The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1896-09-16
Victim Of False Friends.
Gov. Evans Says He Was
Slandered Out Of His E1ec-
ton.

Sunday uigbtGovesuor Evans gave tc
the press the post election manifesto
found below. He declined to have any
thing to say about his defeat IN any
way. shape or form until the State ex-
ecusive committee had declared the re-
suit of the election. Now that the com
nistee has done this. and there is so
much talk about the dispeosary investl-
CATION, Governor Evans comes to the
front With his address. Here it is:
To the Democracy Of South Carolina:
As the primary election is now over
and the result officially declared. I feel
it my duty to thank my friends and
supporters and to say few words to
the public at large. | came to the
governorsbip Of the State with the poll
cy of the Reform movement thoroughly
outlined aud given to me by the Re
formers who had nominated me. and |
have been confronted by many difficult
and important problems for solution
These problems were political, leglsla-
tive and judicial; and, while DOT alto
getber my own making, it was my duty
as The leader of my faction to shirk 90
duty imposed upon NE by my party.
nv predecessor in Office or the general
assembly. Under such circumstances
there was but one course open to me,
which was to carry out, as faithfully
aud earnestly aud with all the means
placed in my hands, the laws OF the
State and the expressed will Of the ma
jority.
Iu the performance of my duty | met
With most serious difficulties and peces-
sarily made many enemies. more politl-
cal than personal, for the reason, as is
well-known there has been, from the
beginning of the Reform movement up
70 the present time, minority faction,
which has been active, vigilant. bitter
and untiriDg; ready to take any course
or adopt any measures calculated to
make my administration failure and
TO restore them to power. Frog, this
lactioo could expect nothing save i'm
placable opposition to my adminlstra-
ton. [ Of course vas 20: surprised at
their bitter opposition to my election to
the position Of United States senator,
but did expect the support and hearty
co.operstion of at least the bene6ciaries
of the Reform movement Had |
known at the beginning what was to
occur during the campaign might we'll
have said: "Save me from my friends
and I will take care Of my enemies" F."
No douot many changes had taken
place ia the minds Of individuals on
matters connected With the Reform
movement and the State government.
The final result Of this election, uu-
fortunate as it is to ou: sacti, and f.
me. is dce, ic the FIRST instances, to the
thorough organization of the Cooserva-
tive minority. which fought me With all
their bitierest vitupera'ion, nos for The
reason. as is sought to DE iuculcssed BY
their newspapers, Of any unWorsh'ness
On my part, but simply because repre-
ssnsed the reform movement and the
principles whicn they cad fought since
1890 This was made to succeed By
.ae cooperation Of my so-called friends
aod members of my official family, who.
While pretending to supper: me ard my
ADMINISTRATION, were really stabo!ng ne
In the back aud finally united with the
opposition. which was power!ess without
their help to accomplish cay defeat. If
;he Reform party has been injured BY
this campaign OF my defeat is the "be-
giuniog of the eDd," let the blame rest
upon the heads Of the traitors aud false
friends in our own ranks, without
whose help 1t could rot have beer ac
conpl,shed. Who these parties are
need nos state here, for late develop
men.s have exposed some Of them and
time will uncover others to the public.
cau fud 20 words with which to
fully express my deep appreciation OF
she adherence and steady devotion aud
love Of principle Of the 10000 Reform
e7s who remained so loyal to our cause
and to me, regardless of all the SANDER,
misrepresentation aud abuse that have
been heaped upon Us by open foes and
secret enemies. When We take into
consideration the perslsteucy With which
SANDER aud misrepresentation were re-
peated, though as often refuted, not
Only by individuals, bat by partisan
uoscrupulous press, which seemed bent
upon making our people believe the
statements CT man 10 whom they had
10 confidence and reports without aoy
foundation it seems wonderfu! that a
greater number Of oar people we're not
made to believe them and to vote
against me- It is beautiful example,
however, and will ever serve TO make
ne appreciate aad have confidence in