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£avatmal* Weekly tom* WATURPAY.^PKCBWBER 7l sfsT~~ 18767 THE Savannah Weekly News! This favorite Weekly Taper enters on its Twenty-Sixth Year! on the first of January next, and we de sire again to present its claims as a good newspaper to the people of Oeoboia, Florida and South Carolina, and, also, to all who are interested in these State-, wherever they may reside. THE WEEKLY NEWS is universally acknowledged to be the best weekly newspaper published in the South, and is a complete compendium of the news of the week from all parts of the world, carefully compiled from our daily editions. It is a welcome visitor to the family fireside, as well as to the farmer, the merchant or mechanic, as nothing is permitted in its columns that will offend the most fastidious. No effort will be spared to add to its already well earned reputation and to make it deserve the continued support of its subscribers. Let the friends of the WEEKLY NEWS present its claims to their neighbors, who are not subscribers, and get them to take it, and thus aid us in the good work of keeping up the “people’s paper.” The WEEKLY NEWS will be sent (froo of postage) to any address : One year $2 00 Six months 1 00 Three months 0 50 One month 0 25 Remittances can be made by Tost Office Money Order, Registered Letter, or Express, at our risk. No attention is paid to orders unless accompanied by the money. All letters should be addressed J. H. EETILL, Savannah, Ga. Secretary Bristow’s Fiscal Policy. The New York Bulletin publishes ad yicos from Washington to the effect that Hecretary Bristow will repeat his recom mendation of last year, for the reimposi tion of the duties of three cents per pound on coffee and fifteen cents per pound on tea. He finds the internal revenue receipts for the first five months of the fiscal year about $.1,500,000 ahead of those of last year, and the custom duties about $2,- 500,000 less than then, showing a net in crease of about $2,500,000 a year in tho income of the government. He expects an excess of $24,000,000 of ordinary re ceipts over ordinary expenditures, aud estimates that the surplus will fall $7,000,000 short of the require ments of the sinking fund, which, from this reckoning, would appear to be about $111,000,000. In order to provide for the deficiency of $7,000,000 thus arising on the sinking fund account, the Booretary will reiterate his rejected recommendations of last year to reim pose the duties referred to. As the House of Representatives is committed againjjt_ anjL polity ihut Vonhl increase -'taxation, it is ndt considered likely that tho Secretary will hove any success in this fresh set to against that glorious institution, the “freo breakfast table.” The truo policy to be observed would Been) to be a rectification of govern ment balances by a reduction of govern ment expenditures. The merciless re action in business from which the coun try has long been suffering will scarcely admit of further exactions from the government. Oua Relations to Spain. —The Wash ington correspondent of the Baltimore Bun says: “The publication first made in this correspondence touching our re lations to Spain and Cuba, have been Biuoe followed by publications elsewhere on the same subject of a more or less aeusational character. What was said in this correspondence on the situation at the time, may now be reaffirmed. Thou, as now, the danger of any serious rup “Hire with Spain has not been anticipated by the President. Tho President may or may not have ambitious motives urg. iug him to precipitate a foreign conflict, as is charged, but his sagacity is too strong to permit him to rush into any thing of the kind without a distinct con sciousness that the great popular heart beats behind him. The President cannot be unmindful of what is very evident here, that the response from the country has been in favor of peace. The senti mont of the people seems to be very de cided that there is no present cause which would justify the United States embark ing in a war with Spain. The country may therefore be assured that the action of the President aud the tone of his mes sage will be such as to command its ap proval. The President may also con clude to give some attention to the cou cideration of our relations with Mexico.” Important Improvement in Iron Man- TATeRE. —The mauy improvements in iron manufacture in this country during the past few years have, as has been re peatedly shown, placed our products in new and important markets. The latest novelty is the manufacture of sheet iron of a quality said to be fully equal to that of Russian production. This important result has been attained by a Pittsburg firm, after many years experimenting. In fineness and ability to stand both the weather and the tests to which it is sub jected in working,* it is said to be une qualled. The manufacturers guarantee to plaoe the sheet in market much below the price now paid for the Russian product, and not only that, but in sufficient quan tity to permit its being offered at a price low enough to rival Euglish sheet Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad. —Mr. John O. Stegar, counsel for Mr. Henry Tyson, Receiver of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad, has made an investigation into the affairs of the company, cost of road, liabilities and assets, and the infor mation has been published in pamphlet form by Mr. Tyson, for the benefit of the bondholders. The debt of the company is enormous—about $38,33t>,- 034 83, Mr. Stegar thinks—while its es timated assets are $28,750,192 13. The road wi.U hardly bring $10,000,000 at publie auction. In view of the recent and well-known efforts of Dr. J. G. Thomas, of this city, to bring to the attention of Georgians the important subject of sanitary science, the article printed elaewheree, from Frank Lttiie' Illustrated lYetrspaper, is timely, as well as interesting, and we commend it to the thoughtful attention of the readers of the Morning Kerb. The Postmaster General's Report. Postmaster General Jewell, his an nual report to Congress, will make but few recommendations to Congress. He will refer to the operations of the depart ment during the year in torms of satis, faction, will recite the changes and im provements in the manner of making contracts and the transportation of the mails, most of which hsve been reported from time to time, and will call attention to the very creditable financial exhibit. He will treat at some length of the fast mail service throughout the country, which he approves in the most earnest manner. A portion of his report will also be devoted to the new system of prepay ing newspaper postage and its operations. No change in method will be reoom mended. The Postmaster General looks with regret upon the practice of Post masters who receive large salaries, rang ing from fifteen hundred to four thous and dollars, who devote only s few hours each day to their duties. He strongly condemns such officers as come to their offices late in the afternoon, hastily turning over their mail, signing snch documents as require their official signa tures, then leaving their duties to sub ordinates and giving their time to their private pursuits. Mr. Jewell is cf the opinion that officers paid by the govern ment should give their whole time to the government, and that those who cannot do this ought to retire. In this respect he will, without probably intending it, hit sundry administration editorial post masters some severe blows. In regard to what is known as the “third-class matter,” upon which the rate was so un reasonably increased during the last session of Congress, the Postmaster General will make some important re commendations. The present postage on all printed matter and packages is a cent an ounce, or fraction of an ounce, on all transient matter, so that it not onfre quently happens that a transient news paper will require four cents postage, or as much as the original cost of the paper. Mr. Jewell will recommend a return to the old rates, namely: half a cent an ounce on newspapers, but will ask that the law remain as it is in regard to other articles, except, perhaps, books, and upon this he has not yet decided. Report or the Chief Signal Officer. The Chief Signal Officer of the Army in his annual report says: .