Evening star., 1894-04-03

lhefn, Dut nave SHOWN no disposition to
avoid the issue. They say they will be
ready to acknowledge any properly exc
cuted writ. They have been untirlng in
their efforts to allay excitement and advis-
ing the people to refrain from assembling
or discussing publicly the situation. They
do not hesitate to condemn the governor
for sending troops here, and laugh at his
statements that the town of Florence is in
rebellion.
Attempt to Destroy "a Dispensary.
A bulletin from Charleston states that an
attempt was made to destroy the dispensary
there. A bomb was exploded in the rear OF
the building. No details of the result are
given. but the statement that the police are
guarding the dispensary indicates that the
attempt was unsuccessful.
The opinion is general here that the pres
ent troubles are the beginning of a general
crusade against the dispensaries. The gov
ernor's action on the present troubles has
intensified the indignation against the sys-
tom, and the stand taken by Florence in op-
position to a renewal of the dispensary has
set an example which, it is thought, will
be followed in other towns of the state.
The news Of the attempt to destroy the
dispensary at Charleston was received here
with rejoicing.
Insurance companies which have been car
rying risks on state dispensaries are can
ceiling the policies. being afraid that the
people will wreck the buildings and destroy
the stock.
The Local Rifles Demanded.
At 1890 this morning Adjt. Gen. Farley
summoned file of troops, and proceeded
to the county court house He stationed a
cyn-a ri at he door u-ith riAac a fNad
bayonets, and entered the court room
which was empty, court not being in ses-
sion. He then sent for the captain and
lieutenent of the local militia company
and demanded to know who took the rifles
from the militia armory last Friday night
That was the night Of the trouble, and
members of the local company secreted
the guns to prevent Tillmanites getting
hold of them, and possibly using then
against the citizens. The captain, when ht
reached the court house, told Gen. Farley
that he knew nothing of the occurrence
The lieutenant said he knew, but would moi
tell
Il will give you one hour to tell." said
Gen. Farley.
On the night of the trouble Lieut. Brun
son went TO the armory and tried to per
suade the men not to take the guns out
They picked up the lieutenant and quietl,
set him out on the street, while the WORK
went on.
The guns are being returned to the arm
ory today, and there is no disposition t
secrete them any longer. The sight of tn,
glistening bayonets around the count,
court house has created an unpleasant feel
ing in town. Persons having business il
the court house are permitted TO enter
however. and the sheriff is on duty there
Gen. Farley said this morning that h,
had not received orders yet to arrest tn,
town officials. 1t is rumored that when tn,
arrests are made the militia will exercis,
censorship over the telegraph, but thi
cannot be verified
While the telegraph office at Darlington
has been closed, there is no trouble Will
this office yet. One rumor this mornin,
was that the delay in making arrests wa
because local Tillmanites were making .
list of citizens charged with participatin,
in wrecking the dispensary.
Citizens Tell of Fridays Events.
A. +. Wilcox. one Of the leading citizens
heard Of Gen. Farleys investigation of tbs
use of arms of the Florence Rifles com
pany. He Immediately called a meeting OF
citizens at the court house, which was at.
tel ded mainly by those who had used tn,
rifles. 1t was decided to relieve Lieut.
Branson of all responsibility. and that each
citizen should tell his connection with tn,
events of that night. Half a dozen mer
were selected TO tell the story, and the,
gathered in the shertff's Office, where the,
met Gen. Farley and his adjutant Cant
Evans. The testimony was freely and un.
reservedly given. They said that on tn,
afternoon of Friday the citizens received
teiesrams from Darlington, stating tha
citizens of that town had been killed by an
armed force, and asking for help to pursue
them. 1t had always been customary fl
pursuing murderers to take the guns from
the armory, and the citizens proceeded Il
do SO In this case. The armory was moi
broken into, as the door was open. TIL,
guns were taken for one purpose only, and
many have since been returned. There wa.
no attempt to conceal the affair, and no on,
denied connection with it,
Gen. Farley. in conducting the investiga
ton this morning, showed no dispositio,
whatever to act in a prosecuting capacity
and 1t is thought that his report TO tn
| governor will recommend that no furthe
steps be taken in the matter.
Adjt. Gen. Farley will commence an I'm
vestigation this afternoon of the wreckjn,
or the dispensary. Ii is supposed that tn
fiiiman sympathizers will furnish the eyi
dence and that arrests will depend upol
Gen. Farley's report.
| Quiet at Darlington.
courier from Darlington reports tina
the telegraph Office there is still under tn
military no messages relating to the situa
ton being permitted to be sent The tow
is quiet, although the people are lookinJ
forward to the inquest tomorrow with som
anxiety. The troops are still in camp, an
q guard is maintained around the dispensary