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J|ttßrte£ gcpnMiom. fecial Edition. C- W. HANCOCK, EDITOR .AJtT!D I’U.OIPii-XE'X'Oli'- AIIERVt'VS, GEOI?iA. Saturday, September 15th, 1853. ' OfficlaTOrgan of City of Americus. OfficiaTOrgan of Sumter County Official Organ of Schley County. Official Organ of Lee County. Official Organ of Webster County Southwest georgis. Its Productions, Capabilities, Soil, Climate, Temperature, Etc., Ete. In this article we propose to take a general view of that portion of the great State of Georgia, commonly known as Southwest Georgia, and to present some facts and figures in regard to the present condition, the possibilities of its tuture, its productions, capabilities, soil, climate, temperature, etc. To do this in a more intelligent and satisfac tory way to the general readei, seeking information, wo propose to select a body of counties, near its centre, ana speak of them somewhat in detail. In this way our remarks can be more easily comprehended, our facts more easily shown, our conclusions more per fectly drawn. To present facts of the whole of Southwest Georgia, as we propose to present them of the coun ties we have selected, would require far more space than the limits of a news paper article would allow, besides over tax the patience of the groat mass of readers. In selecting the counties of Sumter, Dooly, Macon, Schley, Webster, Lee, Marion, Stewart and Terrell, we have not only selected those which trade to Americus, either entirely or in part, but wo have selected those which will fully represent all the various charac teristics, soil, productions, climate, con figuration, etc., etc., of Southwest Geor gia. Lying in a contiguous body and near the centre of the portion of the State we are discussing, and being nat ural feeders to the growing city of Americus, they may be accepted as a fair representation of the whole and their possibilities are, perhaps, no brighter, yet perchance in the nearer future, than those of the sister counties making up Southwest Georgia. What is true of tho counties in our list, is true of the others, and the. reader, whether he be seeking information or a future home, may depend upon it that the facts here presented is a true reflex of Southwest Georgia as an entirety. By this we do not, however, wish to be understood as saying, or intending to say, that there is-no choice in locality, or that one county or neighborhood is as good as another. This is true of no section or country, but what we do mean to say is, that the facts as to soil, topography, productions and climate, as presented, are true of the whole section. We take it for granted that the reader who is seeking a home will visit the section, or seek information from some reliable source and determine for himself the particular locality or county offering such inducements of health, markets, schools, churches, society, etc., or will prove most compatible with his taste and station in life. What would suit one might not suit another. From the census of 1880, and other reliable statistical sources, we are en abled to present, of the counties being specially discussed in this article, the following interesting tables. Table I. shows the number of farms in each county and the total cultivated or im proved acreage as follows - . TABLE i. NO. FARMS IMPROVED ACRES. Sumter.. 1,058 105,680 D001y... 1,464 120,998 Marion.. 728 68,020 Schley... 639 41,139 Webster. 533 44,435 Lee 715 99,696 Marion... 734 81,457 Stewart.. 792 110,224 Terrell... 707 59,743 TABLE 11. AVERAGE SIZE FARMS. Sumter 100 Acres. Dooly 89 “ Macon 93 “ Schley 64 “ Webster 83 “ Lee ..139 “ Marion 110 “ Stewart 138 “ Terrell 84 “ This table really discloses facts that will astonish many people, especially the people of the North and West, for they have long believed, and they be lieve to-day, that one of the great curses -amt drawbacks to.the prosperity of the South lies in her large farms. We have been told by the people of the North and by the press, writers and speakers of the whole country, that we should have small farms—that the old plantations of ante helium days should be cut up if we would prosper. This table shows conclusively that this advice has been and is being heeded; that of nine of, perhaps, the largest cotton producing counties of Southwest Georgia the farms only average from 139 and a frac tion acres to 64 and a fraction acres in size. TABLE 111. UNIMPROVED ACRES Sumter. 210,193 Dooly .336,812 Macon .147,016 Schley 70,132 Webster 89,369 Lee 120,622 Marion 136,306 Stewart 182,292 Terrell 146,438 From this table it will be seen that nearly every county has from twice to three times as much unimproved as im proved land. In other words, it shows that each of these counties can receive from two to three times as many far mers as they now have without reduc ing the average size of the present cultivated farms. It further shows, that the owners of the lands in these counties have from twice to three times as much land as they need or require to make it plainer and more forcible, that they have that much dead capita! on hand. .Vs we propose to circulate a large number qf this issue of the Republican in the East and Northwest we beg to ask the careful attention of every reader there to the facts presented by the last table above, and to assure them that now is the time to come and buy these lands. They can be had at very low figures when compared to tlicir intrin sic value—when compared to what they will yield. In these counties lands can be purchased at from .