The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1911-04-26
FIGHT CLOSE IN CHARLESTON,
BATTLE FOR WARD CLUBS WAC
ES FIERCE AND EVEN.
Both Hyde and Grace Forces are
Claiming Victory i'm Warmest Re-
organization Ever Seen.

10 the reorganization of the clubs,
election Of members Of the new ex-
cutiVe committee and delegates to the
city convention which meets net
Monday. At this time the forces o.
John P. Grace and T. T. Hyde are
claiming majority and delegates to
the convention. The executive COM
mittee is not receiving returns tonight
and Official statements are not to be
had of the results as far as the cleo
tions have progressed.
a hard fight was made by the
forces of both Grace and Mai. HYDE
TO capture the variouss ward clubs
and the results. as far as can be got
ten, indicate a pretty general divis-
ion.
Much interest centred in Ward 3.
here Mr.. Hyde had one club and MIR.
Grace the other.
An equal division occurred also in
Wards 1 and 10, and it is said in
ward Maj. Hyde got both clubs in
Ward 2, Ward 6, and probably in
Ward 4. as far as is known now.
Mr.. Grace has both clubs in Ward
and it is said in Ward II, the larg-
est voting ward in the city.
1t is hard to figure the vote in
some Of the wards. The complexion Is
different. because the character of the
men precludes a placing Of the men
elected as partisans.
Maj. Hyde said that he would be
unable to tell until tomorrow, if
then, just how he stood
The Grace forces are enthusiastic
and are disposed to make larger
claims.
In Ward 6, in Mr.. Grace's club.
both sides voted for the same MEM
Der of the executive committe, A. c..
Tobias who will befree to vote as he
pleases on issues which may come up.
'i''" Siuo' odilleS L. NdlSn,
Grace man. was defeated after having
served the club as president for "a
years.
Ihe Grace men thought that he
would be unOpposej, but The oppo-
sition sprung a candidate who was
elected
In Ward Aldermen Rafferty, and
Mccarthy lost The former was a
Grace man and he lost by decisive
majority In the other club Mr..
Grace won in spite Of Mr.. McCarthy's
efforts. The first vote taken was In
favor Of Mr.. Hyde, but after much
wrangling a second vote developed a
majority for Mr.. Grace.
In number Of wards, the question
arose Of whose names were not on
the club rolls. desiring to vote. Con-
siderable friction resulted from this
source. In some of the wards much
wrangling and disorder resulted, the
air was filled with profanity, men
came to blows and had to be separted
and stormy scenes ensued. Charges
were made of irregularities and it be-
came a question Of physical endur-
ance. the cOntending sides declaring
their intention to remain in the hall
until daylight.
large force Of police was on hand,
particularly in Ward 3. The officers
were not disposed to make arrests.
however, much as certain factions
contended for the removal of OBJ
streperous members. The refusal Of
temporary chairman to allow the
calling of rolls to esta blish Just who
were entitled to vote was the cause
Of considerable friction.
1t is likely hat a number of pro-
tests will go before the convention for
settlement. The reorganization Of the
clubs is the hottest which has mark
ed municipal election in years
The primary election does not take
place until November and it is a long
and bitter campaign ahead. certain to
result in much controversy.
While the capture of ward clubs
is interesting, it does not necessarily
show how things are finally going.
The executive committee. however
Will have the appointment Of man
ayers and clerks Of the election TO
which som" importance is attached.
TWENTY MINERS BURIED.