Newspaper Page Text
Weekly Constitution.
TUESDAY, JUYL 7,1874
THE GEORGIA PRESS REUNION.
Condensations from the Comments.
[Griffin Daily News.]
THAT BANQUET—THE CONSTITUTION 05 A
“SEW LISE”—“UP THE ETOWAH AND
DOWS THE COOSA.”
As is generally known,The Atlanta Con
stitution celebrated its 7tb anniversary on
last Thursday night, and it was one of the
most pleasant affairs we have ever attended.
There were some fifty newspaper men pres
ent, and it was a social gathering which will
long be remembered. The Constitution,
haringdetermined that it should be attended
with no expense to the visiting brethren,
bad them to register at its office upon their
arrival, and they were sent to the different
hotels and properly cared for.
Jnst before 8 o’clock the party assembled
at The Constitution office, and a beautiful
scene presented itself. The building, from
the ground floor to the top, was handsomely
illuminated, while Chinese lanterns were
hung on the “outer walls.” Going into the
editorial room, details were arranged, and,
during the time, a number of the party went
to the top of The Constitution building
and bad a view of Atlanta by gas light. At
8 o’clock a procession was formed and
marched to the dining room of Mr. Pease,
where he, at least for one time, seemed to
have gone to work without regard to cost,
and prepared a most splendid banquet, em
bracing the following Dill offare:
MAYOR SPENCER
presided at the head of the table and made
a very hearty welcome speech. For three
hours the crowd then went to work eating,
laughing, talking, interspersed with toasts
andTspeeches, one of the finest of the latter
being that of Attorney General Hammond.
Mayor Spencer also made a splendid reply to
the toast “Atlanta.” and we are convinced
of one thing, and that is his city has a live
man at the head of its affairs, ana one who
watches her interest zealously.
In reply to
“ THE CONSTITUTION,”
Colonel Acton, the “Cardiff Giant” of the
concern, after a little coaxing and “prizing”
np, exhibited about one-fourth of a ton
averdupois, and replied in a very sensible lit
tle talk. ******
At six Thursday morning wc boarded the
STATE ROAD TRAIN,
and were assured we should be in Borne in
three hours, a run of near eighty miles. The
morning was pleasant and bracing, and we
went whizzing along at the rate of from
thirty to thirty-five miles an hour, and would
have made the trip in less than the three
hours, but for stoppage on account of other
trains. The 6cenery was grand, as huge
mountains now loomed up, then passing
through pleasant valleys, and now crossing
some tau bridge over the streams on the
road. The party were as happy as could be,
and the pleasant strains of the brass band,
which had been provided for the occasion.
Arriving at Kingston, a number of dispatches
were telegraphed back to
“THE CONSTITUTION,”
while wc were In waiting for a train to come
in on the road over wbicn we were topa6s.
After a few moments delay, we started for
Borne, and bad a most delightful ride, and
were met by the Press and a number of cit
izens, some of whom joined us on our trip.
We found the “Magnolia,” a pleasant river
boat, under charge of Captain Appleton,
assisted by Frame Mills, who was at one
time a resident of this city, in waiting for
us. Boarding the boat, we soon saw there
was a good time ahead, as bountiful stores
came pouring in to administer to the wants
of the inner man. About 11 a. m. we
“ heaved off,” and went gliding down the
river, free from dust, while a splendid
breeze was blowing all the while. We went
a distance of twenty-five miles, and then be
gan our return in time to make the proper
connections. Arriving at Borne, a number
of people were in waiting for us, and many
of them insisted on our stopping over, but
having to reach Kingston by 6 p. m., we
hastened on. But while on the boat, d com
mittee was appointed to draft
SUITABLE RESOLUTIONS
expressive of our appreciation of the clever
ness of The Constitution. These were re
ported and passed by a rising vote, when
“Auld Lang Sync” was sung as we reached
the wharf, and as we landed, some one step
ped upon the boat and handed in a dispatch
steamer moved from her wharf and headed
down the magnificent Coosa, fa capital
band of Atlanta playing in excellent style.
********
The boat went down the river some twen
ty-five miles, where she turned back and
headed for the “Hill City.” The scenery
was beautiful, and the river in fine boating
order, and the Magnolia glided along like a
swan. Music was dispensed liberally in well
executed airs, and all together there could
have been no more pleasant jamboree with
out the jollification.
Returning, one of those good old dinners
that we read of, but don’t see at hotels or
on public occasions, was spread, and keen
appetites discussed it with evident zest and
cheerfulness. Before arriving at Borne, a
meeting was held and resolutions of thanks
passed, after which “Auld Lang Syne” was
sung with spirit, and the excursionists left
the boat and repaired to the train at 6 o’clock
for the ride back to Atlanta.
' This was really a pleasant excursion at the
expense of The Atlanta Constitution,
for which the press are under many thanks
to the proprietors for their liberal hospi
tality. May The Constitution prosper
and .be happy.
