The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1894-04-04
TILLMAN TALKS.
The Governor Grants an Interview +"
Press Cor orrespondent-He stands by tho
Dispensary Iniquity-
Especial 10 News and Courier. l

Especial TO News and Courier:]
COLUMBIA, April 1.-The Southern
Associated Press representative had a
lengthy interview with the Governor at
the Executive mansion this afternoon.
| Tha Governor was seated on the front
piazza surrounded by his family and a
number of his political friends. He
granted the interview without hesitation
and spoke freely about the situation
| There was some indication OF nervousness
in his manner, but altogether he was as
collected as could be expected under the
| circumstances.
The Governor stated that in his opinion
the worst of the danger was over. He
said that irasmuch as Darlington and
Florence were in state of insurrectlon.
he fe!t it his duty to exert himself to the
utmost to uphold the dignity and preserve
the peace of the Stnte At the time OF the
interview the 300 miltiamen had just left
on a special train for Darlington. In
view of the number of companies which
had refused to respond to hls call, ne was
greatly gratifed at having finally plsced
the troops en- route to the scene OF the
tragedy.
"But will they shoot?" was asked |
"Will they shootw exclaimed the Gov
ernor with emphasis. We'll, you ought to
have heard them cheer when 1 told them
to shoot"
He then went on to give me the sub
stance of his speech to the assembled
militia just previous to their departure,
report of which appears elsewhere.
l asked him when in his opinion the
present tension would be relieved sufh-
GENTLY foS him to dismiss the military.
He said be could not tell, and there was
much at stake Darlington and the COM
munity was in insurrection, defying the
authority of the State. The insurrec-
tionists must be put down. The property
of the State (meaning the dispensarleS
had been destroyed. The guilty parties
must be discovered and brought to justice.
The dispensary constables were beng
pursued, and were in imminent danger Of
losing their lives. He was not going to
permit them to be bounded down and
Shot like dogs. Pending developments in
these matters be would keep the militia
under arms.
A few minutes previous to this inter-
view it was reported that the censorship
of telegrams had been Withdrawn. He
was questioned as to the accuracy of the
rumor and denied it very emphatically.
He said he did not wish to have any,
thing sent out which would infame the
passions of the people, and for that
reason and with a view Of securing
accurate reports be would continue the
censorship.
"Now, will play editor for you fel-
lows" said the Governor with a laugh.
"Just write out your reports, bring them
to me and will look over them. If they
are not sensational or incendiary Will Let
them CO."
He spoke confidently of the strength OF
his sympathizers. Il can assemble from
one thousand to fifteen hundred men here
to support me" he said.
"Do you think so?' I inquired.
II know it." he answered with emphasis.
"Why, I have received kilograms from
all over the State Offering assistance ard
I can get as many men as I can furnish
with transportation
Tillman spoke feeli1gly of the disband-
ing of the Governors Guards.
1.-The company is fifty. lone years old" he
said, "and this is the first time they have
ever refused to obey orders
He says that Capt. BatemaD shed tears
over the action of his COMPANY.
"What effect will the present disturb
ances have on the dispensayy lave" the
correspondent asked.
at will strengthen it," be promptly re-
piled. These continued disturbances
have been brought on by the low-down
whiskey element and by the violent op-
position to the measure which the cities
have made. The issue is whether the
State is to be turned over to hoodlums
and toughs or be governed by its inteli-
gent citizenship. The result will be In
favor of the dispensary."