Newspaper Page Text
15V JOHN H. CHRISTY.
DEVOTED TO NEWS, POLITICS, AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION AND GENERAL PROGRESS.
VOLUME XXII.
ATHENS, GEORGIA, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 1875.
$2.00 pei* Annum, in advance.
NUMBER 2.
the SOUTHERN WATCHMAN
PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY.
rorHer Ht'oiut a tut Wall Street*, (up-ntalr*.)
terms!
two DOLLARS PEB ANNUM,
invariably in advance.
advertising.
\4f ®rtia*w.uty will be inserted nt ONE DOLLAR
, ojpiY CENTS per square for the firatinaer-
'• SEVENTY-FIVE CENTS per square for
.h’-.sntinu.ocis, for any time under one month. For
periods, a liberal deduction will be made.
|v -,. I liberal Jeiuotlon on yearly adrertiaementa.
LKOAL ADVERTISING.
sk ,riff'« sale*, perlevy of 10 lines $500
mortus^e sales, 00 days—
- •« hi levs, by Administrators, Executor*. or
S, ;*o.r,liana .. «•»»
Citations of Administration or Guardianship 4.00
Votlce to Debtors and Creditors 5.00
n .u Visi nor square, each insertion 1.50
L,»ve tu'sell Real Estate 4.00
citstionfor lismiasion of Administrator 5.00
i< <■ “ Guardian 5.25
-t« .certain the number of squares in an advertiee-
m .nt ,r 'bituary, count the words—one hundred being
equal to ten linos
equates.
FALL ANDWINTEB STOCK OF
Millinery
AND FANCY GOODS.
MRS. T. A. ADAMS
A NNOUNCES to the public that she is now reeeir-
ing a large and ruled stock of Ladies’ Bonneta,
Hata Lacea, Ribbons, Trimmings, Ac., which aha is
nfferingat low priest. Call.examine and beconrinead.
Next door to Benk of the University. Athena. sep30
E. A. WILLIAMSON,
Meal latcMer aii Jeweler.
A T Dr. King's Drug Store, Broad Street, will exe
cute all work entrusted to him in the best style
5.00 and at reasonable pricer
•• Terms positively
All fraction* aro counted »• fall
Iflrofrsstonal anb Jnsmrss Carbs.
a. KRWIS.
'101515. ERWIN k
0
IIOWKLI. COBB,JR
COI5I5,
AT To UN El'S AT LAW.
ATHB.VS, OEORQIA.
OI£o. ia the Deuptee Building. Dec21
i positively CASH.
feb4
DR. WHITTIER!
to. 617 St. Charles Street, St Louis" to.,
eoetlaM* I* trCRt an «M «f chalAetea tm urrlaa.
L 51 ,'» >»M M. la au ta... exMs.
’• so pngee, rtriof fan era,, f,, IU ,^
MARRIAGE GUIDE,
b * l *M hr avvrr.
naa,. •« ao-iS a J. antala, tea
A. EDGE,
A. BOOT, SHOE AND HARNESS MAKER,
Watkixsvillx, Ga.
B ANKRUPTCY.—Samuel P. Thurmond,
Attoruoy-et-Lew, Athena, Gn.
vfiet o, Broad rtrtct,owr (As afort of Barry A Son,
Wiil give apecinl attention to cases in Bankruptcy. Al-
,o to the colleetlnpnf all olaima animated to his cart.
T7VM0RY SPEER,
Jld LAWYER, ATHENS, OA.
Ai Solicitor General of Waatern Circuit, wiil attend
tb. Courts of Clarks, Walton. Gwinnett, Hull, Banks,
Jsrksoo, Habersham, Franklin, Rabun and Whits,
aad give attention to collecting end other claime in
qht.se counties. March 19,1873.
TjiDWARD R. HARDEN,
jZj (Litto JudgeU. 8. Court* Nebraska and Utah,
and now Judge of Brooka County Court)
Attorney at Law,
jnly!S ly Quitman, Ji rooks County, Ga.
Wagon Yard in Athens.
TNH E aubaoriberhea fitted npand opened a safa, com
I fortable and commodious Wagon Turd, on River
street, in the neighborhood of the Upper Bridge, whore
CORN. FODDER, and nil other necessary auppliearan
bejpurobaacd on reasonable terma. Charges moderate
The highest market prtoo paid for Country Produce
and Bank bills reoaived in exchange for Goods.
July7 tf WILEY IS HOOD.
iohs a. b*ti:s.
MADISON BELL.
TT'STES k BELL, Attorneys at Law,
Pj gaiSesvili.e. ga.
r&-WILL prActice in the counties composing the
Betern Circuit, and Dawson eud Forsyth counties
ol tho ltlue Ridge Circuit. They will also practice in
the Supreme Court of Georgia, and in the United States
Court at Atlanta. mayl4
IT'LOYD k SILMAN,
JP ATTORNEYS AT LAW,
WillpraetioBln tho counties of Walton and Jackson,
•oil* J. FLOYD, Jo B. SILMAN.
Covington, Ha. mar4 Jefferson, Ga.
T F. O'KELLEY’H
tl . PHOTOGRAPH GALLERY,
Over Williams* Shoe store, Broad street, Athena,
tdsorgis. ssp3.
T H. HUGGINS,
t) • hoUsaloand Retail Dealer in
DRY HOODS, GROCERIES, HARDWARE, Ac.
