The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1869-03-27
THE CONGRESSIONAL ELECTION.

The Hon. J. P. Reed, Democrat, who was
elected to Congress from the Third District, in
November last, and whose seat is contested by
Justice Hoee, has been taking sworn testimony
in Edgefeld, with regard to the circumstances
which prevented the holding of an election in
that district Every witness testified that
there were no threats Of violence, that there
would have been fair ele ,tion and that the
Democratic candidate would undoubtedly have
been elected. The following sworn statement,
made BY gentlemen whose words even Cover
nor Scott will find it difficult to doubt, is sufi-
cient to disproye every charge brought by the
Radicals against Edgetield District:
That they are residents Of Edgefeld Village,
and resided here at and before the late Con-
gressional election fol the Third District; that
| there was no combination, conspiracy or
agreement" by or between any persons what
ever, as far as their information and belief eX-
tends, for the purpose OF preventing an elec-
tion on said Sd day of November, 1868, and that
there was a general feeling OF anxiety among
the citizens to have far election, and with
that view the said R. G. NJ. Dunovant and the
said VI. {. Butler state that proposition was
made to the representatives OF the Republican
party, to arrange so that one party might vote
the FIRST six hours Of the day and the other the
latter six hours.
These deponents further state, under oath,
that short time previous to the said election,
the freedmen held large meeting in the in
terest of the Republican party, in the public
square at Edgefe;d Courthouse, and were ad-
dressed for hours by their speakers without
molestation or hindrance ; that upon II same
occasion there was meeting OF Central Execu-
tive Democratic Clnb, attended by quite o
number OF Democratic citizens from the coun-
try: that they heard of several other meetings
of the freedmen in different parts OF the
county, with which there was not tue slightest
interference. These deponents further state
that the Democracy of the county did all in
their power to procure an election, and the
said NJ. G. Butler states that, as president of
the Central Executive Democratic Club, he was
in a situation to know the sentiments Of the
people and that they were apxicus to have
every possible precinct open on the day OF
election.
And these deponents further state it as their
belief that it there had been an election, the
Hon. J. P. Reed, the Democratic candidate,
would have received q majority of the votes OF
the county that the Commissioners OF Elec-
tions we're, as these deponents were informed
and believed, Republicans in principle, and
that their refusal to act was one OF the causes
why an election was not held; that come weeks
prior to the said Sd day of November petitions
were sent by citizens in some parts OF the
county to Governor Scott, requesting him to
recommend to the Legislature the opening of
all the voting precincts lor the convenience OF
the people, and il any action was ever taken
on said petitions these deponents have had no
notice OF it.
These deponents further say that thev have
heard the testimony OF General Nj. w. Gary
and W. F. Durisoe, Sr., Esq, and corroborate
the same as substantially true.
And those Opponents further state that the
Hon. ]. P. Reed was invited by the DEM
ocratic Club of Edgefeld Courthouse to visit
the county, and canvass for the election,
thereby eviuclns .hoir intention TO go fairly
into the election that the Hon. J. P. Reed
did canvass the county prior to the election.
r. G. NJ. DuNovANT.
T. w. CARwILE.
c. A. CuEATu,M.
NJ. G. BUTLER.