Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1880-03-25
Geo. w. Williams,

06O' W. WllAlamS.
1t will be remembered that ia May last
the country was startled by the announce.
ment of the suspension in New York Of tho
great commission aud banking house Of
Williams, Birnie & Co. Mr.. Geo. w. vii.
liams, 80 favorobly known as wealthy and
high toned merchant and banker of Charles
ton, was tho senior member Of the firm.
Without bis knowledge his partner was
beguiled iuto immense spcoulations in
"co,ton futures" Liverpool "adventures,"
and cooper miues." Tho New York
partner not only lost his own fortune, but
overwhelmed Mr.. Williams In vexstious
lawsuits extending from Maine to Texas.
1t will DO eeen from the News and
Courier, March g. 1880, that the first and
what was regarded the most dangerous suit
was tried last week in Charleston. 1t
seems that MIR. Birnio had used large
amount of bonds that had beon sent to
Williams, Birnio g. Co. Two full days
were occupied in hearing testimony. The
best legal talent was brought to bear by
plaintiff and defendant. Intense interest
was felt in the Charleston community as it
was regarded as test suit. Late 10 the
afternoon of THURSDAY Inst, Judge Press
ley's lucid charge was gwen to one of the
most respectable juries cmpanelled since the
| war. In less than ten minutes uuaDimous
verdict was rendered for the defeudant-
George w. Williams. The testimony
| takon in New York shows that Birnie sent
the books containing his private spooula-
! tions across the water to Europe. The
Charleston testimony showed deception aud
| fraud in tho manner in which tho firms
hnoku 1onk st,o 70 h;lo
! from MIR. Williams.
much for one of Mr.. Williams sensitive
nature. 1t bus been the marvel Of his
friends that he has stood up 80 long under
the crushing load; but not even his strong
will could withstand tho exotements of the
past week; seepless nights resulted in ncr-
vous prostration. 1t has been found ab-
solutely necessary that Mr.. w. should give
up all active business. We learn that ho
has gone to the pine lands of Summorvilc
to recruit. The prayers of the widow and or
phan will be offered for him in his banishmont
from his home. II 10 qualification to Mr..
Williams' friends to be ablo 10 state that
every demand on Mr.. Williams Savings
Bank aud upon his Charleston firm hoe
been promptly mot, regardless of the sac
riicc of securities. We trust that those
papers in the South that passed hasty
Judgment upon Mr.. Williams conduct he
fore hearing the testimony will at least give
the result of the first suit that has been
submitted to the courts of our State.
After most critical examination the char.
actcr of George w. Williams has been
fully vindicated by one of the highest
tribunals in the State.
In his necessary rctreat from active busi-
ness it is hoped that Mr.. Williams will
fully realize the hoped for rest and recu-
peration.-C Columbia Christian MeighJor.
PISTOLS AND WnIsKEY.-Thc
gentleman who writes to us from
Laurens, urging us to continue
the fight against pistols and whis-
key, may rest assured that VIC
shall do everything in our power
to bring about a better condition
Of things in the State. The CO.
operation Of the country newspa.
pers in this matter would be of in.
ostimablc value. These newspa
pers arc near to their public, and
their appeals would perhaps have
more effect than anything that we
can say. We agree with or
Laurens friend in tho opinion that
the terrible evils that now exist
will be abandoned, if every news.
paper in South Carolina, every
minister Of religion and every wo
man is interested in the cause.
News and Courier.
6 ESPECTINC', REIJc,roN nr