The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1911-05-11
DO not LIkEIT
People Of Florence Resent Aciian Of
CIV. BIease in Removing
NEGROES FROM THERE,
News of Governor Blease's Order Tor
Removal to the Penitentiary OF
Negro Prisoners Under. Death SEN


prise blythe People Of Florence.
The Newsstand Courier scorrespon-.
dent at Florence says the article in
Tuesdays News and Courier sent
out from Columbia, headed "Rusn
Negroes to P'enitentiary," was a stun
ner to Florence folks, ,inasmnch. as
1t gave out news emanating from the
Governors office that the people sof
that city believe was absolutely with
out foundation, for its publication,
and it has caused no little harsh COM
ment of the Governors action, by
not only his enemies, but by some OF
his Florence friends and admirers.
The correspondent says the les,.ste story
is considered so ridiculous that Flor
ence folks really take it for State
House joke Of the first water. The
Sheriff knew nothing Of the story
until it was shown him by the cor
respondent in The News and Courier,
and then he hurried to the postofice,
where he found the Governors letter
of the night before awaiting him.
The correspondent says:
Sheriff Burch, who. by the way.
has never had to carry a prisoner to
the Penitentiary for safekeeping. but,
on the other hand. has faced. two
mobs at the risk Of his life to de-
fend his prisoners, is mortified over
the fact that the Governor has order
ed these two prisoners hustled to
the Penitentiary, and states that
there Is absolutely no use OR reason
for these prisoners to be removed
from the Florence prison and feels
that it is reflection on him If in
sisted upon.
The following letter from the Gov.
ernor to Sheriff Burch was received
BY the sheriff at eleven O'Clock Tues
day morning, the postmark on the
envelope showing that it was mailed
at Columbia, or rather stamped, May
8, $3.50 p. IN. at the Columbia post
Office. ss n
estate of South Carolina. ENecu-
tive Chamber, Columbia, S. c., May
s..1e11.-To Mr.. Thomas S. Burch,
Sheriff Florence County, Florence, s..
C.-Dear Sir: In view of the action
CT the Supreme Court against the
two negroes. convicted along with
the negro Ham, for killing white
man and, after talking with some
parties who are acquainted with the
facts, think it would be advisable
for you to bring the negroes to the
State Penitentiary; for If they are
granted new trial it is possible that
they may be dealt with at once or
cause you much trouble, so bring
them on the next train and commit
them to the State Penitentiary for
safe keeping. Very respectfully,
"Cole L. Blease, Governor
To the above; letter tie following
telegram was sent in reply by Sheriff
Burch. after immediate consultation
with Solicitor Walter H. Wells, of
this circuit, ard State Senator Joseph
w. McCown:
FLORENCE, S. c.. May 9, 1s11.-
To Governor Cole L. Blease, Green
Vile. s. C.,-Have read article In
The News and Courier of today. Sher-
If, deputy sheriff and / think no dan
ger whatever. Ask to have prison
ers remain here Sheriff guarantees
protection
walter H. Wells, Solicitor.
State Senator Joseph W. McCoWn
wired the Governor as follows:
"Florence. S. c., May 9, 19l1.--
To Cole L. Blease, Greenville, S. C.,
care Ottaray HOTEL think prison.
ers are perfectly safe in Florence
Jail.
"J. w. McCown, Senator.
In reply to his message to Govern
or Blease. Sheriff Burch received the
following telegram Tuesday night,
too late to take the prisoners to Co.
Iumbia on the evening train, but he
did so at four o'clock a. n. next day:
"Greenville, S. c., May 9. 19l1.-
Thomas S. Burch, Florence. S. c.,
Your wire. Take prisoners to Peni-
tentiary OH first train as directed.
Cole l.. Blease. Governor.