The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1903-06-24
pRIoLEAu PLAYS 70 The GALLERIES
Ex-candidate for Congress Says
He is in Danger, and asks Gov.
for Protection.

| the low country VINO is conspicuous IL
the councils of the Republican party
of this State. He was the nominal
candidate for congress in the first dis
trict against Mr.. Geo. S. Leeare, the
Democratic candidate who vas elected
by a large majority. Prioleau writes
to the governor that he is practically
banished from his home, Eutawville,
and that for him to return means the
loss Of his life, while for him to stay
away means the loss of his property.
The matter has been taken under ad-
visement by Gov Heyward, but ne is
not yet ready to indicate what are his
views OF what will be his attitude.
The letter which Prioleau has for.
Warded the governor is indeed char
acteristic. Those who have heard his
speeches on those great biennial oc-
tcasions when the Republicans gather
lin the hall of the house of representa-
tiyes can almost see the excitable and
lusty lunged Prioleau as he tells of his
alleged wrongs. In these powwoWs,
whose sole object is the selection of
delegates to the national convention
where there is much graft in sight,
Prioleau is leader. Following is his
complaint to the governor.
Charleston. s. G., June s, 1903.
To His Excellency Gov. Heyward, Co
lumbia, S. G.
Sir: most respectfully appeal to
yeu for the protection Of my life and
property in the town of Eutawville,
S. c., by our good Office.
Since the sad killing of my brother,
John A. Fludd by citizens of said
town my life and property have been
and are still in danger.
TO get me away from my house, sets
sf prosecutions without causes were
charged against me in the State courts
first, and then in the United States
courts and again in the magistrate
courts in Berkeley and Clarendon
counties with no protection for my own
property.
Seeing this was too shameful, I was
held for carrying concealed weapons
in Clarendon county before Justice
Richbourg. This is something that
everybody knows me not to be guilty
of.
Now I rented store and house for
one year to one Of those that were
charged with the killing of Fludd.
I did not break my contract with said
party on account of this occurrence,
and since--the lease was out, January,
this man was backed up by the town
and community of Eutawville, S. O.,
to hold my property by force and re-
fuse to pay rent for two months in
last year and for all Of this year.
place the matter in the magistrate
court for collection and on my return
from taking testimonies in my coz
gressional contest and those who were
witnesses for Mr.. Geo. S. Lagree in
this county.
About the first of April last on the
9Th of the same month, I was forced to
leave my home to save myself from
being lynched after a pretended arrest,
and have not been able to go home
since.
My property is being taken by force
and used and l am threatened to be
shot down if I be seen in Eutawville,
S. c., and I have no redress.
Ny white and colored friends have
advised me to leave the county but l
am resisting the same because my
property and interest are in that coun-
ty. am a law-abiding citizen and
the county, regardless of color know
! this to be a fact, that it is nothing
but a conspiracy and prejudice
against me.
I place the matter before you for
your good judgment in the premises'as
/ governor of the whole people, white,
colored, rich and poor.
| | am, most respectfully,
Aaron P. Prioleau.
No. 40 King street,
! Charleston, S. G.