The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1894-01-31

Aa w 81
been formed, believe, for the purpose
of determined resistance against the en-
forcement of the dispensary Law. l
have the names of the officers of this
association, snd have been informed Of
their proposed intentions, developing
what I considera conspiracy against
the law and livessof the State officers.
On the 24th instant we raided F.
Jordan in King street. At this place
Mr., Legare's action as attorney for this
Association confirms my suspicions:
This raid developed later in the day to
serious outbreak, In which Mr. j.
C. Elliott was attacked By the mob in
Vanderhorst street, and had it not been
for the timely Interference Of ths chief
Of police it voald hsve resulted in
bloodsbed. Later in the evening there
Was meeting. The liquor dealers
and their numerous mpathisers held
what they termed an indignation meet
ing, where the most violent language
was used. After this meeting the crowd
formed in procession and marched up
town and attacked the boarding house
of Charlie MeCants. and shot in the
building and tried to force their way
over the policeman at the door to get in
to the constables boarding at that place.
The entire force of the constabulary
was concentrated, at my residence BY
advice, after consultation with Chief
Martin with whom | have been acting
since the excitement began.
Chief Martin and his police have per-
formed their duty faithfully and Impair
tally, and I feel that | cannot say too
much in behalf Of the determined act
ION of Chief Martin and his force
Notwithstanding jeers, insults aud
threats offered US ne have continued
our work; this, however, has been
done under the most trying eireum-
stances each man performed his part
quietly under the Law, aud | take
pleasure in saying that they have been
orderly and quietly bearing the abuse
with commendable forbearance.
There have been severalarrests under
the Dispensary Act. Section 80. There
must be something done in the enforce
ment of this section. Should there not
be convictions for this violation there
will be personal encounters and blood
shed. There. are men who follow on
horseback the constables on the street
from point to point, and also by paid
spoilers, who are very threatening 10
their manner, and we have heard from
their own mouths threats against our
lives.
Some action should be taken at once
to avoid such sacrifice. There are
strangers here whom We have located
aud We may at any time be driven to
kill in self defence.
These conclusions are reached by
information Through friends, aud is not
the opinion Of an alarmist. Tie con-
dition of things is ugly in the extreme,
made so by unwise and unfriendly law
yers aud lying press. but with a
small body of determined meD, which
I must commend for their forbearance
and bravery, We will try and enforce the
laws of the State.
I raided yesterday afternoon the pre-
misses of Pagby & Speers, corner Of
Line and King streets We seized
there nine demDohus Of liquor, con.
tanning various kinds.
Our work will continue aud [ shall
press the violators with as much judg-
meut and determination as possible.
All of which is respectfully sub
mi.ted.
THEo. s. GA1LLARD,
Chief State Constable.