The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-08-17
A FAMOUS SAYING.
The Incid ents That Led Up to the
Epigram.
New York SUI

New York sun.
Every man In the United States Is supposed to
know what the governor OF North Carolina
said TO the governor of South Carolina" but
possibly some do not know when and under
what circumstances the famous remark was
made. Nearly q century ago man prominent
In political affairs in North Carolina moved
across the border and settled In South Carolina
He had been there only short time when he
committed some small crime or misdemeanor
for which he was indicted. To escape arrest he
returned to his old home In North Carolina In
due course OF time the governor of South Caro-
lima issued his requisition on the governor of
North Carolina for the fugitive criminal.
The fugitative had influential friends in his
native state, and they interceded with the gov
ernor until he refused to grant the reoumition.
long official correspondence followed. Prom
inent men in South Carolina told the governor
that he had not been treated with proper Official
courtesy BY the governor OF North Carolina
The result was that the South Carolina gov
ernor, accompanied by a large party Of friends
and advisers, iourneyed by stage to Raleigh, the
capital OF North Carolina, for conference with
the governor about the matter OF giving up the
criminal
The governor of North Carolina, with large
party Of distinguished friends. met the governor
Of South Carolina several miles from town and
escorted them to the governors mansion with
orA Before the object Of the visit was stated,
the entire party sat down 10 an elaborate dinner.
After dinner wine was served and after wine
brandy-the applejack for which the old north
state 10 famous After many rounds Of drinks
the decanters and glasses were removed and
the governor OF South Carolina stated the object
OF his visit. He demanded the return of the
fugitive criminal. The governor Of North Caro-
lima refused. Then followed a long and heated
discussion. in which the attorney generals of tha
two states took an active part.
Finally the governor of south Carolina grew
angry, and, rising to his feet, he said: "sir,
you have refused my Just demand and offended
the dignity of my office and my state. Unless
you at once surrender the prisoner will return
to my capital, call out the militia OF the state,
and, returning with my army, will take the
fugitive 0y force of arms. Governor, what do
you say?'
All eyes were turned on the governor OF North
Carolina, and his answer was awaited with
breathless interest The governor rose slowly
to bis feet and beckoned to a servant who stood
some distance away. His reckoning was firm
and dignifed, as became his position. He was
slow shout answering and again the governor of
South Carolina demanded: "What do you
say?"
~ say. governor. that it's . long time between
drinks"
The reply restored good humor Decanters
and glasses were brought out again, and, while
the visitors remained, il any one attempted to
refer to the diplomatic object Of the visit he
was cut short by the remark that 1t was long
time between drinks.
When the visiting governor was ready to re-
turn homo he was escorted to the state line by
the governor of North Carolina, and they parted
the best of friends.
The fugitive was never surrendered.