“The display of cautionary day and night signals on the lakes and at the great ports of the United States, has been made systemati cally on occasions of supposed especial danger at forty-three different sta tions. Of the total number of caution ary signals thus displayed, 70 percent, have been afterward reported as justi - fied. In the cases reported as fail ures of justification following the display, the winds did not attain, at the place of display, a violence held to jus tify it, while in isolated instances the signals have not been displayed when they ought to have been. The records show that no great storm has swept over any considerable number of the ports of the United States without pre-announce ment. In instances of disasters to ves sels occurring during the year the facts have proven that the watch kept by the service and the prompt transmission in times of danger of a few messages have saved property amounting to more than the cost of the lines. The scanty force of the signal service will not permit it to occupy lines greater in extent than those contemplated in existing legisla tion.” The report earnestly recommends leg islation for a more complete organization of the signal service as necessary now, *botn for the interests of the United States and as simple justice to the offi cers and men who have served so long and faithfully upon it, with duties now as extensive, as important, and reaching directly more interests of the people of the United States than those of any other bureau of the War Department. It ex ists without laws providing for the per manent employment and grades of its officers, or the promotion of its enlisted mem This condition is found to seri ously embarrass the work of the office. The service depends for its success upon a rapidity of action which may save min utes of time. It cannot be too safely guarded against possible hamperiugs. The Liberian War. A Washington dispatch says that offi cial information has been received show ing that in consequence of the war of the Liberians with the natives much distress has been produced among the Liberians, some of whom in the interior set tlements are almost in a state of starva tion. It further appears that several of the native students at the Theological College at Cape Palmas are in sympathy with their fellow natives, and give them encouragement in their attacks on the Liberians, and that a number of English men are trading with the natives, sup plying them with firearms, ammunition, and other means of war. In view of these facts Dr. Peter Parker, and Drs. Nichols and Lindsay, and Mr. Coppinger, Secretary of the American Coloniza tion Society, called on President Grant to represent all the facts in the oase and to ask that a ship of war be sent to the African coast in the neigh borhood of the settlements with a view of giving encouragement and support to the Liberians, and to chastise such na tives as may be within reach of its guns, l’he President, sympathizing with the Liberians, informed the committee that several weeks ago a vessel had been or dered thither for the purpose of affording protection to the Libe rians in the manner indicated. The Secretary of the Navy subsequently informed the above-named represen tatives of the Colonization Society that instructions to the commander of the ship-of-war had already been prepared, and would soon be forwarded to him. The Secretary of State will doubtless communicate with Minister Schenck, in order that proper representations may be made to the British Government, with a view to the removal of the Englishmen who are supplying the natives with means of war as a private speculation. It is claimed by those who have exam ined the subject that the treaty between the l nited States and Great Britain for the suppression of the African slave trade give ample authority for govern mental interference for the protection of the Liberians. Electric Hail way Signals. —About one hundred and fifty trains a day enter or leave the Grand Central depot, New York, their movements being regu lated by an electric apparatus elevated above the tracks, and which is connected with self-acting signals a mile distant to give warning of an approaching train. These signals indicate danger after a train passes one, until the train has reached another signal. At the draw bridge at Harlem the watchman cannot open the bridge until danger signals are set on both sides, and when the bridge shuts, a bell rings until safety signals are set. The machinery employed is very simple, and not likely to get ont of order. Three years ago it cost SSOO per month to operate the electric system of signals. Now it costs only S2O a month, snd six fuen to do the work of sixteen. A New Discovery. It is stated that Mr. T. A. Edison, the electrician of the Southern and Pacific Telegraph Compa ny, while experimenting with light as a force, has made a discovery which prom ise* to revolutionize telegraphy. Mr. Edison claims that his experiments hsve resulted in the discovery of anew force of a nature similar to electricity and possessing an efficiency without being subject to many of the influences which affect the latter. A remarkable feature in the newly discovered force is that the earth has no effect upon it as a conductor whatever. Wires operated by this new agent, can work perfectly, lying on the ground, or in any other position, so long as they are unbroken. Glass, however, is a conductor. Mr. Edison intends to pursue his in vestigations, with a view of applying the new force to telegraphic uses. It will have innumerous advantages over the present method. The current will not be interrupted by anything short of a complete breakage of the wires, instead of being influenced by every variation of atmosphere or change in position, as at present. Wires can be laid along rail road tracks, under the rails, and a large proportion of the heavy cost of con structing lines as now used will thus be averted. The Speakership. The Washington correspondent of the Baltimore Sun says that the number of candidates from the South for all the im portant positions, after the Speakership, is very large, and in the event of the Southern members going into the general caucns without some agreement among themselves as to their officers, a very pro tracted struggle would ensue, and the re sult might be that the South would get much less than what in her opinion she is justly entitled to. Recognizing the force of this, the Southern members will hold some time next week, in advance of the general caucus, a caucus of their own. At this meeting the effort will be to reconcile the conflicting claims of the various candidates for Clerk, Sergeant-at-Arms, Doorkeeper, <fcc. As the South has no candidate for Speaker, it will of course be perfectly feasible for that section to obtain any other position it desires by presenting a united front. Whether it will be possible to do this can only be ascertained at their caucus. A Strange Story of Outrage. —A strange story of outrage has been made public in New York respecting the alleged seizure in broad daylight, the arrest ind incarceration in the Tombs, and transfer to Sing Sing of a young man named Schwarz, whose case was recently brought before the Assembly Committee on Crime. Schwarz describes his companions in the oell in the Tombs, and investigation con firms his statement as to the fact of such a person having been in such a cell at the time mentioned. He attributes the alleged outrage to the fact of his being an important witness in a case in which the damages were laid at SI,OOO. The case was one of assault on a woman, in which two Bohemians were charged with the offense. Schwarz states that at the time of his seizure several persons saw him, but that no notice was taken of his outcries because he could not speak Eng lish. A reward is now effered for any witness of the seizure who will come forward and testify. The Chicago Tribune thinks that the National Government has about as much to do with the public school system as it has with the sewerage of Chicago, or the spiritual condition of the Hottentots. The reason, then, for the existence at Washington of a Bureau of Education, with varied salaried officials and a mania for publishing pamphlets, is not appa rent. It is the easiest thing in the world to get Congress to establish a bureau for something or other, but, like most easy things, it is a bad thing to do. The sta tistics, however, compiled by the bureau, are interesting and useful, though, of course, they are generally gathered from State agents. THE VACANT TREASURY. Ilow ilie Money Hugs ot Georgia are Taking Care of Themselves. [Atlanta Herald of Sunday.] There were no new movements in Treasury circles on yesterday. The Governor did a piece of routine work in sending an order to the Treas urer, notifying him that his office was vacated by operation of the law, and that in ten days he might turn over his books and papers to his successor. The follow ing is the official order: Atlanta, Ga., November 26, 1875. John Jones, Esq., Atlanta, Ga.: Whereas, On the 15th instant an exe cutive order was issued, requiring you to give new bond and surety, as Treasurer of said State, in terms of the law in such casts made aud provided, a copy of which was, upon the second day, served upon you personally; and Whereas, You have failed to comply with such requisition within the ten days allowed by law therefor. You are hereby notified that by opera tion of law you are removed from said office of State Treasurer, and a vacancy declared. You will please, within the next ten days, state your accounts, and deliver the books, papers and money of the Trea sury to your successor, , as re quired by section 94 of the last Revised Code of Georgia. Given under my hand and the seal of the Executive Department at the Capitol in Atlanta the day and year first above written. By the Governor : James M. Smith, Governor. J. W. Warren, Sec’y Ex. Dep’t. From all the information we could gather it is quite probable that Dr. C. L. Redwine will be appointed to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term. Should this be true, Dr. Redwine will be an ex cellent choice, and the mantle could hardly fall on more capable shoulders. WHAT TREASURES JONES WILL DO. The natural course of events, now that Treasurer Jones is out of office, would be for the Governor to proceed against him and his securities in the courts in case he finds him indebted to the State or be hind in his accounts. Of course there can be no impeachment by the Legis lature. When an officer is removed the Legislature has no jurisdic tion. Colonel Jones can, if he so desires, demand an investigation at the hands of the Legislature, and promptly settle the issues that now beset him. This course we earnestly hope he will see proper to take. Without speaking by authority, we are inclined to believe that he will demand a hearing