Piblft Broad Street, Athens, Ga.
TUHX II. CHRISTY,
(.1 Plain end Fancy BOOK AND JOB PRINTER,
Broad St., Athans, Ga.
Office corner Broad and Wall streets, orertha store
James D. Pittard. tf
TAMES R. LYLE,
tl Attoumet at Law,
Dec:: WATKlKSVILLg, OA.
JOHN M.
MATTHEWS.
Attorxet at Law,
Daniclaviile.Gn.
Prompt mention will be given to any buainoaa on-
•uitet to his care. Marohl4.
TAMES L. LONG, M. dT ~
f J SlIRUEON. ACCOUCHEUR k PHYSICIAN,
(Ofice at Mr. Tkoma$ Sk«at9* Store,)
Good Hope District, Walton county, Ga.
Offer* his professional service* to the cititens of the
surrounding country. »«g27
mruicai !Iterator* _ __
l»a* etperleoee; alao Ui
tail
I-pald for Met*.
t
I J'OR use or any Sewing Machine, is ** CLARK’S
0. N. T.," especially that made for and bearing
the name of the Singer Manufacturing Co. A word
to the wiso should be sufficient, Price, 75c. pei
doien Spools, at the office of the SINGER MANU
FACTURING CO. G. II. HOPE. Agent,
July!—ly Bishop's Corner, Athens, Ga.
THE GREAT REMEDY
.—FOR
Burns, Scalds, Cons, Foisoo Oat, Sins
if Insects and Citintsns Inflammations Generally,
DISCOVERED BY MRS. L. E. MS 11
JUG TAVERN, WALTON CO., GA.,
\\JAS entered agaipst the World, nt the late State
YY Fair at Macon, aod iadail, effeeting THE MOST
WONDERFUL CURES, and hna become an indis-
penaabla honaehold neeeaalty. No family should ba
without It!
If, after trial, a family ia willing to lire without this
preparation for Tan Dollars, aganta are authorised to
refund the money.
FOB SALE,
In Athena—At Dr Wm King’s Drug Store and at
the Stora of Judge J D Pittard.
In Watkiosville—At theStoro of Booth k Durham.
In Monroe—At Dr Galloway’s Drug Store.
At Princeton—By Mr Ruaeell.
Address all order, to WILEY n. BUSH,
novlD Jog Tavern, Walton co., Ga.
Select fgisrrtlutig.
Use the Great
11 Dili
For all Diseases of tbs Bowels, such as
EMINENT GEORGIANS.
HON. JOHN H. JAMES.
[From the Sunny South.
John B. James was born in Henry county,
Georgia, on the fourteenth day of July, 1830.
His father, David James, a native of North
Carolina, emigrated to this State, abont fifty
years ago, and married the beautiful and ac
complished Miss Sarab Sanders, of Franklin
county. This estimable lady has passed from
earth, but her husband survives at a green
old age, full of mental and physical vigor—a
sturdy, respected and independent farmer, at
the old homestead in Henry county.
The childhood of John H. James was un
marked by any features of particular interest
to the public. As a member of a respectable
and industrious family, devoted to rural pur
suits, he bore his part in tho labors of the farm
with uncomplaining and cheerful spirit. Du
tifnl to his parents, careful of their bappinoss,
affectionate aud just to bis brother and sisters,
he illustrated, in early years, the embryo of
the splenoid Christian character which makes
Him appreciated aud honored by the good and
unble of the State. He was Derer known to
murmur at the circumstances of his early life,
nor in Summer’s heat or Winter's cold to de
sert his post of duty. Through many a melt
ing day be has followed the plow or bandied
the hoo, as a barefooted boy, and in maDy a
wintry blast labored cheerfully for the bread
of the family.
After the crops were laid by, bo was per
mitted to enjoy the meagre advantages of the
ueigbborbood schools, in which be obtained,
by close application, a limited knowledge of
the rudiments of an English education. For
about three mouths bo attended a boarding-
school at the village of Jonesboro, after which
be entered the great University of Nature, iD
which ho has gathered a fund of practical
knowledge that constitutes him one of the
best-informed men of this country. The fa
cility with which he measures character, cir-
cumstaocesand things, is wonderful—enabling
him, with unerring precision to reach conclu
sions.
At tho age of twenty he bade adieu to the
old homo, endeared to him by many fond
memories, and located at 4tlaota. There was
a vital prompting energy within him that re
quired more active and exciting scenes aud
employment than were furnished by life in
the country. However dear wero the pur
suits and associations of his childhood and
youth, he yielded to the stern bidding of bis
nature and sought the city, not for idle en
joyment, but for the pertormance of manly
duty. A situation was promptly secured at
ten dollars per month. Soon it was advanced
to twenty dollars and fifty cents; and as his
capaeity and fidelity were discovered, and his
experience increased, his salary was enlarged,
reaching, in due season, one hnndred dollars
per month. At that period that was regard
ed as first-class compensation, and none but
first-class clerks could command so much
For five years be continued in the relationship
of an employee, and enjoyed the fullest confi
dence of his employers.
In 1853, having saved from bis earnings
two thousand three hundred dollars, which
CHOLERA, DYSENTERY, bo deemed sufficient to justify business on bis
Diarrhoea, Oolio,
PAINS IN BACK, SEE & JOINTS,
T7~ ELIAS, Attorney at Law,
1V. FRANKLIN, N. C.
