Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page.

Savannah 'Weekly *.%T|!ltl>A Y, imoEWHKK 8. ISTft. THE LAND OF FLOWERS—No. 7. 1k Kpurr HI. River—Volunln Carnal r iiihl Its Advanl*ea —Kntar- prise nad Ibr Ilrorla lloase—A Pleas aal Wlntrr llamr-Lakr Jrssp, Hall I.ake and the Indian River Cwaatrjr. [Special Cornwiiondence of lhe Morning Newi> ] Ox Steameb David Clark,) December Ist, 1875. > “After many days'’ I am able to com mence a report of my delightful trip on the upper Bt. John's river, with its broad and beautiful lakea, and my pleasant but brief sojourn at the charming little town of Enterprise. I say the charming town, as tba “Biyck House," with its fair and attractive ttrroundings, makes the little town one of the moat attractive spots in that portion of the State. The visitor lands from the steamer directly in front of this fine hotel, and can reach it with out passing into any public part of the town. Under this arrangement the guests of the bouse have the entire water front to themselves, and need fear no an noyance from objectionable parties. And, as the grounds are very handsomely laid out, I can safely use the adjective “charming” in this connection. THE CI'PEB ST. JOHH’b RIVER. One of the principal features of a tour in Florida is a trip on the upper Bt. John’s, and over this route thousands of now aettlers pass to reach their homes in Orange and the adjacent counties, and the wide scope of country about Indian river. I left Palatka on the steamer Hattie, of Brock's line, on Friday night of last week, for Enterprise and other towns on Lake Monroe. In Captain W. Jones, Purser C. H. Cady, and Mail Agent W. E. Dale, of this steamer, I found very pleasant and accommo dating officers, such as have made the steamers on tbi-* “old reliable line” ao popular with the traveling public. We left Palatka just before midnight, and arrived at Enterprise the next night be tween six and seven o’clock, having been delayed some two hours in uuloauing a large amount of heavy freight at Sand ford and Mellonville. As we did not see daylight until after the boat had passed through “Big Lake George,” I shall be unable in this letter to speak of the river below that point. The first place of interest reached after daybreak was Volusia, located on the oast bank of the river, sixty five miles from Palatka. This is said to have been the sito of an old Spanish city, the ruins of which have passed entirely into oblivion. There is nothing about the present settlement of an unusually attractive character, although there is a good back country which is rapidly settling up, and already I hear rumors ;of a proposed railroad from Volusia to tho Halifax river. Orange Bluff, one of the highest points on the river, attracted much attention, although but one house could be seen in the midst of tho fruitful orange trees. Hawkins ville, Orange Grove and other landings were passed, but nothing of interest was Been. As on tho lowor St. John’s, overy bluff or point on the shore, that is five feet above tho water, is occupied as a landing or orungo grove. These places, however, are not numerous, ns on either shore we passed long stretches of marsh, back of which, someone or two miles, good lands can ho found, on which thriving settlements have already been made. Blue Spring landing is tho only place of interest that wo stopped at be lo;o passing iuto Lake Monroe, and this laudiug-W without nny peculiar attrae tion, except its female mail agent. This young lady deserves groat credit for her energy mid pluelt, as she daily rows her boat across a stream above tho land ing, and deliver! and receives the mail from Blue Spring. Bho is a rather pretty and modest maiden, and always wius favorable comment fr>rl the passengers on tho boats naan\naf.:#* and down the river, to to Is, Islafid tanlo. Hno Sp'ringproperTlno guide books say, is a great curiosity, and is not fur from tho landing. It forms a basin Home twenty feet deep, about tho same number of yards wide, and nearly a quarter of a mile long. The wntor, which boils up from the bottom, some eighty feet wide at that spot, forms quito a little river, and Hows into the St. John's. As there is also good hunting aud fishiug in that vicinity, many tourists stop over a trip and visit this wonderful spring Sanford, Mellonville aud Enterprise, on I,aka Monroe, were the only towns of auy size soon by us on tho shore of the river and its lakes. Tho huntings seldom P bavo more than one or two buildings, as the towns for which freight and passen gers are left generally lie back in the in terior of tho country. As 1 have fre quently stated, there are no banks to the St. John’s river, either above or below l’alatka, or the lakes through which it runs. Wherever the shore does riso into a bank, which it seldom does for any great distance, except in one or two lo - oalities, residences, towns and landings can almost always bo seen, showing that river and lake fronts are in demand, aud vto not escape the eye of the traveler oil the river steamers. I should say that there is very little land having a water front that can bo used that has not been improved or taken up for future im provement. Beck of all the landings, from Jacksonville to the highest points reached by the smallest steamers, fruit ful lands and good locations can be se cured, and with desirable surroundings, as Northern and Western colouies have already penetrated to aud located in overy portion of this section of Florida. IMPROVEMENTS IN VOLUSIA COUNTY. As Orange couuty lies along tho west shore of the upper St. John's and Volusia county extends along the east shore, it is not diffleult to understand why the peo ple of the former county claim to have just as desirable lauds for settlers as those in the latter couuty, which nre so highly prized. I have met several North ern uud Western getlemen who have just returned from a tour to Halifax river and that section of the country, and they ex press themselves perfectly delighted with the climate, soil aud people there, and some have made purchases and will re turn to improve them for a permanent residence. Port Oruuge, New Smyrna, Dsyßigu, and New Britain are flourishing ' towns, in fell of which can be found on orgeti aud public-spiriteil men from the North and West, who are determined to develop the agricultural and mechanical resources of the oountry iu a successful aud profitable manner. Any person who desires to know more fully the advantages of this county for orauge aud geueral fruit culture cau get the desired information l>y sending fifteen oeuts for postage to Hon. Denuis Eagan, OMnuiissioper of Lands aud Immigration, Tallahassee, Florida, for a copy of the Florida Settler, a valuable “Immigrant’s Guide*' of nearly threo huudred pages. This work contains lengthy reports and important statistics of nearly every county in the State, and in the main will be found as reliable as it is possible to make such a book. Iu letters of this character it would be impossible to give even an out line of the chief advantages claimed for the counties on the St. John’s to which public attention is now being directod by their rapid settlement and improvement. Putnam, Orange, Volusia and the adja cent counties are drawing to themselves a very desirable class of immigrants, but I have every reason to think that these tides of immigration will also soon extend to other oounties, now less known, whose advantages are equally as good for agri cultural labor. THE TOWN OF ENTERPRISE. Enterprise has not been true to its name in the past, but, now that anew element has been iDfused into its popula tion, by which the “whole lump has been leavened,” its progress in all de partments will be such as to make it worthy of the stirring name it bears. It is, in one sense, the head of navigation for the largest steamers that ply the wa ters of the upper St. John's. The “ Vo- Ingift " and “ Lollie Boy,” however, rnske weekly trips to Lake Jesup and Salt Lake, where passengers are landed for the Indian river country. Enterprise is the county seat of Volusia, and has a very neat court house and jail. The Judge of the district also haa a large two a'.ory residence there, which gives additional importance to the place. The number of stores and residences is small, yet the i buildings are generally well constructed I and attractive in appearance. A large boarding house and an excellent cheap hotel accommodate visitor* who cannot pay the rates of a first-class hotel such as 001. Caldwell propones to make the Brock House in all its departments and appointments. , The well-known Starke orange grove is in a thrifty condition and shows that orange culture can be made profitable in that viciuity. At Airs. Dr. Starke's I picked some fine Concord grapes, the second growth this year, as I had never before Been a second crop of grapes. This excellent lady treated our party with marked courtesy, and displayed greater generosity in tendering us fruit than any person whom we have yet visited in the “Land of Flowers.” The country about Enterprise is to some extent uncultivated, but this cannot be said of tbe people, many of whom exhibit marked refine ment in their homes and conversation Good church and school privileges make lands desirable there, and a most excel lent class of Northern people are now purchasing small farms near the town. Colonel Caldwell has it in his power to make New Enterprise one of the most thriving and beautiful towns on the upper St. John’s. Immi grants to the Halifax river country, in many cases, take Brock’s line of steamere to Enterprise, and then stage it across the country, the distance being about twenty-five miles. Others take a similar conveyance from Volusia. Persons de sirous of information in regard to the Lake Monroe portion of Volusia county can address