AMONG THE BLOCKADERS.
The Illicit Distillers of Habersham
and Rabnn Counties — Attack
upon United States Officials.
We have information that on the night of
the 21st, Collector Holtzclaw, Deputy Col
lector Crowder and Deputy United States
Marshal Findley left Gainesville with two
volunteer aids (gentlemen who went along
“just for the fun of the thing”), and five
soldiers from McPherson Barracks, on a raid
Into Habersham and Rabun counties, Geor
gia, among illicit distillers. They seized
thirteen illicit distilleries and all their con
tents, about 300 gallons blockade whisky,
two mules and a wagon loaded with the
“moonshine;” and other contraband prop-
* r |?hey (
arrested eight persons for violations
of the internal revenue laws.
On the night of the 23d a rescue of the
was attempted, and
AN ATTACK WAS MADE
on the United States Government officials
by parties from Rabnn county. The attack
lng party approached the camp where the
prisoners and the seized property were
guarded about two o’clock at night, armed
with pistols and sporting rifles, and demand
ed the release of the prisoners, with threats
of violence if their demand was not complied
with. The officials had kept their powder
dry, quietly waiting for the ball to open.
The attacking party, supposed to be 15 or
20 strong, formed their line of battle, fired
at the camp and uttered loud yells and
threats.
After enduring this for about two hours,
we learn that Deputy Marshal Findley took
two soldiers, and sending one upon each
flank of the outlaws, made an attack by him
self upon their centre, and captured two of
them, armed with pistols and sporting rifles
“of toe vintage of 1799.” These two men,
named Buigmar Benfieldand Ellis A. Smith
are regular brigands in appearance. They
gave as explanation of their being out at
that time of night, armed as they were, that
they were simply
on a fox hunt.
The success of the raid, was in a great de
gree owing to the presence of the Deputy Col
lector Crowder who, it is said, can smell an
illicit distillery a mile and a half off.
The Collector made this raid into Rabun
in response to a threat from the illicit dis
tillers there that he could not seize an illicit
distillery in that county without a fight.
He now proposes soon to enter that county,
in which it is supposed there are not less
than two hundred illicit distilleries, with
twofnll companies of United States soldiers,
and spend the summer in that delightful and
picturesque region. This bush-whacking
attack has thoroughly aroused the revenue
officers and all good citizens, and we doubt
not the government will grant everything
asked for to suppress this illicit business.
We cannot see any reason for these block
ade distilleries when it is remembered that
the whole extra expense of constructing a
distillery according to the Revenue laws and
regulations, Is inside of eighty dollars. Be
sides, wrong is done both to tne government
bv defrauding it of its revenue, and to legal
distillers by making them compete with
those who pay no tax. i
The names of the parties arrested ire,
James W. Hill, W. C. Stamy, Thomas
Whitworth, Mitch el Whitworth and John
Dean, of Habersham county, and John J.
Love], Burgman Benfieldand Ellis A. Smith,
of Babnn county. The two Whitworths
from the City Council of Gadsden, Ala., ex- ErfHmSJzEHi K ™
tending a cordial, invitation to visit their
place.—We reluctantly had to decline this
offer, and were soon on our way to Kingston
to meet the State Road train. Finding we
didn’t get to Atlanta until 9:30, the proprie
tors of The Constitution telegraphed to
Big 8hanty, and had a good supper in wait
ing for the party. We arrived in Atlanta on
schedule time, and although worn out and
jaded down, every one was delighted with
the occasion.
Too much credit cannot be awarded the
PROPRIETORS of the constitution
for this social gathering of the press. They
spared neither time, money or trouble to
make it a success, and they could not have
wished for better results. * * *
The press of Georgia are heartily rejoiced
at the prosperity of The Constitution,
which enabled them to furnish such a
pleasant occasion for their brethren of the
press. We sincerely trust that they may be
still more prosperous in the future, and that
for eveiy dollar expended on this occasion
they may make a thousand in return. Out
side of the personal merit of their paper
they deserve all the good lnck possible on
account of their cleverness and liberal spirit.
“May they live long and prosper.”
THE GEORGIA PRESS,
we trust, may be pardoned for a few words
in reference to the “fourth estate.” We had
long known that it enjoyed the reputation
of being the best in the South, but our ac
quaintance with the members was limited
until the present occasion. We are not sur
prised^ this reputation. They are general
ly young, active, vigilant and intelligent
gentlemen, who give their time and brains
to their profession. They are ag
gressive and progressive, and their
sole object it seems is to advance the
interests of our grand old Commonwealth.
They cannot be overestimated, and their in
fluence is immense, and the files of their pa
pers will show with what zeal they devote
Themselves to the welfare of the State.
