The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1915-08-25
ACCUSES CITY OFFICIALS.
CITY MANAGER HORNE TELLS
BEAUFORT CITIZENS OF
HIS WORK.
says That He Investigated Matters
thoroughly Before Taking Action
City Treasurer Says Mayor Is Not
Doing Duty BY People.

ss W WYNN.
Beaufort. Aug. 20.---A crowded hall
listened with intense interest for an
hour last night to the ex-city man.
ager. X. c. Horne. Jr.. give an ac-
count of his stewardship. In a con-
Nersauonal tone. with marked delib-
Grafton, without anything savoring of
Vituperation.' and hardly, any COM
ment on his facts. he delivered what
was In effect a terrific arraignment of
Mayor panner and Councilman
Marscher, He charged the latter
with false returns OF his banks bond
holdings. which would lay him liable
TO hne OF $1,000. and with other
false returns by which the town, State
and county have lost taxes. He
charged Mayor Danner with at first
encouraging him with unearthing and
exposing these conditions and then
Joining Councilman Marscher In dis
missing. him on. the, ground of fric
ton between the councilman and the
city manager. The recall petition Will
probably be sent to the governor at
once.
The Rev. j. III. Noland opened the
meeting with prayer. Chairman ]. B.
Dodd first called on City Treasurer
Legare. who has, directed Mr.. Horne
In his moves to collect the back
taxes. The treasurer read a concise
statement OF his position. lie recited
the Incidents OF the attempt to COL
lect from one Of the local banks and
Acting Mayor Marschers interference
In his own interest. and the appeal to
Circuit Judge Rice and the courts
decree In his favor. The concluding
sentence sums up his position: THE
mayor In dismissing the city manager
In the midst OF efficient financial SER
vice to the community. and while the
claims against delinquents In which
ne Is the principal witness are pend
ing. to oblige one OF the alleged de-
hnquents. Is not doing his duty to the
people who have honored him with
this high position" .
The chairman then stated that the
mayor and councilman referred to had
been invited by letter to be present
and called on them to come forward.
Neither was present. Mr., Marscher
paid no attention 20 the Invitation.
The mayor sent q communication that
was read by the Rev. G. c. Brown. "a
was general ln It's terms. The most
significant poragraph is: Il have felt
Tor some time that the lack of har-
mony between the city manager and
the council was detrimental to tn.
successful carrying out OF the COM
mission form of city government with
city manager. II Is my belief that
Mr.. Horne was influenced In his ac-
lions by advice OF parties other than
those who employed him. and 1 as
sure you that I do not propose to be
mere hgure head In, my position as
mayor. This and other reasons have
led me to the belief that the best in
terest OF the town would be served by
the removal OF Mr.. Horne"
Though the gathering was mani.
testify In sympathy with Mr.. Horne
and applauded him at several times.
many friends OF the mayor and coun-
Gilman were present. II was a very
serious and orderly meeting. In spite
OF the acute interest with which the
whole community Is following the
situation, and tho tense moments
when the speaker made his specific
Charges Mr.. Horne began by depre-
eating the fact that he could not meet
mis- accusers face to face and make
his statements In their presence.
What here charge Is libeious IL not
true" he stated at one point: and ut
another that he went 10 the State
treasurer. the comptroller general and
the State tax commission To get many
OF his facts and they stand ready 10
back him
The city manager pro tenn. Mr..
Otis. then took the platform and told
the citizens that he approved Mr..
Horne most heartily In every essential!
position that he takes. which state
ment was applauded.