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THE NEWS IN THE CITY.
OOS6IP FROM THE STREET AND
SIDEWALK.
Dashes Hare and There by the New*
Reporters Yesterday's Hsppenlnss
Told 1a Brief ParawrapUs—Pickings
at Police Headquarters.
Savannah Lodge, Knight* ot Honor.'vill
hold its annual meeting to-night.
There were six cases at the barracks
at midnight, three being tor vagrancy.
The Oglethorpe Savings and TrustCom
panywill be organized at the National
Bank ol Savannah on Thursday.
The Chatham Mutual Loan Association
■will hold its fifty-ninth regular monthly
meeting at Metropolitan Hall to-night.
Policeman Hall reported last night that
the burned building at the corner of
Montgomery and Minis streets is in a dan
gerous oondition.
A Christmas eutertainment will be
given to-morrow afternoon at the Inde
pendent Presbyterian Sunday school
room by the infant clang. There will be
-a Christmas tree for the little ones.
John Woodward, the colored man who
was shot Sunday night by Lucretia
Campbell, was in a critical condition yes
terday. The case against the woman was
continued by the Mayor to await the re
sult of Woodward's wound.
Henry Williams (colored) was before
Magistrate Waring Russell, Jr., yester
day cnarged with shooting at Cyrus Wil
Hams, also colored. After hearing the
evidence the Magistrate had Williams
bound over for tral in the CHy Court.
Someof tuecolored citizens of Ditmers
■ville arrested a gang of negro tramps
shortly after Sunday midnight and started
with them to the barrack*. When they got
to Soutn Broad and Abercorn one of the
party broke loose and ran away. One of
the captors fired a gun and woke up sev
eral of tb-j citizens in the neighborhood.
At the instance of M, J. O’Connor, Esq.,
a warrant was issued yesterday morning,
through Magistrate bheftall, against C.
Malteo. charging him with stealing nine
locks from the store of Cspt. M. J. Doyle.
The case was set lor bearing in the alter,
noon, but, owing to tne lailure of the
prosecutor to put iu appearance, was dis
missed.
CENTRAL'S STOCKHOLDERS.
Their Annual Pilgrimage to Savan
nah—The Hotels Crowded by Them.
The city is filling up rapidly with
stockholders of the Central railroad. They
began coming on Sunday to attend the
annual meeting, which will be held to
morrow, All of the hotels are about
crowded. One was filled up by noon yes
terday, and bad to turn people away.
The stockholders are allowed to bring
their whole lamily along free. Early yes
terdav morning one of the owners of the
road walked up to a boiel counter and
began registering. When he was
through be had fourteen persons regis
tered, and eleven of them were of one
family. The mutters and daughters ol
the stockholders spent the day shopping
and seeing the sight*. At night a coca
many of the visitors went to the Theatre.
The crowd will increase to-day and to
morrow, after which they will begin to
return borne. The same privilege ol
visiting Savannah is also given the
stockholders the week of the anuual elec
tion in January.
Many of the visiting stockholders
called at the Morning News office yes
terday. The proprietor extends a gener
al invitation to stockholders and their
friends to visit the Morning News at
any time during their stay in the city.
FUN AT THE THEATRE.
Barry and Fay in “Irish Aristoc
racy” Make Everybody Laugh.
Hugh Fay and William Barry, two ex
ceptionally clever comedians In Irish
burlesque, kept a good-sized audience at
the Theatre last night laughing heartily
through the greater part of the three acts
of “Irish Aristocracy.” The pieoeis a far
cical comedy, neat and clean,and is not a
libel on Celtic character, because it does
not profess to be ar.ytbiug but an exag
geration. The two principals are very
comical, and would provoke the broadest
of smiles if tbeir parts were pantomime.
Both have splendid dialects and make up
capitally. “Muidoon” ar.d “Mulcahey”
are characters that are irresistibly lunny,
and the situations that are woven into the
play are of the most, laughable nature.
Two or three songs are interpolated and
are well given, and last night had to be
repeated.
The supporting company is good, and
equal to the requirements’ of the parts.
Misses Quintet , Liv itigstou and Thomas
are pretty, ar.d the first nitnied dresses
the part of "Mrs. Muidoon” handsomely.
“Irish Aristocracy” will be repeated
to-night.
THEY WANT EXTRA WAGES.
Two Seamen Taken on a Longer
Voyage Than They Wanted to Go.
Charles Wilson and Albert Hart, two
seamen on the schooner Royal Arch, ap
peared before United States Commissioner
Wade yesterday and made a complaint
for wages, basing it upon unusual
grounds. They stated tnat they joined
the schooner Nov. 29 in New Nork. Ac
cording to tbe agreement made w ith Capt.
Hawley they were to receive S2O a moutu
each, but were not to be taken south of
Cape Hatteras, as both wanted
to return to New York by
Christmas and spend the holidays there.
They state in thilr affidavits that they
understood that the schooner whs going
to Baltimore. Alter tbe vessel got to
sea the sailors declare that the Captain’s
wife, who is from Savannah,induced hum
to oome on here. Tbev claim that they
*re each entitled to sl6, and they want,
tbeir pay and discharge on the ground
that the agreement has been violated.
Tbe case will come up lor a hearing be
fore the Comnnshioner to-day.
CHIUsIM/IS WFATHER.
A Rattling Colfli Wave on Its Way
From the Northwest.
Christmas weather is on its way from
the Norlbwest. and uuless some’bing
happens it will be here on time. There
was a big fall In mercury all over the
West yesterday and the night before.