They are a glorious set of fellows, and we
shall take occasion hereafter to meet with
them os often a6 possible. There was not a
single incident
TO MAR THE FESTIVITIES,
and we doubt If there has ever been a larger
or more pleasant gathering of the State
press. On Wednesday night “sherry and
champagne” were served in profusion, and
not a single member gave any evidence of
“weakness.” On the Thursday trip not a
drop was carried along, without it was done
on the sly, which proves that the press gang
is a sober set of fellows. While this is true,
it cannot be denied but what they are a
pretty good set of “feeders.” After a big
sapper Wednesday night and a light break
fast next morning, they were prepared for a
late dinner on toe boat Thursday. Appe
tites were keen, and as chickens, roast pig,
vegetables, and a table loaded with numer
ous good things which toe tributary country
supplies, were set before them, they went
for it in a way to convince each other that
they appreciated it. * * . * * *
[Rome Courier.]
The banquet given by The Con
stitution on Wednesday night is rep
resented to have been a most elegant
“spread” both ontoepartof toe proprietors
of that paper and the Delmonlco of Atlanta,
O. L. Pease. * * * * * * *
By 10 o’clock a. m. Thursday morning toe
excursion arrived in Rome agreeable to the
published programme, where toe steamer
Magnolia was in waiting to take toe qoill
drivers “down the river.” At 11 o’clock toe
discharged, and the other fonr are in Atlan
ta jail, not being able to give bond.
ANDREW FEMALE COLLEGE.
Commencement Exercises -- Colonel
Flewellen’s Literary Address.
Cuthbert, June 25,1874.
Editors Constitution: On toe 23d instant
the commencement exercises of Andrew
Female College at this place were enlivened
TUB SENIOR EXHIBITION,
which, from first to last, was highly enter
taining.
The graduating class was a large one and
reflected honor on their alma mater.
The following is a list of the graduating
class, with their subjects:
Miss Emma Gormly, Cuthbert, Ga.—Sub
jects—The World is Full of Poetry.
Miss Julia Toombs, Cuthbert, Ga.—Sub
ject-Woman as an Idealist.
Miss Maggie Bradley, McDonough, Ga.—
—Subject— *
I slept and dreamed that life was beauty,
I woke and found that life was duty.
Miss Mattie Tison, Americus—Subject—
Fashion, Folly.
Miss Maw Roberts, Dooly county—Sub
ject—
The past but lies in words—a thousand ages
Were blank, if books had not evoked their
ghosts.
Miss Alva Morris, Georgetown—Subject—
Mission of toe Sunbeam.
Miss Alice Davidson, Georgetown—Sub
ject-Woman’s Influence. ,
Miss Georgia Tackett, Cuthbert—Subject
—Exploded Bubbles.
Miss Lottie Harris, Cuthbert—Subject—
Footprints on toe Sands of Time.
Miss Sallie Stewart, Cuthbert—Subject
—Triumphs.
Miss Kate Lightfoot, Cuthbert—Subject
—Our Idols.
Their essays were well written and well
read.
COMMENCEMENT DAT.
Yesterday was commencement day. A
large and fashionable audience gathered to
listen to the closing exercises.
The valedictory to the audience under
graduates and trustees was delivered by Miss
Emma Gormly, and was a superb effort
The valedictory to toe class, faculty and
venerable President was delivered in a sweet
and impressive manner by Miss Mattie
Tison.
The President presented toe diplomas to
the graduating class, and then came
THE LITERART ADDRESS
by CoL James T. Flewellen, which was a fine
specimen of oratory and rhetoric, eloquence
and literary excellence.
The announcement was made that A. H.
Flewellen had been unanimously re-elected
President
The concert of Mrs. Bussell’s music class,
at night, concluded the exereises. The con
cert was a brilliant affair, and a success.
Long life to Andrew Female College.
Petek Russe.
A partt of seventy-five colored hands left
last night via the Kennesaw route, to work
on the Southern and Cincinnati Railroad.
About 2,000 hands are engaged on this road.
It will connect with toe State Road at
Bovce’e Station, Six or seven miles this side
of Chattanooga.
TEE FELLAH OF BEAUTY.
“Scatter toe gems of toe beautiful!
By the wayside let them fall,
And the vine pn the garden wall;
Cover the rough and rode of earth
With a vail of leaves and flowers,
And mark with the opening bud and cup
The march of Summer’s noun.
“Scatter toe gems of the beautiful
In the holy shrine of home !
Let the pure, the fair, and the graceful there
In the loveliest lustre come;
Leave not a trace of deformity
In the temple of the heart,
Bat gather about the earth its gems
Of nature and of art.
“Scatter the gems of toe beautiful
In the temple of our God—
The God who starreth toe uplifted sky,
And flowered the trampled sod;
When be bnilt a temple for Himself,
And a home for his priestly race,
He reared each arch in symmetry
And carved each line in grace.
“Scatter toe gems of the beautiful
In the depths of the bnman soul;
They bad and blossom, and bear toe fruit,
While the endless ages roll.
Plant with the flowers of charity
The portals of the tomb,
And the fair and pure about His path
In Paradise shall bloom.”
