The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-08-21
FIGHT IN CHARLESTON.
BETHEA STRIKES RICHARDS
WHEN LIAR" IS HEARD.
Exciting Moment as Two Are Scpa-
rated After Getting in Few Blows

-hil%I ICN DIOnS
Charleston, Aug. 1.-THE attacks
Lieut.. Gov. Andrew J. Bethea, candi-
date for governor has ,heen making
from practically every stump in the
State since the Walhalla and Green
Vile meetings on the connection OF
John G. Richards, his Reform" op-
ponent, with Cole L. Blease, culmi-
mated here today in fsticuff be-
tween the two candidates. Several
blows were passed by each of the bel
ligerents.
The audience, which had dwindled
from about $50 to approximately rs
was not very excited over the Incl
dent. Several Of the crowd, includ-
ing a police officer and Sheriff Mar
tin, rushed on the stage OF the Hiber-
MAN Hall where the meeting was held
and assisted acting Chairman 7. P.
Stoney in separating the two fighters.
Although the audience was eXcep-
tionally small, due to the day meet
ing, it was very demonstrative, par
ticuiarly when any of the candidates
spoke disparagingly of the candidacy
of Cole L. Blease. Robert A. Cooper,
candidate for governor, was given an
ovation when he began his address
and the other candidates also were
literally applauded.
When Mr.. Richards, who p eceded
the lieutenant governor, the last
speaker, had finished his presentation,
he went into the audience and Mr..
2ethea cautioned him that he had
better remain as he took a seat in
'front.' of the stage accompanied by a
friend who requested him TO leave
the hall, which he refused to do.
Mr.. Bethea then referred to Mr..
Richards reiterated assertion that
he war was not an issue and stated
hat he would accept the challenge
and show that it was the greatest is
sue before the people of the State and
IF the nation; that it was made an IS
sue in South Cal Dina by the Pon1arla
and Filbert speeches of Cole l..
BIease, and was brought into the gu
bernatorial campaign when Blease
and Richards indorsed each others
candidates. at Wagner few weeks
ago. He then cautioned his hearers
to vote for men against whom there
is no suspicion of disloyalty. He
then charged that the utterances OF
Cole L. Blease at Pomaria and Fill
bert were disloyal. Because they had
been uttered three and one-half
months after the declaration of war
against Germany by the United
States. He read the Wilson letter
against BIease and said that the
president had no compunction in tell
ing what he thought of the Blease
:peeches; that he had not sidestepped
and equivocated and hesitated, as
Richards had done when he repeated
" had asked him if he either lndors-
ed oxrepudiated the utterances OF
Blease in the two notorious speeches.
Mr. Bethea gave the highest praise to
the son of Major Richards, who had
volunteered in the service and is now
wearing the khaki. Mr.. Bethea was
saying: "I think Major Richards for
the sake of his SON.
He got no further. being interrupt
ed BY the Reform candidate. who
arose to his feet and warned him to
keen the name of his son out of the
controversy, stating that there Is
5uch thing as Mr.. Bethea gong too
Nrar. Richards took his seat and Be
ehea went on with his reference to the
Pomaria and Filbert speeches, stating
that Richards was at Pomarla ana ne
presumed that he indorsed them by
his applause. Richards again rose to
lis feet and shaking his finger at the
lieutenant governor issued another
warning to which Mr.. Bethea took eX-
ceptron, saying that he was not
featherlegged and will not run
Stating that he would compel him
to make his charges more specific, Mr.
Richards came upon the stage and
placing himself on the left OF Mr.
Rethea said NOW, make yout
charges" After short verbal eN-
change, Richards said, You are q
liar
With the passage Of the word. Be
thea. quick as a flash, struck Rich
ards. hitting him apparently on tbs
temple. Mr.. Stoney got between the
two men, as they were hitting at eacf
other. grabbed Mr.. Richards, forclns
him back, and then turned and shov'
ed Mr.. Bethea aside. Several blow:
were passed between the two candl
dates in the meantime over NJ
Stonys head The three men struS
gled over to the right hand side o
| the stage, when .nembers OF th'
audience jumped on the stage an(
assisted in separating the two belllS
erents, who struggled to get at eacf
other. Following their separator
Richards grabbed up chair, sWun!