Practices in all th« Coarts of Western North Caro
lina. and io the Federal Courts. Claims collected ir
all parti of the State. aplff—ly
T IYERY, Feci and Sale Stable,
±J ATHENS, GA.
GA.V.V Jt REA VES, Proprietor■».
wiL-Will he found at their old aland, rear Frank
lin Ho.,, building. Thames strait. Keep always
ia hand good Turn-ontc and careful drivers.
Stock well eared for when entrusted to onr cere.
Stock ea hand for sale at nil times. ilec25—ti
M W.RIDEN,
. ATTORN! Y AT LAW,
U. B. Claim Agent and Notary Public,
GAixuaviLtn, Ga.
TV* Offlee on Wilaon street, balow King A Bro’s.
February 19, 1873.
Toothache and Neuralgia.
The Proprietor*.io putting this GREAT REMEDY
before the public, do «o with the firm belief that it
will care all the above diseases it is recommended to
car*. All we ask is affair trial.
If this MEDICINE does not perform what we claim
for It after a fair trial, according to the directions,
then
Return it and pt pur Money.
Prepared and put up hv .T. E. KOSS.
At DB. W. B. D. THOMPSON'S,
285 8a*t Fair street. ATLANTA. GA.
AND FOR SALE BY ALL DRUGGISTS.-^
PRICE, 50 CENTS.
July 8th,1874. ’
'■'iSM.II. a. T. UOWULL.
PEEPLES k HOWELL,
~L ATTORNEYS AT LAW,
20 and 22. Kimball House, Atlanta, Ga.*
URACTICE In the Statonnd Federal Conrte,and
I attend regularly all theCnurta ia Atlanta, includ-
i°c the Supreme Court of tha State, and will argue
oiti upon briefs for absent parties, on reasonable
tonal.
Tbay also practice in the Courts of the eonntieseon-
’.itoous oracoeisibleto Atlanta by Railroad, sapll
R b. ADAIK, D. I), s.
• Gaimksvillk, Ga.
Uffice.southeasteoroar PublicSqaaro.
R S. ADAMS, M. D.,
. fitJROKOX, Accoucncun AXD Pbtriciax.
He. it residence. Mountain Diatriot, Walton coun
ty, ,'‘corgis—offers his professional services to the
citii.u,’ «f the swreandjng enuatry. angid—1 y
,Q a uo.m
4J. u»l ulesale and Retail Daalar in
sup], Fanue" DRY GOODS, GROCERIES, Ac.
P.b9 « Brand Street, Athans, On.
man OBoe.
SPOOL L^ILK!
0*T THE BEST and CHEAPEST 1
ofaetaredhy U.BingerMaoufMt^ 1 ”*
**>ebt» specially adantsd for nan on all k^ n(1, of Saw-
■»r Machines.
sals, wholesale and retail, by tbe SINGER
-'■AMIPaCTURING company.
itlyl-ly
G. H. HOPE, Agent, Athens,
P. G. THOMPSON,
ATTORNEY AT LAW,
^ rDr „ ATHENS, OAT
I u FICEorer Barry’s stora. 8pneial attention given
V ‘"'rlmiael practise. Tar refer.ana, apply to Bx-
"av.Thomas H. Watts and Hon. David Clopton, Mont
Alabama. febS
Tbs undersigned is now prepared to furnish
MONUMENTS,
HEAD STONES
Or anything ia Jhe Marble or
IRON-RAILING
line, at short notice. I have quits a number of NEW
DESIGNS or Patterns, which can be seen by apply
ing ta Nov30—tf J.R. CRANE.
HORSES & MULES.
T nK undersigned bare established, in addition to
their Livery, a regular
SALE STABLE,
And will, from this date, keep en band, nt nil times,
a full supply of
HORSES & MULES.
Those in want e Stock ean be supplied at
^Reasonable Figures.
tar Olva as a call.
Athens, Nov. 4—tf GANN k REAVES.
globe hotel*,
„ AUGUSTA, GA.
(artier qf Broad and Jackson streets.
TUS Siobe Hotel has jest been refurnished and re-
™ » n the modern improvements and oen-
•kisnoes, together with tbe addition af a new varan-
making it one of tbe most eomplete Hotels In tbe
«*d is BOW ready for tbe aeoommodatlon of
"“‘'V* 11 ®* Petite. ‘
J tbl » P. MAY, Propriator.
_ Brackets! Brackets!
DRACKBTS, Wall Poekate, Book-Shelves Cloek
ohiLaa faiiAs — **—VSafes, Hanging Bos-
meat assortment ever
Athoes. Jar anient
***** BURKE’S BOOK STOBB.
lr _»»rht to Athens. Far
Family Groceries.
r. rTsaulter
C ALLS the attention of bis friends and tbe “rest of
mankind’’ to tba fact that ha will keep on hand a
fresh assortment of
Family Supplies,
With a fine quality of
COOKINC WINE,
Eltfrerin bottle* or on draught. Also, tha bast of
BRANDIES, WHISKIES, RUM,
Gin, Ale, Lager Beer,
CIGARS & TOBACCO
a*- Country dealers sapplied at low Mures, at
HOLBROOK’S CORKER,
jan8 Soar Northeastern Depot, Athens,On.