The signal service reported a lall or 49
deg*, at Marquette, Mich., on Sunday
night. At St. Paul. Minn., there was a
drop of 39 deus., at Omaha, Neb., 33 degs.,
at Leavenworth, Kan., 27 degs.,
at Yankton, Dak., 27, and at
Dodge City, Kan.. 26 degs. There was
also a fall in tbe Western Gulf States.
Altnou'th there is not likelv to be any to
bogganing hereon Christmas,tho prospect
is that the day of peace and good will will
be a snug winter’s day. cold enough, if the
signal service men’s predictions are
worth anything, to give everybody a big
appetite lor Christmas turkey.
Bayer* of Holiday Presents
Before leaving home to make tbeir pur
chases look to the columns of tbe Morn
ing Suits for information as to wbero to
go. Heavy stock* require heavy adver
tising, and those who don’t wish to have
100 much left over after the holidays
should use the Morning News’ adver
tising columns fieelv. Any day Is good
for advertising, out the Special Holiday
Edition, twelve pages, on Friday, will
makes special feature of holldav goods.
I A PROBLEM FOR THE JURY.
The Snpelo Island Cattle Pasturage
Question Yet Undecided.
The suit in the United States Court, of
Kenan vs. Sawyer for $l,OOO damages,
was argued and given to the jury yester
day. The action was one of trespass, and
was to obtain compensation for damage
done to the plaintiff's pasture lands on
Sapelo Island by the defendant’s cattle.
As to the measure ot damages the case
was reduced by the testimony of the ex
perts offered by the plaintiff' to the toliow
ingclearly defined mathematical problem:
11 forty bead ot cattle can be sustained
on a pasture of 100 acres for six soring and
summer months, the grass growing uni
formly every day, and tne value of suoli
psaturage lie $llO per'montb.andifone cow
can be sustained on three acre* of pasture
for the one winter month when the grass
is not growing, how many acre* of pas
turage would sustain 200 head of oat tie
twenty-one days in the winter season,and
what would be the value of such pastur
age?
Thedefendant’sonunsel took the ground
that the testimony of the alleged experts
was too indefinite and uncertain to form
a basis ior the measure ot damages.
Judge Speer’s charge appeared to lean
in the same direction, but his honor left
it to the jury to assess the r. al damages if
they could find sufficient data lu the evi
dence upon wliicn to calculate them.
Whether the jury tried to figure out the
answer to the question involved was not
learned, but as no agreement was reached
by the hour of adjournment the Judge
authorized the jury to 6cal its verdict.
During the afternoon the clerk was
bunded a sealed verdict, which will be
opened in court this morning.
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS.
The Colored Exodus From Georgia
to the Carolina*.
For nearly a week a colored exodus
has been in progress from Georgia to the
Carolinas. Nearly every north-bound
train over the Savauoab, Florida and
Western is crowded with turpentine
hands going borne to spend the holidays.
It is estimated that 7,000 darkie* were
brought ftrum North and South Carolina
into Georgia last year to work turpen
tine. The number this year is said to ba
even larger. North Carolina lurnishes
me most ol the bands and the best one*,
so the manufacturers say.
The Georgia darky Is not considered re
liable. He will work a month or so all
right perhaps, but he soon gets restless,
and not being far from home quit* work.
With the darkies from other States the
case is different. They are hired for a
year, and bring a long ways from home
■hey are not. so apt to run oft. All ol
ihose returning home seem to be well
provided with money. They make from
$l5 to $2O a month, and many of tne sav
ing ones take back from $lOO to $l5O.
Extra coaches arc run on the trains and
the darkies appear to have a happy trip.
The railroads give them special rates.
As soon as tile holidays are over the
workmen will start back and will keep
coming for a week or ten days. The tur
pentiue manufacturers and the lumber
men usually pay the (are of the workmen
into Georgia when they come here lo com
mence the year’s work, but after that the
darkies pay tbeir own lares.
SOCIETY ELEC CIONS.
Masonic and American Legion ol
Honor Officers Elected.
The annual communication of Clinton
Lodge No. 54, F. A. M., was held last
nlgnt at Masonic Temple. Alter the
transaction of the usual business the fol
lowing officers were selected to serve dur
ing the ensuing year:
W. M.—Harry Bartlett.
S. W.—John F. Freeman.
J. W.—Frank Werm.
Treasurer—Joseph H. Baker.
Secretary—Waring Rhumb, Jr.
S. D.—H'. M. Boley.
J. D.—lacob Cohen.
S. B.—Simon Mitchell.
J. S.—John R. Eason.
Tyler—John H. Fox.
The newly elected and appointed offi
cers were installed by It. W. J. H. Estill,
Junior Grand Warden, assisted bv W.
M. Williams. Rook well, acting Grand
Marshal. After tne lodge was closed the
brethren and visitors partook of refresh
ments.
American Lcjjlon of Honor.
Tattnall Council No. 884, American Le
glon ol Honor, elected the following offi
cers last night:
Commander—George G. Wilson.
Vice Commander—George C. Gaillard.
Orator—J. W. Knight.
Secretary—fohn Henderson.
CsHsctor—J. E. Blacksnear.
Treasurer—W r . B. Stillwell.
Chaplain—James Bennett.
Guid—D. S. Monroe.
Warden—W. A. MoDearmid.
Sentry—C. F. Meehan.
Trustees—J. S. Tyson. J. C. Harris,
Thomas Stockton.
THE RICE MILL’S LOSS.
Tire Merchants’ National Bnnlc Ob
tains a Verdict for $3,4100.
The case of the Merchants' National
Bank vs.the Planters’ Rice Mill Company,
which bus been on trial in the City Court
since Saturday,was concluded yesterday.
The jury rendered a verdict for the plain
tiffs for $3,600, interest at 8 per cent, and
10 per cent, for attorney’s lee*.