before the Legislature. He persistently demanded an impeachment during the last session, and it was denied him. His only object as far as we have seen has been to get at full and fair hearing. This he will be apt to demand next January. WHO WILL BE HIS SUCCESSOR ? It is impossible to even guess at his successor, indeed there is an air of vague uncertainty pervading the Executive de partment that justifies the opinion that the Governor himself has not ar rived at any determination. Dr. Boze man has announced definitely and posi tively that he would not accept the office from either the Governor or the Legisla ture. “I will not have,’’says he, “any office that requires a bond of $20,000, and only allows $2,000 salary.” No written ap plication has been made as yet for the place, though it is said that Mr. Kenfroe, of the Comptroller’s Department, is a candidate for it. Dr. Redwine did not come to Atlanta on any business con nected with the Governor about the office. It will be difficult for the Governor to find a man who will make a twenty thou sand dollar bond for a mere month’s tenure of office. The appointment must be made, however, within the next seven days, and the right man will doubtless be selected THE LAND OF FLOWERS-No. 5. Orange Count r—.Mellonville and Sal ford—Fort Held and Vicinity—“Weno. na,” the Home of Capt. G. W. Wylly— “Onoro,” the Winter Boarding Hotel of Dr. W. A. Spence. [Special Correspondence of the Morning News.) *‘Osoao,” November 23,1875. Owing to the fact that the steamer on which I took passage from Palatka left there at midnight, I was unable to take notes in regard to several important places on the river that were passed before day. light, which compels me to defer a report of my observations during the voyage, and an account of what I saw at Enterprise, on the other side of the lake, for a subsequent letter. In the present epistle I shall briefly notice this immediate section of Orange county, where many valuable and important improvements have already been made and others are now in an unfinished condition, but will be completed during the present season. ORANGE COUNTY IMPROVEMENTS. It is claimed that this is the “banner county” for settlers, and that the improve ments being made here surpass those of &Dy other similar section of the State. It is no doubt true that the great tides of immi gration pour into Orange county, and it is equally true that a large amount of money is being expended here in making perma nent and valuable improvements. This is due to several causes, prominent among which is persistent advertising, in various ways, of the most desira ble features and chief attractions of the county as a place of residence. This system of advertising has even invaded the “Presentments of the Grand Jury” of the county, who in their last “deliverance” have this to say for the benefit of their orange groves: “We note with much satisfaction the continuance of the great demand for our orange crop, which is sought with avidity even before the fruit is ripe. We also notice with pleasure that most of the young groves in the county are in a thriving condition.” On the immigration question they also speak in very decided terms, as follows: “We claim, without fear of successful con tradiction, that no new county has ever re ceived a more industrious and refined class of settlers within its border* than has this our own county. We are also glad to gay that as usual our population enjoys the great blessing of good health.” The immi grant can scarcely move without seeing or bearing something about this portion of Florida. Men of wealth and influence have become largely interested in lands here, and all their energies are concentrated upon one object—the speedy and permanent set tlement of all this territory, including State and government lands. When the latter are ail taken up, as they will soon be at the present rate of entry, private lands will come into demand, and with better prices than could now be obtained. I have met quite a number of meu from Georgia, who have considerable property at home, who are entering free homesteads on government lands in this county. Some of them have selected places twenty-five or thirty miles from Mellonville, the* nearest steamboat lauding, in what is called the “interior.” They are near A. St. Clair- Abrams, whose homestead is said to be delightfully located in the vicinity of a number of very pretty little inland lakes. In fact, so great are the improvements through that portion of the county, and so rapidly is it settling up, that the people already talk about big hotels for visitors and a railroad from Sanford to the Gulf coast. Orlando, the countv town, is about twenty miles inland from Mellonville, and is said to be a growing place. As I have already re ferred your readers to the “The Homc'stead Agency,” Jacksonville, for all desired infor mation, it is not necessary to go into details of the county in this brief letter. SANFORD AND MELLONVILLE. The first landing after entering Lake Monroe, on the east bank, is the new and enterprising town of Sanford, named after General H. S. Sanford, who has made, and is still making, large investments here. The buildings are neatly painted and rather at tractive in appearance, and indicate that the future ol the place will be a bright one. The land there is said to be lower than that on which Mellonville is located, and was formerly owned by General Barney Finnegan, of Savannah, who now has a valuable place some three or four miles hack of the town. The Post Office at Mellonville, for some strange rea son, has been removed to Sanford, instead of having,a new one established there, thus leaving the former place without local mail facilities. These rival towns are, however; only about a mile apart, so that this incon venience is not as great as it might other wise have been. Through the efforts of Mrs. General Sanford a very handsome little church edifice has been erected for the Episcopalians, and the Rev. L. Phelps is the present excellent rector, making his home at “Onoro.” A large first-claas hotel is now being eroded at Sanford, just at the landing, in front of which handsome grounds are to be laid out. A portion of this building is nearly ready for occupancy, and will probably be opened for guests before Christmas. This fine hotel will add much to the attractive ness of the place as a winter resort for tourists and invalids, and contribute no little to the growth aud importance of the town in connection with the interior trade. It will also have some considerable in fluence in settling the question as to whether the proposed new railroad shall have its lake terminus at Sanford or Mellonville. The South Florida Journal , edited by Mr. Fred. L. Robertson, is published at this place, and is a neatly printed and lively pa per, thoroughly devoted to the development of Orange county, and well edited in its local city department. I have not been able to call on the editor, but his paper in dicates that he has a good office, and knows how to run it in the interest of his patrons. It is rumored that a bank will soon be estab lished at this point, the building being al ready erected for its use. If money, energy and persistent *• blowing of one’s own horn” can accomplish anything for this live aud growing place, Sanford will yet become an important inland city. Mellonville is a much older and more widely-known town than Sanford, and is the highest point on the right sido of the riVer to which the large boats run. From this place thoy cross over to Enterprise, about six miles distant, on the west side of Lake Monroe, and remain until morning, return ing to Melonville at daylight, on their way back to Palatka. The “Volusia” and “Lollie Boy,” however, go on up Lake Jesup to Salt Lake. For years past Mel louvilJe has been the point from which freight and passengers have been carried into the interior, and but little of that business has yet been transferred to Sanford. With one or two exceptions, the stores and residences are not very attractive in appearance, there being an absence of neatness, refinement and thrift which should characterize a place that has such an ex tended and favorable reputation abroad. One of the greatest wants of this town is a well-furnished and well-kept hotel, where travelers who pay two dollars and fifty cents per day for board can get at least second class accommodations. The Mellonville Advertiser, although a very small paper, deserves to be liberally supported. Sir Isaac Newton is earnestly devoting the riper years of his life to its success, aud with a suitable partner to furnish a few hundred dollars to aid in its enlargement, he would give the people of this section a stirring Democratic journal worthy of the cause, and one that would aid largely in develop ing the resources of Orange county. The old fogies of Mellonville must wake up and make these needed improvements, or the past glory of their town will fade away, and the rival town of Sanford far outstrip it in wealth, culture and business enterprise. FORT REID AND VICINITY. Back some two miles from Mellonville and Sanford, where the lands are higher and the soil hotter adapted to orange cul ture, are numerous thrifty groves. A mile and a half from the landing, on the main road, is what is known as Ginn’s large orange grove, and opposite and just beyond are to be seen smaller but equally as prolific groves. Not far from this grove,on the opposite side of the road, Mr. M. J. Doyle, formerly of Savannah, lias nearly completed an imposing two-story mansion for his own occupancy, the result of his successful