, as he had not yet got
ten the advice of the county supervis
or. However, the bill will be intro
duced as early in the session as pos
sible and unless it meets with opposi
tion the people will decide for them
selves whether or not they wish to
improve the roads.
Itural Police.
Mr. Blackwell stated that the dele
gation is fairly convinced that the
present rural police situation is far
from satisfactory and that the people
of the county are doubtful of the wis
don) of continuing the service under
present conditions. Wihat will be done
about the matter, whether the rural
police system for the county will be
abolished or whether a change of
some kind is made to meet the situa
tion, has not yet been decided upon.
It is hardly probable that the present
arrangements will continue. Mr.
Blackwell stated that there were about
fifty or sixty alyplicants for the five
positions. It has been 'rumored on
the steets for sonic time that several
of the present force were not "in the
field" for the positions again, but it
is now understood that all of them
are in a receptive mood.
To Separate Freight Offlees.
A bill -of great interest to the city
of Laurens and one which will doubt
less meet with powerful oppopition
whem the representatives of the rail
roads are given a hearing, will be a
bill introduced by Mr. Blackwell yes
terday requiring the Charleston and
Western Carolina Railroad and the Co
lumbia, Newberry and Laurens rail
road to maintain separate freight of
fices in this city. If this bill passes
one of the two railroads will have to
drect another freight station. The
bill was introduced at the Instance of
Laurens mercirants. A petition sign
ed by a large majority of the mer
chants of the city was presented to
the delegation asking that such a bill
be introduced on the ground that, by
reason of the occupancy of the same
building by the two railroads and the
maintenance of but -a single ofico
force for both lines, competition is
kept down and that consequently the
public 'is not getting the -benefit of the
service whlich the volume of business
here justifles. An inquiry among mner
chants by an Adlvertiser representa
tive yesterday dlevelopedl that there is
considerable (dissatisfaction with the
conduct of the freight oflice at this
place, the complaint in most cases be
lng thmat the merchants here are sub
jected to unreasonable rules of the
railroad company laid down, so it is
claimed, to be carried out only in ex
cep~tional cases where the character of
the. shipper or consignee is such as
to advIse caution In making dlelivery.
Other arbitrary practices are com
plainoed of., 'rho petition of the mer
chanits wvodfl ,ndicate that they think
a separation of the two offiees wIll
remedy the conditions coiimplained' of.
NEducational Maiters.
'Mr. Blackwell stated that the dee
gation had in mind several ifnprove
ments in the educational system of the
county. One of these is a change in
the method of election of school trus
tees. For the past few years it has
been the custom for the county board
to appoint school trustees, in all
prob)ability this will, be changed so
that the trustees will be elected by the
-people of the resp~ective school dis
tricts. It is hoped that in this way
conideoramble friction between the trusm
-tces, the county department of educa
tion and the patrons will he avoided.
In add~ition to this change, Mir. Black
well stated that a bill1 would be hi
trodlued~ to raise the salary of tl:e
-(Continnud on Van Tnn.)
SOCIAL AND PERSONAL
CLINTON HAPPENINGS
Many Thintgs of Interest .About the
People of the Neighboring Town.
Clinton, Jan. 19.-On Monday night
at 8:30 o'clock the preliminary ora
torical contest if the 'Presbyterian
college was held in the college audi
torium to decide on the speaker to
represent the college at the State In
ter-collegiate contest to be held In
Rock Hill in April.
There were six speakers, three from
each of the literary societies. From
the 10ukosmian and their subjects
were:
J. F. Jacobs, .Jr.,-subject, "Liberty
Enlightens the World."
W. P. Jacobs, Jr.-subject, "The
Science of Advertising."
1. D. Sinith-suject, "And Thou
Mayest Add Thereto."
The speakers from the Philomatian
society were:
W. P. Anderson-subject, "The Price
of American Progress."
Hugh McLucas-subject, "A Na
tion's Peril."