The case ot the Southern Bank of the
State of Georgia against tbe same com
pany will be fried to-day. This case is
similur to that ofthe Merchants' National
Bank.
William .Jackson was tried lor stealing
a shovel from Messrs. Smith A Kelly on
Deo. 13, and was acquitted.
Henry Johnson, t:. A. Nungentz and
Emanuel Linden were tried lor vagrancy,
but the evidence not being sufficient to
convict they were dismissed.
Y. M. O. A, Nut**.
The furnishing of tbe Young Mon's
Christian Association reading room will
be finished this week.
Tbe Chattanooga Times lias been added
to tbe list of dailies, making eighteen now
on tile. Christmas numbers ol all the
leading publications, including Harper’s
Weekly, Puck. The Judge,The Journalist,
The London Graphic, Illustrated London
News and others, have been placed upon
the tallies; also Scribner’s Magazine for
January. All young men are invited to
spend their evenings at, the rooms.
The young men’s meeting Sunday aftor
noon was conducted by Mr. Shropshire.
Quite a number were In attendance and
tne service whs very interesting.
Training class will meet this evening.
Beginning with next week all who takp
part in this class will bo furnished with
••Leaves from a worker’s note book” to aid
them in preparing the lessons.
Class in shorthand meets Friday eve
nings.
Bitter* Under ttie Ban.
J. L. Ford and Samuel C. Harper, of
Ty-Ty,Worth county, were before United
States CommiMsioner Wade yesterday for
selling bitters containing a large percent
age of alcohol. Mr. Harper admitted that
ho had sold the bitters and hud not, paid
| the revenue tux. Mr. Ford made the
i point that bo had not personally sold any
| ot the bitters, nltbough he hail an interest
in Ilia store with Ford. Both of the di -
leniiants were bound over for the aotiou
I of flip United Stales District Court.
SAVANNAH MORNING NEWS: TUESDAY. DECEMBER 21.1886.
GUILTY OF MURDER.
The Jury's Veidict in the Wright-
Mclniosh i ass.
Fred Wright (colored) was tried for
murder in the Superior Court yesterday.
He was charged with the killing of Dave
Mclntosh (colored) at Tiiunderbolton the
night of July 21.
A lull aoenunt of the killing was given
in the Morning News at the time itoc
cuned. Wright had for some time
before suspected that his wife
was guilty of uuwlfely relations
with Mclntosh. On the night of
the killing he claimed to have caught them
together a short distance from his house,
and under such circumstances as to make
his suspicion of Infidelity a certainty.
Rushing back to the house he secured
his gun and fired at Mclntosh, inflicting
a wound from which the
latter died the following day.
Wright oame to the city and gave him
self up at once and was committed to
Jail, where he has been ever since.
The case came up for trial at 10 o’clock
yesterday morning and consumed the en
tire day. The examination ot witnesses
lasted until after the noon reci*s, when
arguments were made by counsel.
Wright was defended by Messrs. H. E.
V\ ilson and A. C. Wright. Solicitor Gen
eral dußlgnon representing the State.
The argument was concluded at 8 o’clock
last night, when the ease was given to
the jury.
No agreement, was reached until mid
nlght. At times tne talking in the jury
room was bo loud that persons passing
along the lobbv outside ooula not help but
overhear the discussion that was going on
Inside the room. The only question
seemed to be whether there should be a
recommendation to mercy—some ol the
juror* being strongly inclined to give a
verdict of murder without any recommen
dation. Just about 12o’clock the verdict
was announced and was for murder with
recommendation to mercy. The recom
mendation alters the penalty trom hang
ing to imprisonment in the penitentiary
(or life.
MONDAY’S POLICE DOINGS.
A Nest of Vagrants Captured and
Turned Over to the City Court.
Twelve prisoners charged with va
grancy were before the Mayor yesterday
morning. Richard DeLany, Thomas
Sweat, Adam Hamilton, Bon Lane, Rob
ert Smith, Henry Aikln, Henry Johnson.
John Nets, Joe Winn and George Winn
pre turned over to the City Court. James
King and Robert Brown were discharged.
All hut one were colored.
Henry Aikin was lined $3 for firing a
gun in the street early yesterday morn
ing.
Isaac Parker was given $5 or ten days
for being drunk at the police barracks and
refusing to leave when ordered.
James Adwell, for disorderly conduct
and resisting Officer J. F. Fitzgerald, was
fined $5.
Thomas Guthrie, Thomas Mattom and
James Thompson were turned over totbe
City Court charged with the larceny of
t hree cans o: lard from the steamship En
field.
Thomas Barker, the white man who in
sulted Miss Lula Edwards on Broughton
street, near Abercorn. Sunday night, was
sentenced to pay $l5 fine or seive thirty
days.
j. Gudjalin, charged with boisterous
conduct in CharlesSohattky’s house, was
given $lO or twenty days.
Three ordinary drunks and disorderlies
got $5 or ten days each and two other* got
$5 or five days eaon.
John Proctor, arrested on suspicion of
having stolen some candy from the Ocean
Steamship Company’s wharf, was dis
missed.
RIVER AND HARBOR NEWS.
Gleanings AmonsiJhe Shipping and
Along the Wharves.
The German bark Triton was cleared
yesterday for Havre with 1,500 bales of
upland cotton, weighing 710,030 pounds,
valued at $04,200.
The British steamship Annie grounded
opposite the Ocean Steamship wtiart yes
terday- She remained a short time before
she worked off again and went alongside
the dock.
Messrs. A. R. Salas & Cos. cleared yes
terday the Norwegian bark Bvtoged
Christensen, for Cork for orders.with 1,788
barrels ot spirits turpentine, measuring
01,791 gallons, valued al $30,600: cargo by
Messrs. Paterson, Downing A Cos.
