The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-05-19
AGAINST SOUTH CAROLINA.
Government Makes Big Claim for
Seizure of an Arsenal.

Government Makes n Big Claim for
Seizure of an Arsenal.
Columbia, S. c.. May 1s-The national
government has sprung a brand new prop
osition on the state of South Carolina, AMI
it is one that is worrying the officials. 1t
is a claim for $40. $50, with probably ac-
crued interest, ''for the value of ordnance.
ordnance stores, clothing, camp and gar
rison equippage taken by force from Fred
erick C. HUMPHREYS, military storekeeDer
at Charleston Arsenal, by Col Cunning
ham, Seventeenth Infantry, South Carroll
ma Militia, Dec. 30, 1860 acting under the
order of Gov. Pickens of South Carolina"
The national government made demand
on The state last fall for the pigment If
about quarter of million dollars due
for bonds. The state made a counter claim
for about 100000 for Indian and Mexican
war claims. Through the influence Of SEN
ator Tillman. the treasury department. re-
Gently admitted claims in favor Of the
state for $17S000. It was after his that the
new matter referred to was brought 10
light and Gov. McSWeeney notified.
The controller, in his lengthy letter to
the Governor, states the circumstance of
this charge being made against the state
and the Governor is invited TO submit my
counter evidence at his demand fore ac-
collect the claims from the state.
1t appears that until Dec. II, 1879, the
charge of $40 1889 was carried against
Capt HUMPHREYS. Al that time ii b came
necessary to settle his accounts and on the
evidence of copies of certain orders and
reports bearing on the seizure. furnished
the treasury by the Adjutant General
United States Army, the charge was trans
ferred to the state of South Carolina.
Copies of all these orders Controller
Traswell submits to Gov. McSweeney as
showing that the action taken was an act
of the state in its sovereign capac ty. Fir.t
is a telegram from Capt HUMPHREYS. dated
Charleston, Dec: 50, 1860, 10 he ordnance
bureau saying: "This arsenal + as b Ell
taken by force of arms. What dispos ton
am to make of my commandY' The CT er
for the surrender of the arsenal follows:
Charleston. S. c., Dec. 90 l860.-Sir: l
herewith demand an immediate surrender
Of the United States arsenal at this place
and under your charge, and delivery to
me Of the keys and contents of the ar
senals magazines, etc. | am already pro-
ceeding to occupy it with strong armed
detachment of troops l make the demand
in the name of the state Of South Caro-
lima and by virtue of an order from the
Governor, a copy Of which Is enc osed.
Very respectfully. John Cunningham
Colonel Sevent eenth Regiment Infantry
S. c. V.
The most interesting order in this affair
is from Gov. P-ckens. It is as follows:
Headquarters, Charleston, S. c., Dec
80 ls50-Col. John Cunningham, Charles
ton. S. c. Sir-In the morning, after re-
porting yourself o Maj Gen. Schneill and
informing him Of this order, you are di-
rected to get from him a detachment of
select men, and in the most discreet ana
forbearing manner, you viii proceed TO
the United States arsenal IN Charleston
A. A.V,1 In NV n Ia
boss ssion and state distinctly that you
do this with a view to prevent any &C.
struction of public property that may
occur in the present excited state of the
public mind, and also as duefto the public
safety.
DO not apprehend any difficulty in Civ
ing up the arsenal, but. If refused, then
YOU are to take it, using no more force
than may be absolutely necessary, and
with the greatest discretion and liberal
itv 10 Can't Humpbries, who is at perfect
liberty to remain in lis present quarters
as long as il may b. agr cable for him
self. and Re is requested 10 do so. Re
port as soon as possible 10 me.
f. w Pickens.
Capt. Humphries' repy to the demand
for surrender was brief: "sir-I am con-
strained to comply with your request for
the surrender Of this arsenal from ihe
fact that / have no force for Its defense.
| Go so, however solcihhly piVtOS'hS
against the Illegally OF this measure in
the name Of my government"
verbally, Capt. Humphries demanded
ana obtained permission to salute his flag
before lowering It, and for his command
10 occupy it's quarters until instructions
arrived from the war department.
The state authorities have net yet de-
cided on the course to pursue. 1t seems
TO be considered that the signature OF the
Governor to the order for the taking OF
the arsenal IS ground for the position OF
the general government that II Is claim
against the state.
WY II uANTUU TnN