The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-07-29

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Earle retorted that as chairman of the
board he must of necessity know that
they were and must know that the
premiums were higher
Finally Governor Evans said: "Sit
down, Judge. I'll say what 1 want.
| No one is scared of you"
Judge Earle: Say what you please,
but say nothing about me at your per
iii. Don't you dare make use of such
language as Yesterday"
| Governor Evans: "l'll say what
please. You started these insinuations
about me giving my brother insur.
snce, while as matter Of fact l had it
given to Seibels."
Judge Earle again repeated that he
had received the information lntlmat,
ed in his question and that the proof
be forthcoming. Governor Evans said
he had denied the statement and did
so now again.
| Governor Evans then took up The
Manning Times editorial and said that
the latter had talked about $40, 600
purchase instead of a purchase OF 10,
900 acres. He had had nothing to do
with the editorial and made no insin
uations about any body getting rebates.
He would say nothing atout anything
like that so longas no money had been
stolen from the State and he could not
be caught up with. Speaking of the
dispensary bill, Governor Evans said
that Mr.. Duncan's father.inlaw had
got mad about it aud the law was
changed.
Mr.. Duncan: Listen, men, I've
gotten him to deny at least one insin-
uation."
Governor E7ana: "Slt down, John
ny."
Mr.. Duncan asked to be allowed
another interruption, which was not
permitted.
Governor Evans next referred to the
fact that for the first time since the
campaign opened Mr. Duncan had
failef to bring in Tillman and praise
him to the sky. There is reason for
| it and Ill show you presently why he
failed to say that Tlllman said he was
hands off in the fight. Speaking at
Judge Earle, he said: He says he
(TillmaD would not have countenan
ced me being attorney for Rhind.
Judge Earle: "And [ say so still
Governor Evans: "All right, I'll
read what Honest 3 IN has TO say
about it," (Cheers.)
Judge E lrle continued: 81 still say
that Tlllman would not sanction CO
partnership bstween you and Rhind. "
Governor Evans with emphasis) ::
Nov you know, sir, [ was no copart-
ner."
Judge Earle: You took a fee; you
admit that; and say if you took fee
and shared in the profits you were a
copartner.
Governor Evans retorted: eff that's
all you know about law you had bet,
ter resign"
Governor Evans reached in his
pocket and pulled out letter which
he said had been written to Mr.. Dun
can in reference to the commission
Echarges. AS the sequel proved it was
q great boost for the Governors Sena-
torlal aspirations. He said he wanted
to read it 80 that the people could see
what Honest Ben" had to say about
the matter.
Before he had commenced Judge
Earle remarked: Aud he will not
say that he knew you got fee as a
copartner of Rhind."
Governor Evans: "Sit down sonny.
Neither OF us shall speak for Tillman.
He will speak for himself"
The Governor proceeded to say that
the letter was in reply to one written
tn Tillman by Duncan, but the latter
would never read it To the people. He
then read the letter which is as fol-
lows:
| TRENTON, S. c., July 20, 1896.
To Hon. Jno II. Duncan, Columb bia, S. c..
My Dear Sir: Your letter of July 5th, ad-
dressed to me at Chicago. reached me in the
midst Of the hurly burly attending the ma
tional convention, and, of course, there was
neither time nor inclination to answer it.
| reached home on the I4th, but had not re-
fore the shocking tragedy occurred which
snatched from me my first born. ] mention
these things by way Of explanation of the
| delay IN reply 10 your letter..
Frankly, must say that am sorry you
wrote any letter, for as am dragged reluct-
antly into this matter, must speak with my
usual bluntness. l have always regarded
you as my personal and political friend and
as good and true Reformer; and for per-
sonal reasons would be glad to help you in
any way. You have perfect right to aspire
to any Office 10 the gift of the people and to
i use all honest and honorable efforts to Sc
cure votes. 1 must say, however, that you
have no right to make use of the private con-
versation which you had with me in q man
ner calculated to deceive the public. There
was nothing in the nature of consultation
about it. You did not breathe word or in
innate your purpose of becoming candl-
date, and the tenor of our entire talk was, as
you know, one of malignant criticism on
your part of Governor Evans, while | defend
him or asked for proofs of your accusations.
did tell you that expected to take no
} part in the election of Senator because be-
lieve the people of South Carolina to be COM
petent to Judge for themselves and that
have no right in anywise to attempt to die
tate their decision You did me a wrong
when, as you are reported to have said in
one OF your recent speeches, you claimed
could "make whom pleased Senator" 1t
| is an accusation of "bossism," which the
witch the people must resent and which
you, yourself, must feel to be untrue. If
you were not in the heat of battle, in which
salf-lo7e and vanity are calculated to blind
you, you would see what is apparent to
every unbiased and calm mind, that you are
unjust to Governor Evans and have jumped
to conclusions that are unwarranted. How
can Governor Evans working for or accept
ing fee from Rhind for legal services rend