MY CREED.
I hold that Christian grace abounds
Where charity is seen; that when
We climb to heaven, ’tis on toe rounds
Of love to men.
I hold that all else named piety
A selfish scheme, a vain pretense;
Where centre is not, can there be
Circumference?
This I moreover hold, and dare
Affirm where’er my rhyme may go,
Whatever things be sweet or fair,
Love makes them so.
Whether it be toe lullabies
That charm to rest the nestling bird,
Or that sweet confidence of sighs;
And blushes without word.
’Whether the dazzling and the flash -
Of 6oftly sumptuous garden bowers
Or by some cabin floor or bush
Of ragged flowers.
’Tis not the wide phylactery,
Nor stubborn fast, or stated prayers,
That make us saints; we judge the tree
By what it bears.
And when a man can live apart
From work, on theologic trust,
I know the blood about his heart
Is dry as dust.
MERCER UNIVERSITY,
Commencement Exercises—Bacca
laureate Sermon—Celebration of
the Literary Societies.
Macon, June 80,1874.
Editors Constitution: Mulberry street
Methodist Church was filled to its utmost
capacity Sunday to hear the Baccalaureate
Sermon by Rev. T. E. Skinner, D.D. The
pews in toe galleries, as well as below, were
all filled, notwithstanding the unfavorable
aspect of the weather.
The choir, with Prof. Czurda* t the oigan,
rendered several anthems, chants and hymns
in superb and artistic style.
The sermon was preached from Matthew,
6th chap., 10th verse — “Thy Kingdom
Come,” and Mark, 16th chap., 15th verse—
“Preach the Gospel to every creature.” The
preacher classified the religions put forward
to convert toe world as “the religion of
form,” “the religion of sentiment,” “the re
ligion. of feeling” and “religion of principle.”
Yesterday morning the final.
CELEBRATION 07 TOE LITERART SOCIBTIBS
came off at Ralston Hall to a fair and appre
ciative audience.
W. A. Adams of Hancock connty was the
orator of toe Ciceronian society. His sub
ject “the triumph of mind” was rendered
with ability. '
John F. Daniel of Alabama, toe orator of
the Phi Delta society, chose for bis theme
‘True economy.’ Wittqthe skill of a master’s
hand he drew with graphic power the dis
tinction between thnftness and penurious
ness.
Tbe orators were the recipients of hearty
applause as well as numerous handsome bo-
quets, the tributes of ladies fair to them.
THE GRADUATING CLASS.
After toe orations were over toe society
diplomas were presented to the graduating
class, which includes toe following Cicero-
nians: James C. Hinton, of Bibb countyj;
D. LeSueur Ganlden, of Thomas county;
Alexis A. Marshall, of Macon connty;
Charles E. Armstrong, of Bibb county;
Peter Solomon, Jr., of Bibb county; William
A. Adams, of Hancock county; Charles M.
Nutting, of Bibb connty; R. Weston Pat
terson, of Bibb county and Horace M. Pow
ers, of Bibb connty: and the following mem
bers of toe Phi Delta society; Joseph H.
Jones of Atlanta; Jndson A. Cheney, of
Floyd county; Daniel W. Proctor, of Talbot
connty.
Mr. B. H. Ivey of Marion county, on the
part of the Ciceronian society and J. W. D.
Jelks on the part of the Phi Delta society
presented the diplomas in chaste and approp
riate presentation speeches.
At night
THR SOPHOMORE EXHIBITION
came off at Ralston Hall before a large and
refinedaudience, such as Macon can get np.
Tbe following is a list of toe Sophomore
orators:
Messrs. Thornton, King, Hall, Jelks, Bar
field, Stewart, Wise, Stout, Wright, Gilbert,
Anderson, Stubbs, Boifeuillet, Watson,
Holtzclaw, Moses.
It Is not my purpose to indulge in any
critique of the youthful orators, or elabora
tion of their subjects. The subjects were
varied and of such a character as to derel
ope the peculiar talent of the speaker.
While the speakers were not altogether free
from fault (and who is ?), each and every
one acquitted himself with credit, and the
constant shower of floral tributes on the
stage evidenced the high appreciation of
their efforts by the audience.
THE ANNUAL ORATION
came off in Ralston Hall at 10 o’clock to
day before the literary societies and a large
audience. The speaker was
t THB SILVER-TONGUED OKATOR,
Colonel Charles T. Gotdf, of An#ricus. The
audience were delighted—aye, entranced by
toe charms of his eloquence and the beauty
of the oration.
THE ALUMNI BANQUET
took place at Hoff’s Hall at two f. m. I
have but time to write that it is a handsome
affair. There is much wit bat no wine.
_ C'TE.
The funeral of Dr. George K. Hamilton
was preached at Stone Mountain on Sunday,
by Rev. J. M. Stillwell, from toe text:
"What is Man?”