Lhx:*! Perton ti.
Col. B. B. Cheney and wife, of Kastman,
were in Savannah yesterday on their
bridal tour.
G. C. Stewart, Esq., a member of the
Griffin bar and a son of Congressman
elect Stew art, of the Fifth Georgia dis
trict, is in the city.
Mr. John E. Henderson, Superintend
ent of Ibe Board of Trade, who has been
confined to his house for several weeks bv
illness,was again on the streets yesterday.
Among the arrivals at the Puiuski
House yesterdny were W Donavan and
wile, Misses Donavan. Wndley; J M Cox
and wile, Eu'aula; E H Pruriden and
wife, Eatonton; J S Ciagborn and wife,
Grab am vi lie, S C; Thomas A Dtcke, QA
Evans, Wadlev; Hugh Kay. W Barry,
New York: Oapt. M Cheney, Montgomery.
Ala; H M Frost, Charleston, SC; M Wad
ley, Augusta.
At the Screven House were J H Pey
ser, II J Berkner, Macon; G W Pitcher,
Providence, It I; Wm C Casey, U G Hitt,
Augusta; John Ferguson, Cnarleslon, 8
C; Berrien Walker, V H Burns, Sid A
Pughsley. Jr, Georgia; W .1 Porter, Wil
Gelden, M Wolff and wife. New York.
At the Marshall House were A D
Coleman, Mrs John Coleman. Luck Cole
man, Miss Anna Smitd, Miss Saliie
Smith, Wm Letlord, Svainshoro; li H
McMillen, J A Baldwin. Fuen; T W
Willett and wile, Beaufort, SC; A Al
Watson, Tnoniasville.
At the Harnett House were Edword
Young. Greensboro; Ham Spirr, Atlanta;
M W llewelt. South Newport; J B Bad
ger, Macon; N J Dewald, Atlanta; G K
i Hartley, Hudson, Mass; J N Highsinitb,
Waynesvllle; Mrs Singleton and family,
Svlvania; W H Harrison, Hlnesville; J
W P Taylor, Jasper. Fla; A E Atkinson,
Hudson, Mass; Dr T G Jankin*, Dupont.
Death of Mrs. V, J, Char ton. Hr.
Mrs. T. J. Charlton, Br., relict of the
late Dr. Cbarlton, and mother of Dr. T. J.
Charlton who died last week, died at tba
late residence of the latter yesterday
afternoon quits suddenly. She wa* over
80 years of age.
L ( quor Dealers Registration.
The liquor dealers of Chatham county,
about 400 altogether, will lie required to
register their names and places ol busi
ness with the Ordinary between now snd
Jan. 1, and to pay State and county taxes
on tbeir business.
Business Failures.
There were 292 failures In the United
Slates reported to Bradstrcet’s during last
week, against 20U lo the preceding week,
and 217, 305, 280, and 230 In the corres
ponding weeks or 1885. 1884, 1883aud 1882
respectively. About 88 per cent, were
those of snia'l trader* whose capital was
I less than $5,000.
A l vert I ml iig.
A Morning News Special Edition,
twelve tinges, for the benefit of live busi
nessmen who want customers for Holiday
j Goods, will be iiauod on Friday morning,
I Deo. 24.
CHRISTMAS AT HAND.
Preparations for the Joyous Day by
the Little Ones.
“You, ole Santa Claus, you jes cum
down off dat clnmnly aa’ gimme dem
Christmus tings.”
A group of ragged little darkies was
poking up at the red-coated and gray
whiskered old St. Nicholas that has weath
ered a dozen Chrletmases on tbe top of the
chimney of Meyer*’ toy store, at Whitaker
and President streets, yesterdny morning.
The old man didn’t “come down off dat
chlmbh,” but he cast a sideways look at
the little ebony faced urchin as much as
to say, “i won’t forget vou.”
The anything but merry looking old
saint and his stuffed paek were gazed at
all day by littl* toddlers, who will have to
live several years yet before they know
the true inw’ardness of the Santa Claus
business.
The beginning of the week before Christ
mas was a busy one for everybody, but
the little ones were the busiest, ami tbev
will be from now until after
they have gone through the long
stocking that will be hung up on Friday
night close by the side of the chimney,
where Santa Ciaus or anybody else that
comes down can’t help but see it, and
have emptied it of the things that at any
other time of the year would never get
into a stocking.
Tbe small boy has already begun
to draw on his iron hank (or nickels
to buy poppers and torpedoes with,
and in the next few days there will
be a heavy draft on his exchequer. The
street corner (ruit stands have blossomed
out with their Christmas stocks of fire
works, and tbe goat, flog or cat that is
riot made a target of for the rest of the
week will liave to roost high.
Toe market dealers are beginning to
bring in Christmas evergreens, and every
family that is to have a Christmas tree will
be apt to smuggle it in toe back way to
morrow or next day. and busy hands
will transform Its rough branches Into
glittering arms laden with all sorts of
things. On every side there is preparation
for Christmas and Christmas eve. Thera
are all sorts of legends and child
stories about the night before Christmas.
In Germany Christmas eve is the season
of all others when fairies are supposed to
be most active. Hence, on Christmas eve,
persons are recommended to stay at home,
because tbe tairies on this night delight to
waylay the lonely traveler.compellinghim
to take a draught ot Ctiristmas cheer
from their enchanted goblet.