MARTIN INSTITUTE.
Jefferson, Ga.,
_ nn a-,;.. T, rm of this institution mill open
LEGAL BLANKS,
^FULLoopply always on 0FrI0Ea
own account, ba decided to engage in that of
an auctioneer. Rightly judging that change
from point to point was necessary to the life
and profit of that pursuit, he determined to
conduct it as an itinerant. For many years
be was punctual in attendance at those place
in tbe Southern States best suited to the sue
cess of his plans. In five years ho bad accu
ululated property valued at twenty thousand
dollars, and demonstrated to himself tue wis
m of reliance upon his own mental sugges
tions, which have proven unorriug guides to
fortune.
In 1800, feeling that hi« possessions were
ampin, and influenced by a true and ardent
Hlleuuon, be sought and gained tbe heart and
baud <d Miss Susan C Leonard, daughter of
K. Leonard, Esq., of Talbot county, to
whom he was married during that year,
Blessed with a wife of proverbial gentleness
and beauty of character, be felt that an era
bad dawned upon him replete with tbe prom
Isee of happiness, and that bis changed condi
tion required a chaogo of pursuit. Accord
ingly, with fortune enlarged, be located per
manently In Atlanta, engaging in the business
of banking. Success rewarded bis efforts
until the war of tbe States was instituted
ThU circumstance, whloh disturbed tbe fiuan
cia! condition of so many citizens, felt with
heavy force upon the fortune of Mr. James
leaving him only a small portion of his acqni
ai tions with which, after the smoke of the con
flict had passed, to resume his selected pur
suit About fonr thousand dollars in cash
and real estate of perhaps twice this amount
and value, constituted all that was left him by
the tedious aud terrible strife. Undaunted
and with a cheerful spirit, he reopened his
bank, and has since steadily prosecuted busi
ness with unvarying success. Grasping re
sults through a power of perception well-nigh
prophetic, his conclusions have proved unerr
ing. He has acquired fortune after fortune
until he now ranks a* one of tbe wealthiest
men in the State—owning as much (or more)
real estate in Atlanta as any other eitizen, and
wielding a bankiog capital equal to every ne
cessity of bis business position.
Mr. James enjoys tbe confidence of all who
know him. His capacity and integrity chal
lenge the criticism of the world. No one can
truly charge him with a single act either of H
liberality or dishonor, and none will doubt
the power of his intellect who judge it thtough
the medium of his achievements—tbe only re
liable test.
Daring the panic of 1873, when many of the
wealthiest bankers were compelled to suspend
—some going into bankrnptoy—a heavy press
ure waa brought to bear upon tbe establish
ment of Mr. James, by the unexpected do
mauds of depositors. At this juncture be
closed his bank until he could marshal assets,
when a number of tbe wealthy men of At
lanta, voluntarily and through the press, pro
posed to assume, in his behalf, liabilities vary
ing from five to fifty thousand dollars each.
Snob a manifestation of faith is ssldom met
with in the history of bankers or banking in
stitutions ; and this was an expression of con
fidence unmistakably sincere, since it was
based upon the advance of large sums of actu
al capital for immediate use. These shrewd
men had measared not only the integrity, but
the ability of Mr. James, and this act was the
highest commendation that could have been
given.
Tbe final storm has passed, leaving many
a noble wreck as the consequence of its fury,
but tbe establishment of Mr. James survived
its threatenings and came out even strength
ened in tbe face of the dangers which seem
ed to impend. Unwilling in such a period
to force collections from bis many debt
ors—feeling that such a course would result
iu great inconvenience and perhaps serious
injury to them—he placed promptly on tbe
market a large amount of valuable city pro
perty, he brought to actual sale at publio out
cry. Thus be was not only enabled to extend
extraordinary favors to bis patrons, but to
make such additions to bis banking capital
would preparo him, in all events, for tbe
calls of panic-stricken depositors.
Mr. James has wrought for himself, in an
iucredibly short time, tbe reputation of an
accomplished and far-seeing financier. He
entered tbe arena of commerce when a plow-
boy, aud bas bandied tbe great financial pro
blems of his day with tbe facility and success
of a master. Even when fresh from tbe farm
aBd tbe field, bis conclusions and his actions
wi re marked by accuracy, and the history of
bis acquisitions show few errors of judgment
in tbe many details constituting his business
decisions. Men born in the lap of wealth,
educated to the highest degree iu literary and
commercial schools, baviug long experience
in banking under tbe most advantageous cir-
umstauces, esteem it a privilege to advise
with John H. James.
His fortune has been made, not by niggard
ly savings, but heroic investments. RolyiDg
upon bis own comprehension and judgment,
he bas amassed largely by venturing where
others feared to go. As an illustration, be re
alized over twenty thousand dollars from tbe
purchase of a lot of bonds of a suspended
bank. These securities were freely advertis
ed in tbe papers of tbe State, and by distrib
uting handbills. Their character and the time
of sale were brought to tbe notice of bankers
generally, but they failed to comprehend tbe
situation, and suffered Mr. James to purchase
them for a little over three hundred dollars.
Dealing in stocks and bonds is an important
feature in bia banking business, aud though
regarded hazardous, has brought only an un
broken succession of financial triumphs. Ho
scans tbe question, decides, acts and succeeds.
