Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1884-09-04
The Aurkpi1le Gnqnirer.
THE PRIMARY ELECTION.

Our report OF the proceedings last week, OF
the County Democratic Executive Commit
tee, closedwith the adjournment of that body
on Tuesday evening until 10 o'clock on We'd
nesday morning, which hour was appointed
for the Investigation of the charges of irregu-
larities and frauds at the Blacks Station box
and other precincts. The Committee assem-
bled in the Court House at the appointed
hour. There were present, R. III. Glenn,
County Chairman, and the following MEM
bers of the Executive Committee: Blacks
Station-Joseph Black; Bethel. L..
Adams; Bethany-T. P. Whitesides; Blairs-
ville-John L. Rainey; Buffalo-W. D.
Camp; Bullock's Creek. G. Ashe, repre-
senting j. D. Hamilton Clover. R. Bar
ron; Clark's Fork-J. G. McGill Fort Mill
DIR. J. E. Massey; Hickory Grove-J. G..
Chambers; McElwee's Mill. l.. Moore !;
McConnelIsville-Dr. w. G. Campbell; !;
Rock Hill-Ireden Jones Yorkville-W.
B. McCaw.
The Chairman announced a quorum pres
ent, and that the Committee was ready for
business.
c.. E. Spencer, who was present by invita-
tion, read the following:
YoRKvILLE, s. c., August q, 1884
To the Democratic Executive Committee of York
County: GENTLEMEN: Since the meeting, yester-
day morning, many of my friends, (sOme OF them
supporters Of Maj. Hart and General Law in the
recent election) have urged me to reconsider my
withdrawal from the Senatorial race, In the event
that anew election should be ordered by the Com,
mittee; and some of them urge it upon the ground
that if the Blacks Station box should be thrown
out, DR.. Black and myself would be the only
parties affected.
r
was called upon by the Committee to know
whether had any protest to file, and did not
think could consistently keep silent with the
letter in hand that submitted to the Committee
from Blacks Station; and was land still amy
unwilling both to contest the election and re-
main candidate, as think the two positions in
consistent. Besides, supposed that the cleo
ton, if set aside at all, would be thrown open
generally, and was, land still any unwilling to
enter the general race again.
Ny idea was certainly not to shrink from any
duty that might owe to my friends.
In view of the above facts, I deem it advisable
to keep the matter of my candidacy under ad-
visement at least, and for the reason stated ask
the Committee for leave to strike my name from
the. minutes as one of the contestants, and to
relieve me from taking any part in the proposed
investigation of the committee in regard to the
alleged irregularities in the election.
The charge having been made, of course it is
bat the duty of the Committee to look into 1t, and
to conduct their own investigation in their own
w d
undertake impartially, in justice both to Dr.
Black and myself, and in the interest Of the De-
mocracy of York county. Very respectfully,
G. E. SPENCER.
Iredell Jones moved that the Committee
proceed to canvass the vote for Senator
and hear any protests and evidence that
might be presented. The motion was sec
oned and adopted.
Blacks Station, the first precinct on the
list, was called, and the result at that pre-
cinct announced.
The protest of Maj. Hart, submitted on
the previous day, was read as follows:
YoRKvILLE, s. c., August 26, 1884.
To the Democratic ErecutfVe Committee OF York
County: The undersigned, 3 candidate before the
recent primary election for the State Senate,
feels it his duty to enter this protest against the
result appearing upon the face of the returns.
This is done in personal or captious spirit, as
in no event would any personal benefit accrue
to himself; but solely in the interest and for
maintaining the integrity of that party organ
ization through the purity Of which alone good
government can be perpetuated in the State.
The result of the vote at Blacks Station shows
conclusiyely that it was vote en- measse OF the
whole population, white and colored, Democrat
and Republican, without any effort on the part
of those controlling it to restrict it to Demo-
cratic vote.
# this is to be the policy of the Democratic
heroic efforts of our people-it had better furl
it's colors and at once disband. I can endorse
no election held as this was, and never shall.
Respectfully, JAS. F. HART.
The following letters were also read:
BLACKS, S. c., August 25, 1884.
accordance with the orders of the Convention;
but that is all that donel legally to-day. They
did not swear or ask any questions. They did
not ask whether they lived in the county or in the
bod foI of M har
precinct. All the negroes voted and some OF
them have said they told them at the polls they
would not vote for the ticket in November. 1t
is not fair for the other candidates nor for us as
Democrats. and want you to challenge the box,
and if you want any proof Will get 1t Tor you.
Yours truly, w. X L1PsCoMB.
Rock HILL, S, c., August 26, 1884.
GEN. E. NJ. LAW, Dear Sir: Blacks Station
has never poled over 1S9 votes in any election
before, and this time polls 1868 for Black. The
election must be contested. That box must be
thrown out, as there has been fraud practlced,
and I think we can prove it; 1 have tried to get
a telegram to you, but could not succeed. Let
INV ''''' ''0 Gu. PRIDE, JR.
The following kilograms were read:
Blacks, s. c., August 81, 1884.
C. E. SPENCER, Yorkville, s. c.: Republicans
voted at this box without being sworn, and can
pN'' Rock HILL, s. c., August q, 1884.
C. E. SPENCER: There is reliable man here
who was at Blacks Station on election day, and
is willing to swear that he saw frauds perpetrat-
BLACKS S. c., August 27, 1884.
c. E. SPENCER, Yorkviue, s. c.: We have evl-
dence in your favor. Don't yield. Let us hear
at once if you need help. w. ANDERSON.
At this stage Of the proceedings, D. A. A.
Watson, member of the Committee for Clay
Hill precinct, entered the room.
The calling of the list Of precincts was re-
sumed by the Secretary. When Bethany
was reached, DR.. w. G. Campbell moved
that committee of three be appointed to
examine the poll-list for that precinct, and
ascertain whether or not William Barrett
and Hugh D. Robinson voted at Bethany.
The motion was seconded and adopted, and
the Chairman appointed as the committee,
D. A. A. Watson, Iredell Jones and j. r.
Barron.
On Bullock's Creek being called, DIR.
Campbell submitted the following:
: .'I hereby charge that two or three votes were
polled at BulIock's Creek precinct, by persons
enter my protest against an election for Senator
being declared by this Committee"
Iredell Jones moved that Major Hart be
sent for, in order that he might be furnish
ed the opportunity of substantiating the
charges made in his communication. The
motion was seconded and adopted, and a
messenger was sent to Major Hart request
ing his attendance.
The calling Of the list of precincts was re-
sumed, but no protest was made against any
other precinct except Blacks Station, Beth