O. M. Nichols-subject, "Defence of
'Classical and Humanistic Education."
The -members of the faculty acted as
judges and decided on Mr. Howard D.
Smith to represent the Presbyterian
college at the contest in Rock 11111.
Mr, .1. F. Jacobs came second.
The college orchestra furnished
splendid music during the evening and
dnowed a mark improvement since
Prof. Cartledge has taken charge of
it. l'rof. Cartledge understands music
and. makes a splendid director.
On Tuesday and Wenesday nights
Mrs. W. I). Copeland entertained a
nujnber of friends at dinner.
Mis. Waters Ferguson entertained
on Tuesday night.
On Saturday afternoon MisA Essie
Young was hostess to the young la
dies' embroidery club.
'Mrs. J. I. Copeland entertained at
a most elaborate eight course dinnet
on Saturday night in honor of Nir. and
Mirs. .lames M. Sprunt of Dillon.
On Thursday Mrs. R. Z. Wright en
tertainedi a number of friends at a
dinner.
On Saturday afternoon Mirs. W. B.
Owens, .ir., entertained about 25 young
ladies in honor of her sister, Mirs.
.1ames Sprunt of Dillon. who is spend
ing a while here as her guest.
On Friday night M1rs. W. .1. Bailey
was hostess to a number of friends. A
delightful six course supper was
served.
The Athenean club met with Mi's.
W. .1. Bailey on Tuesday morning.
'Miss Bessie Fretwell has returned
to hei' home in Baltimore, after spend
Ing a while here with Mrs. J. it.
Robertson.
irs. L. M. Kennedy left Saturday
for her home in Spartanburg, after
visiting here for two weeks.
Mrs. W. S. Bean is the guest of her
daughter, Mers. L. M. Kennedy in Spar
tanburg.
Mrs. William i. lames is visiting
her mother, Mrs. W. G. Neville.
Rev. F. D). .Jones and fiamily have
t'etuu'ined fi'om Aiken where they have
beeni sp~endling the past two weeks.
'. W. B. Owens, J'r. has retuii'ied
from Abbeville, wvhere he visitedc his
brothei', Mr. R. S. Owens.
Miss Mazie Little of Laurens, is the
guest or Mi's. Geoi'ge Bailey, this week
NMt' and Niis. J1. R. C'opeland spenit
Sunday in (Greenville.
Miiss Mary Cook of Anderson is the
guest of Nits. hiryson this wveek.
Miiss inez Ray has ireturned to lher'
home in Alber'marlIe, N. C'., aftei' visit
ing ftriendls here the past two weeks.
Mr I. and Mrts. Bethea and children
ar'e visiting Mrs. George Young.
Miss Lettio Abell has returned to
her home In Lowr'yville, after a visit
to her sistet', NMrs. J. L. Young.
Miss 1Eunice Cronmer splent last week
wvith Mt's. 10. C. Briggs.
Mr. A. B. Gallowvay has returned
from an extended visit to Darlington.
Mr. M. A. Hlays and Mrs. .W. E. Ow
ens visitedl friends in Laurens last
week.
WMr. and Mrs. G. HI. Ligon of Ander..
son moved to Clinton last week and
are on Centennial street. Mr. Ligon Is
with Jlacobs Co. here.
Some Turnip,
Mr. E1. B. Ilolt, who lives out on
Roiute' One, bt'oughit in andh presented
The Advertiser force last Friday a
tuitiiip that would mn'ake a good .meal
tot' several or'dinary. fapJilles. I t -wr
of the "yellow glob(" vaty.et~
weighed 6 3-4 potunds... ."~"
PREDOMINANT PEIRFOILHANCE.
Powerful Production by Prcenuinent
Pplayers Promised the Public.