$2 to sls per acre according to quality, nearness to market, health, society, etc. And we ask where can lands be purchased else where, that will yield such a variety of productions, at the same outlay of labor and cultivation, as will these? Instead of going to the wild, unsettled and in hospitable West, where the range of crops are so narrowly circumscribed, would it not be wiser for the farmers of the East and Northwest to come to Southwest Georgia, where crops are al most unlimited in variety, where society is good, where climate and water are congenial and healthful, where schools and churches exist, and where lands are cheap, and settle? But the census enables us to present another table, which will show the value of these improved and unimprov ed lands and the value of the farming implements, employed by our farmers in the cultivation of their farms, as fol lows: table iv. VALUE OF FARMS. I VALUE IMPLEMENTS Sumter. .$1,143,317 j $ 60,667 D001y... 1,183,699: 56,597 Macon... 727,189: 35,926 Schley.. 431,853 21,578 Webster. 502,752 31,592 Lee 6C5,024 5^,121 Marion.. 762,305 32,839 Stewart. 916,936 52,510 Terrell.. 513,315 33,158 The above table only shows the value of “farms including lands, fences and building,” but does not include city property. If city property were included the above amounts would be much increased, especially Sumter county. The following table shows the esti mated value of all farm productions: table v. Sumter. $963,841 Dooly 807,163 Macon 583,090 Schley 170,050 Webster 337,069 Lee 642,177 Marion 489,861 Stewart 898,496 Terrell 383,834 Thus it will be seen that during the year 1879 the value of farm products, of the above named nine counties, ag gregated the enormous sum of $5,275,- 584. The following shows the tax valua tion of the Real Estate and Personal Property and the aggregate amount of taxes paid: TABLE VI. TAX VALUATION AMOUNT TAX Real Estate Personal Prop Total Sumter. £1,010,088 £1,351,810 £33,075 D001y... 770,205 558,024 10,980 Macon.. 736,733 591.074 13,298 Schley.. 345,891 207,592 5,1*8 Webster 369,303 250,483 5,266 Lee 650,750 328,560 12,204 Marion. 507,508 352,080 7.3G1 Stewart 879,822 575,074 13,215 Terrell, 659.089 617,316 12,866 As the total taxes paid includes State, County and School tax it will be an easy matter for any one to ascertain the rate of taxation, that prevailed in the year 1879. The rate is now con siderably less than it was in that year. We had intended to present tables showing other important facts, but as the length of this article is prescribed wo must pass on and present some in formation about the climate, produc tions, etc., of Southwest Georgia. It is not a fact generally known that cur winter climate is tlio same as that of Rome, Italy, while our summer cli mate corresponds with that of the once proud and yet celebrated city of Jeru salem, nevertheless this is true. We have a most delightful and healthful climate—a climate which will permit the farmer and laboring man to com fortably do out door work every day in the year. It is not a climate which forces man, beast and cattle to be housed and fed—to eat and consume in winter what was made in summer—but there is no day in the year, so cold or so hot, as to present any kind of labor being done. The mean annual temperature of Southwest Georgia is between 62 and 65 degrees, with extremes of 95 to 16, but it rarely happens that these extremes are touched, and when they are it is for but a brief period. From a carefully kept record of the temperature, by a competent party, we find, by taking an average for six years, the maximum to be 83 and the minimum to he 44 de grees. But while we have a few voy hot days every summer, our weather never gets so hot as it does in the East, and our nights are always pleasant. To a New York or Boston man this would be very hard to understand, and we dare say many would deny that the extremes of heat were greater there than here. Nevertheless it is true, and any one doubting can be easily convinced by consulting the records. One reason why the heat is greater in New York than in Georgia is that the days there, in midsummer, are nearly an hour lon ger than here, thus affording an hour longer in which heat can he accumula ted from the direct rays of the sun and one hour less, at night, in which to carry off the accumulated heat by radi ation. Sunstrokes, so plentiful and fatal North, are unknown, almost, in this section. In an agricultural country, next to proper climatic influences, nothing is of greater importance than the rainfall. Having shown that the climate of Southwest Georgia is most propitious for the production of all crops and fruits not eminently tropical, we