Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1883-03-15
THE ELECTION CASES,

The examination of the Fairfield prison
ers for alleged violation Of the election laws
was begun in Columbia on Wednesday OF
last week, Ex-Chief Justice Willard appear
ing for the Government, and Messrs. John
C. Haskell and H. A. Gaillard for the de-
PENDANTS. The first case called was against
Thomas J. Dawkins, Thomas McGill, Jr.,
A. E. Davis, Andrew Wallace, John M
Kirkland, James Heron, Nicholas Peay,
Hayne McMeekin, John w. Lyles, James
Mcmillan and Thos. Aiken, for conspiracy
in violating the Revised Statutes, in threat
ening and intimidating voters. The Gov.
ernment so far has examined only two wit
nesses, James H. Martin and j. F. COrley,
white Greenbackers of Richland county
At the conclusion of the examination o1
these witnesses, the prosecution asked for q
continuance on account of the absence OF
an important witness. Commissioner Baus.
kettle granted the application, but on the
following morning the witness whose testi'
mony was considered Of 80 much impor-
tance by the officers of the Government was
hunted up by the defendants, and through
their counsel they urged Judge Willard
and District Attorney Melton to proceed
with the investigation. This they declined
to do, and the cases were continued until
the Goth instant. The testimony so far elic-
tied does not seem to connect the parties
with the crime of which they are charged.
The prosecution. evidently recognizes this
fact, and have asked for more time probably
with the view of endeavoring to strengthen
their case if it can be done before abandon
ing it altogether. The Winnsboro Neacs
says the defendants on trial are all respecta-
BILE citizens of Fairfield. The result lis await
ed with more than ordinary interest.
A Washington dispatch of Monday, gives
the following as the intentions of the Gov
ernment towards the people of the State:
Early in April the Government will try a
large number Of cases in South Carolina, OF
persons charged with offences against the
election laws. Several Of these cases were
tried last year, when District Attorney Mel
ton, of the South Carolina District, was as
sisted by Mr.. Ker, now Of the star route
prosecution, and Mr.. Saunders. In the trial
of the new cases, thee rict Attorney is to
be assisted by the Hon. Richard Crowley,
of New York, and Mr.. Snyder, of Pennsyl-
Vanla. Inc CrldlS are eApeCCeu W Ue lItlu
before Chief Justice Waitea and Judge Bond,
and as there are nearly 100 of them, it is eX-
pected that there will be long and inter-
esting contest. The affidavits are now be-
ing prepared in South Carolina, and Mr..
Crowley, who has been recently retained, is
familiarizing himself with the case of the
government prior to leaving for Charleston.
AS confirming the above, the Columbia
correspondent Of the Ne,rs and Courier tele-
graphs on Monday night, from that city, as
follows:
1t is reported that deputation of the
subordinates of the United States district
attorney will leave Columbia tomorrow for
Chester, to make further arrests of Demo
Gratis for alleged violations at the last cleo
ton of the Revised Statutes. Of course nc
official information of the raid can be OBJ.
tanned from it's originators. 1t seems to be
certain, however, that county after county
will be searched in turn for information
upon which to base these prosecutions o1
reputable citizens. Synder is still here
and with Willard is cOnfabluating and
scheming to further advance the campaign
of spite against the Democracy.
/ The conclusion of hecorrespondent Is that
the white people of the State may as well
make up their minds that they have to un'
dergo another such ordeal as that through
which they passed last spring.