The Charlotte Democrat

Plain Talk.

Ex-Gov. Scott and John J. Patterson are two of the candidates before the South Carolina Legislature for U. S. Senator. To give an idea of what a miserable set of scoundrels have been ruling South Carolina since the war, we copy a few extracts from the card of the late State Auditor, Mr. Gary, who uses the following plain talk about Scott and Patterson:

To the Members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina,

I will now speak of but two of the candidates—Gov. R. K. Scott and John J. Patterson—as it seems to be conceded that between them, at present, lies the choice.

These two men have been intimately connected with all the thieving schemes which have been put through the Legislature for the last four years: and it would be difficult to find two more corrupt men in this or any other State. In substantiation of this statement, I hereby charge Governor R. K. Scott with having used the funds of the State to bribe members of the last Legislature to vote against his own impeachment.

I also charge John J. Patterson with having been one of the chief instruments by which this crime was effected. Many times has the question been asked as to the personality of Mooney, Legget, Wilson & Co., but thus far Governor Scott has not deemed the matter of sufficient importance to attempt to satisfy a very natural curiosity on this point. However, I consider the proof sufficiently strong to warrant me in saying that John J. Patterson represents, in a large degree, this very delectable firm.

I also charge that the vouchers issued by Governor Scott, for large amounts, in favor of the above and other names, to be paid from the "Armed Force Fund," were issued simply for the purpose of covering up the deficiency caused by moneys being taken from the State Treasury, and used in preventing the passage of the impeachment resolutions.

Charges equally as corrupt and susceptible of proof can be made against both these men. I have, however, selected this as one of the most notorious. Such, then, are the characters of the two men who have presented themselves before you, asking your suffrages, for the most important office in your gift.

Very respectfully,
Edwin F. Gary,
Late State Auditor.