now present the following facts touching the rain fall in this section. This table presents the average rainfall for a period cover ing six yearSf TABLE VII. MONTH. RAINFALL. January 3.27 inches February 5.48 “ March 7.41 “ April 6.05 “ May 3.27 “ June 4.60 “ July 4.01 ■■ August 5.16 “ September 4.19 “ October 1.37 “ November 4.51 “ December 3.63 “ From this table we see that the aver age rainfall, for the 6 years, has been 53 39-100 inches, and that the monthly disposition of it was most tavorable to crops of all kinds. With a rainfall thus disposed good average crops are almost an absolute certainty. What other section, seeking settlement, can make a superior showing. Wo might also add, that dining the six years, the number of days upon which rain fell varied from 75 to 93. Of the productions of Southwest Georgia it is difficult to speak, other than incidentally, within the limit of this article, as they are so numerous. To go at all into detail, upon the point, would require several columns, lienee wo must be content with almost a mere enumeration of the various products, leaving the reader, who is seeking more detailed information, to obtain fuller information through private correspon dence or a personal inspection of the country. Our lands profitably yield corn, wheat, oats, rye, barley, rice, cot ton, flax, jute, ramie, sugarcane (both West India and sorghum,) broom corn, hops, tobacco, field peas, beans, ground peas, cr peanuts, sweet and Irish pota toes, turnips, cliufas, carrots, parsnips, beets, pumpkins, cashaws, tea, indigo, German and cat-tail millet and grasses. Of these various crops the yield per acre is almost as varied as the farmers are numerous. Those who prepare and till and properly fertilize their lands make yields correspondingly profita ble, while others, indifferent and neg lectful, make poor crops. We presume ours is like every other section, except the great mass of our farmers have not yet adopted the new and more intensive methods of farming. There is more in the man and manner here than in the land. And to give the reader an idea of tho results of intensive farming we refer liim to tho article immediately following this one. One important advantage wo have over the North west is that two paying crops can he gathered off the same laud within the year. For instance a farmer can produce a crop of oats, wheat, ryo, Irish potatoes etc., and a crop of corn, cotton, field peas, etc., off the same land in one and the same year. The Northwest cannot do this. Besides, then we have a great advantage in diversity of crops. As to fruits and vegetables our sec tion grows every known variety, ex cept such as are eminently tropical. Southwest Georgia is the home of the peach and this fruit is grown, in al most endless variety, in the greatest perfection. Northern people can form no correct idea of our peaches from those which are shipped, because to suc cessfully ship they have to he necessa rially plucked before they are ripe. The peach crop could he made, and is made by a few people, a source of great profit, by shipping, canning and drying. Our earliest peaches ripen about the 10th of May and a succession can be kept up until November. And while we make special mention of tho peach we do not wish to be understood that other fruits do not flourish and do well here, for they do, but wo have not space to speak of them. To give the reader an idea what can be grown here we will say that any man who is disposed to can come to Southwest Georgia and take a farm and in a few years, can show his friends a place upon which can be seen grow ing, and yielding paying crops, corn, wheat, oats, rye, barley, rice, cotton, flax, jute, ramie, sugar-cane, broom-corn, millets, hops, tobacco, peas, beans, ground-pea3, sweet and Irish potatoes, cliufas, turnips, carrots,parsnips, beets, pumpkins, cashaws, squashes, tea, in digo, clover, cabbage, egg-plant, onions, cucumbers, okra, tomatoes, radishes, lettuce, celery, mustard, pepper, grapes, scuppernongs, figs, pomegranates, ol ives, jujubes, pecans, almonds, English walnuts, apples, pears, peaches, plums, quinces, cherries, prunes, raspberries, black-berries, straw-ben ies,mulberries, oranges, bananas, currents, water melons, canteloupes and other things we can’t now recall. Now, we ask, can a farm, with anything like such a valuable variety of products, ho shown anywhere in the Northwest or East? These would all grow out-door and without shelter or protection. Is it not time the natural advantages of this section were becoming more broadly known? If they were, a vast number of the moving population would come and seek homes and fortunes fie re. Of courso we do not pretend to say that all our farmers, or any considera ble number of them, grow all of the above enumerated on their farms. In fact they do not. Still they could if they would. The soil and climate is ready, but our people are neglectful, in different. They fail to produce very many crops ivhich would prove both valuable and remunerative. Notably is this true of the hay crop. We have grasses, adapted to our soil and climate and