Among the large class of folk tales con
nected wich this superstition may be
quoted one which tells how, when a
Christmas feast was being given in a Ger
man village, one of the guests, attracted
by the sound of music irom without, was
Induced to leave the festive scene indoors
and to wander toward the spot where the
music seemed to come. He had, however,
not gone many steps when he was met
by two beautiful gods, who asked him to
join their Christmas gambols in a neigh
boring field, whtcb, alter a little persua
sion, be consented to do.
On arriving at the fairies’ gathering,
for such it was, he was surrounded by
numberless little beings all anxious to
welcome him. one of whom handed him a
cup of wine, after drinking which he for
got his former state and thought of noth
ing except the feasting nnddancingofthe
fairies. When he had been eujoving
himselt in ibis manner lor soma time,’ the
fairies reminded him of bis own home;
but what, wns his astonishment when, on
passing through tbe village to Hod every
thing In decoy and all ins relations atid
Iriends dead, tor the spell of the fairies’
cup had lasted 100 years.
Outside of the stories which the nurses
fell, and which the child books contain,
Savannah children do not pin their faith
on fairy tales, although they, like all
children, love to listen to them. The
only fairies nowadays are the little tinsel
atid gold-winged figures in tbe toy win
dows that the little girls rave over and
call dolls, and these seem to answer every
purpose.
In the churches preparations are going
on, and there will be the usual decorations
of evergreens and holiday flowers that
bloom so beautiiuily just now.
The season is one of gayety, and
everybody expects to enjoy it in
tbe spirit of “Peace on eartn, good will
to men.” The world itself keeps Christ
mas, has come to be altogether true, in
the next day or two it will have put on
its Christmas dress, and everybody will
indulge in the season’s festivities.’ Tbe
churches will throw open their doors to
be iestive in soma way, and to rejoice
and bring happiness to those to whom
happiness is a stranger.
GOING IN TO WIN.
Getting Things iu Shape for the
Coining Base Ball season.
The base ball meeting at the Fords’
Opera House last night, was not *a largely
attended as it was expected it would be.
Quite a number was present, however,
and the situation was thoroughly talked
over.
1 be canvassing committee was not pre
pared to report and was given until Thurs
day night to finish tne canvass, which has
yet onlv been partial. Tne committee
was enlarged and it will goto work to day
to make a thorough canvass of th# busi
ness part of the city, it i* necessary to
raise $4,000 yet before a sufficient amount
lo justify going ahead with the associa
tion is bad.
It has been decided not to organize
until $7,000 has been raised. As soon as
ibis amount is obtained a board of di
rectors will be chosen and everything
will be put In working order. There Is
one tiling that must lie done. Tho people
wno want base ball next summer must
come to the tror.t at once and assist in
placing tbe stock. Tbe committee will be
on band to-day and will endeavor to see
everybody.
Gossip Here slid There.
There is no longer any doubt that Ma
con will slick.
Crotty, the well-known catoher, for
merly of Louisville, has signed with
Memphis.
The Sporting Life says that Pete Hote
ling will certainly lie found with the new
Cleveland club. Will he?
Thu Rev. Sam Jones still keeps up bis
crusade against tbe national game and
still tbe interest grows.
Cal Broughton has not signed with
Memphis, and Is still disengaged. Mem
phis has made him a Anal offer, which he
Is not disposed to accept.
So far five of the Louisville players have
refused to affix their signature* to oon
tracts for next season. They are Brown
ing, White, Cook, Collin* and Mack.
Savannah want* Collins.
The Atlanta Club, tbe Sporting Life
say*, still owes Purcell about $20(1. This
was a special stun be was to receive If
Allan ta won the championship. The club
refused payment at the ndof the season,
and also scaled some ot the players’
salaries. Purcell determined lo sue for
the money, and placed the matter in the
hands of an Atlanta lawyer bafore coming
North. The lawyer, however, made
several calls lor money with which to
prosecute the suit, as be alleged. Tbis
made Purcell suspicious of a gouge, and
(earing that these calls would be repeated
until the cost of the suit would he larger
than the amount involved, be wisely
abandoned it.
Another Knud Concert*
Tho public are cordially invited to be
present at our seoond Concert, which
will take place In our Piano Warerooms
Wednesday evening at 8 o’clock.
Hidden A Bates 8. M. H.
AFEWFACTSFORMEMORY
ONE HAD BKTTER BIGHT
BEFORE GOING AHEAD.
Genera! Alexander Farolihn Some
Railroad History and States What He
Advloetl and " li it He Did Not Advise
Respecting: Central’s Affairs—Facts
Respecting the Issue of Central's De
bentures.
New York City, Dec. 18.— Editor
Morning News: 1 ask the use of your ool
urans to reply to a tissue of false state
ments and equally false insinuations by
your anonymous correspondent “Mem
ory,’' in issue of Dec. 14. I have already
denied so many suob that I had hoped
that I was nearly through with all that
either Ignorance could conceive or ill-will
suggest. But “Memory” has ascribed to
me views which 1 do not hold and acts
which I never committed, mixed in with
groundless insinuations.
First, be ascribes to me the issuance of
the 40 per cent, debenture dividend in
1881. 1 was not a director in 1881, and
benoe could have had no official connec
tion with it whatever. It is true that 1
was a stockholder, and that 1 did suggest
it to Mr. Wadley. He adopted the sug
gestion and warmly indorsed the action
in his next report (1881, pages 8 and 9),
which answer's in advance and most ei
fectually every word ot criticism which
“Memorv” now offers. Mr. Wadley’s
worst enemy will not accuse him of hav
ing been a man of wax. But Mr. W adlev
recommended at first to bis board that
the dividend should only be 32 per cent.
Among the votes which overruled him
was Capt. Raoul's, tbeu Vice President.