Col. Luther Caldwell, Enter prise, Fla., and he will cheerfully put them on the “right track.” In regard to that portion of the county lying on the Atlantic coast letters can be addressed to J. P. Fowler, E-q , President Agricultu ral Club, Halifax river, Volusia county, Fla. THE BROCK HOUSE AND ITS GROUNDS. This hotel, under its former proprie tors, was always full of visitors daring tbe winter season, and now that it has passed into new hands it is feared that it will be crowded to excess aud necessitate a speedy enlargement. Colonel Luther Caldwell, a piominent citizen of Elmira, New York, of which city he was Mayor, and where he ably edited an influential daily journal, is now the proprietor, and has already made extensive and valuable improvements in the house and grounds. The readers of the Mobnino News will feel a deeper interest in this gentleman when they know that the lamented Wilfong, of your editorial staff, was taken from a printer’s case by Colonel Caldwell aud made city editor of his pa per at Elmira, and by him was trained for an honorable but brief career in journalism. Colonel C. is a man of means and culture, and as he now owns the entire water front on which his hotel is located, he proposes to make it one of the most attractive places on the rivers or lakes of Florida. At the right of the house, across the street, is a fine bearing orange grove, and directly in front of the house are handsomely laid out grounds, where a beautiful profusion of flowers are to be seen. On the left of the house is a large banana grove, where clusters of ripe fruit can now be seen. Pino apples and other delicious fruit are also raised on this place, which gives assurance that the guests will not lack for this kind of dessert. From my window in the third story of the Brock House I had a most delightful view of the entire sweep of Lake Mouroe and the surrounding country, and was charmed with the prospect. From the landing in front of the hotel to what is called “Old Enterprise,” there is a long stretch of shell beach, which is quite a re- Hort for visitors. I also noticed a shell mound some twenty feet high and fifty or sixty feot in diameter, the forma tion of which still remains a mystery. Back from the shore about half a mile is a very large sulphur spring, nearly one hundred feet deep aud about one hundred and twenty five feet iu circumference. The water is transparent, ami of agreenish tiuge, but is not suitable to drink. There are three other sulphur springs near at hand, but nouo of them furnish drinking water, although the flow of water ‘.is quite free. They are used for bathing purposes, and will always.be a great at traction to tourists. WJbgnever the guests of tue Brock llousg tire of viewing the Jgjguties of they can always find |pef physical man iu as good HStbKus cau bo obtained at auy hotel in H: State, after which they can pass a jwv hours pleasantly and profitably in tue “Library,” where the liberal and cultivated host has about a thousand vol umes of choice books, by the best au thors. SALT LAKE AND INDIAN RIVER. I did not have time to extend my trip to Lake Jesup, Salt Lake, Indian River, and tho region beyond and about there, of which I hear a good report, aud where several highly esteemed friends of mine have made their future homes. The steaurtrs which run to these points are always loaded with freight aud have nu merous passengers for that section. This shows that the country is being settled, and its resources developed, by a good share of the immigration that comes up the St. John’s river. Visitors and immi grants for tho Indian river country and Eiu Gallie. where the State Agricultural College is beiug established, take this route, staging it from Salt Lake to Sand Point, and thence down the Indian river. Great things are predicted for that sec tion in the future of Florida, but I am sorely puzzled to tell which section, as things are now working, will hear off the palm as the “bauner county.” Every man here iu Florida has his local preferences, and to hear land owners and speculators talk—not to mention what editors say—you would think every county was the best. In all my experience as a journalist, coveriug a period of twenty years, I have never been surrounded by such a network of conflicting claims and a atements. The Leon, Madison, Jef ferson and Gadsden county men come at you with facts and figures that make you believe that their section of the State is the paradise for which tho agriculturist sighs. Then the Orange, Volusia, Put nam, Sumter and Marion county men rise up, aud, with more flaming facts and figures, fragrant with orange, banana and pineapple juice, disabuse your mind of this opinion, aud make you think their counties must be the original “Garden of Eden.” My advice, therefore, to all per sons seeking homes in the “Land of Flowers,” is to see and judge for them selves of the real or fancied merits of the various counties and localities in the State to which public attention is now being called. This course can work in justice to no section of the State, and will prove advantageous to the immigrant who oomes hero wholly ignorant of the country. Sipne? Herbebt. A Child's Sad Death —Coroner Croker held an inquest ou Sunday in the case of the little girl, Katie Jordan, who shot herself last Saturday evening while play ing with a pistol, at the residence of her parents. No. 243 West Forty-second street. New York. The jury rendered a verdict of accidental shooting. The vic tim of this accident was the daughter of General Thomas Jordan, who served as chief of staff to Geueral Beauregard dur ing the rebellion, aud has since been known in connection with the Cuban in - surrectiou. The General had been to Staten Island to look after a vacant house he has there, and, while returning, siopped at a confectioner's and bought some sweetmeats and knicknaeks for the little girl. After supper he told her to go to his overcoat pocket and she would get the things he had brought her. She complied, and while ransack ing the pocket found a very small pistol which the General had been in the habit of carrying. This she took and began playing with, saying, while holding it to her head, “Mamma, suppose I should shoot myself.’ The words had scarcely . escaped her lips wheu the pistol snapped and the ball entered her forehead and penetrated her brain. She died almost instantly. Death from the Bite of a Mad Cat.— Mrs. Charles Wuest, a young German woman, living in Cincinnati, died last week from the effects of a bite from a rabid cat. In June last the woman was bitten by tbe cat, then supposed to bp mad, but as no bad symptoms were in time developed all fears were dispelled and the mat er was forgotten. About six weeks ago, however, Mrs. Wuest began to feel queerly, and symptoms of hydro phobia were shown. A number of phy sicians were called, but their prescrip tions had no avail, and about six days before Mrs. Wuest's death the disease of hydrophobia was plainly marked. The mad ravings of the poor woman required her being tied down to her bed. There is continued trouble between foreigners and Chinese. American mis sionaries and ladies are assailed by mobs in Nankin, and an English lady was at tacked at Jaku. THE OKEFE.YOKEE—WITHIN AND WITHOUT. Sketches of Incident and Adventu es BT M. B. OBANT (PAUL TRANSIT), CIVIL EN GINEER. PART VII. After we should have enjoyed a rest of two or three days, it was determined to run a line from cut present encampment on the pocket around the southern part of the Swamp, to connect with the line we had run from the Cow House to Fort Tomkins, but before our daily work recommenced regularly, Adam pro posed, by way of amusement —it was the height of his felicity, and he paid us the compliment of supposing us capable of enjoying it also—that we should take a bee-gum, as it is termed, that is by storm, a tree of wild honey. We readily conaented to do so, and en rolling ourselves as bee-hunters under his efficient captaincy, with torch-lights we proceed to the tree aforesaid. Orange and himself soon ent it down, and it fell with a heavy crash, old Adam screaming, “Look eut for de bees:” This command we obeyed, by tying our haudkerchiefs over our heads and faces, and piling pine tops upon them. While, according to instructions, we were mak ing these defenses, Adam, apparently miraculously to ns, was cutting away at the hollow near the entrance of the hive, as coolly and unmoved as if there was not a bee in existence, and they, strange to tell, being all around him, their in veterate destroyer, without molesting him. Yes —unscathed, he worked away in their very midst, while they were ac tually swarming around him; while those of us keeping a respectful distance caught many a sting that made us suffer for days. Having reached the honey Adam gave the alarm, all of us rushing to tbe tree and leaving it faster than we went, the bees forcing upon us convincing proof of their dislike to our proceedings. This was the signal for us to storm the fortress. We had done so at command—witness our repulse. “How is this, Captain Adam ?” we be gan to murmur; “lead your men into danger while you are safe ?” But we were under ordt rs and had no time to parley. “Tek a torch! tek a torch!” hallooed the bee captain; “don’t be ’fraid—cum, git more honey; he fine, fust rate; best gum I tek yet.” Guided by his orders and experience, we again approached the tree, with torches in one hand, while with the other we helped ourselves to honey, eating now without molestation or with few scruples of conscience regarding the cruel robbery and devastation we were committing upon a harmless and in dustrious community. The honey was fine, and we were much enjoying it when we were startled by a most piteous screeching yell from Boots. Poor Boots, was it not