career as a mer chant at the landing. He is a pleasant gen tleman, a good business manager, and is the local agent of the boats and the South ern Express Company. His store is a model of good order, aud "his new home will be one of the most elegant in this vicinity. Passing on to Fort Reid, about a mile dis tant, several neat and attractive residences are to be seen, and a few bearing orange groves. Lemon, lime, banana and pineap ple trees are also visible, but not in large numbers. Near the Methodist Church edi fice, which is a newly erected and handsome structure, is the recently purchased home of Judge Hayden, of Atlanta, who, with Mr. Markham’s son, is making large investments in orange groves in this neighborhood, the latter having paid nineteen thousand dollars for a single grove. Not far distant, on th 9 other side of the road, is the “Orange House,” a commodious boarding hotel for winter visitors, with a livery stable at tached. This latter is a very desirable es tablishment if people want to move about, as walking is much harder than riding in this new country, and a person don’t want much of either, except in small doses, and then only from necessity. The roads are very sandy and heavy, with only an occa sional place where your horse can get out of a walk, and being used mostly by loaded teams hauling freight into fthe" interior of the country, are not well adapted to pleas ure riding, especially for invalids. Fort Reid is somewhat scattered, the business part of the town having tour or five stores, a large boarding house and several dwellings, all rather widely sepa rated from each other. The location of the town is good, being in a pine forest, or rolling land, and only some two or tbrea miles from two important steamboat land ings—Mellonville and Sanford. There are at this place Methodist and Presbyterian Church edifices, both having bells, but as the people are averse to capital punish ment, they are still unhung—the peo ple and the bells. A movement is also on foot to erect bouses of worship for the Baptists and Episcopalians. As the residents are generally meu of means, they can weli afford to have all the leading denominations represented in the church privileges of the place. There can be no aoubt as to the future growth ot this little village, or that it will be surrounded by families of wealth and refinement. The lands lying in this section are mostly in the possession of gentlemen who have no desire to sell them to other than actual settle rs of ample means to put up handsome residences and make valuable imerovements on their places. In less than three years every such lot will be sold and improved in the most attractive manner. “WENONA,” G. W. WYLLY’S PLACE. From near the “Orange House” I could see, gome half mile beyond, a very hand some budding with an imposing cnpalo, which I took to be a public edifice of some important character. On inquiry, however, I learned that it was “Wenona,” the beauti ful winter residence of Capt. G. W. Wylly, of Savanuab. In gome cases “distance lends enchantment to the view,” but the nearer yon get to “Wenona," with i:s orange, lem on, pineapple and guava trees, the better you like the * scene, especially if its liberal - hearted proprietor is at home to ask you, as he most certainly will, to “come in and eat a little fruit” with him. The number of bearing orange trees in this grove is not larye, but surrounding them are over a thousand new trees, many of which will commence bearing next year. These trees are set out in most admirable order, in rows twenty-one feet apart, the same distance being maintained between the trees in the rows. The broad avenues between the rows are sown in hay seed, and a fine crop of hay is the result. In the spring the turf is turned under, and forms a good fertilizer. Tue trees have loose soil abont them for several feet, which is readily kept in a proper condi tion by running a small cultivator up and down each side of a row. This seems to me a very economical and successful method of cultivating a young orange grove, and one that a practical, energetic mau like Mr. Wylly can make quite profitable. The well filled hay loft of his stable is sufficient evi dence of this fact. Everywhere about this place can be seen evidences of the owner’s taste and untirfDg energy. The elegant residence, with its neat little cottage near by, for the super intendent of the grove, is as attractive and convenient as one could possibly desire, and on supplied table sparkles as pure and excellent water—a great luxury here— as any I ever tasted. In the garden, which is laid out and prepared with the greatest care, I found almost every variety of vege tables, many of which will be ready within less than a month for table use. Just think of it- tomatoes, Irish potatoes and other choice vegetables for a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, with a fine . ariety of or anges, lemons, pineapples, bananas, figs and other fruit for dessert. It fairly makes the mouth of an epicure wffter, especially when such a dinner can be set in the open air, uuder the shade trees. At Wenona are soma of the largest castor bean trees that I have seen in Florida, sev eral of them being about twenty feet high. Castor oil is made from the frnit of these trees, and I presume their cultivation could be made profitable. Near these trees X saw a thrifty Aroleado, or West India pear tree, which came from the hot house of Mr. Wm. Hone, of Savannah, and which is now grow ing finely in the open air. It is already about ten feet high, and its recent growth seems to have been nearly twenty inenes. I also noticed a prolific Scuppernong grape vine, a cutting from D. McDonald’s well know i vine in Savannah. It is true that Captain Wylly has the means with which to improve wild lands and make them as at tractive and fruitful as the beautiful garden grounds and orange grove of “Wenona; 1 * but it has required something more than ready moi o to accomplish what ho has done uier. Untiring energy and practical good sens nave formed the groundwork of his success. Without these he could have fooled away twenty thousand dollars and then had but little to show for it. Rich er men than ho have done even worse than that, and for this reason I desire to give “Wenona” some thing more than a brief notice. Originally a pine thicket, the land was cleared in a most thorough manner at an expense of fifty dollars an acre. Neat fences were then put up, a garden ditched and drained, and a young orange grove of fifteen hundred trees planted. The house is a story aud a half cottage, ol peculiarly at tractive architectural beauty, with five rooms below and three above, and surmounted by a verv pleasant obser vatory, from which a good view of tho sur rounding country is obtained. The build ing Is painted white, with brown bordering, aud has green blinds on all the windows. The grounds in front are laid out with much taste, and the walks are made of small shells from the lake shore. There is nothing prettier, in the way. of an attractive {home in Florida, than such a cozy dwelling hid away under the -foliage of the evergreen orange tree, with its ripe and delicious fruit dotting the dark leaves like stars in a clear blue sky. For such homes thousands vainly sigh, as wealth cannot always purchase them, and the energy and ability to make them are too frequently wanting. Capt, WyfSy not only has a small building for the use of his commercial fertilizers— mostly fish guano—but he prepares large quantities of home-made manures for his garden, grove and grounds. The floor of his stable is constantly supplied with ma terial that can be made profitable for fertilizing purposes, and be also hauls quantities of manure from Lake Jesup, on the shore of which are large numbers of cattle. In this way, but not without con siderable trouble, he feeds and enriches his land and compels it to be fruitful. In his handsome carriage house 1 saw the “Ann,” a folding boat, laid aside ready for use at auy favorable opportunity. Putting this boat into a wagon, with a party of friends, Captain W. can drive over to Lake Jesup, some five miles away, and eDjoy the best of sport, returning home loaded down with fish aud game enough to supply his table for a week. This is the way a man of means, with qo-dhead principles and a love of hard work, can make himself a most de sirable and valuable, aj well as pleasant and healthy winter home in the “Land of Flowers.” Few such places can be purchased, as the cost of them cannot bo computed in dollars" and cents, except when a sale is made imperative. There aro delightful residences and thrifty orange groves to be bad here, but the prices asked are beyond the reaoh of men of moder ate means, ranging from five to fifty thousand dollars, according to location, improvements and quantity of land in the purchase. It is much cheaper for men like Capt. Wylly and Dr. W. A. Spence, who have the energy aud ability to make valua ble improvements under their own super vision, to buy anew or slightly improved place and finish it to suit their own ideas. Thousands of dollars can be saved in this way, and a much more desirable home se cured. There are several valuable lots between Wenona and Onoro, Dr. Spence’s beautiful lakeside retreat, that are for sale to men of means, on which delightful residences and fruitful groves could be established. Persons who wish information in regard to this most desirable neighborhood, where several Savannah families already have permanent homes, can secure it by ad dressing Captain G. W. Wylly, Fort Reid Post Office, Mellonville, Fla. It