suitable for both pasturage and hay, which will surpass, in annual production, under careful and proper culture—the same care and culture which grasses receive Nortli—tho heav iest yield per acre of those parts of the ' United States in which hay is a staple crop. This is a bold statement, yet it is true, and statistics can be had to prove it. Yet, notwithstanding the truth of this fact, our farmers pay no attention to hay—absolutely none. The census of 1880 tells us tho nine coun ties used in the tables above produced in 1879, eight tons of liay! This is an absolute shame. But our farmers reply they have no use for hay. Use indeed! Every ton of hay can he sold as easily as cotton. As to water and health our section, generally, cannot be surpassed. In some localities health and water are bad, hut these are few, and can he eas ily avoided. But as a whole we know of no section of our common country where a man can settle with stronger assurances of enjoying both good health and water than in Southwest Georgia. No fear at all need be apprehended on this point. Such is a brief outline of the produc tions, advantages and inducements of Southwest Georgia. There is land enough here for many more farmers. We want these lands occupied and tilled and our people will heartily welcome all honest, respectable people who come to make their home 6 among us. Come, then, knowing it you are a gentleman at home you will be a gentleman here, and that you will be welcomed with that hospitality and friendliness which has made the people of Georgia known through ail the land. This is tlie sec tion for the man of either muscle or capital—both can be more profitably used here than any section we know. Then, come! What Georgia Lands will Pro duce when Properly Culti vated. The following information is obtained from reports made to the Agricultural Department of this State. While they do not prove that every farmer could do so well, still they are evidence of the capacity of the soil under proper pre paration and fertilization. And we will further add that the correctness of these produetions were, in every in stance, well authenticated by the affidavits of disinterested parties— neighbors of the producers. We pre sent these facts, not as showing what is produced by every farmer, but as tending to show what every farmer can do, if he will take the trouble and pains to fertilize and prepare his lands and cultivate his crops. We be lieve there is no section of the United States which can show better or more profitable results. We especially ask a careful study of these facts, not only by our own people, but by every reader of the Republican, in the East and Northwest, into whose hands this issue may come. In 1873 Mr. R. 11. Hardaway pro duced on one acre of upland 119 bushels of corn which yielded a net profit of $177.17. In 1873 Mr. S. W. Leak produced on one acre of land, 40] bushels of wheat, resulting in a net profit of $66.00. Some, and not a few, of our farmers, regard Bermuda grass as a pest, hut to show how utterly falacious this is we present the following results, obtained by Gol. A. J. Lane, from a plat of land which had been in Bermuda grass for a long while. Tho first year after break ing up the Bermuda sod he gathered 1,800 pounds seed cotton—equal to 1] bales per acre, the second year he gath ered 2.500 pounds per acre. During these two years no fertilizers or other manure was used. The third year he planted iu corn and manured with Cot ton seed and the yield was 65 bushels per acre. The fourth year he planted in wheat, without manuring, and the yield was 42 bushels. Who will say Bermuda grass is a pest, after such facts? In 1876 Mr. J. F. Madden produced 137 bushels of oats on one acre. A similar’and slightly increased yield, has been produced by scores of others. In 1873 Capt. E. T. Davis produced on the same land and in the same year 964 bushels of oats and 800 pounds seed cotton per acre. After harvesting his oat crop in May he planted the same land in cotton and made the above yield. In 1873 Mr. R. M. Brooks produced oa five acres of bottom land 500 bushels of rice and netted S3OO from its sale, after deducting $75 cost of producing. In 1874 Mr. John J. Parker produced on one acre 094] gallons of syrup from West India cane. In 1873 Mr. J. R. Winters produced on 1-15-100 acres, 6,575 pounds of dry clover hay at the first cutting second year’s crop, while Dr. T. P. Janes, in 1871, produced five tons of clover hay per acre, iu one season, with two cut tings. Notwithstanding this, there are thousands of people in the North who will stand up and stoutly argue that clover cannot be profitably grown in Georgia. In 1873 Mr. S. W. Leak gathered from one acre of land, from which he had harvested in June of the same year, forty bushels ol wheat, 10,726 pounds of pea-vino hay. In 1873 Mr. Patrick Long harvested in August from one acre of land, from which he had gathered a crop of cab bages in June, of the same year, 8,646 pounds of native crab grass hay—equal to any hay. In 1573 Mr. L. B. Willis harvested in Juno from 1-13 acres of land, 20 bushels of