possible for him to escape once ? Did his evil fate follow him everywhere ? We found him suffering agony. Indiscreet as usual, aud ever ready to he foremost in action, without the prudence of first learning how to do a thing, he had gone ahead, helped him self, and attempted to eat the honey, comb aud all. A bee enclosed in one of the cells, had, with little ceremony, in serted his sting into Boots’s tongue. And so there he was, not “letting conceal ment feed upon his cheek,” for by howls and yells he blazoned Lrth the torture he was enduring; tongue out and furi ously rubbing both sides of his head with his paws. As soon as we released him from his torments, without “thank you, gentlemen,” or so much as “by your leave,” he pushed off for cunp, nor did we see him again until We returned to camp ladenwjth our spoils, having enjoyed a good-dsugh Why did not the bees assault their active foe, Adam, while his comparatively cent coadjutors were so mercilessly pels®" cuted ? A solution to the problem wS could only obtain by questioning our captain; and when ye did so, he replied : “Ha, ha, ha! tint dem fool bees! No, sar! dey doesn’t trouble tar; rub a pint on mji head; keeps tar for dat.” Really, if Adam had informed us of the remedy. I am afraid we should have pre ferred the onslaught from the bees, and endured the stings rather than have ap plied it. • Another good laugh we had at Adam’s expense, with Boots’s unwitting aid. Adam had a preference for enveloping his head and shoulders loosely iu his blanket at night and lolling agiinsc a tree or bench, instead of throwing it over him and lying down. One night, seeing him thus leaning, enveloped and asleep, Boots, without permission, proposed to himself to enjoy a warm snooze, and so pushed his head and forepaws snugly in under Adam’s blanket—meaning no harm, not a bit! Poor old Adam, when in his sleep he felt this cold embrace, he bounced up and started round blindly, and groping with his hands, worse than he did out of the well. Boots ensconced snugly and hold ing on, while Adam danced and capered about in awful terror, and yet nobody had a spite at Boots. Even Adam took it good naturedly, and when he and Boots were liberated, he just rolled over with laughter. The day following we commenced run ning tho line, following the sinuosities of the Swamp. Ip two days we com pleted it to the mouth of the pocket, from whieh, as a camping place, we now took our final leave. There we found Mr. Hatch, who said he had been anx ously awaiting the news of our doath— never having doubted the result. “Gentlemen,” he said, “you have done what I never expected you to accomplish. ’Twas a great undertaking, one I never could have gone on, though I been through many a tough turn. But the worst about that is, it must have been such a long pull—so many days together. Why it’s nigh on to three weeks, ain’t it? Well, I rejoice you are out, aud all safe ; it’s something to tell on, I tell ye ; an’ if you oughtn’t to be well paid—well, then who ought? I have plenty of honey to welcome you back with, and nothing else.” Steadily at this work we continued run ning the line, accomplishing about four miles a day. Uneventful were the days and at night we returned to camp and its comfort, which had become magnificent in our eyes, since our loss of them in our Swamp tramp. But, oh! how great a one was that “sound trom home,” in the shape of letters—a jubilee that put us in contact with civilization and the world, from which we seemed to be so cut off. Only at rare intervals occurred these ad vents of joy, for post offices were few and far between, ana it was only when tbe OolonSl, on his horse, could go off to Traders’ Hill or Centre village, that we received the mail. Then were we happy, and yet in our happiness there was some alloy. Yes, we could not help being envious of the brilliant ac counts therein received of conventions, races, fancy balls and all manner of other gay doings that some of our young friends, well dressed, were enjoying in the cities of our homes with the ladies of our loves. Crinoline, tarletane and jewels, gems, flowers and perfumes floated before us, and glittered around, sent us in kindness by their graphic pens; and our real —while we— alas I red flannel shirts ! boots over pants! Heigh-ho ! Patience, our turn must come yet. It was while we were engaged on this southern part of our route that we had several opportunities of observing the wolves—that are one of the many kinds of animals rife about the Swamp. It was generally at early dawn that they prowled about to make their depredations, and it was truly wonderful and most amusing, the sagacity and daring with which, by much manceuvering, they accomplished their purpose. They lived principally on the young calves they adroitly seized from their distressed mothers. Their mode of attack was evidently regu larly planned, two or three of them acting in concert, by watching for some detached cows, with their calves, feeding apart from the general herd—one or more of these wolves would approach the cow in front, she would have her ire roused, and be led off in rage after them, while one or more wolves in concert would sneak up behind and snatch off the calf— and the poor cow, after her unsuccessful battle with the deluders, would return to seek in vain for her lost calf, m e frequently saw these marauders acting thus in concert. They were usually the size of a large dog, with slim mer make and with bushy mils, in color varying from gray or black. After continuing our lines to the head waters of the St. Mary’s river, where it issues from the Swamp, we followed its course to its extreme source, in order to obtain a correct knowledge of its exact position and bearings, that our map of the Swamp might in all respects be accurate and reliable. We also visited Ellicott’s Mound, a famed spot in the annals of this section of country, named after Mr. Ellicott, who ran the division line between Georgia and Florida. From description we had imagined a mound of considerable size and elevation. We found it six feet in diameter and two feet high, with a stake driven into its centre, but it answered the purpose for which it was raised thoroughly—a promi nent point from which the dividing line between the two States could be com menced. In this neighborhood, we attended sev eral caDe-grindings, or rather syrup and sugar makings— events of importance to these people. One or more of the more wealthy in a “settlement,” as the scattered dwellings of those within the circuit of a few miles who have some in terest in common, is called, possessing a mill of the simplest construction, any neighbor who plants a few acres of cane hauls it to one of these mills for the grinding, the owner of the cane becom ing master of ceremonies, and providing the whisky. Thereon a gathering and merry-making ensues, “bald-face” mak ing always one of the most conspicuous guests, without whose presence few of the others would assemble. A general shuffling or hop—as they persist in desig nating it—concludes the entertain ment. As one of the very highest class of these brilliant - assemblages has been described, and the manners and arrangements at all assimilate, I will but state that at some of these, besides shuf fling, we were enforced to anew duty— “chawing cane”—and had new opportu nities of observing the habits and mode of life of these people. To facilitate our operations, Colonel Watchoverall employed the services of a Mr. Mackhnn, to accompany him in a second exploration of the Swamp from EUicott’s Mound in a northeastwardly direction, designing to come out at Fort Tomkins, leaving the residue of the party to continue the line round to con nect at that point, a distance of fifteen miles. At this part of the Swamp the thicket not being of so dense a character in its growth, the Colonel was enabled to ac complish the exploration with less diffi culty and in a shorter time. He got through in three days, and met us as haa been determined at Fort Tomkins, where we, on our part, had accomplished our work, and arrived. During this explor ing survey he met with several islands, similar in size, character of soil, and growth of trees to Billy’s Island. Their names and positions can be seen on the map of the Swamp. On our reunion it was determined to move back to the cow-house, that the northern and northwestern part of the Swamp might be surveyed and explored, all the other portions of it having been accomplished. Accordingly, in due course of time this was done. Before I relate further business pro ceedings, for the benefit of all natural ists, I deem it proper to describe the manner in which Boots attacked owls and coons, his modus operandi being so pecu liar as not only to afford us amusement, but cause us to doubt if any dog ever lived who had such adventures with birds or beasts. Some of the party having shot at and wounded a large owl, brought him near camp and placed him on the ground for the mischievous intent of finding out what manner of proceeding Boots would adopt towards the stranger. We soon saw that he was inclined to make fight, though a little doubtful; a slight “hie-on” was encouragement enough, however, and with furious barking, most valorously he w'-ie a charge upon the owl, but we soon saw that the brilliant ej’es of the owl, which, turn as he would and however rapidly, followed him in every direction, had a very cooling effect on his courage, which induced a very peculiar mode of warfare. He would rush up to the owl furiously, encounter his gaze, and then, instead of taking hold of him, wu '“ L j tfiiu suddenly and make a back- Nitr / sally>ttempting to crush him by s‘Si|sbg on himX Bat he was well punish ed this dasi&rdly mode of attack, which the owl seeme’fb.