About the single correct and fair state
ment of fact in “Memory’s” article is
that to this day 1 have never repented my
share in the transaction. Events have
justified it. Briefly, its history was this:
Early in 1880 Mr. Wadley had tried to
lease the Central at 6 per cent, in per
petuity to the Nashville and Chattanooga,
but the lease fell through. That set me to
looking closely into the value of the
property, which none of its annual
reports had aver made clear, nor have
those of the present management
since. I was surprised to find
it worth fully 150 at a time
when it was selling below 80 and when
Mr. Wadley openly said it was not worth
i hat, and refused to lend money upon it
in the hank at any price, l'made no
secret ot my conclusions, but talked to
Mr. Wadley and his board about it, and
as a result the dividend was declared
as above stated. The stock went
above 160 before the dividend,
and remained above 120, dividend off.
Those stockholders who believed in me
held on to their stock and got the lull ben
efit of the rise. Those who did not sold
out at whet seemed, in their judgments,
satisfactory prices. I profited myself by
the rise on only a few hundredsbaies, but
my suggestion was worth about six mil
lions of dollars to Georgia Central stock
holders. Now If this added value of the
stock bad turned out not to be a perma
nent value, 1 would admit that my policy
was of doubtful benefit. But the stock is
selling to-day at 125 and the debentures
at par, or 165 in all.
Bat "Memory” would condemn me and
my policy together, because, meanwhile,
the stock has sold down to 60. He adds
insult to injury, He bolds me responsi
ble (or the sins of the present manage
ment. When they got cheap possession
o( this valuable property by the invest
ment of $42,500 in votes which could
be purchased, it fell again into hands
that did not appreciate its value, or
know how to make the stockholders
themselves appreciate it and hold on to
it. They claimed truly to repre
sent, "the old policy,” and to be "con
servative,” if conservatism means to buy
the management of a good road cheap anil
to seep it for yourself; to keep stock
holders in ignorance of what property
they own and what it earns from month
to month; to advise hanks not to lend
money upon the stock; to get votes upon
an ambiguous request, and to prevent a
fair election by illegally refusing stock
holders access to the list.
It seems to be a popular Impression that
a railroad manager is ail that can be de
sired who simply controls successfully its
physical operations. That is, indeed, an
important part of It. but it Is not all, as
Central stockholders know by bitter ex
perience. “Memory,” himself, tells of
the poor woman sold out at 40. That was
under Mr. Wadley’s administration. The
present one has sacrificed none below 60.
A competent financial management w ill
keep both dividends and price of stock
from extreme fluctuations. Look at the
fluctuaiions ol Central and judge of its
management. No man can deny that its
stockholders have been simply slaugh
tered.
“Memory” mildly admits that the di
rectors were “despondent” last summer
and good naturedly excuses them for
“underrating the recuperating power”
of the road. I hope those who were sold
out trom 60 to par will also excuse them,
fur if they do not I really believe the y can
recover Uuroages from members of the
board individually for the losses they
Incurred. “Memory” says “the blus
views ol these gentlemen took no practical
shape,”
I can give “Memory” some information.
When the long-suffering stockholders, at
whose expense the Central railroad man
agement had come to be regarded as a
family heirloom, first, began to talk ot
.making a fight last summer, the stock be
gan to quicken. Under even the remote
idea of any one’s daring to attack a man
agement which had entrenched itself so
unscrupulously it rose above 75,
Humors ol a oontest went abroad and
persons began to buy stock who were sup
posed to be unfavorable to the present
management. The banks in Savannah
lent these persons money on the stock,
which of course enabled them to buy. It
will not be denied, I think, that a direc
tor visited Savannah hanks at, that time
and advised them not to lend money upon
the stock over 75; that It was
not worth it. It was gratuitous
advice by a trustee of tee prop
erty which is an exceedingly “practical
shape,” and doubtless of most injurious
* uei.t upon many stockholders who sold.
Finding that such measures could not
stop the buying, and the price going
above par, the board from being bears at
75 turn bulls at 125 and try to stop stock
holders from selling. They declare a 4
per cent, dividend and write letters to
show that the stock is worth 150. 1 can
fill columns with similar facts about
other members of tne management.
It the trustees of a railroad are under
any such legal obligations to a stock
holder in regard to the unselfish manage
ment of Ills Interest*, as trustees of other
property are, a Jury might convict of mal
feasance on the above facts. And there
ure acts or omission as public and as In
excusable which, taken with those above
specified, shed light upon each other. 1
mention two.
1. The concealment ol the increasing
monthly earnings which justified the 4
per cunt, semi-annual div'tWul,
2. The (allure ol annual reports for
years to give information about valuable
property In South Carolina and elsowtiere.
Consider now with all these tacts the
circular asking for proxies and the illegal
refusal of the list to my friends, and tne
management is placed in a position which
they can no longer maintain.
Their stockholders are using educated.
The days ot the property as an heirloom
are over, and more enduring interests
than $42 600 worth of proxies will be re
quired to hold its control.
Next “Memory” charges me with wish
ing to load the steamship company with
bonds and to distribute the bonds among
Central stockholders. Both statements
are simply false. 1 did propose that the
steamship company should enter Into
obligation to pay to'tbe railroad company
a certain part of its net earnings over
and above $150,000 tor sinking and re
served fund saml additions to property.
It was not a bond in any sense of that
word; nor was it proposed to distribute
It among stockholders.
1 quote irom the answer of the Central
railroad, signed W. G. Itaoul, Vice
President:
“This defendant denies tbat it is true,
as stated in complainants’ bill, tbat it is
the purpose or intention ol this defendant
to divide said certificate or interest or to
require or request said Ocean Steamship
Compauy so to do or to assist in any man
ner to have such certificate so divided
pass into toe possession of any other per
sons or corporations or into circulation
beyond the control of this defendant, but
on the contrary it is the settled pur
pose of this defendant not to take or
authorize any action whatever that would
produce such results.”
