The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-11-21
The Press and Banner
Twelve Pages.
Wednesday, Nov. 81, 1894.
Charges of Fraud.

Dr. Sampson Pope. the defeated Independ-
ent Reform candidate for Governor, has been
to Aiken in search Of frauds in the recent
election, and comes back to Columbia with a
great long story, furnishing, as he
says abundant evidence to prove the alleged
frauds. Among other of his reckless speeches
he is credited with saying:
"I believe that there was rascality In the
State everywhere, except in the countles ol
Anderson, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanourg'
York, Horny and Charleston"
Dr. Pope does not define exactly what he
means by "rascality," nor does he bring any
evidence to prove the rascality.
There are however, three very good rea-
sons why he did not get the vote Of AbbeVille
county:
l.. On a dead level, he has not satisfied this
people that he is a better man than John Gary
Evans.
.. He did not get the Democratic nomina-
tion for Governor, but ran as an Independent
Reformer Even If he had been better man
than Evans the great majority of Democrats
took part in the primary, and for this reason
would not vote for an Independent.
8. He pledged his opposition to the dispen-
ssry. This of itself insured his defeat, and
would insure the defeat of any other man in
Abbeville county. A very large per cent. OF
our people support the dispensary law.
Hon. F. B. Gary is county chairman. When
asked what instructions he received 1roul
headquarters. as TO fraud, he said he had no
instructions either TO encourage or tolerate
fraud. But he said that he was warned
against the apathy of the people. That there-
in lay the danger 10 the party, and that ne
must return home and endeavor 10 AWAKEN
interest in the election. The Press and Ban
ner doesn't know If Pope has any facts TO
disprove this.
Mr. G. H. Moore OF this village was Supervi'
sor of Federal elections in this county, and
Mr. John r. Bullock was County Supervisor
of election for State officers.
Nobody doubts the truth fulness or honesty
of either OF these men. They are in every
way just as honorable as DR.. Pope, and they
appointed managers whom they thought
would do their duty honestly and fairly.
According to our way Of thinking DR.. Pope
would have a hard job in proving that they
acted "rascally."
If DIR. Pope has proof that he utters the
truth about rascality everywhere in the State,
with the exceptions noted, 1t is his duty to
come here, and have the perpetrators prose
cuted. They ought to be punished. and DR..
Pope is derelict in his duty IL he does not un-
earth 1t. He is respectfully invited, and
earnestly urged to come up here, and prove
or disprove the truthfulness of his charges
II he does not do so, the public may be-
lieve that he has uttered slapder agains st
the people who do not endorse either the
man or his methods.
The Press and Banner believes there was no
fraud or rascality perpetrated in this county.
We further believe it was as fair an election
as was ever held in the county. Proof OF
fraud would be a revelation TO our people.
And, judging his other statements by what
he said about fraud everywhere, we attach
very little Importance to his assertions one
way or another.