will cost fifty dollars an acre to clear even the open land, and only first-class improvements would be in keeping with the homes iu the vicinity, so that less than ten thousand dollars would be a small sum to invest here. Cheaper locations and plainer homes can be found, however, in less desirable portions of this section of Orange county, from three to five miles dis tant. There is also much low, cheap land between Fort Reid and Mellonville, but it is too wet for orange culture. Some of this land, on which several hundred dollars had been expended, is now abandoned, and the fences are falling into rapid decay. The purchaser was led to believe that he could plant an orafage grove there, but “the floods came" and he werit, a poorer and a wiser man. “ONORO,” DR. W. A. SPENCE’S PLACE. After dinner Captain Wvlly took me in his carriage over to “Onoro,” the charming, health-restoring retreat of Dr. Spence, formerly a prominent physician of the “For est City.” The location of this place is its chief charm, although Dr. and Mrs. Spence make their guests very comfortable indeed. The mansion fronts Crystal Lake, a beauti ful little sheet of water, oblong in shape, and with gently sloping banks. Pret tily laid off " walks extend from the shore to the house, and lady guests find great enjoyment in sailing over the placid waters after the sun goes down in tne west. Just to the right, but a few yards off, is Silver Lake, on the shore of which Mr. Scott, of Frankfort, Ky., has an attractive winter home. To the left, some what farther off, is Golden Lake, near which the Hon. Henry W. Hilliard, of Atlanta, has recently purchased a very pretty residence. On the opposite side of Crystal Lake, and running to the shore of Silver Lake, is W. P. Alexander’s place, which he is improving, and which in time will become one of the most valuable and desirable in Orange county. This gentleman is of the firm of Alexander & Russell, of Savannah. Moses Lyman, Esq., the original proprietor of the lands in this section, has a fine mansion just to the left of Dr. Spence’s, and their grounds run into eacn other, thus forming a very attract ive water front the entire length of the lake. One finds at “Onoro” every variety of semi tropi.-al fruit, with the clearest and most in vigorating atmosphere and the highest grades of refined and cultivated so ciety. As the residences in the imme diate) vicinity are the homes of wealth and culture, there is Dever a lack of sooial pleasures. To visit this place you would hardly suppose it was anything more than the elegant home of a wealthy gentleman, so free is it from everything that is peculiar to a hotel or boarding house. Yet hundreds of invalids and tourists spend the winter months here, and always leave with feelings that are only experienced when we turn our backs upon a place that has really seemed like a home to us. I have seldom enjoyed a more pleasant visit than the one made to “Onoro.” Dr. Spence has a very fine banana grove, and his young orange trees are in a thrifty oondition. his untiring energy and practical good sense, aided by his most ex cellent and accomplished lady, he cannot fail in hjs purpose to make “Onoro,” or, as this Indian name signifies, “Beautiful Lake,” a profitable investment for himself, as well as one of the places in the “Land of Flowers” that will ever be remembered for its rare beauty of scenery, its pare and healthy atmosphere, and’ its charming social influences. I might add just here, as a very strong confirmation of my news, that the venerable Admiral Ooldsborougb, now a winter guest at “Onoro,” has already much improved in health, although he has been here but a week. While board at a third-rate hotel in Melionville is twelve dollars a week, Dr. Spence gives his guests every luxury of a really first-class house for only’fifteen' dollars per week. He cannot, therefore, be accused of making money by over-charging his guests. From this charming retreat I very reluctantly eo back to Palatka, and thence up the Ocklawaha river to the celebrated Silver Springs. My next letter will be about Palatka and the Upper St. John’s river, and but for circum stances over which I had no control, it would have preceded the present epistle. Sidney Herbert. THE OKEFEXOKEE—WITHIN AND WITHOUT. Sketches of Incident and Adreutures BY M. B. GRANT (PACT, TRANSIT), CIVIL EN GINEER. PART V. On the day following our first explora tion into the Swamp we commenced our surveys, starting from the Indian mound and following as nearly as practicable the sinuosities of the Swamp. We ran both a compass and a level line, and as the pine woods on the outside were generally open, we found no difficulty in averaging three or four miles a day, which average we succeeded in keeping up while run ning the line entirely around the Swamp. Some days when the woods were particu larly open and free from underbrush we exceeded our average by, sometifnSs, two miles; again, when obstacles were en countered, we fell short. The entire dis tance around the Swamp by our line, as actually tud, was 142 miles and a frac tion. The actual distance traversed by our line exceeds, of course, the apparent circumference; but this excess of line in distance is easily accounted for by the fact that, in order to get an accurate outline of the Swamp, we were obliged to follow its ever-varying profile, and the tangents made were constantly changing to every point of the compass. But by being thus particular in adhering to the Swamp we were able to make a thoroughly accu rate map, complete in all its details. The lines, which at different points we run into the Swamp, as also oUr traverse lines up different streams, were all con nected with our main line, and the whole accurately tested. We also connected with our survey the district and Jot lines where accessible, thus correctly locating them upon our map and with reference to the swamp. At the conclusion of our second day’s survey it became necessary to move camp, so as to be in convenient reach of the party, and this moving of camp every two or three days became a necessity whenever engaged in running the line around the Swamp. In order to facilitate our operations, Gol. Matchoveaall thought it desirable, if possible, to employ a guide, if such a man could be found who was at least par tially acquainted with the Swamp, but up to this time we had not succeeded in find ing one, and had about abandoned the idea, when an old chap made his appear ance at camp, a Mr. Shelton, who, with a flourish of trumpets, announced that he was the very man we wanted, as he had been through the Swamp with Gen eral Floyd and knew every foot of it. “Well, Mr. Shelton,” said the Colonel, “I am glad to see you, as we have been anxious to procure the services of a guide, and, from what you say, I suppose you will suit us, if we can agree as to terms.” “Well, I reckon we kin trade, for I haint hard to please; but, I say, stranger, hain’t you got a drink ? “We do not keep any liquor in camp, except a bottle or two of brandy for medical purposes, but we will give you a drink. ” Whereupon the bottle was produced, and Mr. Shelton helped himself to full three fingers deep. “Well, stranger, 1 reckon I’ll go with you in the Swamp ef you’ll give me a dollar a day and found, and to be sent to fill the jug whenever hit is empty.” ‘‘But, Mr. Shelton, I have told you that we did not keep liquor in camp, and con sequently there will be no occasion to send for it.” “Well, Strangers, give me another drink before we trade.” “Why, really, sir, your request is un reasonable.” “Well, hit’s yourn. You kin do as you please with it—but do gimme me a drink.” “I do not think, Mr. Shelton, that you will suit us. You are too fond of liquor; besides we could not keep you supplied.” “Well, good-bye; God bless you; but do, for gracious sake, gimme a drink.” “Really, sir, you had better seek some other employment. I think we can get along without your services.” “Well, I suppose you mout, providin’ as how you haven’t got no whisky. Well, good-bye all —here’s to you. But for the Lord’s sake gimme a drink.” His request not being acceded to, he left, muttering as he went off, “Stay with them strangers with no whisky ? Not me; I wouldn’t do it for all their store clothes.” “Mass Colonel,” said Stepney, you know all de time you been a talkin’ to dat old felur, he had a bottle of whisky be hine dat pine tree? And he went off a drinkin’, and I spose by night he’ll be dead drunk; I nebber see sich a white man in my life, and I bet he nebber seen de inside ob de Swamp. We continued our surveys regularly and without interruption until we terminated them temporarily at Old Fort Tompkins, which is situated about ten miles north of Ellicott’s Mound, on the east side. Fort Tompkins was one among several fortified posts which were constructed at different points around the Swamp during the Indian war. What we saw of it was simply the clearing in the woods of about one and a half or two acres, in the centre of which were still standing the remnants of the old pickets, in a state of decay. These works were very primitive in construction, but doubtless answered every purpose, and were admirably adapted to the require ments of our forces in their campaigns against the Indians. Just before reaching Fort Tompkins we spent our Christmas. In the morning we went on a bear and deer hunt, in which we were partially successful, and enjoyed it immensely. In the evening we attended a hop at Brown’s, near the Race Ponds, which was novel and enter taining, and furnished a most agreeable conclusion to our Christmas diversions. As one of these