It is sometimes elated, to make a prima
facie case against the proposed execution
ol this obligation of the Ocean Steamship
Company, that it was pronounced illegal
by the oourt. Tbat ie true as far as it
goes, but it will not go very tar, with
those familiar with the circumstances at
the time, against the tact it was pro
nounced legal by counsel of the company.
Fortunately for the court the counsel
never got it before the Supreme Court.
As to what really was intended, and there
is no use in threshing over old straw, but
merely to nail falsehoods maliciously cir
culated about it, I quote from a letter of
mine in the Savannah Morning Ngws
about Feb. 23, 1882:
“This certificate of interest ie practi
cally uothing more tbau a regulation of
the Ocean Steamship Company that the
first $150,000 net which it shall earn each
year shall be applied to a reserve fund,
and any excess above that shall not be
applied to the reserve fund but go into
the Central railroad treasury.
“The same thing could have been done
by a mere resolution of the directors, but
a resolution would not give the same con
fidence to stockholders as to peruiunenoe
of the policy as a signed and sealed in
strument. this instrument or
certificate takeß its place among the
assets ot the Central railroad and adds
that much to its general credit which a
mere resolution could not do.”
Next “Memory” savs that my record
in the past points to financial ruin of tbe
Central In the future. But he stops here,
not from hesitation to say anything for
which he could get the slightest founda
tion, but for utter lack ol fact upon
which to base a word.
Tbe first railroad or which I had the
financial management was the Western
of Alabama. It was so satisfactory to
all concerned that 1 was promoted to the
Georgia.
Its stock was at 68 when 1 took it in 1878.
In 1880 i gaveup the Presidency and went
to the Louisville and Nashville as Vice
President. Georgia eiock was then selling
at 97. Col. Phinlzy became President in
my p'ace.but I remained as Vice President
under him for a year. During tbe year
he made the admirable lease’of the Geor
gia, which has made its stock worth
nearly 200. The credit of tbe lease be
longs to him, hut his being able to make
it shows that my managsraent instead ot
wrecking the road had made its real value
apDreciated.
My duties on the Louisville and Nash
ville were confined to the management of
Its physical and traffic departments. My
office was in Louisviie and the President
and Board of Directors in New York
managed its finances. They were well
managed in some respects and poorly in
others, but 1 was responsible for neither,
in 1882 1 returned to the Central, but held
the office only three months. The stock
was at 85 at Mr. Wadley’s death in Au
gust. It was 110 when Mr. Raoul an
nounced a contest iti November. That
completes my record as a financial man
ager of railroads.
I have already told tbe facts of my sug
gestion concerning Central railroad
finances adopted by Mr. Wadley in 1881.
I made a similar suggestion to a trend,
a director on the Atlanta and West Point
rnilroad, who asked me to Advise him
about selling a large amount of stock at
140. 1 told bim not to sell, as It was worth
I*o to 200, and showed him how. He de
cided to sell a part of his holding and keep
the balance. .
1 took wbat he offered for sale and divid
ed it with two friends. 1 made no secret
of tt, and never bought another share ot
the stock from any one or had any other
int rest in any.
M v plan was adopted by t he board of the
Atlanta and West Point, and its stock,
which had never before been worth 140 in
open market, has never since, I believe,
bio i worth less than 180. and is to-da\
with its debentures worth about 210.
That is now the whole of my record as a
“railroad wrecker and speculator.” 1
offer It to brand as falsehoods the malici
ous insinuations with which this firm is
being conducted on the part of some ol
my opponents—not of all.
There is uo lack of ground for insinua
tions on my part if I chose to indulge in
them. But 1 expressly disclaim any In
sinuation against the integrity of any
member of the opposition. Wiiat I do
charge against them is in facts and fig
ures bearing directly and solely on this
present contest. It either facts or figures
are wrong I will be glad to stand cor
reeled and apologize, l assert, tbat the
facts and figures condemn their manage,
ment as vitally inefficient,from the stock
holders’ point of view, and their high
handed and unfair methods to control the
election are the highest crimes a trustee
can commit.
And l wiil never drop the issue with
them. Stockholders under the influences
of social und busim ss relations mav par
don such conduct, but those who regard
tbe value of their stock will punish it as
it deserves when it is understood.
As to charges that tny management will
be inimical to the interests ot auv stock
holder, or of any uity or town upon tno
line of tho road, they are not only false
but stupid, and I have denied them re
peatedly. I and my friends will bave our
money in the stock. If that is not a guar
antee of good faith no guarantee can be
given. Kaspectlully,
E. P. Alexander.
Xmas Kniert itnn-ut.
Avery pleasant Christmas entertain
ment by the infant class of the Independ
ent Presbyterian Sunday school will he
given in the Sunday school rooms at 6
o’elock to-morrow evening. A Christ
mas tree afterward will delight the little
ones, and there will be a nice supper for
all. The admission is 26o.—supper extra.
A pleasant evening’s entertainment Is
certain for all who attend.
Sixtieth Tour,
The Youth’s Companion celebrates this
year its sixtieth anniversary. It might well
be nsmed tbe “Universal Companion,”
sines its readers are found in 400,000 iam
ilies. It is so wisely edited that Its pages
are as interesting to adults ns to the
young people. Besides the best short and
serial stories It contains a great, vui iety
of popular and tiselul information on na
tural history, science, home arts, games
and sports, and is lullv Illustrated. It,
costs but $1 75 a year, nmi a subscription
esnt now Is credited to January, 1888.
You Cwn Take Your < holes.