wheat, and the following Oc tober took from the same plat of land 27,130 pounds of corn forago. In 1874 Mr. R. Peters, Jr., took from three acres of Lucerne, four j ears old, 14 tons and 200 pounds of hay, which was equal to 9,400 pounds per acre. In 1874 Dr. W. Moody harvested, at one cutting, from one acre of river bottom land, 13,953 pounds of Bermu da grass hay. In 1873 Mr. J. Dyer produced on one acre 398 bushels of sweet potatoes. Other parties, we learn, have produced as high as 500 bushels. In 1873 Dr. J. S. Lavender produced on one acre 1,552 bushels of turnips. We desire this statement of facts, and every item we have reported was backed by affidavits of disinterested and re sponsible parties, to be read in connec tion with our article on “Southwest Georgia,” to be found elsewhere in this issue. We admit that the above are exceptional cases, hut they serve to il lustrate what can be done on Georgia soil, by proper fertilizing and cultiva tion —by intensive fanning. Now, when lands are so plentiful and so cheap —lands that will yield as above *ot forth, who will say that this is not the best, the most inviting, the most promising State of all others, for the farmers of the East and Northwest to come and settle? To come and farm here as they have in the North and grow rich and independent in one half tho time. If a disaster befalls a crop here a crop of something eke can be at once put in, on tho same land, and good results had, hut if disaster befalls a crop iu tho East or Northwest that is the end of it, until the next year. There the seasons are only long enough to admit of hut one crop, here they are long enough for two, and of some things three. We invite the people to come and investigate the merits of our sec tion and be convinced. But an inves tigation canuot be made by passing through the State on the cars and peer ing out at the windows. You want to come and stop off, go into tho country and examine the farms and talk with the farmers. If you will come to Americus wo will guarantee you will be pleased, and if you will come here yon will find plenty of farmers who will gladly take you to their homes and mako your stay pleasant and show you our country. Our eection only needs to be seen and understood, to be appreciated and thickly settled up. AMERICUS. SUMTER COUNTY, GEORGIA. Its Business, Po-mlatioii, En in October 1854, the Southwestern Railroad was extended to this place and from that time to the present it has made a rapid advanco in wealth, pop ulation and business, until its progress was arrested by the late civil war. Af ter the war, business revived, and many important and substantial improve ments have been and nro still being made. Americus is beautifully laid off, and its streets are well kept up and drain ed. The advantages of geographi cal position, good water and excellent community of intelligent, progressive and order-loving people,makes this pre eminently the place for those seeking pleasant homes and good society, and a town whose business possibilities cannot be surpassed. The society is as good as that ofany section. Ourpeople are plain, hospitable,honorable,kind and obliging. Always ready to encourage the falter ing or aid the needy, and will he sure to treat every gentleman with all the consideration due. Americas is 70 miles south of Ma con, Georgia, about sixty miles east of Columbus, seventy miles north of Eu faula, Ala., about one hundred miles north of Thomasville, Georgia. Ten miles north on the Southwestern Rail road is Andersonville, where is located tho great National Cemetery, which the United States Government keeps in strictly good order and repair. BUSINESS AND POPULATION. There are at present, over one hun dred and sixty business houses in the place, with a population of six thou sand. The buildings erected for busi ness purposes, are substantial, and in some instances handsome, and there are in the city a number of beautiful and attractive residences. There are, also, in the city, five brick cotton ware houses, receiving from twenty-five to thirty thousand bales of cotton per sea son. Besides tho large number of well stocked stores, the city contains two carriage and wagon manufactories, Va riety Works, where doors, sash, blinds and furniture of all kind, are manufac tured; two grist mills, cotton seed oil factory, two large livery stables, two hotels, two hanks, and three bankers, Telegraph, Western Ur.ion, and South ern Express offices, and one of the hand somest Opera Houses in the State. Its trade is drawn chiefly from tho fertile and prosperous counties of Lee, Terrell, Schley, Webster, Marion, Ma con, Dooly and Sumter, with some ad ditions from other and more remote points. CHURCHES. As to church privileges they are am ple, though we do not have as great variety of denominations or sects as prevail North. The prevailing denom inations are Baptist, Methodist, Pres byterians, Episcopalians, and Prim itive Baptists, but we guarantee if a man will live strictly up to the re quirement* ofany of these he will stand a reasonable fair chance of that “beau tiful land.” PUBLIC LIBRARY. Americus