hops is elsewhere de scribed in these sketches, we will not here detail our experiences. It being a matter of great importance that our principal explorations should be made in the winter months, before warm weather set in, and as it was near New Year the Colonel determined to move round to the “pocket” on the west side of the Swamp, and from thence make our exploration entirely through the Swamp to the east side. This “pocket,” as it is called, is the northeast extremity of a body of land lying between the Suwanee river on the west and the Swamp on the east, it runs into the Swamp about six miles, and is very narrow towards its termination. From its location and shape it was selected as the best point for making an extrance into the Swamp from the west side. We immediately struck camp, and, after a three days’ tramp around, reached our destination safe and sound. We halted at the mouth of the “Pocket,” and lo cated our camp near the house of a Mr. Hatch, who had recently settled himself in this locality. His house was situated near a cypress pond, and there was a small clearing of a few acres adjoining. We were curious to know what induce ment could have offered in this place for a settlement, and, upon inquiring, he in formed us that there were “lots of light wood knots, and water was powerful handy.” Mr. Hatch showed every disposition to aid us, and while in his neighborhood his good offices were highly appreciated. After his visit to camp, on his return home, he sent us an abundant supply of honey and a fine saddle of venison—a veritable treat to us, on which we feasted to surfeiting; and, consequently, in our heavy sleep succeeding, we were haunted by antlered deer and stinging bees. Bright and early the next morning the Colonel and Mr. Hatch, with two of the boys, started for the Swamp, leaving the rest of us to move camp to the extreme end of tfce “pocket,” there to make a com paratively permanent location of tents, mules, horses aud baggage, during our absence on the exploration, that being the farthest point inwards where we could find camping-ground, or rather where we could transport our camp equip age. About one o’clock we arrived at the appointed piace, which we found to be the site of old Fort Tatnall, in the same desolate and decaying condition as Fort Tompkins. Having pitched our tents in the open space we proceeded to look for water, which was always our first consideration on selecting anew camping ground; but, on this occasion, the fact of its having been once occupied induced us to suppose, without doubt, water must be abundant, and,therefore,without delay for a search, we had set up our tents. Judge, then, of our dismay, when we could discover none. This required consideration, and on consultation we agreed to disperse in every direction for a closer search, with the exception of Mr. Lucknow and Beau Level, who bravely undertook to dig a well, and set them selves diligently to work on the edge of the Swamp, which was new work for them. How it did amuse us to see these ordinarily self-indulgent fellows earnestly delving. However, we left them to their self-imposed task, and departed on our hunt for nature’s best gift. We all re turned from our divers routes about four o’clock, with the same disastrous result. No success: not one had. discovered water, almost as incredible as this state ment may appear. Iu the Okefenokee, and without water ! Notwithstanding, it was a fact, and to us a very distress ing fact, for, wearied with our walk, which had been dusty, over the “pocket,” our troubled search among briers and bushes for water, and our anxiety united, we were literally parching up with thirst The dread of not finding it, I suppose, increased our desire. Almost hopeless, we then turned our desponding steps tc the spot where Beau and Lucknow were still doing valarous service with the spade; but it was “love’s labor lost,” very nearly, for, from inexperience in such matters, instead of commencing to dig on the high piece of ground, they had most wisely, as they supposed, but, in reality, most unwisely, selected the very edge of the Swamp. In consequence, the result of all their labor only reached a very little muddy water, undrinkable. But, verily, “Necessity has no law,” which adage is equally applicable to their unwonted energy, and we wetted our parched thirst. Finding that in consequence of the po sition of their attempted well there was not the remotest probability of the water ever settling or becoming clear and fit to drink, I proposed digging anew the old well of the garrison, which was filled up with trash and filth of all kinds to within six feet of the surface. This proposition was hailed by acclamation, aud we hast ened to the spot, having agreed that Stepney and Adam should commence the digging, and when they were tired we would each take turns to continue it. With his usual readiness and alacrity to aid, Stepney jumped into the well and began to dig with zealous good will, and his pleasant voice, ever and anon, would send up a mirthful sally to us, who anx iously surrounded it. Ned, leaning over, inquired: “How are you getting on now, Step ney ?” “Putty well, sar, but no water yet. 1 jist a tinking, Mas Ned, now s’pose we find some gold, or jewels, or somethin’ of dat sort, hide here by de soldiers. Lord, now, wouldn’t dat be good! How quick we would cut dis country, and wid a lemoncholy chorus say ‘Farewell, Okfi noky.’” “Dig on, Stepney. Stop your specu lations until you come out. We want water, man,'not gold, just now.” “Well, if ebber time cum for true when buckra, or nigger eider, ain’t ready for find gold—hurrah ! ” “Dig away, Stepney,” impatiently in terrupted Rover, “dig away.” “Lord! boss, does you tint a man got a tousand arms, and nuttin’ else ? I’se got to tink as well as dig.” All laughed, but Rover mischievously responded: “Thousand devils, man 1 Think and be hung. We want water man, so dig.” “Spose I git kill ? How den ? Whar’s de water?” “Spos6 the devil! Dig! dig! I say.” “Aha ! heave ahead, dig away.” “Your turn now, Uncle Adam.” “Well, git out de hole, den, and gib me de spade, Xou nebber dig a hundred well in your life. I dig many a one in o Id Calliny. ” “South ?” out of mischief, asked Sang horne. “Sout be swamp ! Old Nort State — old Nort for ebber !” Peering over into the well eagerly, we saw, to our great joy, the moistening earth thrown up by spadefuls—blessed fruition of our hopes and efforts. It was becoming more and more moist—joy ! “What dis here? dear Lord !” excitedly cried Adam. “Spec dat’s our gold now, Mas Paul,” said Stepney. “Oh, dig on!” impatiently cried Level, “I never was so thirsty in my life.” “De Lord hab massy !” shrieked Adam, aud with one bound in the next instant he sprang out of the well, pushing Step ney aside, as he cried : “Git out ob de way, boy—lemme go; I gwine lebe dis place!” “What is the matter?” in surprise, asked more than one, while Rover said : “Go back, go back in the well, Adam.” “Me! nebber! Git back in dat hole, whar a man’s diggin’ for water, when he half dead for some ? Diggin’ for water and find skeleton ! De Lord hab massy ! Yes, sar ! yes, sar ! dead man’s bones ! Don’t tell me—l nebber did see such a country! I gwine tell de Colonel for quit. Yah! lod; lod, lod! to lib to cum yah! No water, and nuttin but dead men’s bones whar de water oughter be ! De Lord hab massy ! ” Sure enough, Adam was right. On looking into the well, we saw a skele ton - perhaps some poor unfortunate therein hastily buried by the soldiers up on the evacuation of the fort; perhaps someone who had fallen in. Heaven knows. It was there—a startling dis covery, and another damper to our feel ings, if not to our throats, which were so dry that now we were almost frantic for water, and bad no time for speculation on the skeleton in the well. By this time it was sunset. “Orange,” said I, “you know you are generally lucky; see if you can’t find some water.” Off he darted, and in ten minutes our ears were greeted with his welcome shout: “Water! water! Mas Transit; I fine ’em!” Enough! Now all started, scrambled, pushed, jostled and rushed over the bushes and logs ! Following the sound of his voice, we reached the spot, where we found Orange full length on the ground, his head under the huge root of a cypress, swilling to his heart’s content, which upon examination we found to bo a cool, delicious spring, beneath the out spreading roots of this grand tree, that abundantly supplied, for three weeks, all our wants for cooking, ablutions, horses, etc. I cannot pass on without presenting you with a sketch of this spring, to me the prettiest I ever saw. We named it “Orange Spring,” and when the Colonel re turned to us that night from his toilsome day’s travel with Mr. Hatch, we gave him a draught, as, like ourselves, he too had been without water all day, and then vied with each other in relating to him our well adventures. Bubbling around our heads came dancing rays and sparking rills, leaf sprays, all glittering with dewdrops, crowded our sleeping visions, for we laid our weary limbs down that night with such a blessed conviction of having water, and enough of it —how could we escape visitatons from Undines or other water-sprites ? The next day being Sunday, according to his usual custom, our honored com mandant h6ld service for us and read a sermon. After dinner he proposed our join ing him in a walk to Billy’s Island, which was gladly acceded to by all, for to do our best, most dreary and monotonous were these Sundays of months continuance, and it was quite a relief to have a walk wherein we might hope for variety, if