No one bas displayed so mupb enterprise,
good judgment, or refined taste in the im
provement of Atlanta. Tbe most valuable,
beautiful aud imposing structures aro due to
bis designs. His bank block, extending on
Wbiteball from Alabama street towards tbe
railroad crossing, tbe Executive Mansion and
his private residence on Peachtree street are
ornaments to tbe city and monuments to bis
liberal enterprise and refined taste. Tbe lat
ter is a costly aud magnificent model of archi
tecture. Though, as stated bis sales of
city property iu 1873 wero considerable, he
still retains a large amount of great value,
bringing him good annual profits by way of
rcDt. Every room iu bis spacious bank block,
embracing basements and attics, is occupied.
Here is situated bis banking business, tbo
machinery of which moves with a quiet pre
cision and absence of all ostentation, which
seem to be copied from tho equanimity and
deportment of the proprietor. With him its
front portico is a favorite point. There ho
may be seen almost every morning, groeting
tbo passers-by with his genial face, or engag
ed in pleasant conversation with those who
pause in tbo sunsbino of bis presenco. No
one would imagine that Mr. James basau un
pleasant care upon bis heart, or a disturbing
thought in bis brain. His eye beams with a
lustre that burns steadily, aud bis countenance
is serene as a cloudless morn of tbo spring
Free from all affectation, ready at every mo
ment to communicate with others, showing no
selfish reticence for tbe sake of gaining ad
vantage, practical, far-seeing, sensible and
good, no wonder that bis presence is an at
traction wbicb causes many of tbe passing
throng to bait before him.
To eay that Mr. James is a noble character
is only tba language of true description. At
home, in society or in the connting-houae be
illustrates this truth. His family consists of
bis wife, a little girl about ten, and a son
abont nine years of age. No happier home
adorns tbe State. Affection presides over it
and with generous care provides for every
want. Towards bia employees be i maintains
a respectful, polite end kind deportment, nev
er assuming that chilling austerity so common
with those who wield capital in the control of
labor. To society he always adds a charm by
his genial good nature.
He is a man of great liberality, furnishing
a striking exception to the maxim that human
nature becomes miserly in the ratio of its ac
cumulations. The evidences of hie generosi
ty are seen on every band. At bis individu
al expense, two commodious and tandsome
church edifices have been bnilt in Atlanta,
and to the completion of another he contribn
ted the sum of three tbonsand five hundred
dollars. Both of the churches which he had
erected are regularly supplied with pastors
and services each Sabbath. Though he has
been a devotedly pions member of the Bap
tist denomination since his eighteenth year
and though now attached to the Second Bap
tist Church of Atlanta, be ia possessed of no
thing like bigotry, bat gives to all cbnrches
and all races, whether Jew or Gentile, Catbo-
lio -or Protestant,-home or foreign-born, white
or black. Thousands of minor charities have
relieved the necessities of the poor, and if tbe
worth of mqn should be measured by their
gifts to the hoe3y7 that of Hr James would
appear pre-eminent. His donations tochurch-
es since the war sum up to fifteen thousand
dollars, an amoant considerably tn excess of
tbe entire capital with which he resumed bu
siness.
Tbe fact that be givee in the prime of life;
while in tbe vigor of health, distinguishes
him from the most of (hose who have besto
ed charities and benefits. It is the general
custom to cling closely to the sordid dust
until robbed by death of the power of enjoy
ment, and then to bequeath a portion to chari
ty and the church.
Though temperate in all his habits, he has
never joined a temperance society. His ad
vice, however, to all now is to guard them
selves with jealous care against the insidious
indnigenee in strong drink.
He is a member of the Masonic fraternity,
and lives in obedience to its injunctions of
parity and charity. To give some idea of his
appreciation by the denomination to which he
is attached, it may be said that he is promi
nent in almost all of its important enterprises,
being a Trustee of Mercer University; Trustee
aud Treasurer of the Georgia Baptist Orphans’
Home ; being, also, with the help of his good
wife. Superintendent of that institution. He
bas given to tbe “ Home” more than any other
man, and his wife more than any other lady.
Ho has for a number of years been President
of tbe Atlanta Bible Society; also, of Fulton
County Sabbath School Society, both of which
are composed of members of the various ortho
dox denominations. In this we have proof
that be is esteemed by Christians of other
churches, who have measured his virtues and
bonored him.
Io 1871, Mr. James was called unanimously
to tbe Mayoralty of Atlanta, having first been
nominated by a popular vote of the Demo
cratic citizens over three gentlemen of highest
standing, socially and politically. This indi
cates his strength with tbe Democracy of the
city and his great personal popularity. This
is the only office ho ever held. It was not
sought, but accepted because tendered by his
constituents in a manner so complimentary.
A high appreciation of his administrative abil
ity and bis integrity prompted their choice.—
As proof that his administration was accepted
and approved, he was strongly urged to allow
bis re-election. This he declined. His pub
lic service was characterized by a desire to ad
vance the common interests of the city, and
by tbe strictest honesty.
In 1872, his name was suggested in connec
tion with the gubernatorial election office.—
Many citizens of foresight and influence desir
ed to see him in position for the exercise of bis
great financial mind iu redeeming the State
from her financial embarrassments and per
plexity. They saw in him the hope of Geor
gia, and, therefore, entreated him to allow his
name placed before the nominating conven
tion of that year. This he declined to do. and
apprehending that his position might not be
fully understood, and that this might interfere
with tbe desired unanimity of that body, be
published a letter in which he declared tbat
be would not, under no circumstances, be
candidate at that time.