He commenced the practice of medicine
when quite a young man. He never gradu
ated in any medical college, but being pos
sessed of'sharp intuitive powers, and by
close application be arose to a first class
physician. When in the prime of manhood
he settled in Decatur, where, for many years,
he did a large and successful practice’.
Leaving that place he settled at Stone
Mountain where he applied himself assidu
ously to the practice of his profession for
many years, until be became incapacitated
by reason of age and bodily infirmities. For
many years, dosing toe latter part of bis
life, be associated much of toe time with
his son, Dr. John L. Hamilton, a finished
scholar, and who ranks eqnal to any in the
State in his profession. Both have done
much to alleviate the sufferings of humani
ty. There was never a cabin whose inmates
were too humble and too poor that he re
fused, by riding through heat and cold, wet
and dry, to enter, when requested.
THE METHODIST CONFERENCE
District Conference at Monroe—
Transactions of the Second Day*
Monroe, Ga., June 26,1874
Editors Constitution: This morning was
held the usual half-hour prayer meeting
before the opening of the Conference,
These prayer meetings are a source of
spiritual power not easily estimated, and
a distinguishing characteristic of this
conference is the spirituality of its mem
bers. The preaching is accompanied with
power from on high, and hopes are bright
ening that a gracious work of grace will
kindle here. We have had four sermons
up to this time—two of them coming
from our.oldest preachers, and two by
young preachers, and each, was power
ful.
Conference convened at 8 A. M. and was
opened with religious services conducted
by Rev. James E. Godfrey, the President,
Rev. W. H. Potter, in the chair.
Resuming the call for reports from the
charges, many important facts were
brought to light as to their condition. We
notice that the churches that report any
great deficiency in financial matters also
report a corresponding state in spiritual
power. It is patent that where a people
will not support faithfully and fully the
enterprises of the church, that they suffer
by a decline in spiritual things. The
times are hard, it is true, hut the demands
of the church are not so great that they
cannot be met by proper system. It is a
fact among the Methodists, as other
churches, that a few contribute for the
keeping up of the enterprises, while the
majority escape, contributing nothing.
We reaefcan interesting essay upon financial
matters in the church, not long ago, writ
ten by a Baptist minister of prominence
in tbe State, in which this mat
ter of contributing for church en
terprise was handled in a masterly man
ner. The great point of that document
was, that all, every one, ought to give
something often. And if this was done
in a systematic, regular way, there would
be no complaint about finances.
Another important point brought to
light is, that where a revival of religion
is in progress in a church, that just in
proportion as every member of the
church gives the pastor their support,
the results will be great or small. An
illustration of this point we notice in the
recent revival at Payne’s Chapel, in At
lanta, where the membership did con
tribute,much towards the results of that
meeting, under the approving smiles of
God. This way of leaving it all to the
preacher is a wrong way, and should not
receive countenance. Work is the watch
word of our holy Christianity, and the
smiles of Heaven will fall lovingly upon
honest, earnest effort in the vineyard of
our Master.* All must work.
At the close of the morning session,
which was entirely taken up with reports
from charges, we had the pleasure of lis
tening to a discourse from the venerable
Dr. Alexander Means, of Oxford, who
has been preaching for more than, fifty
years. This sermon was as good, per
haps, as any he ever delivered during
these long years of his ministry. Like
the venerable Dr. Pierce, he seems to
have no lack of power in the pulpit
This effort was a triumph over all in
firmities, and his words came with power
from a heart burdened with gratitude
and praise to God. These two men are
wonderful men, and are representatives of
Methodism of the past, and it seems
that when they pass away that
there are more to take their places. The
seed of Gospel truth sown by them in
the years agone, they can see to-day bear
ing fruit, some sixty and some an hundred
fo\d.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Conference was opened with prayer by
Rev. C. A. Evans, of Atlanta.
A good number of delegates arrived.
Sincelast report, among them, Rev. Dr.
A. G. Haygood, of Nashville.
Session was consumed in hearing from
the charges, which was interesting, dis
closing the manners and methods of our
economy.
At the close of the afternoon session,
Dr.. Haygood addressed the conference
upon Sunday schools, and here we will
note that this interest of the church
takes prominence in the deliberations of
the body. And important facts are
brought to light; one of them illustrated
by the status of the membership in a cer
tain circuit, where discipline was admin
istered by expelling seven members, not
one of whom have been raised up in the
Sunday school.
Rev. W. S. Caldwell, of the Conyers
Circuit, preached at the chapel to-night,
to a large congregation. jiL
TRANSACTIONS OF THE LAST DAY—CLOSING
UP THE BUSINESS—DELEGATES ELECT
TO THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE—A HOS-
, PIT ABLE PEOPLE AND A GRATEFUL
DELEGATION—SUNDAY PREACHING AND
ADDRESSER—COVINGTON THE NEXT
PLACE OF MEETING.