&t once to compre hend, aud resolved to rCs-rSt. to the and ath. After several unsuccessful most assaults, Boots at length -s'utk; ceeded, and seated himself on the bird Thereupon the owl seized him instanter on each side of his tail with both talons, sticking them well in. The pain of this grip forced Boots into a sudden uprising and rush, scraping along the ground towards the woods. He jumped, fie struggled and yelled. He rushed on and looked behind, and there was his enemy. The eyes glared at him. He tried forwards and backwards, sideways and lengthwise, jumps, scrapes and twists to loose the hold of his adversary, but to no purpose. The owl held on like grim Death, with his eyes staring at Boots, whose terror at this gaze increas ing every time he turned to look arouDd. This would increase his speed. On, on he rushed—turn and look and run faster, for there were those eyes. He ran, he rushed and tore on through all obstacles, but still there was the owl. On he flew, looking round, and darting on. The owl acted well his 1 part; he flinched not, yielded not, but stuck to it, seeming actually to enjoy the sport of the change he had made, from tormented to tormentor. At length, poor Boots, fairly exhausted, drew near and threw himself at our feet, resigned but moaning, the owl still holding on. This was the first opportunity that we had had of releasing him, and we gladly did so, feeling conscious in our hearts that this time it was not altogether his own folly, for we had led him into temptation. But Boots, strange to tell, had learned more wisdom from this episode than any of his other scrapes. Incredible as it may seem, it is nevertheless true, that we never after wards said “owl” in his presence that he did not stick his tail between his legs and turn round to see. He had frequent encounters with coons, squirrels, etc., in which I grieve to say, but I must say it to be veracious, Boots always came off second best, and seemed to know it —al- though also veracity obliges me to record, except in memo y of owl and eyes, these repeated defeats did not cure him of his desire for laudatory exhibitions. He was always rushing into difficulty, and the more he failed, the more resolved he seemed to be to shine in some way. Boots, with a surname, Excelsior! We struck camp and took up our line of march from Fort Tomkins for the Cow House. On our way we stopped at a village near the St. Mary’s river, hoping there to be able to replenish some of our exhausted stores; especially anxious were we to lay in a stock of good cigars. Accord ingly, on our entrance into the village, Mr. Rover, Beau Level and myself, with Stepney accompanying us, entered the most promising-looking store. Behind the counter sat a smiling gentleman, whom, on his rising to address us, by speech aud looks we recognized as a countryman of Rothschilds, bearing the euphonious cognomen of Mr. Vouder witenheimtt. Rover proposed a drink. All agreeing, he asked for some brandy. “No brandy. Very goot ready-made closhing. Jewsh sharpsh, evereshest ingsh elsh you vantsh, bedoubt brandy.” “Have you any good boots?” “No bootsh —very voine brogansh, sheventy-five shentsh a pair. Got everesh eshting elsh you can chooshe.” “Well, let us see some shirts.” “Had shome shirtsh lasht year; zole all! Got shome very foine closth to make zem. Shometimes I make zem myself.” “Yes,” said Rover with considerable asperity, “I see you have got everything else except what we want.” “Veil, all elshe now. Vat you have?” “Got any hams? We are about out, aren’t we Stepney?” “Yes, sar.” “Veil, I got no hamsh; very foine middling!); sthry some, eh?” “No; you havn’t got one thing we do want, and expect us to buy what we don’t. I never did see such an infernal store —” “Don’t shay dat,” (very entreatingly.) “Yy you not shent me vord? I would have shent to New York and got evere sheshtingsh for yfm you could wish. Vot more you have, zhay ?” “What more? Why, the devil a thing we’ve got yet. Have you any cigars ? ’ in a thundering tone. “Still more mildly than before, Roths child’s countryman replied: “Zats ze bery zing at last; ver foine; sjusht impoot from Havana; ver foine!” Saying which he handed us Stepney included, which we took without remark, but which elicited from Stepney, after cocking his hat on one side: “What a cigar to hand to a white man!” After smoking them awhile, and think ing they were quite good, really needing them, we concluded to take some. Rover, therefore, who had hitherto been spokes man, inquired the price. “Fifty dollar a toush&nd; ver foine, beaht.” “Fifty devils !” furiously answerd Ro ver. “Are you mad ?” “Veil, as its you, I vill let you have zem for forty." “Forty ! what, you fool! We can get fine cigars for that! How much did these cost you?” “Veil, twenty-five.” “Twenty-five ? Stuff! Say ten and we’ll take a box.” “Couldn’t zink of it.” “Very well, we’ll not take any.” “Zay, jou can have zem for twenty.” “No. :<ay fifteen, or I’ll take a box anyhow.” “Veil, then, fifteen.” “That’s too much, I know; ten, and no more. ” “Veil, veil, az itz you, and itz ze lasht five hundred, take zem for ten.” Whereupon we made this sole grand purchase, and continued our journey, ac complishing ten miles that day. After supper we produced the cigars, offering the Colonel and the rest of the company some, all accepting and enjoy ing by preparing for a pleasant smoke and chat. “Halloo, what's this ?” exclaimed Beau, spitting and sputtering. Behold! inside of his cigar a bit of tarred rope; and so we soon found had several others, and we, not having bellows in our necks, were forced to abandon our dearly bargained for purchase. We acknowledged our selves sold, the Colonel enjoying a hearty laugh at our expense, as well as at the recital of the haggling and trafficking Mr. Vonderbitenheimutt. May he thrive ! but if ever we do meet him anywhere out of his own store we'll shorten his name a little —perhaps. The day succeeding this laughable dis comfiture we arrived at the Cow House, again set up our tents near our old ac quaintance, Mr. Short, who greeted us very graciously, and whose daughters were so much more polite and affable to wards us than on our former visit, that we thought “the old man” must have “made ’em dance around powerful," as he had threatened, or else lectured them to some pumose. They inquired eagerly for “the man with the trass thing,” who happened not to be with ns then; and Mr. Short said, “What sounds like a sand-hill crane ?” which caused us to laugh very heartily, and induced Mr. Short to be lieve he had made a very witty remark, and which he frequently repeated after wards. FLORIDA FRUIT TRANSPORTA TION. [low the Morning; News’ Correspondent Vlewsthe Matter—Carelessness in Ship. pin* Fruit—lmportance ot l’roperly Packing Consignments—lncreased Ex press Facilities—Faster Time Schedule and Cheaper Freight Tariff. [Special Correspondence of the Morning News.] Febnandina, Fla., December 5. I must beg to skip over one of my regular epistles about “The Land of Flowers,” and offer a few practical sug gestions to the careless and inexperi enced packers and shippers of fruit in this State. It is true that lam neither a fruit grower nor the son of a fruit grower, yet I know more about the con dition of fruit when it reaches the North ern or Western markets than do hundreds of fruit growers in Florida. For several years my brother-in-law was one of the largest wholesale fruit dealers in New York city, and I had the opportunity of frequently inspecting consignments from the Southern States that were almost worthless, owing to the careless manner in which the fruit was packed, and the want of proper caution in shipping it. I also had the same opportunity to see the promptness with which consignments of carefully packed and properly shipped fruit were disposed of at the highest market prices. Retail as well as small wholesale dealers always hesitate to purchase or handle damaged fruit, and seldom touch it, except there is a large margin for protection against loss. First class fruit dealers, who sell to the best hotels and the wealthiest families, prefer to handle consignments that invariably \fipme to them in good order, except in Such fruit they can safely turn over to their most exacting customers without re packing or even opening the boxes. They have full confidence in the shipper, and they know that he will never send them a box of fruit that is not carafully packed and properly shipped. A thousand times have I wondered at the foolishness of the shippers of worthless consignments of fruit—worthless only through gross neg ligence in packing and inexcusable care lessness in shipping. Yet some fruit growers never can learn wisdom in this respect, but will end their days cursing railroads, steamboats, express lines and commission fruit dealers, as the sole cause of their misfortunes and want of success in fruit raising for the Northern aud Western markets. During the past few weeks, as I have traveled up and down the St. John’s river, and critically noticed the packing and shipping of oranges and other fruit, my observations in my brother-in law’s establishment in New York have come back in my memory with great force, as I have seen large consignments of fruit leave for distant markets carelessly packed and as carelessly shipped. In my mind’s eye I have traced those consignments to their destination, only to see at least one half of the fruit thrown away as worth less, and the other half sold for a sum scarcely large enough to pay the freight bills. What I shall say in this letter, therefore, can give no cffence to fruit growers in Florida who know how to pack and ship their consignments in a proper manner. They need no advice on this subject, least of all from me. The class to whom I do refer, however, will be wise if they heed what I have to say to them, and allow my