can boast of as fin* a public Library as any city South, and probably in many respects it is more complete than you will generally find north of Mason and Dixon’s lino. Our young men need not complain of the opportunities —they present themselves in this respect mest lavish ly. Our young ladies do avail them eelvea of the presence of this institu tion of learning, as will be seen by the goodly number who frequent tho libra ry every afternoon, and carry away some favorite book, whereby the mind, soul and body are educated from day f to day into the mysteries of learning, and thereby are made more perfect, forming a complete and harmonious whole in the lot of their existence. liEWSPAI’BRS. There are two papers published in the city, the Sumter Republican and Americus Recorder. The Republican wa* established in February 1854, by C. W. Hancock, the present editor and proprietor, who for thirty years hag earnestly and vigorously presented the claim* of this section to the considera tion of the emigrant and tourist. The Recorder was established iu May 1879 by Mr. Merrill Callaway, who after running it a little over two years, disposed of it to Mr. W. L. Clessner, its present proprietor, who moved to this place from Illinois about two years ago. CITY GOVERNMENT. The City Government consists of a Mayor and six Aldermen, three City Assessors, a City Attorney, a City Physician, a Board of Health, compos ed of seven citizens, Police Department of one Chief and four Policemen, the Fire Department of two steamers (white), one Hand Engine, and one Hook and Ladder (colored,) one Mili tary Company, the Ameicus Light In fantry, Southern Express and Western Union Telegraph Office. CHURCHES AND SOCIETIES. There are four white churches in the city, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian and Episcopal. Besides these there are six colored churches. Of lodges, DeMolay Commandery, No. 5, K. T. Well’s Chapter No. 32, R. A. M.; Americus Lodge, No. 13, F. A. M.; Lodge No. 027, Knights of Honor; An chor Lodge No. 40, A. 0. U. W.;a Lodge of Legion of Honor; Royal Ar canum; Homo Guardians. OPERA house. One of the handsomest Opera Houses in the State, is to be found in Ameri cus. It has a seating capacity of about 700 —and throughout the play-going season, abundant opportunities are af forded for amusements and recreation. BANKS. Americus has better Banking facili ties than any town in Southwest Geor gia. We have the Bank of Americus, People’s National Bank, J. W. Wheat ley & Cos., Bankers. More capital is needed here, and town and country property is undoubt edly a good investment at present prices. Many are prospecting through this delightful region, with the view to settling and escaping from the rigors and hardships of the iee-bound North and West. There is plenty of room, and the people here give all good citi zens a hearty welcome. PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Americus has just cause to be proud of her Public Schools. No city in the couutry can compare with it in the efficiency of the schools and economy with which they aie conducted. A brief account of them may not prove interesting. In 1873 the Legislature passed an act organizing the Board of Education for the City of Americus. Considerable opposition was at first manifested and the law was attacked in the court aud the schools were not put in operation until the year 1879, when the Board organized the schools under the Superintendancy of Prof. John Neely. He proved a faithful, capable and efficient officer and under his management the schools prospered. In 1879-80 the total school popula tion as ascertained was 682 of which there was an average daily attendance of 560. For this number there was twelve teachers. The cost per scholar was in round number SIO.OO for schol astic year. In 1881 it was ascertained that the school population was 958. Whites 336. Colored 622. Of this number 774 were enrolled as scholars with an average daily attend ance of 643. There were thirteen teachers and the cost for each scholar per year was $8.28. In 1882 with the same school popu lation there were in school 823. Aver age daily attendance 634. Cost per scholar $8.30. In 1883 with thirteen teachers, there were enrolled 941. Average daily at tendance 658. Costs per scholar $6.76. Thus it will be seen that with an in crirsed attendance there has been a steady decrease in the cost, and it is conceded that the schools have improv ed with experience. The Board of Directors have .exhibited such fidelity and ability in the accomplishment of these solutary results that they deserve the thanks of the community. The corps of teachers is able and we can have first class educational facil ities at a small cost. The opposition to the school system lias passed away and nearly every one regards the Public Schools as a great public blessing. We append comparative cost of Public Schools per scholar in other cities; Little Rock Ark., $12.32. Sacramento, Cal., 34.00. Wilmington, Del., 14.45. Atlanta, Ga., 10.12. Columbus, Ga., 12.39. Louisville, Ky., 22,62. New Orleans, 17.95. Baltimore, 19.10. Salem, Mass., 