The Marlboro democrat. [volume] (Bennettsville, S.C.) 1882-1908, 1904-02-26
AGAINST CAPERS.
Ellery N. Brayton R pudiates His
Leadership of the Republicans.
SAYS HE DEFENDED A CLIENT

Il ! \ ~ sNNS sA$ fAHAASesh1s
SAYS HE DEFENDED A CLIENT
And Took Part in the Ly aching OF
Three Negroes In Lexington
County About Twelve.
Years Ago.
The following article is clipped from
the Southern Reporter, Republican
paper published in Charleston. 1t is
spicy reading, and makes several ex-
plantations from Mr.. Capers in order:
Editor of Southern Reporter:
After witnessing the strange pro-
ceedings Of the State executive COM
nittee on Jan. 10th, became con-
yinced that a crisis had been reached
in party affairs. The submission of
the committee to the domination of
National Committeeman John G. Ca
pefs seemed almost abject. Without
being member or holding proxy he
participated in its proceedings, spoke
several times, and dictated it's action.
or course allowance should be made
for the benumbing effect produced by
the unexpected and unnatural recon-
ciiation between Mr.. Capers and
State Chairman Deas. But that this
should have SO demoralized and dazed
the committeeman that not one Of
them should have opposed and resent
ed the dictation Of Mr.. Capers or pro-
tested against the forcing through of
such an unprecedented date for the
State convention as Feb. 9th, (three
months earlier than ever before) when
1t was kno"i; that many OF them had
expressed themselves as hostile to his
plans and purposes and intended to
antagonize them, was humiliating
revelation. 1t was clear the; object of
the schemers was to take advantage of
the apathy and forestall the party be-
ing aroused so that conventions in some
cases well-nlgh clandestine could be
held. And some have already been
held in advance Of the issuance of the
call Of the State chairman.
have hoped that some one would
sound the alarm and give expression
to reason for the fear, dread and dis
gust which prevails among the Re-
publicans of the State, and state the
grounds which preclude the party
from giving its confidence, respect
and allegiance to the leadership OF the
national committeeman. Some of
these grounds have not been men,
toned in the opposition so strongly
urged In your paper. Feeling that it
is right and necessary that this should
be done, and believing that an oppor-
tunity should be afforded Mr.. Capers
before the Meeting of the State con-
yention to deny or explain the charges,
| ask the use of your columns for this
statement. q
l informed and believe from
creditable testimony that Mr. Capers
was present and implicated in the
lynching Of three colored men in Lex
ington county, S. c., about IL years
ago. That Is a vital and disqualifylng
accusation, if true, against any one
seeking to control the action of the
Republican party is manifest. No
argument or appeal can be needed to
cause the Republicans to spurn and
repudiate the leadership of Cne taint-
ed with this crime. Others may con-
done and even approve this fast
Threatening evil, but no one you'd be-
lieve that the race which Is the vic
tim Of this barbarity woulc entrust
its political interests in the keeping
OF a lynciler. And at this Earticular
juncture when Gov. Hayward is ap-
peallng to the legislature to rake steps
TO prevent this demOraliZng and de-
basing crime, and President Roose
velt's magnificent letter to the Cover
nor OF Indiana calling the attention
ol the' country to its dire conse-
quences is having its effect, it seems
incredible that the admin istration
should twice have been imposed upon.
and the Republicans Of this State, in
their already wretched conc ition, af-
fl!cted with such an incubus. i re-
call that Editor n. G. Gonzales was
hung in eligy in this city for condemn
ing lynching. Instead of suffering
retributive Justice Mr.. Capars holds
the Office of prosecuting Unit ID States
attorney, and aspires to be the boss of
the Republican party, if he has not
already achieved that distinction.
aiii hioO IilOl Hltt dllQ DeileVe UIlaU
Mr.. Capers was indicted In the federal
court of this State for defrluding a
client in a pension case. When it is
recalled that at that time both Mr..
Capers and the district attorney were
Democrats and that influences the
most potential were unayailing to
prevent this prosecution, it will be
understood that the proof must have
been incontrovertrible. | am also
informed that to escape trial re-
newed efforts were interposed; and
only upon the assurance that Mr.. Ca
pers would leave the State, thus ex-
patriating himself, as ho did do, was
the case moi pressed. And now we are
told that Mr.. Capers has the effrontery
to aspire to the appointment of a
United States judgeship upon the first
vacancy occurring.
If this change is answered ] ask
nhata synopsis Of the evidence sup
porting the Indictment be given, for
am informed that it is not only con-
vincing, but convicting.
could say much as to the manner
in which Mr.. Capers is believed to
have trafilcked with the federal offices
In this State, his utter failure to do
anythything to build up the party,
and the methods by which expects to