suggestions to lead them to consult such of their neigh bors as have the ability to advise them properly in the packing and shipping of their fruit. This object reached, by whatever means, and I am satisfied, as I have no axe or hatchet of my own or of my friends to grind on this stone. I sim ply desire to see Florida fruit go into Northern and Western markets in a con dition that will enable it to successfully compete with fruit from other countries, as well as from other sections of this country; and as the Morning News aims to seek the best good of all its readers, I speak for it, in this matter, to its numerous fruit growing subscribers in this States- CARELESSNESS IN SHIPPING FRUIT. I have been greatly surprised at the careless, and in some cases reckless, man ner in which oranges and other fruit, designed for sale in Northern or West ern markets, are shipped from different points on the riyer. A more suicidal policy than this could not be adopted by persons who expect to make fruit raising profitable to themselves and creditable to Florida. In some instances this careless packing is owing to ignorance of any better method, or the lack of sufficient energy or experience to adopt a more secure plan. In other cases the shippers think they can “make something” out of the steamboat and railroad companies by crowding as many oranges as possible into a box, crate or barrel, or by making the box or crate as large as they dare. This is all wrong, and in nearly every instance re sults in loss to the fruit-grower or ship per. I have seen oranges landed on the wharf at Palatka in a heated, bruised and decayed condition; and yet those very oranges were only that short distance on their journey to New York or Chicago. So great has this evil become of late that active means are now being used to secure a speedy remedy. The able editor of the Florida Agri culturist calls attention to this injudic ious system of packing and shipping fruit, and refers to the excellent plan proposed by Mr. D. H. Elliott, special fruit agent of the Atlantic and Gulf Railroad, who has just completed a tour throughout the markets of the North and West, J where he fully examined the workings of thp commission fruit busi ness. As the result of his conference with the leading fruit dealers and pro duce brokers in both sections, Mr. Elliott is convinced that a box holding only one hundred or anges is the most desirable for packing fruit for market. Such boxes of fruit find ready sale among small deal ers, hve quicker transportation, and are less litfcle to be injured by rough hand ling. The rates of freight now estab lished make this kind of a box cheaper than those of a larger size, as it comes under the uniform rates for bushels, bar rels and crates. As to the cost of these boxes, the Atlantic and Gulf Railroad j Company proposes to furnish and de liver them on the St. John’s river at ten cents each, which certainly is cheap enough to afford a good margin for profit to thefruit grower andshipper. There may be special cases in which large boxes or crates and barrels can be used without loss, but the fruit grower who expects to secure and hold a profitable and peru.a --j nent connection with the markets of the North and West, will be compelled to adopt the small box system of trans portation, and pack his oranges or other fruit with greater care than has hereto fore been exercised by many shippers on the St. John's river. IMPORTANCE or PROPERLY PACKING FRUIT. And now a word as to packing the fruit in any kind of a box, barrel or crate. I have noticed that but few use any pack ing, simply ‘’dumping” the oranges into the box or barrel and nailing it up. This may be a cheap and easy method at the point from which the fruit is shipped, but it makes a very expensive and labo rious job for the party at the other end of the route who has to put these oranges into a marketable condition. Fruit grow ers must learn that some things do not take care of themselves. Oranges are very tender even on the tree, and should be picked and packed with the greatest carefulness. Yet I have seen men pick and pack them as they would cocoanuts, aud with no idea of the absurdity of their course. Mr. Stebbins, the efficient superinten dent of Col. Hart s splendid grove, packs each orange with the utmost caution, wrapping it in white paper. In the ab sence of paper, however, he sometimes uses moss, but never until it is thorough ly dried and prepared for such an impor tant use. Still, in every section of Florida, oranges are carelessly packed in undried and unprepared moss, which seldom fails to sweat and decay the fruit during its transportation to market. Mr. E. Bean, of New York, before opening his fruit broker's office at Palatka, thor oughly investigated the subject of fruit packing, and not only has he adopted the small box system, but he earnestly urges fruit growers to pack with more care. It is universally acknowledged that the Florida orange is the most marketable of any at the North and West. The only question that arises, and one that is just now being widely discussed, concerns the best and quickest plan for putting it into the hands of fruit brokers in those sec tions of the country. Mr. Bean pro poses to purchase oranges at his estab lishment in Palatka, and carefully pack them, inspecting and classifying each orange as it passes under his observation. In this way he can secure for his con signments a reputation that will always give them a ready and profitable sale. It is claimed that the best method of pack ing, in such instances, is to use the white paper upon which newspapers are printed. This has more elasticity than the thin tissue paper sometimes used, and affords greater protection to the fruit while be ing transported to market. One thou sand such wrappers, with “Florida Fruit” and the name of the grove printed on them, will be furnished by the Atlan tic and Gulf Railroad Company at sixty cents. This will make the cost of a box and one hundred printed wrappers only sixteen cents, to be delivered at any point on the St. John’s river without extra charge Now, these gentlemen a.e not getting Up any new n private speculation. They dearly see that something must be done to give the Florida orange a better chance in the Northern and Western markets to establish a permanent reputation and a speedy and profitable sale. Reckless transportation of carelessly packed fruit will defeat such an object, and, on this account, Messrs. Bean, Elliot and others —men who have thoroughly investigated the matter—propose the plan here sug gested for packing and shipping. Of course, if other plans and other means can accomplish the same desired object, they will be heartily and cheerfully sec onded by all parties who labor for the success of fruit culture in Florida. As “ the longest pole takes the persimmon,” so will the fruit grower who properly packs and ships his oranges and lemons secure to himself a never-failing demand for his consignments. Col. Hart has tried this plan, and to-day he is unable to fill all his orders, although he does not sell to dealers, his customers being in dividuals who want good oranges, well packed, for their owr tables, - , increased express facilities. Your readers will remember that in my first letter from Jacksonville I stated that the great increase in the shipping of fruit and vegetables from this State had com pelled the public carriers to give better aud more rapid facilities for reaching the Northern and Western markets. I also detailed the excellent plan adopted by the Atlantic and Gulf Railroad Company to prevent the unwise concentration of consignments at any one point, by secur ing a profitable and prudent distribution of them to such points as offer a ready and remunerative market. I have now to announce another and, in some re spects, supplemental arrangement, by which the plan of the A. and G. R. R. officials will be fully tested. Messrs. H. Dempsey, of Augusta, Superintendent, and J. Cronin, of Savannah, route agent of this portion of the Southern Express Company’s lines, were my fellow passen gers on the steamer from Enterprise, and from them I learned that the most com plete fast line table has been arranged, with a very low freight tariff attached, for a daily express on the St. John’s river, for the purpose of moving the fruit crop, without loss, to the most desirable markets. This arrangement was com pleted on yesterday, and the first ship ment made under it, Thursday, was by Count Johannes B’Gormanne, from Deem’s Lake (or some other place) to Macon, Georgia. All that the managers ask of the fruit growers, if any doubt ex ists in their minds as to the reliability and cheapness of this arrangement, is a fair trial of the facilities and charges of the Southern Express Company for mov ing the present fruit crop of Florida in the most expeditious and reliable manner. Although Enterprise and Mellonville are now the highest points on the upper St. John’s, to whkh the messengers of the Southern Express Company run, and at which regular agencies are established, local agents have facilities for forwarding packages and freight from these points to any section of JTlorida > n the direction of either the Atlantic or Gulf coast,or to the vicinity of Lake City and Salt Lake. Fruit from any of these sections, delivered to the agents at Enter prise, Mellonville or Sanford, will be “put through” under the new fast time schedule and at the reduced rates. Capt. George It. Jones, the local agent at Jack sonville, tells me that he is determined to spare no efforts, in his supervision of the river lines, to have all consignments of fruit carefully and promptly forwaided Speaking, therefore, from my personal knowledge of Messrs. Dempsey, Cronin and Jones, as gentlemen of reliability and energy, I feel confident in assuring the fruit growers of Ilorida that under the new fast schedule and cheap freight tariff of the Southern Express Company they will have unsurpassed advantages for putting their oranges and other fruit, as well as early vegetables, into the most desirable markets in the quickest possible time, and, if properly packed, in the best possible condition. Persons interested in this new arrangement can get full par ticulars and special rates on application to the messengers on the boats or trains, or from the local agents at the landings or depots. Parties living in the interior can write to the nearest agent, who will give the desired information by return mail. Persons desiring information in regard to the bushel boxes and printed paper wrappers for packing oranges, to be furnished by the Atlantic and Gulf Railroad Company at prices named, should address “D. H. Elliott, Special Agent, Atlantic and Gulf Railroad, Savannah, Georgia.” If they can be procured in any other way at the same prices, or even cheaper, it will answer the same purpose, and save the railroad offi cials considerable work, to which no profit is attached. Sidney Herbeet. The Growth of Norfolk, Va.