Tbe suggestion of bis name for Governor
brought out a number of jealous and unjust
comments, designed to prejudice hie standing
with the people. It was alleged tbat be bad
realized a large fortune from tbe Treasury of
Georgia by,tbe sale of bis magnificent resi
dence for an Executive Mansion. The facts
aod figures show tbat tbe report of his profits
were exaggerations. The original cost of tbe
land, building and furniture conveyed to tbe
State amounted to seventy-three tbonsand dol
lars. For these be received one hundred
thousand dollars iu depreciated bonds, which
by extraordinary shrewdness, he managed to
dispose of to Henry Clews <k Co. for eighty-five
thousand dollars. This left him only the ap
parent profit of twelve thousand dollars. Tbe
land cost Mr. James ton thousand dollars.
Upon this for three or four years, while un
productive, he paid Stale, county and city
taxes. Add to this tbe interest on its cost-
ten thousand dollars—then to this add tbe in
terest for one year on the cost of tbe building,
it having been about tbat length of time in
process of erection, and consequently unpro
ductive. When theso amounts are summed
up aud subtracted from tbe apparent profit—
twelve thousand dollars—it will be reduced to
an inconsiderable amount, if not altogether
absorbed. These facts and figures are capable
of easy proof, End certainly vindicate Mr.
James effectually against this charge. As
soon as it was sold be built another fully as
handsome, whiob cost about tbe same, wbicb
clearly shows that he built the first one for his
own use. The more serious allegation that be
absconded from the Confederacy daring her
straggle ior independence was put in. circula
tion. This was regarded by tbe opponents of
his political advancement as a fatal shot—one
that would cause him to hide his face in shame
from bis countrymen; one that wonld class
him among tbe enemies of Georgia, convincing
all that be was nntrae, and therefore unsafe
to her interest. Mr. James was apprised of
tbo zeal with which this slander was circa
lated, and also tbat thousands of honest peo
pie believed the report. He gave no direct
denial, calmly awaiting tbe period of his choice
to employ the proof at his command for bis
vindication.
Tbe facts are these: For a short period be
was in the military service, bnt upon the
tender of his personal aid as bearer of die.
patches to foreign powera, he wae granted
release from the army and famished a pass
port beyond onr linea. Embarking at Wil-
mington, N. C-, on a blockade-runner, he
reached Nassau In safety, and remained there
most of the time until the eloae of the war.—
He visited and spent a short time in Canada>
and while there devoted himself, at great per
sonal cost, to tbe objeot of relieving Southern
soldiers who languished in Northern prisons.
Many received tbe benefits of bis liberality
and knew not to whom they were indebted.—
To make his plans effective, it wae essential
that profound secrecy^ should be maintained.
When be advertised in.tbe New Tork Herald %
it was over an assumed name. Perbape those
who were his beneficiaries have innocently be
lieved or circulated this uojust charge. If oo,
they should, when Informed of tbe actual facts,
he eqnally active and zealoae in doing Justice
to a persecuted patriot.
The passport of Mr. James was granted by
Hon. J. P. Benjamin, Secretary of State of the
Confederate States, and was donbtless allowed
ott^ihe hypothesis that the applicant conid and
would render tnore efficient service beyond onr
lines than as a private in the ranks. It is ab-
surd to say that Mr. Benjamin, In 1863, when
able-bodied soldiers were in so much demand,
wonld have allowed his departure on any oth
er account.
Lest some may dispute tbe correctness of I For the Southern Watohoun.
this statement, and persist in urging the false I The Close of Life,
and prejudicial charge, we are permitted tot When wo contemplate the close of life—the
publish the following copy of the passport, aod I termination of man’s designs and hopes—the
to refer to Mr. James for tbe examination of silence that now reigns among thoso who a lit-
the original; tie while ago were so busy or so gay—who can
Confederate States of America, avoid being touched with sensations at once
To all whom these Presents shall come—Greeting: awful and tender f What heart but then warms
Confederate Sa'lf Sa! hereby ^ ** B }°” ° f h °“ anUyt
all whom it may concern to permit sately «o doe * net the tears gather on reviewing tho fate
pass J. H. James, accompanied by bis wife, a of passing aDd short-lived man f Behold tho
citizen of the Confederate States of America, poor man, who lays down at last the burden
“d predion! 18 ' 4 ‘° giV6 llia, aU ,aWfUl a,d of his wearisome life. No more shall he groan
P Given under my hand and the impres- under tha ,oad of poverty and toil; no more
sion of the seal of tbe Department shall he have the insolent calls of the master
[seal.] of State, at the city of Riobmond, this I from whom he received hie scanty wages; no
?K t °^ er ’ ®' 8hteon i more shall he be raised from needful slumber
[Signed] & J.*!^ Benjamin, I on hl * °f straw, nor be harried away from
Secretary of State. I his homely meals to undergo the repeated la-
This act of Mr. Benjamin was approved by bors of the da ^’ Whil ° hi8 humbl ° 8rave u
Hon. James A. Seddon, Secretary of War, as Preparing and a few poor aod decayed neigh-
will appear by reference to an original letter h 0 ” are carrying him thither, it Is geod for us
from that officer now in possession of Mr. I t0 5hluk that this man, too was our brother;
James. This passport was not granted in I tbab f° r Mm his young and destitute wife and
