The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-04-06
1nlnE WON'T Be DISMISSED.
STATE BANK EXAMINER RE-
FUSES T,o RECOGNIZE DIS
MIsSAI. OF GOVERNOR.
Controversy Brought About ry Fau-
urc of Lexington Savings a3auk--
Position stated I'm Reply Of OniciaI
Court to Decide Matter.


nor's act In attempting to remove me
from Office Is purely arbitrary, and
his statement that the condition of
the bank was not published Is false.
shall disregard his order and shall
hold the ONCE until ordered by the
court TO reltaquish 1t.
This statement was made yesterday
by H. j. hhanhc. State bank examiner.
: following the dismissal by the COVER
nor. Mr.. Rhame yesterday made his
reply to the chief executive on the
Lexington Savings bank.
Several days ago the governor act
Ing under his contitutionai right, de-
manded the report on the condition Of
the Lexington Savings bank. which
had been filet with the State treas
urer by Mr. Fhame. The report was
turned over to the governor. The
governor at che same time wrote
letter 40 ar. Rhame charging dere-
iiction In duty and threatened to dis
miss him II he did not give aatis-
factory explanation
The reply OF Mr.. Rhame was sent
to the governor yesterday In which
he declined to resign his position. Mr..
Rhame pointed out In his reply that
he had performed his duty In ac-
cordance with the law and that Il
was not necessary for him to report
on the condition of banks to the gov
ernor.
The governor upon the receipt Of
the reply wroee a letter dismissing
Mr.. Ehame.
The matter will very probably be
carried to the supreme court. for a
decision. II Is said thss Mr.. Rhame
has employed W. F. Stevenson to de-
Send his case.
The following Is the reply of Mr..
Rhame to the governor as to his ac-
Mons with reference to the report
ON the bank:
acknowledging receipt Of your
letter of the f5th instant. I'm which
you request me to state why your at
tsntion was not called to the condi-
ucn Of the Lexington Savings hank
when ite condition was ascertained In
t9ii. and asking for further informa-
rep IN 'he subject. Will say. before
rnJirs tne statement hereinafter
co'nained. that IL Is apparent that
you are laboring under some wrong
impression In regard to this matter.
J shall not undertake to take up the
varscss matters referred to In your
Sstsss IN the order In which you have
put them. but shall endeavor to give
yoa narrative covering those mat
tors. In the event have not fully
understood your Communication and
fail In this letter to cover anything
you may have In mind. I will be glad
70 give any further information In my
possession.
The act Of the legislature to pro-
vide for the appointment Of a bank
examiner. ETC.. approved the 23rd OF
February. 1905. does not require the
examiner to report TO the governor.
On the other hand. section Q Of this
act empowers the examiner to ex-
anime State banks and requires him
to Ale his reports In the Office of the
State treasurer. This have done I'm
all cases In accordance with this law,
II know OF no existing law: indeed,
i am satisfied there was never such
law requiring Mr.. Wilson. as bank
examiner. to consult with or report
60 the governor with reference to this
bank. While II appears that governor
Ansei on behalf Of Mr.. Wilson, as
bank examiner. requested the attor-
ney general TO give an opinion. copies
Of which are now OF re In my Office.
i have not understood II to he the
law that the bank examiner should
request opinion or advice from the
attorney general through the COVER
nors Office. and know Of no reason
why Mr.. Wilson should have taken
such course.
Section st5. code Of laws. 1902. vol
ume 4. requires the attorney general
90 consult and advise with state off,
GERS on questions OF law relating to
their oftices. ala consult and advise
with the attorr"v general In this case.
fs 1 had In reference to many other
legal points In doubt. and he has al
was given me written opinions and
oral counsel whenever | have called