The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1897-06-02

IHE
was right in all his orders and ac-
tions. He said that military com
mander should net go into explana-
'tions. especially as the whole thing
might result in a court-ma,tial. Be
yond that he would express no opin-
ion or make any statement.
COL JONES STATEMENT
Col Willie Jones made the follow
ing statement last night.
sDr Jas. Woodrow, president Of
the South Carolina College. gave me
written permission to parade on the
college grounds last Wednesday,
May 26. General Watts had an aff3ic-
ton in his family and the parade
was postponed until this evening out
of respect to him. 4 did not think it
necessary to get further permission
from DR.. Woodrow, so l did not write
to hip again, but supposed the 6rst
permisson would suffice he asked
me to use the Eastern part. of the
grounds as much as possible, 80 as
70 keep from roughing the part
specially used by the ball players =
marched on that Eastern portion OF
the ground as much as possible, aud
kept off the ball ground which has
been smoothed off.
was forming my battalion foF
dress parade, when Genera. Watts
ordered me to march my command
forward and clear the ground, which
! did. saw quite crowd around
General Watts when he ordered me
to march forward As I marched
forward, followed by my battalion,
the crowd receeded and offered US
no formidable resistance. When the
command reached a point near the
stand (baseball), | halted 1t. and
about that time row TOOK place In
our rear, and saw only one man
from nv command who took any
part in the row. My men stood in
line as ordered them to do and used
no violence on anyone that | saw
Prof. Sloan, who is acting presi-
dent, in the absence of Dr.. Woodrow,
was on the scene, but notwithstand.
ing efforts to see him he could not
be found DR.. Finn, who was also
present, and familiar with all the cir
cumstances, made the folio wing state
ment:
"Dr. Woodrow being absent, Prof.
Sloan is acting in his stead as presi-
dent A few days ago permission
was given the military to have their ln'
spection on the athletic field of the
college. Acting President Sloan did
not know that such permission had
been given and pending a match
game of baseball between the lnde-
pendents and the college team, the
military inspection was ordered on
the field When the troops came up,
Prof Sloan had an interview with
General Watts, informing him of the
match game
General Watts intimated that the
grounds belonged to the State and the
troops had righ: to use any portion
of them they wished
Prof. Sloan replied !: eyes. they
belong to the State but are for the
uses of the college," but that the
grounds were ample.
General Watts replied that be did
not wish to interfere but would take
the troops to the eastern portion OF
the grounds
..After this amiablc arrangement
and interview, Prof. Sloan thought
the whole thing settled, but the
troops were later formed On the South
side of the field. in line with the ball
grounds, about third base
General Watts and staff took
position near the third base, and
while the inspection and game were
in progress bal. struck Maj. Evans
horse The students Immediately
apologized, assuring the officers that
it was all accidental. While this ex-
planation was being made. Gen
Watts angrily ordered the policeman
In front to clear the way. He then
ordered the military to advance.
which they did and the crowd got
back. Then came the row with the
policeman in the rear, with which you
are familiar "
OTHER FACTS.
These are the facts from either side,
but it must be said that whoever is at
fault, the affair was most disgraceful
ono fr tho State