The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1903-02-19
TlLLMAN ON HABEAS CORPUS
Vigorous Effort Made to Get Him
Out of Jail on Bond.

Newberry, s. c., Special.-Applica-
tions for bail for former Lieutenant
Governor James H. Tillman, charged
with the murder Of N. G. Gonzales,
editor Of The State, in Columbia, S. c.,
January 18th, was argued here last
week.
The hearing was presided over by
Chiet Justice Y. ]. Pope, who on last
Saturday granted the hearing to the
defending attorneys Of James H. Till
man.
The commonwealth of South Caro-
lima was represented by State Attorney
General Gunter and Solicitor Thur
mond. Tillman was defended by Con-
gressman-elect George w. Croft, his
law partner and P. H. Nelson, Of
Columbia.
Justice Pope signed an order re-
quiring Tillmans counsel to serve
copies Of afidavits upon the solicitor
general. who would reply If desired,
and the answers OF the state will be
served upon the appellants who are al
so given the right to reply.
Monday at noon both sides will be
present before Justice Pope in Colum-
bia. and final action will be taken.
Tillman and his lawyers are sure Of
winning the decision on the ground Of
self defense. The solicitor and his as
sistant counsel declare they will resist
bail to the very last.
The hearing of the application for
bail began shortly after o'clock. The
court room was packed almost to suf-
location. There was no demonstration
when Tillman entered as the judge had
warned everybody to be absolutely
quiet. Tillman appeared calm, then
nervous, impatient and angry at the
varying stages Of the hearing.
Col. Nelson. for Mr.. Tillman, con-
Quoted his case. Affidavits were read
alleging Gonzales had sent message
threatening Tillman's life. One affi-
davit declared it was expected and be-
lieved Tillman would be shot by Con-
zales whenever the two men met.
A lengthy affidavit from Tillman was
read in which he swore he had been
warned by many that his life was in
danger, and that he fired in self de-
fense. His affidavit declared that as
Gonzales approached on the fatal day,
Gonzales slipped his hand into his
overcoat pocket, which Tillman says
he thought was a motion to draw a
pistol. Not until the shot was fired,
Tillman says, he realized Gonzales had
not also shot him.
When the appellants announced
closed the solicitor objected to any fur
ther continuance of the hearing on the
ground that affidavits had been sprung
on them at the very latest moment.
when they had no opportunity to make
investigation.
Justice Pope ruled after argument
from both sides had been made that
his order would be to continue the
bearing until all afldavits on both
sides could be answered. Both sides
declined an expression Of opinion after
the decision had been announced.
The details of the tragedy in which
Editor Gonzales lost his life are well
remembered. Since the day Of the
shooting, Thursday, January 10, quiet
and persistent efforts have been made
by Tillman's legal advisers in outlin-
ing their plans of defense.
TILLMAN REACHES NEWBERRY.
Former Lieutenant Governor Jas. H.
Tillman arrived at O'Clock, accom-
panied by his brother-in-law, Judge
Buchanan, who is his leading counsel.
Other members Of counsel who accom-
panied the prisoner were R. H. Nelson,
Geo. Rembert and Geo. W. Croft, form
er congressman, who is Mr.. Tillman's
law partner.
There was no demonstration at the
depot, when the party arrived, as it
was supposed they would come via the
Southern. Instead, Tillman, an officer,
and counsel came over the other route.
Tillman was driven Immediately to
the office of Col. Cole Blease, member
Of counsel, where many of his friends
called on him during the short time be-
fore the party went to the Crowell ho-
tel to dinner.
The officer from Columbia had very
little to do, and no one who did not
know would have thought Tillman was
under arrest.
Mr.. Tillman said: "All ask for Is
. fair trial and am ready for 1t"
While he was talking to me, one Of
bis lawyers called him to the window
and said: "Jim, there's one Of the
best friends you have got in the world.
He has been praying for your acquit-
tai"
That's good friend to have" said
Tillman. land his prayer will be an
swered."
Afr brief conference with friends
in the lawyers Office, Mr.. Tillman was
taken to the hotel and dinner was SER
we'd.