—The Norfolk Landmark publishes a statement showing that during the present year there have been erected in that city one hundred and thirteen houses, fifty-six of which are brick and fifty-seven wooden. Whilst this is a falling off compared with last year, the Landmark claims it is a gratifying exhibit, considering the strin gency of the times, and will compare very favorably with that of any city of its size on the Atlantic coast. Every day that Mr. Schenck remains abroad as the representative of Ameri cans, he disgraces the national name and character. If he won't “step down and out” voluntarily, Secretary Fish should invest a few dollars m a cable dispatch asking his immediate resignation. Gov ernment money could not be put to bet ter use. —Troy Times {Uep.) TELEGRAPHIC NEWS. Summary of the Week’s Dispatches THE PRESIDENT S MESSAGE. Washington, December 7.—Hie Presi dent’s message opens thus : “In submitting my seveuth annual message to Cougress in the centennial year of our national existence as a free and independent people, it af fords me great pleasure to recur to the ad vancement that has been made from the time of the colonies, (one hundred years ago. We were then a people numbering only three millions; now we number more than forty millions. Then our industries were confined almost exclusively to the till age of the soil; now manufactures absord much of the labor of the country. Our liberties remain unimpaired. The bonds men have been freed from slavery and we have become possessed with the respect, if not the friendship, of all civilized natious.” Graphic ud well-worked details follow. The President earnestly recommends that a constitutional amendment be submitted to the Legislatures of the respective States making it the duty of the States to establish aud forever maintain free Dublic schools for the education of all childreu iu the rudi mentary branches, within their respective limits, irrespective of sex, color, birthplace or religion; forbidding the teaching in said schools of religious, atheistic or pagan tenets, and prohibiting the granting of any school funds or school taxes, or any part thereof, either by legislative, munic ipal or other authorities, for the benefit, or in aid directly or indirectly, of any religious sect or denomination, or in aid. or for the benefit of any other object of any nature or kind whatever. He also alludes to the importance of correcting the evil of vast amounts of uu taxed church property, aud estimates that by 1890, if unchecked, this property will reach a sum exceeding three thousand mil lions of dollars. He would suggest the taxation of all property equally, excepting only the last resting place of the dead. Our relations with most foreign powers continue on a satisfactory and friendly foot ing. The President is happy to announce the passage of an act by the general courts of Portugal abolishing slavery in the colo nies. The past year has furnished no evidence of an approaching termination of the ruin ous conflict which has been raging for seven years in Cuba. The same disregard of the laws of civilized warfare, and the just de mands of humanity which have heretofore called forth expressions of condemnation from the nations of Christendom have con tinued to blacken the sad scone. Desola tion, ruin and pillage are pervading the rich fields of one of the most fertile and productive regions of the earth, and the in cendiary’s torch, firing plantations and val uable factories aud buildings, is the agent marking the alternate advance and retreat of the contending parties. Tho President narrates the damage to the interi sts of all commercial nations, especially to those of the United Spates, and the insecurity of property owned by citizens of the United States in Cuba. He had hoped that Spain would be enabled to establish peace in her colony. Because of this hope and from an extreme reluctance to interfere in the affairs of another and a friendly nation, he has pa tently and anxiously awaited the progress of events. The armed bands of either side now occupy the same grounds as in the past. The President makes a long argument, and concludes: “A recognition of the indepen dence of Cuba being, in my opinion, im practicable aud indefensible, the question which next presents itself is that of the recognition of belligerent rights in the parties to the contest.” After further argu ment, the President concludes: “The recog nition of indepe denee or of belligerency being thus, in my judgment, equally inad missable, it remains to consider what course shall be adopted should the conflict not soon be brought to an end by acts of the p; tics ufomselves, and should the evils which result therefrom, affecting all nations and particularly the United States, continue, iu such event I am of tho opinion that other nations will be compelled to assume the re sponsibility which devolvos upon them and to seriously consider the only remaining meas ures possible—mediation aud|interventiou.” After a further statement ho says: “At the same time, while thus impressed, I do not at this time recommend the adoption of any measure of intervention.” He adds: “Persua ded,however, that a proper regard lor the in ‘terestsof theUnitod States and of its citi zens entitle it to relief from the strain to which it has been subjected by the difficulties of the questions and the wrongs and losses which result from the contest in Cuba, and that the interests of humanity itself de mands the cessation of tho strife, before tho whole is and shall bo laid waste and larger sacrifices be made, I shall feel it my duty, should my hopes of a satisfactory adjust ment and of an early restoration of peace and the removal of future causes of com plaint be unhappily disappointed, to m ike a further communication to Cougress at some period not far remote, and during pres ent session what seems to be necessary. ” Alluding to the necessity of suppressing the smuggling carried on through tho tree zone, and to the cattle raids on tho Rio Grande, the President, says : “An experiment of an armed vessel on the Rio Grande for that purpose is upon trial, and it is hoped, if not thwarted by the shal lowness of the river and other natural ob structions, it may materially contribute to the protection of the herdsmen of Texas.” Ocean telegraphs are discussed at great length, but no allusion is made to tho pos tal telegraph. Discussing the subject of spocie resump tion the President says : “Too much stress cannot be laid upon t his question, and I hope Congress may be induced, at the earliost day practicable, to insure the consummation of the act of the last Congress at its last ses sion to bring about specie resumption on and after the Ist day of January, 1879, at farthest. It would be a great blessing if this could be consummated even at. an ear lier day. Nothing seems to me more certain than that a full, healthy and permanent reaction cannot take place in favor of the industries and financial welfare of the country until we return to a measure of values recognized throughout the civilized world. While wo use a cur rency not equivalent to this standard, the world’s recognized standard, specie, be comes a commodity like the products of the soil, the surplus seeking a market wherever there is a demand for it. Under our present system we should want none, nor would we* have any were it not that the customs dues are paid in coin and because of our pledges to pay the interest on the public debt in coin. The yield of precious metals would flow out for the purchase of foreign productions and leave us hewers of wood and drawers of water, because of the wiser legislation on the subject of finance by the nations with whom we have dealings. I am not prepared to say that I can suggest the foest legislation to secure the end most heartily recommended. It will be a source of great gratification to be able to approve any meas ure of Congress looking effectually towards securing resumption. Unlimited inflation would probably bring about specie payments more speedily than any legislation looking to the redemption of legal tenders in coin, but it would be at the expense of honor. The legal tenders would have no value beyond settling present liabilities, or, pro perly speaking, repudiating them. They would buy nothing after all debts were settled. There are a few measures which seem to me important in this connection and which I commend to your earnest con sideration. A repeal of so much of the legal tender act as makes legal tender notes re ceivable for debts contracted after a certain date, to be fixed in the act itself— say not