Subject: Joshua Whitner Ashley From: Euzelia Date: August 20, 1999 Continued----Third Installment A few things stand out in his record. He was a strong advocate for liberal pensions for confederate veterans and their widows. Also, he supported a liberal appropriation to te State Hospital for the insane, and for the Institute for the deaf and blind. These three stand out pre-eminently in Mr. Ashley's record. However, he led the fight in another area. He fought hard for the repel of Lloyd Radical bonds - issued during reconstruction. There was sufficient evidence to show that these bonds had been paid - yet, they still came up for redemption. After a 10 year fight he managed to have them written off. Mr. Ashley was an arch prohibitionist. He fought the Dispensory System with all his might. He believed that the system would develop into graft that would reflect on his beloved State. On this he differed wit the policy of two of his very good friends, the Governor, Ben R. Tillman and Cole L. Blease. There are man stories still current concerning "Uncle Josh" and his activities; some true, others highly exaggerated and as many false. He enjoyed most of the and turned them to his own advantage when he wished. One of the true stories one used at almost every election year and at many gatherings - some heckler in the crown would yell, "you can't go to the legislature, Uncle Josh. You can't write your name." His typical reply was, "aye-God, I can make a mark that could buy you out, lock, stock and barrel." There are many documents that could prove that he wrote a fairly good letter and could sign his name. He did read very laboriously. His son-in-law, James N. Pearman, who could read fluently, accompanied him to Columbia and he reported that it was most unusual for him to have to read a bill more than once. (An occasional paragraph a second time, maybe) before Uncle Josh could quote it verbatim. When a smart young lawyer tried to trap him by the use of big words or involved legal terms his usual reply was: "I don't know what ____________ and ______ mean, but let me tell you what the bill means and what it's effect will be." More later~ Joy~ ==== SCROOTS Mailing List ==== Go To: #, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z, Main |