The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1877-04-25
Republican Officials Excluded from
the State Housc-DoorS of the
Offices Sealed-A Protest from
the Excluded Officers.

COLUMBIA, S. G. April Is, 1877.
In accordance with Governor Uampton'S
orders the doors of the state House officers re-
Gently occupied by Mr.. Chamberlain's Sccrc.
Of departments were formally sealed
his morning and a special constable stat
at each to insure their integrity.
Mcssrs. Dunn, CardoZo and llMyn", the re,
publican Comptroller General, Treasurer and
of state, respectively remained at
home in anticipation Of what was done.
SHOw OF RESISTANCE.
Adiutant and Inspector General Kennedy,
Superintendent of Education Tolbert and
Attorney General Elliott, however, present.
ed themselves at their late Offices at the usual
morning hour and was denied admittancc.
4 show of resistance WAS made by the TWO
last named but uron being confronted by
the cOn$tahlcsa and assured that they would
be arrested If they esSayed TO- force an en-
as they seemed inclined to do, they,
await the decision of the supreme Court In
the matter OF the disputed possessions.
CHARACTER OF THE SEALS.
The seals which were affixed by Mr.. Man.
merely Of IL few inches Of red tape fasten-
ed at either end to the door and door post By
drop of sealing wax, which bears the impress
of the sccrctary'S signct ring.
REPUBLICAN, FEELING.
Quite number of republicans visited the
State House during the day, and these were
in their expression of concern
and indignation at the outrage. to use their
wv u " ~ I't't ~ p~i -
more formal declaration of the same feeling
may he found in the following protest. which
was addressed to Governor Hampton Tonight
by the excluded otllcials:-
PROTEST OF THE OFFICIALS.
CoLUMRIA.S :. G., April Is. 1871.
Hon. WADE HAMPTON, Governor Of South
Carolina =
SIR-The undersigned state officers of
South Carolina on approaching the doors of
our respective Offices ut the State House this
found them covered by a seal placed
there. as we are Informed, by yollr orders.
We were also met by members of your con-
.stabulary force. who informed us that they
had received orders to arrest any person who
should attempt to remove the said seals, the
PURPOSE being to prevent us from
In view Of this forclble ejectment and eX-
cluSiOn from our offices we find 1t our duty
again to call your attention to your assuran-
would resort only to legal remedies, for the
Of all disputed queStions.' We
ore now forcibly excluded from our offices
without resort to legal remedies, without le-
gal process or right,
1t is a mockery to say tina this forciblc cX-
.clusion does not interfere with our legal
rights. 1t Is our right, holding as we do a
perfect prilna facie title to our respective
and use of the public rooms attached to them
and in the custody of the public records be-
longing thereto. To forcibly exclude us from
these rooms and records is To deprive us OF
our rights without form Of law. 1t Is morco-
yer TO treat with contempt the Judicial pro.
ceedings now pending for the determination
of the final right to these offices, and by an
act of uSurpation and disregard of law to de-
prive us of our official rights. Against such
an outrage it only remains for US here to ell.
ter our solemn protest.
Very respectfully.
r. &. DUNN, Comptroller General.
+. l.. CARDOSEA, Treasurer.
Il. Is. ELLIOTT, Attorney General.
II. f. HAYNE. Secretary Of state.
JAMES KENNEDY, Adjutant General.
This letter will bc delivered to Governor
Hampton tomorrow OH his return from
Charleston.