Atlanta, Ga., June 29,1874
Editors Constitution : Our last report,
embracing the transactions of the second
day of the conference was sent you from
Monroe. We furnish you in this letter u
brief review of the third and last day’s
proceedings, and an account of the Sun
day preaching. After the reports from
all the charges were in, the delegates to
the next annual conference, which meets
on the 25th of November next at Carters-
ville, Ga., wetc elected as follows: Rev.
James E. Godfrey, Atlanta; J. S. Stew
art, Atlanta; Dr. M. H. Thomas, Monroe;
and John W. Rogers, of Covington; with
the following alternates : James M. Pace,
Covington; W H. Thompson, Jasper
county; Rev. C. C. Davis and J. C. Hen
drix, Atlanta.
The conference 'closed its session with
a resolution of thanks to the citizens of
Monroe and Walton connty for their
splendid hospitality, and to the railroads
for courtesies.
The session was one of harmony, and
the business was transacted with com
mendable dispatch and with the passage
of only one resolution.
It was a privilege to be present on this
district meeting, and, no doubt, was fully
appreciated by all delegates and people.
These Methodists are a peculiar people,
and if they were only faithful—member
ship and preacher—in the observance of
the doctrines and discipline, as taught by
them] they would be second to no church
on earth in point of numbers and spiritual
power.
Sunday morning, at 834 o’clock, a large
concourse of people assembled at the
Chapel in Monroe to participate in what
is termed a “ Love Feast,” led by Rev.
W. R. Branham, 8r., of Oxford. This
consists in partaking of a bit of bread
and water, and the recitation of Christian
experience, and generally is a time G f
much joy and peace. Several brethren—
old and young—spoke of their experience
in a feehng manner, and to the edification
of manv. It was pleasant to be there.
Following this meeting was a sermon
at eleven o’clock by Rev. W. H. Potter,
Presiding Elder of the District. This was
one of this fine preacher’s splendid efforts,
and was listened to by a large congregation
with ereat attention. Rev. Mr. Potter is
a great favorite among the people of his
district; and is a man of marked powers
in toe pulpit and of fine gifts. He has
been an itinerant preacher for many
years and is well known to our Georgia
Methodists.
At the same hour, at the Baptist Church,
Rev. W. P. Pledger, (who was appointed
to deliver the opening sermon but was
prevented by sickness), pastor of St
Paul’s Church, Atlanta, preached toh
large congregation. We learn that it was
a fine sermon and give great satisfaction.
Rev. Mr. Pledger has also traveled as a
preacher for many years, and is a preach
er of first-rate ability. He has occupied
the position of Presiding Elder, and has
filled many important stations, and is
very popular among his people.
Sunday afternoon, at two o’clock, there
was held a children’s meeting, which was
a success. All the children of both
Sunday Schools were assembled at
the Methodist chapel to hear ad
dresses. We will remark here that
we were agreeably surprised at the sweet
and melodious singing of the children,
who were led by Mr. Jack Snow, of
Walton county. It was equal to tbe sing
ing of the children in our cities. They
needed no instrument to heighten the
melody, but unaided they sang with great
sweetness and force, and this was attained
by constant practice, and all of the little
ones took part. The children were ad
dressed at length by C. F. Akers, Esq.,
followed by Rev. J. E. Godfrey, both of
Atlanta. We did not hear these speakers,
but suppose they did justice to them
selves, to the occasion, and pleased the
children.
Sunday night Rev. Clement A. Evans,
of Atlanta, preached at the Methodist
Church. Of this effort we may say that
it was one of his best, and was edifying
to all. This speaker’s style is peculiarly
pleasant, and his thoughts fall soft as the
snow-flakes, but with great effect. It is
always a pleasure to listen to
him, and one peculiar power of
his discourses is that the
hearer always goes away with a determi
nation to be and do better. He has been
an itinerant preacher eight years, and is
loved greatly by all his people; has oc
cupied important places in the gift of the
Conference, and deserves to go higher.
This sermon closed one of the most
pleasant meetings it has ever been our
good fortune to attend.
The next District Conference will be
held at Covington, which was selected by
a small majority over Stone Mountain,
which waB nominated.
The ministers and delegates nearly all
left for their homes on Monday morning,
the 29th, greatly pleased with the meet
ing. As a result of the District meeting,
there is now a revival meeting in pro
gress at Monroe, which we hope will re
sult in great good to this clever people.
31.
THB DEPARTMENTS.
JUST AS OF OLD.
I saw my love in dreams last night,
Pass np the sleeping moonlit lands,
The love-beams in her dear eyes bright
A rosebud in her roseleaf bands. ’
And round me, as I nearer stept,
I felt her fond arms steal and fold,
While close against my heart she crept. c
Just as of old.
The gray dawn broke, my love was gone,
The golden dream was past and dead
I got me to the church-yard lone
Wherein my love lay buried.
I found a headstone gray with years,
I bowed me to the moon-mists cold,
I wept, and knew she saw mv tears.
Just as of old.
