The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-04-14
VANCE WAS ELECTED
State Liquor Commissioner by the State
Board OF Control.

Board OF Control.
COLUMBIA, s. O., April 9-The
State board OF control was in session
nearly all day yesterday, but it was
not until about midnight last night
that the results of the days work
could bs ascertained. During the day,
at noon, the members of the board
visited The executive chamber by in
vitation of Gov. Ellerbe and a con.
ference was held in regard to the mat
ter of the granting of hotel and beer
privileges. Gov. Ellerbe frankly told
the board that he did not consider
that the Constitution and the act gave
the beard or any one else the right to
grant such special privileges. His
position was that the law should ap
ply to every citizen Of the State equal
". The conference was pleasant
one.
Last night the board announced that
it had decided, in view OF the COVER
nor's attitude, to grant no more such
privileges, though several have been
applying for them, until the matter
can be definitely settled. A case will
be arranged at once and carried before
the State supreme court, the object
being to have the question judicially
determined forthwith. In the mean
time all privileges heretofore granted
will stand as they are. 1t is expected
that the case can be heard next week.
Last night the board went into the
much. .talked.of elections. Practically
all of them were disposed of save that
for clerk of the board. In the mean
time Mr.. Scruggs, who has been the
clerk of the board since its form alton,
will continue to discharge the duties
of that Office for a month, and his
two assistants will remain in their re-
spective positions.
One ballot was taken for the chair.
mahship of the board now held by
Col. Willie Jones. the ballot resulted
as follows: Jones 2, Williams 1, Dou-
thit l., blank 1. The last vote was
cast by Col. Jones. There wsLs no
election, and the board decided to let
this matter 60 over to the next meet
ing.
Mr.. Samuel w. Vance, OF Laurens,
the. efficient assistant clerk of the
house of representatives for several
years. was elected State liquor COM
missioner. On the streets this aelec.
ton met with general approval. Mr..
Vance is q popular man and is well
qualified for the duties of the Office.
There were numerous candidates for
the position. Mr.. CASTOR, who has
been acting commissioner, it is said,
did not receive single vote.
Mr.. D. A. G.. Outz, who has been
the shipping clerk of the dispensary
since its establishment, was reelected
to that position.
Mr.. R. E. Blakeley was likewise re-
elected clerk to the commissioner.
The Office of superintendent former.
ly held by Mr.. CASTOR under Col.
Mixson's administration, was abolish
ed and the position of foreman Great.
ed in its stead. Mr. 7. E. Dickson, OF
Oconee, was elected 10 fill the new po.
sition. His salary vas fixed at SIS a
month.
Mr.. John B. Dorm, of Edge6eld,
was elected as head draynaan of the
dispensary, succeeded Mr.. Ward, who
has held the position for several years.
The usual purchases of liquors were
made, but no information as to the
amounts purchased or from whom
purchased was made public.
1t was stated on The streets yester-
day that Messrs. Dosher and Mantoue,
two well-lznown wholesale liquor
dealers, were ready to make propo-
sition to the board to have them turn
the entire business over to them, guar.
antseing to pay the State $780, 900
cash annually and give a bond of
$500, 900 for complying with the law.
This offer was not officially made to
the board, and had it been it would
not have been within. the power Of the
board to consider it, such PROPOSE
ton being a matter for the legislature
alone. State.