The Atlanta constitution., 1900-12-03
THE BRATT0N TRIAL
RECALLS AN OLD
STORY

Columbia. S. c., November 2i.-(Speciall
The trial at Yorkvile last week of John
S. and Paul r. Bratton on the charge Of
murder. recalls an affair that developed
international Importance in which two
brothers, the father and uncle of these
young men. We're involved twenty-nine
years ago.
Doubtless the diplomats of those times
would have TO refer to the records to re-
fresh their memories about very thrill
ing incident between the United States
and Great Britain the issue of which was
watched by the people Of this pros rate"
state with the keenest interest.
England demanded the return to his
temporary home in Canada Of a South
Carollnian who. fleeing the state. had
sought an asylum under the British flag
had been kidnapped ana brought back to
face a stern United States judge.
II was no time for false pride; an Of
fense had been committed by oVerZealous
| United States officers, and this govern
ment frankly acknowledged that fact by
quickly complying with the British de-
mands.
DIR. j. Rufus Bratton and John s. Brat
ton were gentlemen of large estates in
York county where their family had lived
for generations. They were grandsons Df
Colonel William Bratton. who was
distinguished whig leader in the revOlu-
tionary war At the outbreak of the civil
war. both brothers entered the army. DIR.
Bratton Went into the medical department
/ and won distinction as nm army surgeon.
At the close OF hostilities the brothers
returned to their homes in York county
ami attempted TO restore their fortunes.
Many stories have been published about
the Ku-KluX organization Of that time.
but most Of them have been pictured from
fancy. Because it gave q certain ire
spOnsible and naturally lawlcss class IN
opportunity TO indulge personal grudscs
and vndicitiveness while falsely repre-
scnting themselves to he Ku-KluX. the
organiZa tlon gained most of the dsrepute
attached TO It's name.
1t is difficult. even at this time. to OBJ
tain from one known to have been a mem
her Of that organization definite state
mcnt of their actions. 1T may be inn
possible for those IN other parts Of the
country who had not TO face the cond!-
tions we did 10 realize the necessity for
such an organization by the better Gle
mcnt of the whites, remarked am ex-
member of the khan" q few days ago.
1--WE were at the mercy" he continued
"of former slaves and hostile govern
ment. The negroes were Irresponsible
. "a ~,
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that required them to mend their ways.