The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1894-01-31
CONSTABLE ELLIOTT r1NED-A PARDON
Is PROMISED HIM.

special 10 AGl8Ot8 CcnSCltutlOn-
The trial of J. C. Elliot, whisky spy
whose assault on Mrs. Nolte, few
days ago, led to small riot and an
attempt to lynch him, was concluded
to-day before Justice Burnett. The
defendant was convicted Of assault and
battery and sentenced to pay $50 fine
or serve thirty days imprisonment.
Although perfect peace reigns here,
the air tonight is filled with rumors
stating that the governor has called ont
the militia of the city with view of de-
claring martial lsw. The armed white
force Of the city consists of three battal-
ions ofinfantry, squadron of cavalry, q
regiment Of artillery and Calling gun
section. Besides these, there are two regi-
meuts, of infantry and one Of cavalry,
all colored troops, who constitute the
National Guard. The police force is
also armed With Winchester repeating
rifles, as is the battalion of state
cadets. There are plenty Of troops
here.
Before announcing the verdict justice
Burnett said that three witnesses bad
sworn that Elliott was drunk and struck
Mrs. Nolte; she testified that be struck
her and that even then (during the
trial) she felt the effects of the blow;
others testified that be struck or pushed
her, while the only denial Of the charge
was made by the defendant himself.
In the face Of this direct, positive.
overwhelming proof the Court could not
do otherwise than 6nd the defendant
guilty of assault and battery.
The defense had not shown than any
of the witnesses should be doubted. It
is probable that the defendant will pay
the fne. This will be reimbursed to
him by Governor Tlllman, who will in
turn take it out of the city's share Of
the profits Of the d:spensary.
cHARLEsToN's SOLDIER RELIED ON.
The latest coup of the governor in
calling out the militia was not expected
here. although it came in an unexpected
shape. It was generally thought that
the governor would order regiment of
cavalry from Edge6eld or Barnwell
County. where he recruits his con-
stabulary forces Istead of this he
telegraphed to the captain of the
Washington Light Infantry, the elite
corps Of the Fourth Brigade. to know
if bis men would obey the Law if they
were called upon. Captain Cogswell.
the commanding officer of the Washing
ton Light Infantry, is said to be one Of
the few Tillmanites in Charleston.
On receipt Of the telegram, it is
understood that a meeting of the
officers of the corps was held and an
affirmative answer was sent to the
governor, and that thereupon sum-
mons was placed on the bulletin board
in the armory ordering the men to
hold themselves in readiness The
people generally are somewhat at
loss to imagine who the light infantry
is going to fight. The conviction Of
Elliott. the constable. to-day Of assault
on Mrs. Nolte was followed by a
prompt notification from the governor
that Elliott's pardon would be forth
coming as soon as the records of the
court reached him. 1t is tboug BIT that
the governor fears that when this
announcement is made another attempt
will be made to lynch Elliott. At
present, however, there are no symp-
toms of a riot to be seen on the surface.