later than the Ist of Jauuary, 1877. a hearty reaction would set in at once and with it a desire to make the currency equal to what it purports to be. The President elaborates the good effects which,in his judg ment, would follow. He suggests second, that the Secretary of the Treasury be au thorized to redeem say not to exceed two million dollars monthly of legal tender Dotes, by issuing in their stead a long bond bearing interest at three sixty five hundreths per cent, of denominations ranging from fifty to one thousand dollars each. Third, that additional power be given to the Secretary of the Treasury to accumu late gold for final resumption, either by increasing the revenue or decreasing ex penses, or both. It is, he thinks, preferable to do both. The restoration of the duty on tea and coffee is suggested, also the re duction of the duty on certain articles, such as hardly pay for the cost of collection and such as enter into manufactures. The President suggests that some better means be found for verifying claims against the government than through the Court of Claims, especially those growing out of the late war, which he says are in nearly every instance exorbitant. Discussing the report of the Secretary of War, the President invites special attention to the propriety of making three hundred thousand dollars of the subsistence appro priation available before the beginning of the next fiscal year; to the repeal of the law abolishing mileage and a return to the old system ; an appropria tion for torpedo trials by the corps of engineers; a permanent organization of the Signal Corps. The condition of our navy, at this time, he sayg, is a source of satisfaction. Re viewing the details of its defects, as com pared with the navies of other nations, he says “but neither our continental situation nor our foreign policy requires that we should have a large number of these powerful cruising iron clads, while our situation and the nature of our ports combine to make those of other nations little dangerous to ub under ordinary circumstances. We have fifty war ships, in cluding fifteen ironclad §, now in band on the Atlantic coast. The postal service is entirely satisfactory. The President suggests that power be given to the Postmaster General to exclude mer chandise from the mails. The method of treating the Indians, adopted at the beginning of my first term, has been steadily pursued with satisfactory and encouraging results. It has been pro ductive of evident improvement of the con dition of that race, and will be continued, with such modifications as experience may indicate to be necessary. The President speaks cheeringly and lib erally regarding the Centennial. He says of the Bureau of Agriculture: “It haa ac complished much in disseminating useful knowledge to the agriculturist and also in introducing new and utefol productions adapted to our climate and is worthy o! the continued encouragement of the govern ment.” The President characterizes the condition of affairs in Utah as scandalous, and says as an institution polygamy should be banished from the land. The message thus concludes: “\s this will be the last message I shall have the honor of submitting to Congress before my successor is chosen, I wiff repeat or re capitulate the questions which I deem of vital importance, which may be legis lated upon and settled at this session: “First. That the Stato schools be required to afford the opportunity of a good common school education to every child within their limits. “Second. That no sectarian tenets shall ever be taught in auy school supported by the State, uation, or tho proceeds of any tax levied npon any community. Make edu tation compulsory so far as to deprive all persons who caunot read and write from becoming voters after the year 1890, disfranchising none, however, on grounds of illiteracy who may be voters at the time this amendment takes effect. “Third. Declare church and State forever separate aud distinct, but each tree within their proper spheres, aud that all church property shall bear its own proportion of taxation. “Fourth. Drive out licensed immorality, such as polygamy aud the importation of women for illegitimate purposes. I recur again to tho Centennial year. It would seem as though, now that we are about to begin the second century of our national existence, it would be a most fitting time for these reforms. “Fifth. Enact such laws as will secure a speedy return to a sound currency, such as wiUcommaud tho respect of the world.” Believing that these views will commend themselves to the great majority of the right thinking aud patriotic citizens of the United States, I submit the rest to Con gress. (Signed) u. S. Grant. CONGRESSIONAL NOTES. Washington, December 7.—ln the Senate, English, the new Senator from Connecticut, was sworn in, and the Senate took a recess until 1 o’clock. The House took a recess until 1, when they will draw for seats, after which the message will be read. Iu the House, after tho committee had re turned and the choice of seats accorded to the oldest continuous member—K. Hey, of Pennsylvania— the drawing for seats oc curred. Mr. McHaDpy, the Reading Cle k, read the message. The reading of the message occupied two hours and five minutes. At *£rjt it was listened to with considerable in iuterest and attention, but after the Clerk had got past the paragraphs relating to education, church property, and tho Cuban questions, the members began gradually to leave their seats, retiring to tho cloak rooms, loitering listlessly in the aisles, engaged in conversation with each other, so that during tho reading of the latter half there wero not probably forty members in their seats, and no' half that number paying the slightest attention to the message! In fact, were it not for the monotonous tones of the Clerk’s voice, it might have been supposed that the House was indulging in a recess. The mes sage was ordered printed. Mr. Cox presented a petition of W. H. Trescott and others, of South Carolina, with reference to the right of representation of the Third Congressional District of Soutli Carolina, and moved that it be referred to the Committee on Elections. He said the question raised by the memorial was not so much that of a' repre sentative as it was that of representation. The petition was so referred, aud tho House adjourned till Friday. In the Senate the message was read by Mr. Gorham, Secretary of the Senate. Tho Senate adjourned to noon to-morrow. Washington, December 7.— lu the Senate the bill introduced by Senator West to aid the construction of the Texas Pacific Rail road, is mainly a copy of the bill reported by the Senate Committee on Railroads on Eobruary the 19tli last, aud re-committed on the same day. It authorizes tho Atlantic aud Pacific Railroad Company to construct a railroad from Vinita and southwest wardly to a junction with the line of the Texas Pacific Railroad from Foit Worth, tho junc tion to he on or south of the 33d parallel and between the 100th and 103d meridian. The Texas Pacific Company is to construct a road from this point through Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California to San Diego bay, and for these purposes the two companies shall en joy all the rights heretofore granted them, except that the grant of land shall not bo duplicated and shall not exceed twenty al ternate sections per mile in the territories and ten sections per mile in the States, and one each of the side lines of the road, and the rights of the Atlantic and Pacific Com pany shall be confined to the connecting link between Vinita and tie Junction. Tho bill also provides for the con struction of a connecting lino by the New Orleans, Baton Rouge aud Vicks burg Railroad Company betweon Shreveport aud New Orleans, and authorizes tho Texas Company to extend its lii*> east from Shreveport to Vicksburg. It is further provided that the United States Govern ment shall guarantee tho payment per cent, interest on the bonds of tho'lexas Pacific Company to the extent of thirty-five thousand dollars per mile. An elaborate provision is made for securing the govern ment against loss by means of a first mort gage, and the retention of all proceeds of the sale of lands and of tho cost of govern ment transportation, together with porti ins of earnings of roads to ostahlish a sinking fund, etc, Washington, December B.— ln the Senate memorials were presented by Robertson from the Chamber of Commerce of Charles ton, S. 0., in behalf of the merchants and business men of that city for bar and harbor improvements. By Patterson—A memorial by the South Carolina Legislature asking the passage of a law preventing internal revenue license for retailing liquor. By Johnson—For the removal of the po litical disabilities of William Shauf, of Vir ginia. By Withers—Praying for compensation for property used by the Federal army after 1865. The following bills were introduced and laid on the table for future reference : By Morton—Regulating the counting of the votes for President and Vico President. By Claj ton—Repealing section 2,303 of the revised statutes making restrictions in the disposition of the public lands of Ala bama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas and Florida. By Robertson—To secure the depositors of the Freedman’s Bank from ultimate loss; also to remove the legal and political disa bilities from all citizens of the United States. By Spencer—Granting Cornell Jewett and associates a charter for an ocean cable be tween the Pacific coast and Asia. By McMillen—To exten i the time for the construction and completion of the North ern Pacific Road. It allows the company ten years time to complete the road. By West—Amendatory of and supple mental to the act of March 3,d, 1871, to in corporate the Texas Pacific Road, and acts supplementary thereto, apr roved May 2, 1872, and the Atlantio and Pacific Railroad act of July 27th, 1806. Morton submitted a joint resolution to elect the President and Vice-President by a direct vote of the people. Adjourned. Washington, December B.