Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1899-01-14

and after the return of Editor Con-
zales, just on the heels of the first pri-
mary election in which it developed
that there was to be hot race between
Ellerbe and Featherstone, with the
chances in favor of the latter, The
State published an, eleventh hour edi-
torial in which it advised its constit-
uents to support Governor Ellerbe,
and promised to show in time that its
advice was timely and sound.
Whether or not the editorial of The
State had any influence on the election
is matter Of opinion but, all the
same, it will be remembered that Ell
lerbe was reelected by narrow ma
jority, and since that time the motives
that induced Editor Gonzales to such
a marked change of front at the last
minute, have been a subject for consid'
erable discussion throughout the state.
The Greenville News, for instance,
has been keeping the question con-
stantly before the people in this very
pertinent shape: "Has Ellerbe swal-
lowed The State, or has The State
swallowed Ellerbe?"
The question is now answered by
Editor Gonzales in an editorial state
ment that takes up four columns. In
brief, the statements to the effect that
upon his return from Cuba, he was
earnestly solicited by Governor Ellerbe
for the support of The State. He
knew but little of the general situa'
ton; but told Ellerbe and his friends
that on account of the governors ad'
vocacy of the dispensary, he could not
give him The States support. In an,
swer to direct proposition from Colo
mel w. H. Neal and Mr.. F. H. Weston,
he finally agreed that eff he will
pledge himself to me, in writing, to
urge the legislature to pass local op'
ton law, allowing each county to de-
eide for itself between high license,
prohibition and the dispensary, I will
support him."
After further consultation, Neal and
Weston agreed that this was fair.
They tried to get the terms modified
to verbal pledge. This Mr.. Gonzales
refused !; but agreed to accept a writ
ten communication addressed to Mr..
Weston, instead Of himself. The fol-
lowing communication, which he says
is in the handwriting of Governor
Ellerbe, was finally placed in his
hands, and he says he still has it in his
possession:
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA,
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER, J
COLUMBIA, s. c., Sept. 8, $685..
[coNFIDENT1AL.l
DEAR FRANK: In reply to your in
quiry, will say-I fully concur in your
view as to the best solution of the liquor
question. After mingling with the people
for three months and thorough considera-
the dispensary act should be amended SO
as to allow each county to settle the liquor
question for itself, and have determined
to make such recommendation to the next
general assembly. Your friend,
w. H. ELLERBE.
To Mr.. F. H. Weston.
Upon receipt of this letter, Editor
Gonzales said he did all he could to
induce the constituents of The State
to support Governor Ellerbe; but,
after the election, Governor Ellerbe
tried to explain that he did not mean
what he said !; that Mr.. Gonzales mis-
understood the situation, etc. Mr..
Gonzales insisted on his position, and
Governor Ellerbe again promised to
succumb,; but in his message he only
recommended that the people be al
lowed to choose between dispensary
and Prohibition.
In conclusion, Mr.. Gonzales cheer
fully acknowledges that he has been
deceived by the governor. He takes
occasion to say that the governor is a
liar, totally unworthy of confidence,
and then resignedly submits himself
to the jibes of friends and enemies
alike, with the acknowledgment that
he is deserving of all the ridicule he
can get. He assures his readers, how
ever. that be is not likely to do so