The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-31
HOT WORDS PASS BETWEEN LAWYERS Threats of Personal Fights Are
 Freely Made DISPENSARY MATTERS UP Charges of False Utterances Are Made By Opposing Counsel Owing To the Questions Concerning
 the Dispensary.
DlSPENSARY MATTERS UP

Ashevile N. C.. January 30.-Today's hearing in the South Carolina dispen- sary case in the United States circuit court, involving the jurisdiction of this court in the suit of Fleisehman & Co.,, against the South Carolina dispensary commission, brought about by personal tilts between counsel and the passing of hot words wherein the terms per sonal satisfaction" and personally re- sponsible' figured to large extent. Charges of false utteranees and disrep- utable allegations at times threatened personal encounters. Reflections on the character of certain members of the South Carolina legislature were not over looked in the general disturbance. Argu- ments as to the jurisdiction of the court were still in progress when adjournment was taken until tomorrow.
 In closing his argument, W. r. Steven son, of counsel for the dispensary called for tilt between himself and Attorney Lester representing one of the plain tiffs.
 Just one personal word" said Attorney Stevenson. "The allegations of this bill have been answered in so far as the state dispensary is concerned The bill contains an unfounded and disreputable charge against myself and the dispensary com mission on information and belief. l want to state on behalf of myself that the ai- legations are as false as they are dis reputable; as unworthy of belief as are the sources from whence they emanated; that the parties who communicated the information upon which any such allega- ton is drawn to the distinguished counsel ! in this case are unworthy of belief and entertainment in the society of the gentle men of the bar of South Carolina, and I am responsible for my statement person. ally"
 These utterances caused stir in the court. Attorney Lester in reply said that the allegations would be proven, "and they will surprise the court" He added that personal satisfaction could be had at any time it was desired.
 The question before the court is one of jurisdiction to entertain suits for claims against the South Carolina com mission which is liquidating the debts of the defunct state dispensary. The 
 the ground that most of the claims are Fraudulent and that the creditors had conspired with members of the old commission to overcharge the state for liquor. Several persons connected with the old commission have been arrested on charges of graft and the authorities say that more prosecutions are likely to follow.
 The resolution which provoked tha lively exchange between Stevenson and l-- ster was in the nature of q vote Of confidence in the present dispensary commission. It passed the lower house of the South Carolina legislature, but was defeated in the senate.
 The commission to close out the affairs of the defunct dispensary met here today to inspect books of creditors, whose claims aggregate $660 900. The commission, sit- ting as a court, had announced previous ly that some claims were believed to be fraudulent, and they would pay no claims until all claimants presented books snow ing all transactions with the state. There was only one concern represented here with books of entry.
 The Anheuser- Busch association was first on the calendar. No one being pres ent to answer it was stated that the commission would undertake the burden of proof to show that there had been overcharges of a vast amount. Col T. B. Fielder of Atlanta, special attorney for the commission, declared that J. s. Far mum, agent of the brewing association, is probably a fugitive from justice as the warrant issued for his arrest IA days ago has never been served, and the police In several cities are looking for him.
 At the afternoon session, oscar Schmitz. southern manager for Schlitz & Co.,. pre- sented leaves from sales books, showing transactions with the state The commis- sion was not satisfied with the showing and this case is left open. Invoices were submitted by Colonel Fielder to show that South Carolina paid much higher price for Schlitz beer in large quantities than dealers in some cities paid for small quan- titles