Evening star., 1894-04-04
Newspaper Reporters and Outsiders
Excluded.
RESIDENHSOF FLORENCE. SC, ARRESTED
They Admitted Taking the Towns
Rifles.
EVERYTHING REMAINS QUIET

FLORENCE, S. c., April 4.-This section
Is in a furor of excitement and indigna-
ton, and reports from other portions of the
state indicate similar condition Of affairs.
Gov. Tillman's action in assuming charge
of the entire police force of the state has
been the spark to the powder train. Only a
miracle or Tillman's backdown can prevent
an explosion, which will shake the social
and political future of the state to its foun-
dation. The news of Gov. Tillman's speech
and proclamation reached Florence last
evening about dusk. The town was in a
feverish state from the events of the day
within its borders-the presence of the mi
litia and the grave uncertainty of the out
come at Darlington.
The indignation of the people was almost
beyond expression. After the first flush of
rage had abated the people asked each
other: What will be the next outcomeg'
Every man had but one answer, and he
gave 1t with reluctance and sorrowful posi-
tiveness The answer was: Trouble and
probable bloodshed." If the governor, in
directing the municipal police to search
residences and act the part of spies and
constables, every one is of the opinion that
they Will first refuse and resist attempted
coercion with force. Moreover. it is likely
that there will be a general uprising against
the dispensaries, as an initial movement of
resistance to Tillman's Cthe governors en-
forcement of the dispensary law The as
sassination Of the governor is predicted on
all Sides
Yesterday evening he telegraphed for a
delegation of Darlington citizens to visit
and confer with him, in accordance with
which eX-Congressman Dargan, Col Coker
ana Z. Keith Dargan went to Columbia last
night for that purpose The governor win
attempt to obtain a promise from them of
safe conduct for the constables.
Last night the citizens of Darlington
swore out warrant for the arres. of Con-
stable McClennan. the man who caused all
the trouble and fired the first shot. Nc
Clennan was known to be within eighteen
miles of Darlington, and a civil officer was
sent to serve the warrant. This action was
taken in accordance with the advice of
Senator Butler, who has been in consulta-
tion with the Darlington people for twentv
four hours. If he is brought in he will he
given a fair trial Immunity from danger
Is not promised to other constables how
ever, who come to testify at the inquest
Yesterday afternoon witnessed the be-
ginning OF the investigation of the wreck
ing OF the dispensary. 1t is thought IL wit
messed the end of the investigation also.
AdJ Jltant General Farley conducted the in
curry. He examined several witnesses but
couid not get word which would throw
any light upon the wrecking Of the dispen-
sary The inquiry was absolutely fruitless.
Ihe governor was telegraphed to that ef-
fect, and it is believed he will order the ar
rest of the town officials and others.
Senator Butler advised the leaders last
hight not TO resist arrest. but to immediate
ly apply for writ of habeas corpus. as the
militia has no right to make such arrests
Senator Butler had a long conference last
night with Adjt Gen. Farley and gave him
some advice about obeying orders from the
governor. Senator Butler advised him TO
refuse TO obey any order which is illegal
and to stand court-martial, If necessary.
AdJt Gen. Farley had been proceeding
with considerable moderation and discretion
IN dealing with the people of Florence Last
night he received telegram from the sov
ernor directing him to carry out every order
to Its minutest detail and not to moderate
anything. 1t can be stated that If Gen.
Farley had not exercised such discretion
and moderation as he has exhibited the
chances of conflict within the past twenty
four hours would have been greatly in
creased.
Senator Buffers visit has calmed the neo.
pie.
Supporting the Governor,
News of a serious movement among the
farmers of Florence county leaked out last
night. On the day previous there was a
convention In Florence of populists of the
county. 1t had been called prior to this
trouble, but action was taken bear d.
rectly on the situation. The convention was
held behind closed doors, but the news was
given out last night by the chairman of the
| meeting. There were delegates from the
fourteen townships of the county. A reso-
luton was adopted supporting the governor
in his action against Darlington and Flor
ence, and then the following resolution was
unanimously adopted: Resolved, That this
convention appoint an executive committee
of the reform party, to be composed of one
delegate from each township, and that the
chairman of said committee be empow cred
to call the reformers of this county together
whenever. in his judgment, an emergency
requires it,
When asked for the meaning of this reso-
luton. Col. Clayton. the chairman of the
convention. said, 1T means that l have ap-
pointed a man in each township, who upon
my call, will assemble the farmers of his
township at a rendezvous. They will come
| armed ana will be ready to support Gov
| Tillman.'
This action was taken for the purpose of
| forming the nucleus of an armed force
| which will stand ready to enforce the gov
ernor's commands in case the militia refuse
| to follow him.
The dawning of today found the town in
a more anxious state than at any time
since the troubles of last Friday. No one
was willing to prophesy that the crack of
| the Winchester would not be heard before
nightfall.
| Wholesale Arrests Made.
| An order was received here this morn
| ing from Gov. Tillman directing the ar
rest of all the citizens of this place VINO
| participated in taking the guns from the
| local armory last Friday. The order en-
| braces the best citizens of the town
They are surrendering quietly to arrest
and are reporting at the court house The
| governors order allows them parole with
in the town limits Habeas corpus proceed
| ings will be undertaken.
Departure OF Gen. Farley.
| Adjutant General Farley left mysterious
| ly this morning for an interior town near
| here. 1t is presumed he has gone to pro-
tect some of the escaped constables that
are congregating at Tillmans order TO go
lN.,.or No. 1s....