Halt! , There will be pulled off in
the opera house here at an early date
a play that has been pronounced by
critics and stage-hands the most im
portant event of the Laurens theatri
cal season, being no more nor less
than that Broadway production an
swering to the name-"A Regi
ment of Two,"-though the scene
is not laid in Mexico. Those taking
part are defined by Noah Webstor as
"local talents" and the proceeds will
go to an eleemosynary institution
whatever that is.
The play "A Regiment of Two" is
being gotten up by the ladies of the
Episcopal church and the characters
will all be handled by well-known
young local celebrities. Being a very
touching little affair it is hoped that
many will be on hand to be touched.
It is supposed to be a comedy and in
all - probability will be. All standard
makes of characters will be displayed;
from the double-dyed villain on up to
the "fair young thing"-the heroine.
The play is guaranteed under the pure
food and drug act; will undoubtedly
produce many laughs and, if desired, a
few tears. Those attending will al
so derive the benefit of seeing every
body in town at one time, for they'll
all be there.
Reserved seats will be placed on
sale at an early dlate. You can see this
show after separating from 2re, 3-rc or
50c.
'I'RI-STATE' M El ('AL ASSOCIATION
11111 Meet This Year in Wilmington,
N. ('., on Feb. 18 and 19.
The Tri-State 'Medical Association
of which Dr. R. E. Hughes is the sec
retary-treasurer, will 'meet this year
in Wilmington, N. C. The dates set
for the meeting are Feb. 18th., and
19th. )r. Ilughes hats been busy for
the past several weeks arranging the
program. lie states thiat, the address
es this year will be fewer in number
but will include papers by some of
America's highest medical authorities.
1)R. SNIIAYEI TO 01.l!MlBIA.
Prominent Yoing Physician Will
L('ate in February for ('apital ('its.
Dr. Isadore Schayer has announced
his intention of leaving Laurens
about the first of February. lie has
decided to locate in Columbia, where
he will be associated ? . Drs. Barron
and Barron, prominent Columbia phy
sicians. Dr. Schayer's decision to
leave Laurens was received with re
grets on every side. lie has been prac
ticing here for nearly twelve years
and during that time has become one
of the leading physicians and sur
geons of the county. le has won
more than local reputation 'as a sur
geon, having performed most of the
operations at. the county hospital. As
a diagnostician Dr. Schayer is con
sidered among the leaders in the
south.
Firm Dissolves Pamrtnaershilp.
The fIrm heretofore existing and
known as Hunter & Company, comn
posed1 of JT. Mills Hunter, M. Hlampton
hlunter andl J. WV. Ferguson, has been
dlissolved by mutual consent, Col.
Ferguson withdra wing from the flrm.
The business hereafter will be con
dluctedl in the samte place by J1. Mills
I lunter and M. Hampton IHunter under
the firm name of Hunter Brothers. The
firm or Hlunter & Company has been
doin1 g bus inelss ini Laurens for a num
ber1 of years and has won an enviable
positjon in the business life of the
city, each year showving a steady in
crease in volume. They carry a gen
eral line of fancy andl heavy groceries,
doing a supply butsiness with farmers.
Meeting of U. D). V.
The regular 'meeting of the J. B.
Kershaw chapter, UI. 1D. C., was held
at the home of Mrs. J1. S. Bennett Mon
day afternoon. That being Robert E.
Lee's birthday, a program befitting the
occasion was carried out, the program
being intendedl to honor jointly both
Lee andl Jackson. A paper was read
on the Battle of Gettysburg by Miss
Mayme Ferguson anal this was follow
0(d by a musical program. Mrs. J1. H1.
Bloyd sang a number entitled "Thme
Boys in Gray" and Mrs. HT. K. Aiken
rendered a solo "The Soldier Boy".
Two appbropriate piano selections were
reiualered by Misses Bessie Williams
/jffttie Richards. Mrs. Bennet t
rvi'ed delightful refreshmnents (luring
thn afternoon.