not excitement. From the extremity of the “Pocket” to Billy’s Island the trail is open, and fair walking for foot passengers being the Corduroy road (called so from the round logs which compose it being laid side by side in the mud), constructed by General Floyd for the passage of his troops to the island, and is still in a good state of preservation, though many years have passed since it was built. It is made of cypress, which is a wood remarkable for its enduring qualities. The growth on our way was most dense, consisting of cypress, bay and gum, interspersed with occasional pines, overrun with the same impervious undergrowth of hem leaf, titi and bamboo that pervades the whole swamp, and is inaccessible except to the axeman or strength of Bruin’s paws. The gloominess of this impenetrable thicket, making light and air almost in admisaable, is indescribable. Thousands of bears inhabit this swamp. Moreover, a more formidable foe to dread in the comparatively helpless condition in which a mau must traverse this swamp— not being able to bear, without great diffi culty, the weight, in addition to an axe, and the constant effort to advance of any other weapon than a revolver—is the American cougar, a ferocious animal of the feline species, generally by the in habitants about here called simply tigers. They are known to be numerous and dan gerous. After a walk of several hours we arrived at Billy s Island—open pine land —a pleasing relief to our vision of the dark walls of close and tangled growth through which we had passed in threading our way over the old Corduroy road. This island is about five miles long and about two miles in breadth, being nar rowest at the ends; the growth on it lofty pines, exempt from underbrush, except occasional clumps of the scrub palmetto. It derived its appellation from the fact that an old Indian called Billy, inhabited it and planted a few acres of it; a friendly old fellow, whose chief support was obtained from the venison which he killed and sold to the inhabitants settled in the neighborhood of the Swamp; but he was basely murdered by some inhuman white man for the little property he possessed, or was supposed to have secreted. The corn beds formed for his planting were distinctly visible; and we found arrow heads, pieces of simple pottery and other vestiges of his abode here, and the remains of part of his picket. This island abounds in deer. We saw the graceful creatures grazing in numbers whenever we came to it, and they had either outlived the recollection of old Billy’s death-dealing musket, or were a younger generation, that had Ao ken of man, for they exhibited no symptoms of fear at our approach, and rarely ran, un less for loud noises, apparently having no consciousness of danger. It must be understood that the term island, in the Swamp, is applied to such portions of wodded and solid land as, in the general quug mire surrounding them, are elevated and habitable, being only surrounded with water when continuous rains or other causes produce au overflow over the entire Swamp. W e enjoyed a loiter ing ramble around and about old Billy’s deserted home, and by the pale light of stars thre.ided our way back to camp, with the pleasant consciousness that so far our exploration was accomplished. The ensuing morning we commenced iu earnest our preparation for the real campaign by making napsacks. We had brought cloth with us for the purpose, having bread and biscuit cooked and other necessary articles prepared for our projected mud cruise. Letter from New Bethany. New Bethany, Ga., Nov. 22, 1875. Editor Mominq Eeics: It may be of interest to some of your readers to hear something of New Bethany. It is a part of Jefferson county, and is situated on the Central Railroad, IOC miles from Savannah and SC miles from Macon. It is one of the most healthy and thriving towns on the line of railroad. Just three years ago one solitary store gave evidence of a settle ment. Now we have four, and one more in course of construction, to be com pleted in a short time. There are also building several residences. Already we have a Baptist and Catholic Church, both very neat and substantial buildings, the former erected through the energies of our highly esteemed townsman, Wm. Donovan, Esq., the latter by the indefatigable Bishop Gross. A short dis tance from the railroad station is the ex tensive saw mill of Mr. Donovan, who supplies the town with all kind of build ing material at prices to induce persons to build. Town lots are offered at rea sonable rates, and the land for farm pur poses are good. No obstacles are thrown in the way of new comers by the “pen ny-wise and pound foolish policy” of put ting land beyond the reach of small capi talists. The prosperity of this town has been somewhat retarded by the want of a rail road agent at the station, farmers not wanting to risk their cotton and merchan dise to the mercy of the dishonest or the elements. The Central Railroad have at last supplied this needed want, and in future all cotton, and merchandise will be cared for by Mr. S. L. Peterson, who we learn has received the appoint ment of agent. No better selection could have been made. We feel satisfied that the shipments of cotton from this point will double that of last season. The peo ple here, and the merchants of your city, Macon and Augusta, will thank Mr. Ro gers, though the agent was not put here as early as they expected. Your correspondent don’t like to make suggestions, particularly to corporations, but will venture to remark that it would be a great accommodation to us if the Central Railroad would allow their night trains to put off and take on passengers. We would ask for a turn out here, but prefer to bide our time. There are yet many things needed here. A convenient school house is a great want, and notwithstanding the people have been urged to do something in this direction, so far nothing has been done. We are surprised at the lack of. interest displayed in regard to this great want of the people. Among our land owners we have some public-spirited men. Judge A. E. Tar ver and Mr. William Donovan may be mentioned. No request is made of them for land to build upon for a pub lic good but what has been cheerfully given, The churches now erected are on land presented by these gentlemen. Why don’t our Episcopal Bishop look in this direction for a field for his labors ? We are confident of his success. There are a few Episcopalians now here, and as the world becomes more enlightened each day, more can be added to the members. You will hear from me again. Hiram. CITY AFFAIRS. — - Anl mportant flatter—The Poll Tax. In calling attention to the notice of Capt James J. McGowan, collector, we would remind our readers that under the ex isting laws, as will be observed by the fol lowing section, which we quote, that the poll tax is now kept in the county for strictly educational purposes, instead of being returned to the capital to be included in the general fund for general distribution. Hence tho importance of a close collection of the polls, as every dollar is devoted tothemaintainanceof our educa tional system. The following is the section referred to: Section 1. Be it enacted, That all the poll tax collected in this State shall, from and after the passage of this act, be paid over to the County School Commissioners of the several counties of this State, and be, by the County Board of Education in the several counties in this State, paid out without any deduction for fees or salaries of officers, to the support of the common schools in the respective counties where the school tax was raised. We would also call attention to the fact that the law authorizes the garnishment of wages and salaries for the poll tax, and those who are not impelled by other motive should certainly attend to this important duty without delay, in order to avoid the unpleasant alternative. Capt. McGowan and his worthy assistant, Mr. Thoraasson, will be found at the office in the Court House throughout the day. So step around and settlo up this matter. Bankrupt Roll. We learn from Mr. Jas. McPherson, the affable Clerk of the United States Courts, that during the past week the fol lowing proceedings in bankruptcy have been filed in his courts. Petitions in involuntary bankruptcy as follows: Sundry firms in Savannah, petitioning creditors, vs. James Kirksey & George W. Scott, copartners, under the firm name of Kirksey <fc Bcott, Savannah, Ga. J. M. Guerard and G. A. Mercer, solicitors for pe titioning creditors. Brower & Brothers, et al., petitioning creditors, vs. John E. Dubignon & Wm. C. Beck, copartners as Dubignon {& Beck, Brunswick, Ga. J. Lawton Whatley, solici tor for petitioning creditors. Voluntary petitions filed by the following parties: Hilliard C. Burt, Buena Vista, Marion county. B. B. Hinton solicitor. Thomas J. Hart, Dawson, Terrill county. Dupon Guerry, Americus, solicitor. Petitions for final discharges as follows: Thomas J. Alford, Sandersville, Washing ton county. John D. Amersen and William Cato, both of Sandersville, Washington county. Thos. EvaDS solicitor. Greene B. Brantley, Sandersville, Wash ington county, B. D, Evans solicitor. TELEGRAPHIC NEWS. Summary of the Week’* Dispatcher THE SUEZ ACQUISITION. London, November 26.—The Jinjkin it§ financial article to-day aays: In refSfliu TO the purchase by Great Britain of 177,000 scares in the Suez Canal, a breathing time most essential to Egypt is secured The value of the purchase to England is great and probably will bo taken by the public to mean more than it does. Bv buying the rest of tho shares aud paying two loans b 6 S° mp ?, ny 10 the amount ol 4,800,000 pounds, England would !