The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1904-02-24
AGAINST CAPERS.
Ellery II. Brayton E pudiates His
Leadership of the Republicans.
SAYS HE DEFENDED a CLIENT

And Took Part in the Lynching of
Three Negroes in Lexington
County About Twelve
Years Ago.
The following article is clipped from
the Southern Reporter, a 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
mittee on Jan. 10th, / became con-
vinced that crisis had been reached
in party affairs. The submission of
the committee to the domination OF
National Committeeman John G. Ca
pers seemed almost abject. Without
being member or holding proxy he
participated in it's proceedings, spoke
several times, and dictated it's action.
Of course allowance should be made
for the benumbing effect produced by
the unexpected and unnatural recon-
ciliation 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. 24th., (three
months earlier than ever before) when
it was known that many of them had
expressed themselves as hostile to his
plans and purposes and intended to
antagonize them, was a humiliating
revelation. 1t was clear tie 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-n,gh clandestine could be
held. And some have already been
held in advance of the issuance OF the
call of the State chairman.
l 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 it's 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 All oppor-
tunity should be- afforded Mr. Capers
before the meeting Of the State con-
vention to deny or explain the charges,
l ask the use Of your columns for this
statement.
| am informed and believe from
creditable testimony that Mr. Capers
was present and implicated in the
]ynching of three colored men in Lex
ington county, S. c., about y years
ago That is vital and disqualifytng
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 one taint-
ed with this crime. Others may con-
done and even approve this fast
Threatening evil, but no one would be-
lieye that the race which is the VIC
tim of this barbarity would entrust
its political interests in the Keeping
Of lyncher. And at this particular
| iuncture when Gov. Hayward is ap-
pealing to the legislature to take steps
to prevent this demOralizing and de-
basing crime. and President RoOSe-
velt'S magnificent letter to the COVER
nor of Indiana calling the attention
Of the' country to its dire conSe-
uuenceS is having its effect, it seems
| incredible that The administration
should twice have been imposed upon.
and the Republicans OF this State, III
their already wrctchcd condition. ar
nicted with such an incubus. i re-
call that Editor y. G.. Gonzales Was
hung in e'ligy in this city for condemn
inw lymch:mg. Instead Of suffering
retributiyc Justice Mr.. Capers holds
the Office Of prosecuting United States
attorney. amd ;'$};"@:; &c &c .!!;@ n@..--; g.:
the Republican party. if he has not
already achieved that distinct ion.
am also informed and believe That
Mr.. Capcrs VAS indicted in the federal
court of this State for dcfraUdinI Il
client in Il pension casr. When it IS
recalled that at that time both Mr..
Capers and the district attorney wele
Democrats and that influences the
most potential were unarailing to
prevent this prosecution. it will lie
understood that the proof must have
been incOntrOvertriblc. am also
+, informed that TO escape Il trial re-
newed efforts were inlerpOSed: and
only upOn the assurance that Mr.. Ga
pers would leave the State. thus eX-
patriating himself, Us he did do, was
the case mol pressed And now we are
told that Mr.. CaperS has the cllrOnlery
to aspire to the appointment of Il
United States judge;hip upon the first
vacancy occurring.
II. Il, IAfl .i..l