The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1874-08-12
REPUBLICAN MEETING.
!it0r Press and Banner :

| EOItOr preSS ana Banner:
On Saturday last political meeting OF
considerable interest, was held at Shady
Grove, in Magnolia township. Between
$50 and POO persons were present. ). II.
Wallace was made chairman, and u. II.
Russell, secretary.
James White was the first speaker.
He expatiatnd largelyupon necessity for
reform in the Republican party, and al
vised that all the old members OF the
Legislature be left at home. He an
nounced himself rs a candidate for the
House of Representatives.
/ l.. L. Guftin was next introduced.
He spoke chiefly in defence OF himself,
against the charge of treasury robbing
and running away from the State whilst
holding such an honorable and remuner-
ative office. He thought q sufficient
answer to the first charge was the fact
that he had been fairly and fully tried
by Jury of his peers, and pronounced
not guilty. In reply to the second
charge, he thought that if all the other
county officials had run away and left
their offices in as good hands as he did,
the county would have been better OF
to-day. The loss to the county by the
robbery might have been repaired to
some extent, if our members of the Leg
islature had not released l.. H. Russell
and his bondsmen. He told the people
to ask those old members how much
they received to pass that bill.
II. G. Lesley next addressed the meet
Ing. He had been an attachee of the
House and knew something of the ac-
tions and doings of the Legislature. BE
didn't think the old members had done
much credit to themselves or their con-
stituents. He thought better men
might be secured, and the people should
risk the experiment. He referred to the
number of States that had lately gone
Democratic, and to the loud cries for re-
form in South Carolina from all parts
of the Union.
A. II. Burton spoke in favor of reform
by selecting good men, and announced
himself as u candidate for the Legisla-
ture.
w. M. Pressly, School Commissioner
was the next speaker. He endorsed all
that had been said in favor of reform,
and urged the people to seiect only good
and competent men for all positions, so
as to elevate the party, improve the
race, and benefit the State. He had no
present knowledge of the frauds charg-
ed against the old members. He had
never been to the Legislature. They
seem to be fighting among themselves
now, and, if they are as represented, we
can console ourselves with the reflection
that "when thieves fall out, honest men
will get their dues" He further urged
the people to send their children to
school, to take more interest i'll the sub
ject, and make greater efforts and sacri-
fees for the cause of education.
j. Hollinshead was then introduced.
He told the people that he was ready to
answer any question touching his course
and conduct as their Representative.
He was asked why he voted for John j.
Patterson for U. S. Senator. He re
piled, because he thought him the most
suitable man. He was asked why he
voted for the Blue Ridge Scrip. He ad-
mitted that he did wrong III 80 doing.
He also stated that he voted for the Val
idating Bill, and he now thought that
was wrong. He likewise admitted that
he did wrong in voting for Finley as a
Trustee of the De La Howe School.
Finley had asked him several questions
a prominent citizen here told him that
he would not have another opportunity
to do wrong in the Senate. He said he
would leave the field to any good color
cd man. He then referred to the Cuff
fins, and handled them with gloves off,
charging them with the robbery of the
Treasury, and that Lem Guff!n had run
away from the State, leaving the. Pro-
bate office minus 81 200.
It would fill too much of your space,
Mr.. Editor, to give all that the speakers
said. Iliavegiven only what l reco!-
lect us the MAN points. Several Of
them spoke an hour or more.
EIATOR.