The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1896-07-08
A DisgracefaI Meeting.
Colleton Mob Howls Down
Solicitor Bellinger.

BEAUFORT, July There was one
overshadowing feature at the Collie
ton campaign meeting in Walterboro
to-day. A State officer, for fearless
discharge of duty in the face Of
known popular opposition and yelled
and open threats; for courageous
course in the interest of peace, order
and the good name of his State for
devoting energy, talent and time to
prosecuting a case that his obliga-
tions to himself and his State re-
quired, as well as the demands of
civilization made imperative, was
howled down in the most disgraceful
manner. The only counterpart of
this meeting to-day that | have ever
witnessed was when General Earle
spoke in Sumter in 1890, only in that
case the Conservative candidate for
governor lad strong following
Mr.. Duncan Bellinger, solicitor of
the Second circuit, appeared as a
candidate for re, election, and faced g
crowd of 800 men, who at first blush
seemed to be unanimously opposed
to him, but which contained perhaps
40 friends, some of whom were pre-
pared for any emergency.
When the campaign party arrived
at Walterboro at l1.30 O'Clock, the
newspaper men who were with the
party aud who had also been there to
report the trial of the 'sColleton
lynchers' last February. were told
that there would likely be trouble and
that one of them had been promised
a borsewbipping on the streets Of
Walterboro because of reports of that
trial sent to bis paper. This was
considered in the light of bluff.
1t was such and the buffers did not,
call. They would have found full
house.
The speaking took place in pref
ty oak grove in the heart of the
town. A colored string band fur
nished music when it was permitted
but the time being limited, the fid-
dlers were not given opportunity to
calm the savage breast.
The meeting was called to order at
1920 O'Clock by County Chairman
Cooper, without the preliminary
prayer.
Mr.. Duncan, who after outlining
his policy on national affairs, proceed
ed to give the facts and suspicious he
had as to the bond deal. He was
giving quiet hearing.
Governor Evans said he did not
believe the people of South Carolina
would send Duncan to the senate if
there was no one running against him.
Mention of Tillman's name always
elected cheers, and Evans was
cheered at the end of his speech.
Glow about your wife, governor %
asked faithful
Governor Evans-I've nearly got
her, brother.
He was sent bouqet.
In Mr.. Duncan's reply he was
asked if he believed John Gary
Evans, Or. Bates and Senator Till
man to be scoundre!s.
al do Aot," said Mr. Duncan. "The
mistake is in putting Dr.. Bates and
Senator Tillman in the same boat
with Governor Evans.
General Watts was the next speaker
and was cheered.
General Richbourg was indisposed
and did not speak.
When Mr.. Carroll Simms of Barn
well, candidate for solicitor against
Mr.. Bellinger, was introduced, he
was received with cheers. He asked
for their suffrage, not On the weak
ness of any opponent, but on his
own strength as lawyer.
4 Voice-Are you Conservative
or Reformer
Another voice-That's all dead
now.
Mr.. Simms understood the Constitu-
tional convention had settled that
question and it was now wiped out
They were all Democrats. (Cheers. }
If he had to 60 into politics to get
Office of solicitor, he would not have
it.
A Voice-Do you believe no II
men of Colleton county can give any
man in South Carolina fair trial
Mr.. Simmons-l would not dis
grace myself by asking the suffrage
of Colleton if / thought so; but if
there is man in the crowd who ex-
poets to vote for me to get favors. |