26.48. New York city, 27.05. St. Louis, 18.73. Richmond, Va., 13.84. Harrisburg, Pa., 17.28. Americus, Ga., (1883,) 6.74. The lamented Dr. Cooper was first President of the Board, since his death Col. A. S. Cutts has been the presid ing officer. One Experience from Many. [ have been sick and miser able so long and had caused my hus band so much trouble and expense, no one seemed to know what ailed me, that 1 was completely disheartened and discouraged. In this frame of mind I got a bottle of Hop Bitters and used them unknown to my family. I soon began to improve and gained so fast that my husband and family thought it strange and unnatural, but when I told them what had helped me, they said, “Hurrah for Hop Bitters! long may they prosper, for they have made mother well and us happy.’’—The Mother. Closing Exercises of Mt. Mary’s Academy at Stewart’s Cross ing on the Btli Instant. As an item of interest the closing exercises of the school mentioned above deserves notice. It is under the man agement of Prof. H. J. Martin. The School is in a flourishing condition hav ing in attendance about eighty pupils, The examination occupied the day, fol lowed at night by dialogues" and speeches. In the afternoon addresses were delivered by Judge .T. W. Sloan, District Trustee, Prof. E. J. McMatli and one by R. S. Slappey, colored, which were appropriate and gratifying to the assembly. We cannot go into a detail of the sentiments uttered, but they expressed their gratification at the manifest progress of the school, and advisory of the duty of the race in regard to the education of the colored children. A vote of thanks was passed by the patrons to the Board of Education for the interest taken by it in this school. Visitor. Ayer’s Ague Cure, when used ac cording to directions, is warranted to eradicate from the system all forms of malarial disease, such as fever and Ague, Chill Fever, Intermittent, Re mittent and Bilious Fevers, and disor ders of the liver. Try it. Theexperi ment is a safe one, and will cost you nothing if a cure is not effected. * Americus Business Dhbeictort. LAWYERS. W. 11. GUERRY, DUPONT OUF.RRY. GUEP X RY & SON, LAWYERS. Americus, Georgia. Office over Davis J* Callaway. N. A. SMITH, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW, Americus, Ga, Office next door below Tele graph Office. Hinton <fc Matthews, Attorneys-at-Law, Americus, Georgia. Office over Council <6 Williford’s Warehouse, northeast, corner Public Square. J, W, Brady ATTORNEY AT LAW, AMERICUS, CA. E. G, SIMMONS ATTORNEY AT LAW. Office over Peoples National Bank. B. P. HOLLIS ATTORNEY AT LAW. Forsyth Street, Americus, Ga. PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON. S. B. HAWKINS, PhysioiaN AND SURGEON. OFFICE AT DRUG STORE OF E. J. ELD RIDGE, WEST SIDE PUBLIC SQUARE. DRUGGISTS. £. J. ELDRIDCE DEALER IN Pure Drugs, Chemicals and Dye Stuffs. Also keeps on hand a full assortment of Surgical Instruments, &c. PRESCRIPTIONS A SPECIALTY West side Public Square. .3- Id. HALL DRUGGIST. AJIERICUB, 'GA., Dealer in drugs, medicines, paints, oils, and every other thing usually kept in a first class drug store, with the exception of liquors. ATHTJDS 01ST -DEALER IN— Purs Drugs and Medicines. LEE STREET. DENTISTS. yT. UmwwUT DENTIST. AMERICUS, GA. Work Equal to the Best 1 Cash Rates as Low as the Lowest ! *®*Try him and be convinced. W. X*. BUKT, DEN T IST, Americus, Georgia. I solicit the patronage, at reasonable prices, of all cash or good paying patrons. Those who owe me, will please remember that I need the money and shall expect pay ment in tho next 30 days. Respectfully, w. p. imjkt. PHOTOGRAPH Lib VAN HIPER. PHOTOGRAPHER, Over Wheatley’s Store. HOTELS. Barlow Mouse, AMERICUS, GA. Clias. H. Scott, - - Proprietor. Rates §2.00 and §2.50 Per Day. Free Bus and Baggage to and from all Trains. e. •?/. Han’s COMMERCIAL -HOTEL. Cor. Forsyth Street and Cotton Avenue , AMERICUS, GEORGIA. Rates $2.00 Per Day. First-Class Tables and Sample Rooms a Specialty. BARBERS. ANDERSON & LUNSFORD, g&T FASHIONABLE BARBERS. In tho Barber House everything always kept clean and neat. BEST BABBEKS IN THE SOUTFP“@g Americus, Georgia. Llyery~s t'IblesTETC r~ JNO. W. JORDAN, ~ Literyman —AND DEALER IN— Fine Stock, Mules aud Horses. W. ■. WVY’HE.S, Liveryman and Stock Dealer, LAMAR STREET. N. G. & J. K. PRINCE, Feed, Sale and Livery STABLE! Cotton Avenue. HARNESS MAKER. " A ’We Harness Maker, Cotton Avenue, Anicricus, <a. jfjtST Uses Rest Material. Rest Workmanship .