The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1893-03-29
Going Back on Th'ir Record,

WASHINGTON, Marci, "a sensation
occurred here to-day in the ranks OF Inc
Tillman faction of the South Carolina
colony when it was discovered that Con
gressman-elect Strait, Latimer and NC
Iaurin are blacklisted at the postothce
department. Messrs. Strait and Latlmer
came here in response to telegram from
Senator Irby to attend conference OF the
delegation relative to the distribution OF
Federal patronage in the State.
This morning Messrs. Strait and Latl,
mer visited the postoffice department and
called upon "Headsman" Maxwell, who
presides over the fourth assistants.
When they endeavored to discuss postal
affairs in their districts they were morti-
fed and surprised, after conversing with
Mr.. Maxwell, to find "their pictures
turned to the wall and Third Party
marked across their Names" In otfer
words they wore black-listed as not being
Democrats and, therefore, not entitled 10
name the fourth-class postmastors, in
their respective districts. Mr.. McLaurln
is also in the same boat.
They went Immediately to the Capitol
and consulted Senator Irby, who accom-
panied them back to the postoffice de-
partment as soon as the Senate adjourned.
Senator Irby said to Mr.. Maxwell that he
appeared there as chairman of the State
Democracy, and not as United States
Senator, to-day in behalf of these gentle
men, Messrs. Strait, Latimer and Nc
Laurin, that they have never been other
than loyal and consistent Democrats.
They were the nominees of the Demo
cratic primaries and were elected by the
Dem ocratic party on the same ticket Win
the Cleveland electors, and any proscrip-
ton would be Indignantly resented ny
himself and the organized Democracy o1
South Carolina.
Gen. Maxwell seemed surprised at this
statement, and invited Senator lrby to
conference with Postmaster General Bis
sell. The same argument was repeated
to Mr.. Bissell, who said that after the
present rush is over the matter would be
given full and careful consideration, and
that Justice would be accorded these Rep
resentative5.
Senator Irby said he knew from what
Mr.. Bissell said that Messrs.i iStrait, Lati-
mer and McLaurin will be treated and
recognized as other Democratic Congress
men. Upon being asked if he knew who
had caused this "black-listing," Senator
Irby replied in the affirmative, but added
that his information was confidential and
he was not at liberty to disclose it.
Congressman Latimer, who was pres
ent during the interview, said he under
stood that the custom has prevailed in
the departments Of allowing Ex-Con-
gressmen, defeated by Republicans under
a Democratic Administration, to dispense
the Federal patronage in their respective
districts. He said be would not submit
to any such rule being applied to him in
the interest Of tho gentlemen whom ne
had defeated. Messrs. 1rby and Latimer
said they do not blame Mr.. Maxwell or
the Administration, but they denounce it
as "a sneaking, dirty trick" of some one.
They declare It is the greatest insult that
has ever been offered to the Reform. ele-
ment in South Carolina, and it will DO
resented by their people at tho proper
time.
Both Latimer and Strait denounce the
charge that they are Third Party men as
absolutely false, as they claim that it Is
contradicted by every vote they have cast
and every speech they have delivered,
They say they have never voted anything
but the Democratic ticket.
The conference Of the delegation has
not yet been held owing to the absence OF
two members. Senator Irby says Sena-
tor Butler and Mr.. Brawley will not be
invited to the conference as they have
declined to be bound by its action.-Spe-
ciaJ NeWS and Courier.