But ever while I live alone,
This comfort comes and soothes my care—
We two may meet, when all is done,
| |Far off in heaven’s flower garden fair.
And by the light above, beyond,
Chastened, each other’s face behold,
Stainless, more pure, but true and fond.
Just as of old.
COMMERCIAL NOTES.
Several Southern Officials Asked to
Retire.
[By Telegraph to the Constitution.]
Washington, June 30.—William O.
Aveiy, the present Chief Clerk of the In
ternal Revenue Bureau, will he appointed
Chief Clerk.
The steamer Dispatch goes to Norfolk
to be docked. When repaired she will
take the Naval Committee on a tour of
inspection of the navy yards of the
country.
. Buford Wifeou has assumed the func
tions of Solicitor of the Treasury.
Many clerks and employees have been
discharged with two months' pay, which
somewhat alleviates immediate distress.
George B. McCartee, Superintendent of
the Treasury printing, is prominently
spoken of as Assistant Secretary of the
The Star says that the judicial officers
have been requested to resign.
The Attorney General, in addition to
demanding ■ the resignation of Marshal
Barber, of Arkansas, has asked toe Mar
shal of the Southern District of Missis
sippi to have the kindness to vacate his
office, and the same request was made of
the United States Attorney for that dis
trict. These demands were made after
the department had sent an agent to the
district to make an examination of the
several charges against these officers, in
cluding bribery, corruption and the op
pression of the people in order to make
extra fees.
DR. C. C. HARRINGTON.
He is Found Guilty of Robbery.
The Superior Court waA, engaged daring
almost the entire of yesfitrday’s session in
the trial of Dr. C. C. Harrington for robbery.
The story of the Iobs of $1,800 in money by
Mr. R. P. Spencer about the time of the
Bedell homicide, and the subsequent arrest
and committal of Harrington and McCue
are familiar to our readers. The prisoner
was defended yesterday by Messrs. Gartrell
& Stephens and Judge W. F. Wright. Col.
S. B. Spencer appeared for the prosecution.
The evidence elicited was about the same as
that upon the preliminary trial before Justice
Butt. The arguments of counsel were very
labored and earnest. The Solicitor General
opened for the State, and Colonel Spencer
concluded. The speech of the latter was
unusually able. The jury received the
charge of the Court late in the afternoon.
About fifteen minutes past seven o’clock
they returned with a verdict of guilty. The
Court then ordered the defendant to be
taken to jail, and will probably pass sentence
to-day.
What He Did Say.
Toccoa, Ga., June 27,1874
Editors Constitution—Gentlemen : In
vour report of my answers to questions be
fore the Chamber of Commerce on the 25th
instant there are several errors. In that re
port you make me say length of line fifteen
miles, when I said fifty miles. Yon make
me say, only a small portion of cotton goes
down the Savannah River to Augusta. I
said that when onr road was complete only
a small portion of cotton would be sent by
river to Augusta. 1 said Atlanta would get
a chance at from twenty to twenty-five thou
sand bales, and begreatiy benefitted by our
road otherwise. The estimate of 540 dol
lars per mile for moving dirt, I intended as
I stated to apply to three miles first graded,
and gave as my opinion that a large portion
of our road would not exceed that figure a
great deal. I stated that all the estimates
were given at random, and could only ap
proximate the troth, but I thought our road
would cost less than any road that had ever
been bnilt in this State, if not in the United
States. This is my honest judgment. I be
lieve the 6tock will pay as an investment if
we can get cash to bnlld it.
Very respectfully,
D. A. Mathews.
Messrs. Garrett A Bbo. received Mon
ty a letter from T. E. Zellars, of Grant-
. Jle, with a cotton bloom enclosed. The
Moom was grown on the place of Major R.
" Moreland, in the neighborhood of that
O.
town, and the stalk con tinned three blooms
“No peas” in the city.
The market is almost bare of lard.
Coffee is in light supply.
There is no demand for wheat. Macon
merchants are anxious to sell wheat in this
market.
Athens, Tenn., has 75,000 bushels of wheat
ready for sale.
At the meeting on ’Change yesterday. 8.
M. Inman was elected a delegate to the Cot
ton Exchange assembling in New York on
the 31st of August, with power to fill his
own vacancy.
J. J. Toon had a pleasant exhibition of
the works of Flora and Pomona, all from
his orchard and garden. There were brown
turkey, figs of the largest 6lze; ripe and
juicy, wild goose plums; and roses, gerani
ums and verbenas in rich profusion.
J. E. Butler exhibited to us yesterday fine
samples of Bowden white wheat, raised in
Middle Tennessee. It can be raised in Geor
gia, if good seed is planted. Let our farm
ers try it.
The European money markets are now in
a condition of great case. The Bank ;of
England has fixed its minimum discount
rate at two and a half per cent., which is
lower than it has been for more than two
years. It gained nearly five million dollars
In specie during the week. The Bank of
France, on the 4th instant, reduced its mini
mum rate to four per cent., having at that
date brought its note circulation below five
hundred million dollars, and its specie re
serve up to two hundred and twenty-eight
millions.