blindness, and if the person to whom it was I tbe family now weeps; that neglected as he
issued is subject to publio censure, those who I waa b Y * be world, he possessed perhaps both
granted it must also be condemned. The Con-1 a *° and umierstending and a worthy heart,
federacy not only required soldiers to fight her aad |B now Mrri8d b ? aD8#ls t0 re8t in Abra ‘
battles, but agents to assist outside of her bam ’ 8 h 080 ®’ At no great distanoe from him
limits, and many were employed in tbe latter the 8™*® “ °P° n to r ® oelve tbe riob “ d P roud
capacity. We know some of these, and they man ’ fer M U iB ® aid . with emphasis, in the
rank to-day as high In the affections of their P arable ’ tbe riob man a,8 ° dled an . d wa8bnrl#d:
countrymen as the heroes who breasted the I bis r * obe9 P revent8d not b * s sharing the same
storm of actual battle. Why, then, seek t0 fate with the poor man; perhaps, through lax-
make Mr. James a sacrifice on this account 11 ury ’ tbey accelerated his doom. Then, in-
During the war he was the owner of one d ®®d’ tb ® “e^nere go about the streets, and
half interest in the papor which bore tbe sig-1 while in all the pomp aqd magnificence of
nifleant title of The Southern Confederacy— I wealth hlB f 1111 ®™ 118 pre P arin S5’i hla hdre. lm-
During his proprietorship of that journal be P atlont t0 examine his will, are looking on one
had employed ae editors at different Intervals, 1 anotb8r witb Jealous eyes, and already begin-
Mr. William Smith, Mr. Roberts, of Nashville, nin 8 10 di8 P ute aboQt tbe divi » ion of bis eub-
known as “John Happy,” Mr. Cardoza, of| 8tan °e- One day we see carried along tho
Charleston, and last, but not by any means coffin of tb ® smiling. Ufant-tho flower just
least. Mr. Watterson, now of the Looisville nipped as it begwi to bloom in the parent’s view
Courier-Journal. I —and tha next day we behold the young man
The writings’of Mr. James correspond in ®r young woman of blaming form aod flatter-
style to that of his conversation and public I * D8 hopes laid in an untimely grave, while the
speeches. They are concise, embellished, t0 faneral is attended by a numerous unconcern-
the point, clear and forcible. A recent article, ed com P an J who are discoursing to one anoth-
originally published in the daily Constitution, ® r about th ® n ® WB of tbo ordinar Y affalr# of
on the subject of the usury and homestead ,ife ’ Let oar thoughts rather follow to the
laws, is regarded as the ablest financial review boU88 of mourning and observe what is pass
that bas emanated from any of the leading in * there * We should seo a disconsolate fam-
men of Georgia. It has been reproduced in I sitting in silent grief, thinking of the aad
many papers both North and Sonth, and it8 breach that is made in their little society, and
arguments and theories have attracted the Wltb tear8 in tbeir ® yes ’ looWn g t0 tbo cbam '
favorable notice of the greatest financiers and tar tbat is now lofc t0 T* Ti
statesmen of the republic. morial tha ‘ P r98enta ,te ® ° fotbe , re ’ b ® ***
Tho views of Mr. James on a number of im- bardn !“ hearts will be gradually soften
portant State questions show that he is en . od and melted down into humanity. Another
dowed with the elements of statesmanship. day ’ we follow to the grave one who in old
which may be brought into requisition for the a *® and after a lon * °" e * r of llfo h f ’ ln faU
good of his country. matnrity. sunk at last into rest. As we are
a lnrivA nnmYta* A?inAnenM ip , I going along to the mansion of tbo dead, it is
urged him to become a candidate fe?Sv*era” Qatu ™ 1 for ns J think a8d l °
at the next election. They believe that be , the changes which each a person ha. seen du-
more than any other person, is adapted to the rin * tb ® °° ur8 ® ° f bls . U ^' ? ebaa pa88 ® d ’ lt
position at a period when our financial condi- ia likely ’ tbroa * b Ta f 18tie8of / orta , D6; b ° b:t8
tion demands extraordinary wisdom and abil- experienced prosperity and advereity; he has
ity for its successful management. If an army 808,1 faml,ieB and r ® latl ™ rlw abd ' a11 ! be
must be led to strife and victory, we would haa Men and war ’ BUC ®eeding in their
select our greatest military chief; and ir the turQ8; tbe face of Ms country undergoing
financial questions of the State need to be ““5 alterations, and the very city in which
solved to advantage, common sense demands h ® dwelt rising in a manner new around him
that our greatest financiers should be called to After aU b ® ba8 bebeld ’ bis ® ye8 are n °w closed
tbe helm. No man who rightly judges ca J for ever-he was becoming a stranger in the
doubt tbat Mr. James towers far above al , midst of a new succession of men-a race whe
other men in Georgia in this particular. His | kn6W bim not : had amen to fill■ tlm earth,
friends aud admirers believe tbat his adminis
tration would so adjust and regulate tbe
finances of the State as to liberate the people,
in a great degreo, from the burden of taxes
Thus passes the world away throughout all
ranks and conditions—one generation passeth
away and another generation cometb. This
great inn is in turns evacuated and replenish-
fcatotr
under which they have toiled since tbe war; ® d by tro °P® of succeeding pilgrims. O, vain
and this opinion lies at tho base of tbBir and inconstant world O. fleeting and tran-
anxiety for his election. » ient life! wb ®“ " 11 ‘ tb ® 80,18 of ““ lea ™
I to think of thee as they ought t When will
Father Poland as a Punch Maker; I they learn humanity from the afflictions of their
Even Poland likes his “ tod.” I would J brethren, or moderation and wisdom from tho
rather count all the money in the Treasury, MDM 0 f their own fugitive state t W.S. W.