Dealers In Holiday Goods, or in any
thing else, can get good returns from their
Investments by spending a little money
in advertising. They can get any space
required, from one lino to one page, In
Morning News.
Special Holiday Edition Friday, 24th,
just in time to catch buyers on their last
round.
For Honukecprri,
The coming week will be one when
every pantry will be replenished, and it
will he of interest to know that you can
fin and Groceries of the very best q llalil “
and lowest possible price at Straus*
Bros., 22 and 22>£ Barnard street w
carry a very large and varied stock'of th.
choicest Groceries, Wines. Liquors eto
aud a visit to our store will not b- ami
at ibis time, especially to close buyer?
In Staple Goods, such as Flour Ril*’
Coffees, Teas. Sugars, Butter eto 1’
prices are rock bottom tor quality 'ji.” „
and in Fancy Goods we make a sueolatiJ
of keeping always on hand a fine tin*
Table Delicacies aud offer same nt nrmei
irresistible. Give us a trial. Polite
tention to all. Goods delivered promptly
Strauss Bros
22 and Barnard street.
Hsndiumr Prosenr* Given Away
Every purchaser of goods, large or
small, stands an equal obanceof ree e i v .
ing one of the beautiful presents which we
shall distribute Friday evenin'' at a
o’clock. Goods on display in’window
nearest Bull street.
Luddkn & Bates s. m. h.
Silk Handkerchiefs for Holiday Preseatsat
Betslnger’a, 24 Whitaker street.
Gents’, Youths’ and Bovs’ Suits r or dress
and business in great variety at B. H. Levy *
Bro.’s. Our assortment of grades and slip,
s never allowed to run down.
George W. he Havens’ Circus nd Men.
aegrie.
This Great Show will appear in Savan
nah In a very short time and will exhibit
at low priees of admission.
A Plano For Ourlitmn Present.
Wo can supply it, havingonhand and
on display in our wareroom a large va
riety of handsome instruments of popular
and reputable manufacture. We offer
you an opportunity by an easy payment
pian to make a handsome present and not
feel the expense.
Ludden & Bates 8. M. H.
Full Dross Suits, Wedding Ouillts, Gentr
Fancy Nightwear at B. H. Levy & Bro ’g mi
Congress street. ’ 1
Oak, Pine aud l-ightwood,
For sale by R. B. Cassels, corner Taylor
and East Broud streets. Telephone No
77.
Call for Diehl & Lord’s C der and Gin
ger Ale, the best in the market.
Chas. Kolshorn & Bro.
B. H. Levy & Bro.’s Neckwear is extra
stylish.
Oranges as Presents.
Ship your distant friends or relatives,
for Christmas or New Year’s, a box of fin#
sweet Florida Oranges. We also navai
Tangerines and Mandarins. Oranges l
carefully selected, packed and shipped toi
any part of the countiy.
Our regular line oi Fancy Apples. Mal
aga and Domestlo Grapes. Lemons, Fruit*
and Vegetables. Grain, Hav, etc.
W, D. SIMKINS & Cos..
169 Bay street.
Try our Bottled Beer In half pints, for
sale at all bars.
Chas. Kolshorn & Bro.
B. H. Levy A, Bro.’s nrioes aro the lowest,
as their goods are the best.
Fine Underwear, Chest Protecting Tinders
ve-ts Ur rough woather, Hosiery and Gloves,
at B. H. Levy & Bro.’s.
£Uittro.
WINE LIST!
Veuve Clicquot Champagne,
Quarts and Pints.
Moet and Chandon Cham
pagne, Quarts and Pints,
Mumm’s Extra Dry Cham
pagne, Quarts and Pints.
Piper Champagne,
Quarts and Pints.
Hennessey and Martell
Brandy
Cruiskeen Lawn Irish
Whisky.
Heather Dew Scotch
Whisky.
The Celebrated Baker
Whisky.
Oldest and Best Brands of*
Sherries, Ports and Clar
et?.
Imported French Cordials.
Imported Irish Soda and
(linger A?e.
Jill MS & CO.
fioliffati <sj>oDo.
Bargains at Silva's
Celluloid Comb and Brush Sets in Plush and
Lcutboret Cases. Everybody has them, so
hsvc we, but they must goat these low priocsi
Set In Leatherct Cae $ 75, worth II A
set in !,’ tberel Ca-e 1 00, worth 1 e-'
Set in Plush • aec 1 >5. worth 2 ■"*
Sei In I’lusti Care 2 20. worth 3 oh
Set In Plush Casa 3 50, worth 5 oh
Manicure Rets, tn Plush (discs, with Nad
Scls'orß and Polisher, 75e; worth 11.
G eat reduction in prices of Fancy Cups
and Saucers.
.100 at the, worth l*d
nt'O at J3c, worth 20,
jiO at vte, worth ,o>
tiOO at.... 40c, worth 759
Others at proportionate reduction.
We have n ext ra large stock of these goods
this season, which we must get rid of.
A large lot of Bisque statuettes, Fancy
Chins, Wax mid Bisque Dolls.
Prices on these reduced over 25 per cent.
WE MEAN BUSINESS!
SILVA’S,
lap BROUGHTON ST.
(Tom. .
C O ATTj I
ON and after this date our prices will he as
follows: _
Tor Ter
Per Ton. HTfTou, Q’rt’r Ton.
SUITS sit 50 8 25
Best Egg 8 50 25 ‘22
Nut 8 60 8 25
Broken 8 00 8 00
W. A. Egg 800 *OO
Scotch 6 00 8 26
Dixon & Aflurphy,
Telephone <. Office 8 Drayton street.
Savannah, G a Doc. 16,18*8.