CONF[8SION MAD[ AS
TO YOUNG RAG[DY
Tom Young Confesses as
to His Connection.
IMPLICATES TWO
OTHER NEGROES
Claims that Vreenwood Rogers First
Shot. Mr. Young aid that Later Junk
Caldwe:l Set Fire to the house. All
Three i'esent at the Time.
According to a confession made by
Ton Young, arrested shortly after the
tragedy which occurred at :Renno last.
Monday, he, himself, Greenfield Rog
ers and .unk Caldwell, all negroes,
were implicated in tho murder and
burning of Mr. Geo. F. Young. Torn
Young made the confession yesterday
morning in the county jail ;n the pres
ence of Sheriff Owings, Deputy IReid
and a negro 'prisoner. -Shortly after
the confession was unade the sheriff
and his deputy left for the lower part
of the county in the sheriff's machine
and yesterday afternoon the two ne
groes implicated by Tom Young were
brought to Laurens and placed in the
rounty jail. This eonfcrssion of Toni
Yountg establishes at Ieast his own con
nection with the crime w'hether or not
the responsibility can be proven as to
the other negroes.
According to the story of Young,
the plot to kill Mr. Young was form
ulated at a frolic held the Saturday
night before. The three went to the
home of Mr-. Young, who was alone.,
Greenwood Rogers, so Tom Young
claims, fired at Mr. Young from the
rear door, killing him. The three ne
groes then left the scenO, but returned,
about thee o'clock in the morning when
Junk Caldwell set. the house afire, us-.
ing broom-straw to start. the blaze. Af
ter seeing that the house would burn
and thinking that their crime would be
covered up, the three negros; then left
for their homes. 'on Young was
heard to come in t he hou4v early in
the morning, according to the testi
nony of his father who said that Porn
ren':rked, when he came in. "Just ly
reng here sleeping while tihe white
folk's house is burning up." It will bo
remembered that Tom Young was im
plicated in the crime by the coroner's
jury and that. he and his brother, .Joha
Young, were arrested and brought to
Laurens. It is not now thought. thit.
.lohn Young had any connection with
it.
Funeral of Mr. Young.
The charred remains of Mr. Young
were brought to Laurens Tuesday
night and Thursday morning the body
was interred in the lAui1)rens cemetery,
a large nuniber of friends and rel.t
tives fom this city, Clinton and 1 Renno
being present to witneos the last
rites. Rev. C. F. Rankin. pastor of
the First Presbyterian church\ con
hdctd the services. A l'arge number
of floral wireaths were laid on the
grave as a testi-mony of thne friendship
he~ enjoyed in many circles.
AT HIARM~ONY 4GROVE.
Localu Quaurtet gives Rlecital to a Very
A pipreclintive Auienicie.
Thne local vocal quarntet, consistiing
of Alessrs. Ilieks, Mc(ravy, Franks
and Iliceks gave a h-ighnly enitertaining
recital last Friday at thle Ilharmony
G1rove school house. Fromn reports of
those present the boys from Lauirens
scored a lig hit. The ent ertainmnent.
was entirely firee and was given by
thne quartet at the earnest 'request of'
the ladies of that school district. Mlr
Jaines Sullivan ,the new superintend
ent of education made a short but
highly entertaining and instructive
address. It was also 'intendedl to have
an old-ftahioned spelling match but
the audience called for morec music
and the quartet sung several numbers
that were not given on the pirogramn.
The packed house showed its appire
clation with roundl a.fter- 'round of
hearty alhplauise.
Second Series llegins.
Thme Laur iens Building raidl Savings
Association has Copenued a newv series
and arie securing stock su lserii
for this new series. This is a shuledy ',
dId opportunity for those who deosir'o
to save a little each month and for
those who tdesiri- to buil~d a Ihonie. ir.
'2. 11. Hoper, enshier- of the l~nterpr-iso
Thank, is the secretary- andl treasuriie of
the nusondrntinn