The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1893-07-12

God, his State, tho people and the Reform
movement, and the treatment he has
received at the hands of Senator Irby
makes the basest ingratitude I have ever
known, even among politicians. He
found frozen viper, took it to his bosom,
warmed it into life and is now being
repaid in denunciation and anonymous
thrusts. 1 will not say anything of in
gratitude to myself, as to our former
personal, and as thought friendly rela-
tons, forI have long since found that I
would have to class all my connections
with him as part of my criminal prac-
tice as lawyer, for which am possibly
being justly repaid. only know, 80 far
as the Reform movement Is concerned,
that I was present at it's conception and
birth nnder Gen. M. W. Gary, in 1877
SO; stood sponsor at its christening in
the March Convention in 1889, when
Governor Tillman was nominated, and
as one cf its principal nurses and defen-
ders have seen it grow into strength,
manhood and success; but now, II it is
to be turned over to the tender merciss
of such stepfather as J. L. NJ. Irby,
am afraid that it is destined to meet an
untimely death. When Governor Till
man first started his work as new found
leader of the movement he sought my
aid and assistance. The whole State
knows how / stood by his side in the
hours and DAYS of difficulty and danger.
He has had my cordial support and assis-
tanoe in his Administration and none
but calm and dispassionate counsel,
which could make no enemy and injure
no cause. When I disagreed with him I
have frankly and kindly said so, and, as
q member of his Administration, have
kept silent. So long as he is true to what
I consider the best interests Of the State
and the Reform movement, he Is entitled
to the same consideration, because there
has never been the slightest disturbance
of our personal, official or political rela-
tions. say this much In justice to him
and myself, but want it distinctly un-
derstood, both now and hereafter, If am
to support him or any other man 1t must
be of my own free will because of the
principles he presents and for the good
of the State, and not in obedience to the
dragooning of any man or set OF men.
Such things may do for slaves or cow
ards, but not for free men who call them
selves Reformers.
"We did not fight for ten long. years to
secure Independence of thought and
action and to free ourselves from an
autocratio ring in order to establish new
one of q more dangerous and arbitrary
character. I want it understood also
that will not follow or be governed by
such men as Irby, who, II allowed to
have his way, would not only black list
US all, but drag the State into bloodshed
and actual revolution in order to accom-
plish his selfish purposes and to crafty
his malice and ambition. he represents
and personifies this idea and policy,
while do not believe that it is wise,
statesmanlike or patriotic, much less
Christian-like, to try to continue, and to
increase, as he evidently desires, the
present bitterness and discord In the
Democratic party. It can only lead to
disorder, riot, bloodshed and ruin.
"I am sorry that feel compelled to
make this exposure, but cannot, and
will not, submit to the long continued
private as well as anonymous abuse and
misrepresentation Of this loud-mouthed,
vulgar-mahnered, bully and braggart.
who has already disgraced us in Wash
ington, and is now bringing discord into
our own ranks by playing the part OF
dictator and q tyrant. He has no good
record and has done nothing for the
State, party or the Reform movement
worthy of distinction, unless it be for
strutting around Washington, as my old
friend Cash would say, like q big buck
niger on Emancipation Day. while he
is- trying to make our innocent and un-
suspecting people believe that the bray
Of a jackass Is the roar Of lion.
ri am, very respectfully,