<■ possessed of the entire property# The advantage of tho bargain* materially, is a secondary question. TUi purchase was made for political reasofl and therefore tho importance of the ste’JH hardly to be overrated. For a considers® time it, cannot be pecuniarily profita® unless England also redeems the nin/Wir years coupons which the Khedive has here tofore sold. The Times, in a leading article on the subject, has the following • “There is an autiacity about it which we do not generally associate with the 7 acts of tho British Ministry. We Be{ , m to trace in the business the hand of Mr. Disraeli. The nation wakes this morning to find that it has acquired a heavy stock in the security and well-being of another dis tant land, and it will be held bv all tbo world to have entered upon anew phase of the Eastern policy. We have no desire fo*. an extension of territory. We do not cqget the land of the Nile. Since tho finmmpf 1873, which gavo the Khedive the right M treating independently with foreign states the Egyptian Government has little cause of complaint, and may fulfill h er duties untrammelled by Stamboul. Lai this settlement wo desire to make no change; but should insurrection, or in trigue, aggression from without, or corrup tion within, briug a political as well as a financial collapse to the Turkish Empire it might become necessary to tako measures for the security of that part of the domin ions of tho Sultan with which we are most nearly concerned. An acquisition of so com manding an interest as tho Suez Canal—*u interest which time must inevitably tend to increase—will lead the government and peo- Ele of the country to concern themselves’ abitually with Egypt. , PIEOAN PHIL. Washington, November 29.—Ext| from General Sheridan’s report say troops stationed along the Rio Grande havjj had the humiliating duty of attomptingdß protect onr citizens aud their property raids by the people of a foreign who come over tho boundary in armed tics to steal cattle and do not hesitate tack aud kill our citizens when necessary to accomplish their purposes. The low stage of water iu the ltio Grando and the great length (1,200 or 1,500 miles') make the duty of protecting it difficult ; in fact, almost impossible with the few troops available for the purpose. Iu speaking of this duty as a humiliating one, I do not mean it is not perfectly legitimate, for any duty is such which has for its object tho protection of the lives and property of the people on an international boundary lino ; but when it is considered that these armed parties, as soon as they are pursued, take refuge ou the opposite bank of tho 1 river Rio Graude, and there, iu sight o&iur troops, which dare not cross, graze Tiad slaughter the stolen cattle with impunity, the sight is very mortifying to those en gaged in the protection of that frontier. This condition of affairs has been going ou for the last twenty years. In tho Ddttartment of the Gulf evejs*| thing seems to bo gettiug along quiotlv, Last winter when tho department ciune un der my jurisdiction, I thought it best to call a halt iu a forcible way ou much lawlessness from armed bands, which action brought the attontion of the government and law abiding aud good people of the country to a growing and inhuman evil. Peace has been the result, aud prosperity, I hoDe, will fol low. THE BLACK HILLS. Washington, November 20. General Crook, in his report concerning the Blaek Hills, thinks tho settlors bordering the Sioux reservation have just ground for complaint when they claim that the Sioux have violatod tho treaty time and again every summer, stealing cattle and! absolutely breaking up their business, aIP this violation of the troaty is by Indians who are fed and clothed by the govern ment, and supported by taxos paiil by frontiorsmen as well as other tax-paying citizens. Then when those sarnet Bottlers, impoverished by tho raids of the Sioux, go to the Black Hills,a country,by tho way. which the Indians seldom visi, on ac count of tho terrible thunderstormein sum mer and the deep snows in winter, for thA purpose of prospecting for mine gj they are charged with violations a treaty, the main features H which the Indians have >er regarded. Crook says there are two sidJ to this story, and tho frontiersmen should be heard as well as the Indians. Tho set tlers are weaker compared with tho Indians, and most deserve sympathy and protection > TUB DEBT OF VIBOINIA. Richmond, Va., November 27. -From the report of tho Second Auditor it appears that the State debt on the 30th September, 1375, exclusive of bonds and certificates paid by the literary and sinking fund, was $29,514,- 420 38. Tho debt as reported October Ist, 1874, was $299,570,104 75. Tho debt is di vided as follows : Amount of tax-paying coupons issued to date, $1,888,150; amount of registered bonds and fractional cates wbich may be converted at option into such bonds, $1,355,515 80, making the amount of the consol debt $20,227,015 85: amount of debt funded and to be funded in bonds not convertible in consols, $92,777,- 410 58, making a debt proper of $29,514,- 426 38. The West Virginia portion amounto to $15,239,370 74. The public debt is held as follows : By citizens.and corporations in Virginia, about $8,000,000, of which probably $6,000,000 is in consols; in other Htates of tho Union, $13,000,000; in foreign countries, $8,500,000. THE DAIUEN SHIP CANAL. Washington, November 29. — The com mission to examine the various surveys for a ship canal across the Isthmus of Darien, have submitted a report to the President. They are of the opinion, after a full inves. tigation, that the Nicaragua route is best. They estimate that a canal from the harbor of Brite on the Pacific to Grey town on the Atlantic can be constructed at a cost not. to exceed sixty millions. Objections of an'’ almost insurmountable nature are in all but the Panama and Nicaragua routes, and not withstanding the greater length of one hun dred and eighty-six miles, they give pre ference to the latter. Lake Nicaragua is on this route. FOBEIGN NOTES. Pahis, November 28.—The Khedive of Egypt offered the shares of the Suez Canal stock for sale to Franco previous to their purchase by England. Minister Decazes wanted to accept the offer of His High-g ness, but the Bank of France made" some difficulty, and the opportunity for the acquisition of the property was lost. The United States ships Congress and/ Juniata will sail from Villa Franca, for home, and the Franklin and Alaska for Lisbon, on Monday, the 29th instant. TBEASCItEE JONES. Atlanta, November 20. — Ten days ago the Governor required State Treasurer Jones to muke anew bond. The time expired last night, and Jones having failed to file anew bond, tho office became vacant by operation of the law. The Governor reserves the ap pointment of his successor till a future day. The Treasury business will be done through the Comptroller’s office until an appoint ment is made. A CAVE. Wilkepbabbe, November 29. — The roofs of the Chauncy and Grand Tunnel mines fell, covering a hundred acres. The loss is 1100,000. No lives were lost. Several hun- * dred are ousted. Mr. Roberts, one of the proprietors, noticed signs of danger and gave orders for the men to leave. One hun dred and twenty-five men ffift the mine two hours before the cave. beecheb’s CHL’BCH. New Yobk, November 27.—Plymouth Church has reconsidered the action of drop ping West’s name from the roll. Beecher read a long letter to Mrs. Moulton contain ing this: “We accept your proposition for a call of a mutual council of the churches, and will listen to their fraternal advice.” Prompt Reinforcement. When the physical energies are overtasked or flag through weakness or disease, they need prompt reinforcement Renewed vigor is most speedily supplied through the medium of a tonic stimulant, and among medicinal resources class, Hostetter’s Stomach Bitters assuaHyi*- Berve a pre-eminent place. constitutional or arising from dise^^^' ver fatigue, cannot be better compensJ^T f t Iban by a resort to this pri i e strengt cordial. Ihe enfeebled invalid, the convaJfcent and the aged and infirm find that it is an nitfailing source of vigor and comfort. Its combined tonic and alterative properties also constitute it an in valuable remedy for indigestion, weakness of the organs of urination, constipation, torpidity of the liver, and many other irregularities and disabili ties, and render it an invaluable protection against malaria, as well as disorders of the stomach and bowels. nov26-F,M,W&wlw An Rasy Way to Buy a Plano.* Lowest cash prices, with one year for final pay ment. Those who don’t like the installment plan should avail themselves of this special offer, by which they can purchase at very lowest cash rates, and get abundant time for final pay ment. We offer S4OO Pianos for $250. $425 Pianos for $275. $450 Pianos for SSOO. SSOO Pianos for $550. S6OO Pianos for $375. S7OO Pianos for $425. Terms—one-half cash and balance ta i®e year without in teiest, stool and cover included. In struments guaranteed. Please refer to this ad- , vertisement in your orders. • Ludden & Bates, Southern Music House, 1 nov3o-d2&wlm Savannah, Ga. Certain Pleasures Vanish when the teeth decay, viz : The pleasure from eating, the pleasure arising from the con sciousness of possessing a sweet breath, and the pleasure of knowing that a smile in parting the rosy lips reveals new beauties behind them. Render these pleasnres perpetual by the regular use of Sozodont- What Spalding’s Glue lias joined cannot be put asunder. noY2T-Sa,Tu,Th&wlw