The Batesburg advocate. [volume] (Batesburg, S.C.) 1901-1911, 1903-08-19
GIVES HIS REASON
For Psrdoning Fletcher Lott but
Governor Hayward Declines
TO ANSWER ANY CRITICISM.
He Was Moved to Act as He Did
on Account of the Advice
OF Prominent
PeOpIe.

LII L lue oUdCe wednesday Mr. Il. L.
Boatwright Of Ridge Spring criticised
the governor for his action in pardon
ing Fletcher Lott who was convicted
of murder in Saluda county In 1902.
MIR. Boatwright charges that Gov.
Heyward'S action in this case is round
ly condemned by the best citizens of
our town and county" Mr.. Boat
wright goes on to say that Lott walk
ed mile after having had difficulty
with the man he afterwards killed,
got his shot gun, walked back to the
house and deliberately fired upon the
murdered man.
The people OF this community" he
writes, cannot see how the governor
could pardon this negro without max
ing inquiry OF the community where
the murder took place. Your CORES
pondent cannot find man who knew
anything about petition being cir
culated I'm Lofts behalf"
THE GOVERNORS REASON.
The State says Gov. Hayward de-
clined to talk OF the matter Wednes-
day, but at the suggestion OF his
friends the following reasons were
made pubic-the reasons which, ac-
cordiIg to the constitution, must be
inscribed on the records to be submit
ted to the general assembly next year:
Fletcher Lott-Murder, with re-
commendation to mercy; Saluda
county, May term of court OF general
sessions, 1900, before Judge w. G.
Beuct. The petition for the pardon
was signed by Q. Il. Laflitte, former
intendent; A. II. Williams, w. II.
Durham, former wardens; +. Nichol-
son, former clerk of town council OF
Ridge Spring, where the crime was
committed. The petition sets forth
that Fletcher Lott was charged at the
May term, Saluda county, 1900, for
killing Till Artimus. The petition
sets forth further that at the time Of
said killing they were officials in the
town OF Ridge Spring, and were famil-
lar with the facts and circumstances
OF said killing; that the defendant,
Fletcher Lott, was horribly cut across
the face and neck before the fatal shot
was fired, and under all the circum-
stances believe that he has been sufi-
ciently punished and earnestly recon-
mend the exercise Of the pardoning
power, and recommend that the par
don be granted at once.
In addition to the petition Of these
town officials, Hon. b. l.. Caughman,
railroad commissioner, in endorsing
the petition says: Il have known the
petition, Fletcher Lott, for long
time and known him to be peaceable,
quiet and hard working; am familiar
with the above case aud Join in the
above petition"
b. w. Crouch; Esq, makes the fol-
lowing statement: Il was clerk of
court for Saluda county when Fletcher
Lott was tried at the May term Of
court, 1900, for the killing OF Till Arti-
mus and made the testimony In that
case. Fletcher Lott was convicted Of
murder with a recommendation to
mercy and sentenced to life imprison-
ment in the State penitentiary. In my
opionion he has been punished sutfi-
GENTLY and L earnestly recommend
that your eXcellency exercise your par
dOning power In his behalf. He was
dangerously cut in the face and neck
before, according to the testimony OF
some Of the witnesses, the fatal shot
was fired, and more cases have gone
free"
Hon. j. W. Thurmond, circuit
solicitor, made two recommendations
as follows: i recommend the pardon
in this case, the only homicide case In
which l have ever favored a pardon.
See reasons on petition signed by the
intendant and wardens OF Ridge
Spring"
I, He further recommends: Il am sat
iStied that the law has been vindicated
in this case. Have considered the petit
tion and the facts OF the case very
carefully, and feel that it is my duty
that the prayer OF the petitioners be
granted. Fletcher Lott was badly Gu,
in the combat that resulted in the
death OF Till Artimus, and had gooC
reputation for peace and order"
Hon. w. G. Benet, presiding judge
: makes the following endorsement: 81
, concur with the solicitor"
Pardon granted Aup 10 1909