[Correspondence of the St. Louis Globe.]
Chester, III., June 24,1874.
The hog disease in this countiy, and
spreading throughout Southern Illinois at a
fearful rate, is proving too much for those
who have attempted to deny its existence,
that only a few hogs had died, and the re
ports heretofore given were mere imagina
tion, for the sake of getting up an item—a
hog sensation.
A letter from Carbondale, Jackson county,
Illinois, “reports that the cholera is fearfully
prevalent among the hogs, of that and sur
rounding counties, and tbe disease spares
but few along its line of devastation.”
The Brunswick Appeal states that there
has been shipped front that point during the
four years, 286,126,402 feet of lumber and
timber, valued at 84,878,809 60. Allowing
5.000 feet of mill and ranging timber as the
average production of each acre, and we
find that say 71,526 acreshavc been dennded
of that class of timber. After the lands
have been thus stripped of the larger class
of timber there still remains timber sufficient
for the profitable establishment of turpen
tine farms. Allowing the value of the timber
lands to be, say, $2 per acre, which is cer
tainly a large allowance—and we find that
84,806,783 66 has been realized from the
manipulation and manufacture of the in
dustry through the scope of country tribu
tary to the ports of Brunswick and Darien.
123,652,779 feet valued at 82,023,898 were
shipped for the year ending May 31, i874
The New Orleans Times says the pros
pects of the sugar and rice crop are very
encouraging. In regard to sugar it saya:
Although the recovery exceeds the most
sanguine expectations, still there are regions
yet under water in which the crop is entire
ly lost. The Black river country and the
east side of the Lafourche will give little or
no yield, but the Teche country emerged
from the flood with a prospect wholly un
expected. Estimates, locally made in that
section, put the loss by the overflow down
to approximately 3,000 hogsheads. The
acreage in sugar, available for a crop, was
somewhat larger than last year, but what
was prospectively gained in that way
has been more than lost in the
sections which remain still under
water. As far as we can hear, the crop
looks unusually promising.
The stubble cane is reported, on the best
authority, as looking quite as fine as the
plant cane. •Thus far. since the decline of
the overflow water, the weather has been
for the most part favorable, and is particu
larly so at this time. With continuing fa
vorable conditions there is no hazard in
estimating a much larger yield than last
year, notwithstanding the losses by the
flood, which are now estimated at about
10.000 hogsheads. It is a gratifying fact
that this year the planters, or at least a very
large number of them, have been enabled to
lay by their crops already, whereas last
year, ui consequence of the long and inces
sant rains, they were not disposed of until
ip July and August.
Taken all in all the sugar prospect is an
encouraging one. Both stubble and plant
cane have at the present time a healthy
growth, and what is still better they are well
advanced, beinglaid by fully a month earl
ier than in 1873. To that extent toe con
tingencies unfavorable to a large yield are
reduced.
In regard to the rice crop it remarks:
The increase of average in Plaquemines
and St. Bernard is estimated at 3,500 acres,
and on toe Lafourche, in toe parishes of As
cension, Assumption, Lafourche, St. James,
St. John and St. Charles, say 4,500 acres.
The total increase, according to these fig
ures, would be 8,000 acres, bnt that is sub
ject to a loss by the flood variously estima
ted at 1,500 to 2,000 acres, occuring chiefly
in the Parish of St. Charles, leaving a net
gain of say 6,000 acres.
The present condition of the crop is re
ported highly promising. In Plaquemines,
which is by far the hugest rice producing
section of the 8tate. toe creva66es were
closed early, and toe injuries therefrom not
appreciable, so far as rice was concerned;
and from all sections, except the parish of
St. Charles, the reports are equally encour
aging. The stand is good, and the freqnent
rains of late have brought tbe crops rapidly
forward. The weather could not well have
been more favorable or importune, for tbe
decline of the river wonld have rendered ir
rigation impossible, bad there been adroutb.
A net gain of 6,000 acres this year gives
promise of 22,000 acres and a yield of not
less than one hundred and ten thousand bar
rels, or 25,001,000 pounds of cleaned rice.
Another Wedding.
Mr. W. E. Hoyle, of this city, was mar
ried yesterday afternoon to Miss Emerete
Daniel, of Covington. The ceremony took
place at St. Phillips Episcopal Church, Rev.
Robert Elliott and Rev. Estill officiating.
There were no attendants, and the services
were witnessed by only a few relatives and
intimate friends of the parties. Both of tbe
young people are much esteemed in their
communities, and we cordially wish them
ong lives and plenty of happiness.
A lady in Atlanta thinks that becau
she kept a horse from running away she c
also manage her husband. We agree wi
an acquaintance of ours who said, “The
women folks are carious Insects.”—Tim\
Cutter Gazette.
In sex, yes!