which has to be (lone before Spinner leaves, J Hope, Walton County, Ga.
than undertake to tell you how many cock-1 —— ——
tails have disappeared inside of that “ old Three Eminent Physicians,
blue coat,” all buttoned down before. When As the French pbyqician, Desmoulins, lay
be first came here some of the boys thought I oa death-bed, he was visited and almost
it would be splendid to see old di^blty P. I constantly sarroanded by tbe mostdistlngaish-
“ how come you eo,” so th.y attempted to I °d medical men of Paris, as well as ather prom-
“ put up a job” on him. A stag party waa I ,Be nt citizens of the metropolis. Great were
inaugurated, and the ** waiter” was implicit-1 the lamentations of all at tho lose abont to bo
ly instructed to give tho member from Ver- eustalned by the profession, in tho death of
mont a double dose every time. This be on " the y regarded ae its greateat ornament,
faitbfally carried out, but what waa tbe as-1 Desmoulins spoke cheerfully to his prac-
toniabment of all when every time the “ wine I titionere, assuring them that he bad left bo-
went round” the old dnffer complained of the Mnd three physicians much greater than him-
weaknens of his beverage, and made the 1 *eff- Each -of the doctors, hoping that bia
waiter brace it up. They had reckoned be- own “ome would be called, inquired anxiona-
yond their host. He was as bright as a new ly who was sufficiently illustrious to snr-
shilling in the morning, and as he gazed on 1P^ *« immortal Desmoulins. With great
ths prostrate forms of the conspirators, like I distinctness the dying man answered:
Alexander, he sighed for more-whiskey-to ‘ Tbey are Water, Exercise and Diet. Call
conquer. ia the service of tbe first freely, of the second
The joke leaked out, and tke Green Moan- "gularly, and the third moderately. Follow
tain boy pat his wits to work to retaliate. On tbto •***»- you may "® U dl8p ease with
a certain evening he invited the same parties my ald - “JH* 1 co “ ,ddo nethlng without
to a kind of a scotch masnnerade. tb8ni ! “ d dyiD 8’ 18ba11 not mi88 ® d ’ lf yoa
The gaests assembled “on time.” Forth is make friends of these, my faithful ooaflu tors.’
brought the “whiskey,” smoking hot. It I b .Pat bought & sheep’s head, and wat writ-
was not long before it was discovered that j Dg down the receipt for cooking it, when m
the punch was ton strong. “ Add some more dog made off with it. Pat gave chase a littlo
hot water!” said the Judge. I naj, shouting, • Come back wld ms sheep’*
The suggestion was acted upon, and again hoad, ye robber, ye!’ bat after a stiff ran, he
and again tbe water waa added, still the ba d to give la .dead beat, when he consoled
stronger tbe beverage became. It was won- b | mM if with the remark, • Never molnd; he
derful. Finally It was decided that the hasn’t got the resate to make it ready.’
strength was only in the imaginations of the r ■ ..———,
drinkers. This deoision was, however, re-1 --The Jardin d’Acclimation, Paria, has a
versed when the gay worshippers at the ehrine chimpanzee which measures font fees iu height
of Bacohue sought tbe “ soft side of a plank” u Perfectly tame, and extremely gentle White
for a downy couch. There was some talk of itB maat8r llTod at sierra **° ao lt Performed
a partition of Poland the next day, when lt in the house the functions of a servant, salut-
was discovered that tbe magic kettle which ing ylaitora,^opening the door fer them, ^escort-
waa supposed to contain water was fuff of l « ^ out and offering them their hats,
whiskey all the time, and every drop added V.The Writer of this had poetry in hie soul:
therefrom only made the pnnob atronger-fio- • Yon may go on inventing washing machine*
Chester Express. ; f or tbo nezt fifty years, hot to the average eye
..The Parisians devour 100,000,000 of ap-1 yon can’t patent anything equal to the eight
pies every winter. An eminent French phy-1 of a lady’s diamond rings flashing in and oat
sician thinks that tbe decrease of dyspepsia ] ot the sparkling suds as she thumps a wet tow-
and bilious sflectkraa in Paris is owing to the el np.and down the washboard.’
increased consumption of this fruit, which, be tr. Auguatuaj^r.’»M*he.tenderiy push-
^ ^ no i P h ? P 7 ^ tl ° ^ N tall her as the moonlight flooded the
, 8 * _, - 1 think you bad better try some other hair dye;
Some of the statisticians who are Invesfiga-1 your moustacho tastes like turpentine.’
re . Ii r BUlcW^, Only .wo oases L, ow York, a abort time sines, yielded one
o eeQ recoraea on the police books of hundred and eighty-six pounds of solid hcmey
Richmond, Va„ for ffiereral years. I and seventeen pounds of comb and honey.
.8
i
inloM