The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1916-09-27
RICHEY MAKES REPLY
TO CRITICISMS
Says Tie Acted in Good
Faith in Columbia
PROMISES TO
PRINT AFFlDAVlIS

Cir. Richcy Repeats That ihe Impress
sion was Created in his Mind That
There had Been Acts Of Fraud In the
. Election and lie Felt Bound to Seek
Further Light.
Mr.. w. II. Richey, Jr., who states
that he has heard criticism of his con-
duct at the meeting OF the State Exccu-
tive Commttc last Tuesday has writ
ten the following letter in regard TO
the meeting:
ltnmors have come to me that | am
being severely criticised, and | think
unjustly criticised, on account OF my
actions in tho meeting of the state
Democratic Executive Committee on
Tuesday the 10Th, inst, and in fair
ness to myself make for publication
the following statement.
Before ! went into this meeting my
attention was called to evidences OF
fraud, etc, which had been practiced
in the Second Primary election. This
evidence was in the shape Of letters,
kilograms and aildavits, and will be
published later. This evidence was
very strong in character and massive
in volume, and created a doubt in my
mind as to whether or not the election
had been fairly conducted presume
every man to be honest until am sat
isiicd he is not, and | have no conccp-
ton of any man swearing falsely or
making a false affidavit, unless | know
him to be rascal, and especially so,
when ! believe that he is swearing or
making affidavit only in the interest of
fair play and without hope Of rcmun-
GRAFTON Of any kind. The character Of
this evidence, coupled with the honest
opinion that the mon furnishing same
were honest men, produced, as above
stated, the impression on my mind that
the election was conducted unfairly at
certain places. Then in the face Of
this honest boiler, ask in the name OF
have treated myself fairly and could /
have treated by county and state fair
", by sitting quietly in my scat with
out calling the attention Of the com
mittco to this evidence Of fraud.
! believe If Il man follows the die
tates OF his conscience, he will inVa-
l'iably so right. In this case ! fol-
lowed the dictates Of my conscience,
knowing at the time would be criti-
cisco for so doing.
Some OF my friends have told ne
that my actions would hurt me poiiti-
cally. ! could not hope to gain any
thing politically by my actions, as the
party am accused of fostering is and
has been for four years in the minor
ity. Then nothing but an honest and
conscientious motive could have been
my object. II | am TO be politically
ostr&ciSed for honestly and conscicn-
tions!y. seeking the truth, then politics
DO noi'7. ,,A. honest men, and il is we'll
that 81 I'D die politically in my
first effort.
My sole object in acting IS did, was
TO give the Committee an opportunity
to examine the proof had. ! did not,
as some Of the papers say, charge
fraud. l simply said that evidences Of
fraud had been brought to my attcn-
tion and had created the impression on
my mind that no condencc could be
placed in the result Of the election. |
do not believe any honest man would
want fraud in an election covered up.
If he honestly believed there was fraud.
honestly believed and still believe
fraud was practiced in the election, and
now when offer an opportunity to
have 1t investigated, when | am honest
ly and conscicntiously seeking the
truth, am criticised. / do not believe
there Is an honest man who reads TINS
statement, but would have dono as |
did under the circumstances and am
honest In saying that had the unSu"
cessful candidate been elected and owl
donce OF the samo character had Dcen
produced against him, and brought TO
my attention, | not only would nave
voted against his nomination, but !
would have clamorGd for IN n, aSti q
ton.
1t Is natural with some people to
forget, with others 1t lis & matter Of
convenience and to both classes | want