The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1907-02-15
GOV. ANSEL REMOVES
NSPENSARY BOARD
DIRE CTORS RAWLINSON, WYIIE AND
BLACK REMOVED FROM OFFICE.
This Board of Directors Is Charqed
With Misconduct. Neglect and
lnCapaClty... Gov. AnseI'S
Careful Investigation
and Decision.

dence submitted by the State disper-
sary board, and upon careful investiga-
tion of the charges against the board,
Governor Ansel has removed the di-
Tectors. The following statement from
Ithe governor is worth reading:
Il do not conceive it necessary that
l should go into the testimony in ref
erence to the different matters set
forth in that evidence; l could do so
were it necessary. l am satisfied from
the careful consideration that l have
given to. the evidence and to the oath
l have taken, taking all of these facts
into consideration and giving them due
weight, that it is my duty to remove
from office these gentlemen; and there
tore by virtue Of the power vested in
me by the constitution of South Caro-
lima and the law, do hereby remove
the safd J. M. Rawlinsen Joseph B.
Wylie and John Black from the office
OF directors Of the State dispensary."
This is interesting reading. The
charges against the directors were
misconduct, neglect and incapacity."
The trip OF Director Black to Peoria,
ILL.,, is cited as one of the grounds up
on which the charges were based. The
legislature passed resolution unan-
mously suggesting to Governor Ansel
the propriety Of removing these men
from Office and having them prosecut-
ed. This action was passed upon the
recommendation of the judiciary COM
mittee. 1t is source of qualification
tvtaii lovers OF honesty and good Giti,
zenship that t->I~ Governor
Carolina is thus early in his admins
tration showing himself fearless and
conscientious man. He will have the
commentator OF the best citizens OF
South Carolina in this step he has TAX
en-. The friends Of Governor Ansel ex-
pected that he would stand squarely
ND to his duties, even when unpleasant
and this instance goes to prove tina
their expectations will not fail.
..,'sThe following words from Governo
NAnsel have the right ring:
"I want to say that | have g've'
this matter very serious consideration
Isha<G had this testimony in my hand
TO - Office and at my home and haV
read it with great care and great cor
siieration. feel the Importance OF tn
matter, and yet at the same time
feel the Importance OF the oath that
took when | assumed the Office l no
hold
public Office in South Carolina
public trust; and it is the duty
every officer to see to it that the Ia
is carried out and that the law is fu
carried out which governs him in t
execution of the Office to which he h
been elected or appointed. l think
is just as much the duty OF the me
bers of this board, and each one
them, to know exactly what liquors
purchased, what prices are paid,
in everything in connection with tn
~ business that is done, and to know
personally, and to know it themsei'
The records of the Office should sh
fully and conclusively every trans
tion that is had, every purchases
-rrraeae- ard everything done IN c
nection with the business.
"As l have said, / have read
testimony carefully. In obedience
the resolution passed by the gen
assembly, | heard arguments from
gentlemen representing the respond
and also the State, on Tuesday last
reference first to my authority to
move these officers, and second
mode of removing them if had
authority.
"I have no doubt in my mind
under section 27 Of article 8 of the
stitution Of South Carolina, l have
power to remove these officers II
causes set forth in the constitution
~ shown to my satisfaction to exist
* "The section reads as follows:
.sssS Article 3. Officers shall be re
sed sfor incapacity, misconduct or
lect Of duty. in such manner as m;
provided by law, when no mode OF
or removal is provided in this con
ton
Under section $50 Of the cri
code of South Carolina, it is :
that the term of Office OF the said
shall be for two years unless s.
removed by the governor.
t"I held Tuesday when this arg