“SSB 30 PER CENT CHEAPER THAN ANT HARNESS SOLD IN THIS MARKET, PIANOS AND ORGANS. PROF. E. J. CHEEK, DEAIiKIt l,\ I*I.WON W> OilUss, Teaches Music in the great new method, ii i Ambricos, Ga. Headin'.alters: j Camilla, Ga. mini ii i—i ini ii i— ——— — —tii A i'CTH >NKKR. W. W. GUERRY, iiniiiifsiKiism. AMERICUS, GEORGIA. WAREHOUSES. fselsJsirallMe WAREHOUSE AND Commission Merchants, Cotton Avenue, Americus, Ga. DEALERS IN STANDARD GUANOS. AGENTS FOR DANIEL PRATT GIN COMPANY. Harrold, Johnson i Cos., Cotton Warehouse AND COMMISSION MERCHANTS And Dealers in HEAVY GROCERIES AND FERTILIZERS. AGENTS FOR MUTUAL LIFE INSUR ANCE COMPANY, Of New York. Assets over $92,000,000! Also for FRICK & CO.’S CELEBRATED ECLIPSE STEAM ENGINES, and HALL’S SELF FEEDING COTTON GINS! __ Factor and Warehouse, Lamar Street. COTTON BUYERS. T* I. lEIWNON, Cotton Buyer. Americus, - - Georgia. A. C. Bell, A. W. Brannon . A. G. BELL & CO., iTTHBUHMMIIM, Americus, - - - Georgia.. BANKS, FTC. M. SPEER, JOHN WINDSOR, President. Cashier. Bank of Americus, Capital, §150,000. Surplus, 60,000. STATE DEPOSITORY, Americus, Georgia; BROKERS. R. T. BYRD & CO., ierchandise Brokers AND— INSURANCE AGENTS, Americus, - - - Georgia. BEAL ESTATE AGENTS. GOME TO Southwest Georgia. INDUCEMENTS: GOOD CLIMATE! CHEAP HOMES! LANDS THAT WILL YIELD A LARGER PER CENT. IN MONEY ON THE INVESTMENT, THAN ANYWHERE! GOOD SOCIETY, SCHOOLS and CHURCHES! Money Loaned on Improved Farms. Address, W. J. DIBBLE, Americus, Ga. BAKERS AND CONFECTIONERS. J. J. HANESLEY,” BntwutiCufatiMry, West Side Public Square. DEALER IN AND CANNED GOODS, MEALS AT ALL HOURS AND EVERY DELICACY IN SEASON. B. W. PATTERSON & €O., Bakers EH Confectioners, COTTON A VENUE. MILLINERY, ETC. "Uses, bllyelabl llUllEir MB FANCY GOODS, Jackson Street. JEWELERS, ETC. J. E. SULLIVAN, nn nrum mi jiweleh And Dealer in Watches, Clocks, Jewelry akdSEWING machines. BOOKS AND STATIONERY. AOHES AYCOCK, —DEALER IN— Vw\c, §£c. School Books a Specialty. Leading Periodicals Supplied. Mrs. FRED LEWIS - Books & Stationery, Americus, Ga. VARIETY WORKS. 0. M. WHEATLEY'S”" VARIETY WORKS. Jackson Street, Americus, Ga. MANUFACTURER OF Furniture, Coffins, Etc,, And Contracts lor Buildings of all Kinds. ALL WORK FIRST CLASS AND LOWEST TRICES, OIL COMPANY. AMERICUS OIL COMPANY, Jo. Davenport, President; Directors—T. Wheatley, P. H. Williams, J. A. Davenport, A. T. Baldwin, Jo. Davenport. Manufacturers of Cotton Seed Oil , Meal, Cake and Linters, Americus, Georoia. MILLERS AND GINNERS. ~ A. J. Baldwin Cos., Jo. Davenport, Dawson, Ga. Americus, Ga. BALDWINS & DAVENPORT, Merchant Millers and Steam Ginners. Americus, ------ Georgia. DRY GOODS, GROCERIES, ETC. THORNTON WHEATLEY, THE LEADER IN DRY GOODS, CLOTHING AND SHOES! THE LARGEST STOCK! THE LATEST STYLES! THE BEST GOODS! THE LOWEST PRICES ! Wheatley's Corner, Americus,Ga. DAVIS & CALLAWAY, IDr-y Goods CLOTHING, Sewing SHOES, HATS. P H. WILLIAMS Dealer in the Choicest FAMILY GROCERIES I FINE LIQUORS, BEERS, &c. TEAS, COFFEES, SUGARS, CANDIES and CANNED GOODS GENERALLY, BOOTS AND SHOES, TOBACCOS AND CIGARS! Does not undersell any one, but asks a small profit on all his goods. Cotton Avenue, Americus, Ga. SCHI'MPERT & RONEY WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALERS IN GROCERIES AND PLANTATION SUPPLIES. Cotton Avenue, Americus, Ga. Wooten & Ford, —HEALERS IN— FIRST-GLASS GROCERIES, Lamar Street. RScTyier & Miller, —DEALERS IN— Dry Goods, NOTIONS, Clothing, Boots, Shoes and Hats, Lamar Street, A mericus, Ga. L. E. Bosworth, GENERAL GROCER, FORSYTE STREET, Americus, - - Georgia. H. D. WATTS7~ DEALER IN; General Merchandise, Corner Forsyth and Troup Streets, Americus, Ga. TANARUS, F, LOGAN Dealer in GROCERIES AND DOMESTICS, COUUTRY PRODUCE A SPECIALTY. Hljliest Prices Paid tor Chickens, Eg-ga, Batter, Etc. Store on the South Side Public Square. K. .1. BROOKS, Dry Goods, Groceries a™ WHISKEY, North Side Public Square, Americus, Ga. M. H. FORD &CG., gyinsjuiiimius. LAMAR STREET. F. H. BUGHANAN& SON, GROCERS And Dealers in FARM SUPPLIES, COTTON AVENUE. JESSE AYCOCK, Dealer in DRY GOODS, GROCERIES, Country Produce, Crock- 1 Americus, try and Glassivare, j Ga. TO MY OLD FRIENDS AND CUS TOMERS ! Who gave me their patronage so liberally in the past, I would say you will now find me at the SHOE and HAT STORE of R. R. Stewart, where I will take pleasure in showing and pricing our Goods. vVe have one of the largest and most varifed stocks ever brought to this market, and will be constantly renewing. Political economy lias long since estab lished the principle that man succeeds best by confining his attention to one line of bus iness. This is certainly true in trade, since he has more time to acquaint himself witii the best factories, study thoroughly the quality of the material, and thereby look to the true interest of his customers, without having to rely upon the recommendations of mere jobbers. Come and try us, aud your experiment will make you very, very happy. Respectfully, septl4-tf P. F. BROWN. CLOSING OUT SALE. SPECIAL BARGAINS AT JOHN R, SHAW’S. MY STOCK of SPRING and SUMMER DRY GOODS, NOTIONS, FANCY GOODS, PARASOLS, LADIES HATS, PERFUMERY’, TOILET SOAPS, TRUNY^^ ~( clothingY| Gents’ Furnishing Goods, BOOTS “-SHOES, ~ STRAW HATS.&C. Is unusually LARGE for the SEASON, and rather than carry these goods over, lam Determined to Close Them Out. I want room, (as well as money,) for the large stock of FALL and WINTER GOODS that I intend soon to PURCHASE in PERSON in the North- ern and Eastern Markets. The BOTTOM is now OUT. I can do better for you to-day than I can to-morrow. Many a man has got poorer by waiting for to-morrow which never conies. John It. §haw, THE BOSS 3Dry Goods MERCHANT; Forsyth SL, - - - A mericus, Ga.