The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1904-06-14
EVANS AND MOBLEY FIGHT.
Candidates For Railroad Commission
er Get Together on the Streets
of Columbia.

By himself upon Mr.. W. Boyd Evans,
Mr.. John G. Mobley. OF Fairfield, yes
te-day attacked Mr.. Evans with a
rawhide. The affair created decided
sensation. for it occurred almost in
front 81 the court house at a busy
hour of the morning and before the
wv" nlen could be parted large
crowd had collected.
It was evident that no mere politi
cal disagreement caused the affair,
for Mr.. Mobley. though man Of
high spirit. has always been regarded
as very amiable and kindly in his ma
ture He and Mr.. Evans are candi-
dates for the office OF railroad COM
missioner. and were contestants !or
the same position two years ago. 1t
was said yesterday that at political
meeting at Hampton an encounter OF
this kind was narrowly averred.
Mr. Mobley. witnesses say. struck
Mr.. Evans at least four blows with
his horsewhip which he had purchased
for the purpose Mr.. Mobley was un-
armed and offered this he says as
the deepest insult which he could to
one who, he believed. had invaded his
private life in making political cam
paign. The two clinched after the
first few passionate blows from the
rawhide. and friends rushed up. Mr..
Mobley tore himself away from those
who were trying to calm him and
there was another short encounter
before Sheriff Coleman appeared and
separated the belligerent parties.
Each was put under a peace bond for
$500 and summoned to appear in the
recorders court this morning.
Mr.. Mobley stated yesterday that in
the last campaign stories damaging to
his character were circulated. Not
w;thstanding the fact. that he has
court records and afidavits from shon-
orable men to show that the attack
upon himself was unjust. the same
stories have been put into circulation
recently When he came to Colum-
bia Wednesday from his farm in Fair
field, he was told that Mr.. Evans was
responsible for the circulation of,
these damaging reports. He immed-
lately determined to demand an ex-
planation OF Mr.. Evans. and failing
to get a satisfactory statement, he
would apply the horsewhip.
Yesterday morning Mr.. Mobley, ac-
compained by his cousin, Mr.. F. NJ.
Mobley. waited on Law Range until
Mr.. Evans appeared, After introduc-
ing his cousin to Mr.. Evans, Mr.. Mob
ley stated the object Of his interview.
Mr., Evans denied Mr.. Mobley's accu-
sation. whereupon Mr.. Mobley. it is
said. drew his rawhide from the paper
in which it was wrapped and struck
at Mr.. Evans face The latter. ward
ing off the blow. received the stroke
Oh HIS SuOuluSI LII oil ii9ldAt SSfSidi
blows with the whip were struck.
when Mr.. Evans closed in upon his
assasilant.
Before serious hurt was received by
either party friends interfered and
pushed them IS or 20 feet apart. Upon
both demanding to be released and
freeing themselves. they rushed to-
gether and several blows were passed
before the sheriff arrived
The sheriff Immediately telephoned
for Magistrate Moorman and as soon
as the papers could be executed Mr..
Evans and Mr.. Mobley were put un-
der peace bonds Mr.. Mobley stated
that as far as he was concerned he
was satisfied and that he would not
offer any further personal violence to
Mr.. Evans Later both were Sum-
moned to appear before the recorder
court this morning on the charge OF
''disorderly conduct" 1t is probable
that full account of the whole affair
and circumstances leading up to yes
terday's denouenent may be brought
out. Mr.. Evans. when asked by re-
porter if he desired to make state
ment of the affair. said he was reluc-