Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1897-09-23
HOW HE HAPPENED TO SAY IT.
Observation Of the Governor of One
State to the Governor of Another.

Every man in the United States is
supposed to know what the governor
OF North Carolina said to the governor
of South Carolina but perhaps some
90 not know when and under what
circumstances the famou, remark was
made, says the Florida Times-Union.
Nearly a century ago a mar promi-
tent in political affairs in North Caro-
lima moved across the border and
settled in South Carolina. He had
been there only a short time when he
committed some small crime, for which
he was indicted. To escape arrest he
returned to his old home in North
Carolina. In due course Of time the
governor of South Carolina issued his
requlsltlon on the governor OF North
Carolina fer the fugitive criminal.
The fugitive had rich and inhuen-
Jlal friends in his native state, and
they interceded with the governor un-
til he refused to grant the requisition.
A long official correspondence follow
ed. Prominent men in South Carolina
told the governor that he had not been
treated With proper official courtesy
by the governor Of North Carolina.
The result was that the South Caro-
Ina governor, accompanied by a large
party of friends and advisers, journey
ed by stage to Raleigh for a conference
with the governor about the matter of
giving up the criminal. The governor
OF North Carolina, with a large party
OF distinguished friends, met the gov
ernor of South Carolina and his party
sever miles from town and escorted
them to the governors mansion with
all the ceremony due such distinguish
ed visitors. Before the object of his
visit was stated the entire assemblage
sat down to an elaborate dinner. After
dinner wine was served, and after
vine came brandy-the applejack for
which old North State is famous.
After many rounds of drinks the
decanters and glasses were removed.
and the governor of South Carolina
stated the object of his visit. He de-
manded the surrender of the fugitive
criminal. The governor of North Caro-
lima refused. Then followed a long
and heated discussion, in which the
attorney-generals Of the two states
took an active part. Finally the COVER
o of South Carolina grew angry.
and, rising to his feet, said:
Sir, you nave refused my just de-
mand and offended the dignity OF my
office and state. Unless you at once
surrender the prisoner | will return to
my capital, call out the militia of the
state and, returning with my army, |
will take the fugitive by force of arms.
Governor, what do you say?"
All eyes were turned on the COVER
Tor of South Carolina, and his answer
was awaited with breathless interest.
The governor rose slowly to his feet
and beckoned to a servant who stood
some distance away. His reckoning
was firm and dignitied, as became his
position. lie IA slow about answer
ing, and again the governor of South
Carolina demanded: What do you
say?"
Il say, governor, that it's a long
time between drinks"
The reply restored good humor. De-
canters and glasses were brought out
again, and while the visitors remained
If any one attempted to refer to the
diplomatic object Of the visit he was
cut short by the remark that it was a
long time between drinks. When the
visiting governor was ready to return
home he was escorted to the state line
the governor of North Carolina, and
they parted the best of friends.
The fugitive was never surrendered.