The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1897-09-03
LONG TIME BETWEEN"
Origin of Very Pertinent Conversation
Between Governors.

Origin of Very Pertinent Conversation
Between Governors.
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
do not know when and under what cir
cumstances the famous remark was
made
Nearly century ago man promi-
nent in political affairs in North Caro-
lima moved across the border and settled
only short time when he committed
some small crime, for which he was in
dicted. To escape arrest he re turned to
his old home in North Carolina. In
due course of time the governor of
South Carolina issued his requisition
on the governor of North Carolina for
the fugitive criminal.
The fugitive had rich and influential
friends in his native state and they in
terceded with the governor until he re-
fused to grant the requisition. A long
official correspondence followed. Prom
inent men in South Carolina told the
governor that he had not been treated
with proper official courtesy by the gov
ernor of North Carolina. The result
was that the South Carolina governor,
accompanied by large party of friends
and advisers, journeyed by stage to
Raleigh for a conference with the gov
ernor about the matter Of giving up the
criminal. The governor of North Caro-
lima, with large party of distinguished
friends, met the governor of South
Carolina and his party several miles
from town and escorted them to the
governors mansion with all the cere-
mony due such distinguished visitors.
Before the object of his visit was stated
the entire assem- blage sat down to an
elaborate dinner. After dinner wine
was served, and after wine came brandy
the applejack for which the Old North
State is famous
After many rounds of drinks the de-
canters and glasses were removed, and
the governor of South Carolina stated
the object of his visit He demanded
the surrender of the fugitive criminal.
The governor of North Carolina re-
fused. Then followed long and heat
ed discussion, in which the attorneys
general of the two states took an active
part. Finally the governor of South
Carolina grew angry, and, rising to his
feet, said:
'Sir, you have refused my instant
demand and offended the dignity of my
Office and my state. Unless you at once
surrender the prisoner will return to
my 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 governor
Of North 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 dignifled as became his position.
He was slow about answering, and
again the governor of South Carolina
demanded, What do you say?"
II say, governor, that it's 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 dip
lomatio 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 by the
governor Of North Carolina, and they
parted the best of friends.
The fugitive was never surrendered.
Ella. Union.