— The adjourned Republican Senatorial caucus here report that a committee of five were appointed yesterday, with Wadleigh as business chair man of the committee, vice Ferry, dead. There was a full Democratic Senatorial caucus. Great dissatisfaction was expressed that the majority had left them only two places on the Finance Committee, instead of three, as in all other committees com posed oj nine. Bayard and Kernan were placed on the Finance Committee. The va cancies caused by the death of Mr. Johnson will be filled by Eaton on Foreign Relations, and Key on Post Offices. The minority have four, instead of three, out of eleven com posing the Committee on Railroads. Eaton is placed on that committee, who, with Ran som, Kelly and Carpenter, compose the mi nority of the Railroad Committee. Senator Sumner’s bill for the payment of the French spoliation claims is &tiU pending in the Senate. Washington December 9.—ln the Senate, Cooper presented a memorial of the Book agents of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, asking compensation for losses at Richmond and Louisville during the war. West presented a letter from W. L. McMillan, of that State, asking permission to withdraw his credentials as Senator-elect from the State of Louisiana, by the Mc- Enery Legislature. West sent to the Clerk’s desk and had read a letter recently pub lished by McMillan, giving his reasons for withdrawing his credentials. He submitted an older that the request for withdrawal of the papers be granted, but objection was made by several Senators on the Democratic side, and it was laid over. Bogy introduced a bill authorizing the payment of duties on imports in legal tenders and national bank notes. It pro vides that from and after July 4,1876, duties on imports may be paid in legal tenders and national bank notes, or coin, at the option of the importer. After the executive session, the Senate adjourned to Monday. . a Ikfgc number of nominations, including ChandL-r, Secretary of the Inte rior ; Pierrepont, Attorney General; Mer rier, Minister to Belgium ; Gibbs, Minister to Peru ; New, Treasurer, and fiurham, As sistant Secretary of the Treasury ; Major Robert McFeely, Commissary General, with the rank of Brigadier General; Col. Wm. McKee Dunn, Judge Advocate General, with the rank of Brigadier General, and all revenue officers and Postmasters who have been appointed during recess. There were no new appointments. Confirmations Chandler, Pierrepont, New, andJohn C. Smith, Commissioner of Indian Affairs. BABCOCK’S COURT. December 9—Generals Sher man, Hancock and Terry, composing the court of mouiry appointed at the request of General Babcoek, to consider the ques tions raised in the prosecution of the whisky cases at St. Louis affecting his renntutimi met to-day and decided that the court Iffiould hold an open session. V Major Gardner re corder, stated that, on bccount of lack of witnesses, nothing could bK-lone to-dav and the court adjourned to noomLo-morrow a LOBS OF THE DEUTSCHLAND. London, December 7—Lloyd’a agent at Rochester reports this morning that a boat came ashore in that vicinity from the steamer Deutschland, of the North German Lloyds, from Bremen De cember 4, lor New York The boat contained one man and dead hodi. of two others. The man reports that the Deutschland is aground somewhere in the North Sea. Lloyds> agent at Sheerness, nearer the mouth of the Thames, conflrmi the news of the disaster to the Deutschland bpt gives no further details. The two men perished from long exposure, having been n the boat thii ty-eight hours. g London, December 7.-Lloyd’s agent at Sheerness telegraphs that ihe' person who arrived in a boat, was a quartermaster of the Deutschland. His name is Anguat One of those who died from exposure was ukmed Fosentein, aud the other’s name is nn known. August reports that the steamer struck a sand bank in the North sea One boat left the ship before that occupied bv August and his companions. The fate of that boat is unknown, and the fato of the Deutschlaud itself also unknown. August believes she is totally lost, with all the pas sengers and crew. They numbered one hundred and fifty. New York, December 7—Pebrichs & Cos agents of tho North. German Lloyds line have received no dispatches relating to the disas ter to the Deutschland. They could not tell the names of the Captain, officers or crew as they are all new, the vessel having been laid up iu Bremen since February. The agents say it is probable only a few of the passengers were on board, the tide of immi gration this i ear being slack. They have telegraphed to the other side for passenger list. New York, December 7 The British Admiralty has sent a tug to the assistance of the Deutschland. The agents have grave fears and do not conceal them. They suppose that the vessel went ashore in a fog. The agents have just received the following : "The Deutschland is ashore on Long Sands. Fifty of the passengers aud crew are reported drowned. Part of the passeu fors and crew laudod at Harwich on Tues ay afternoon.” Further particulars are wanting. THE DEUTSCHLAND. London, December 9. The Captain’s statement: Left Bornhaven on Sunday morning, when strong northeast winds pre vailed. They threw the lead every half hour. The last lead thrown out showed seventeen fathoms. They felt a moderate shock at 5:30 on Monday, 'the engine was backed immediately, but iu a few moments the screw aud the machinery stop p'd, and the ship commeug and to strike heavy. They signalled several vessels which passed including a steamer. The Captain ordered all boats ready and all wero swung out, but it was impossible to lower them, the sea being too high. One which was lowered against orders was swamped with six per sons. Another with tho boatswain was lowered, but at the same time a tremendous sea swept many overboard. The ship filled slowly. The passengers behaved cooly, and all were provided with life preservers.' The deaths were caused by the high sea and the cold, many tailing benumbed from tho rigging. The passengers wero ordered to tho rigging and decks. The ship was iu two feet of water, with an ebb tide. The passengers descended to a tug boat, which arrived at Half past ten in the morning. One committed suicido by open ing the veins of his arm. Many were res cued frost-bitten past recovery. Forty pas sengers aud fifty of thb crow are unaccounted for. JOURNALISTIC CHANGE. Richmond, Ya., December 9.—The Rich mond Whig has been purchased by Messrs. Wyatt M. Elliott & Cos., and to-day made its appearance under the new management. General Elliott was for twenty yoars previl ous to aud during tho late war one of the proprietors of the Whig audits chief busi ness manager. Nathaniel B. Meade for merly editor of the Whig, and tho present chairman of tho State Conservative Commit tee, will resume the editorial control of the paper, with A. P. Beunett, formerly of tho Enquirer, and C. Maurice Smith, long con nected with the Whig, as assistants. Tbe now paper promises to use every propor effort to advance tho great interests of the State, and make the paper worthy of its past repu tation by firm adherence to principles aud a well settled policy. JOURNALISTIC. Baltimore, December 7.—A controlling interest in the Baltimore Gazelle has been sold to Win. H. Welsh, Esq., of this city, who assumes the exclusive management and control of the paper. Mr. Welsh is a jour nalist of experience, having been proprietor , ot the Philadelphia Age. He intends making j important changes in the conduct and an- 1 pearance of the Gazelle. ' AN ATLANTA FAILURE. Atlanta, December 9.—Tho failure of * West, Edward-. & Cos. is still tho exciting topic. N. J. West and B. W. Briscoe, two of 1 tho firm, wero committed to jail this after- J noon for contempt of court m refusing toj deliver their hooks, papers and evidence oil indebtedness to the receiver appointed yeg-9 terday by Judge Hopkins. Edwards escaped! from t.i& failure to servo the order upon 1 him. 1 BURNED. New York, December 9.—Buildings 11 2,3 and 4, Mission Place, are burned. Losa $320,000. The heavy losers are N. A. Tay lor, papers; Darrow A Sons, book-binders- Donaldson Bros., lithographers, $170,000.’ The Mercantile Agenoy House and the In dustry aud Mission House narrowly escaped. Some Radical Puns to Drown his Kerr’s. [From the Washington Republican.] A budget of Kerr-sory remarks : Sat urday was hard on Wood-Cox. Although pointers seemed to be at a loss and set ters at a discount, still the game was bagged by a Kerr. The trained pack under the master, Sam Ran—bah on tha “and,” for as the beginning of Democracy and devilment it is always getting the country into trouble—all over the ground, but failed to get a scent. The Bourbon Democracy has gone completely back on its record by ignoring its Cox crew. It is said that Cox sung a plaintive air for the benefit of the caucus ; “Wood I were with thee, darling,” and Wood, mistaking the melody, joined in with “Kerry me back once more.” The caucus is over, and the end having oc-Kerred, Mr. Ran dall quietly remarks, “Kerr’s the lucky man. Ar it is the first time the genial Samuel was ever known to be Kerr-t, we Wood still recommend him for Kerr-to see. Mr. Wood says ; “ The More-i-see of the result of the contest, the more I am convinced that he who Wood con- Kerr a fair pirize should spea-Kerr-ly for it.” That Kerr should have con-Kerred is not at all surprising, for it would have oc-Kerred under any circumstanae, as he Ran-dall his mite to win a raoe that any ordinary Cox-comb would have lost. The M. 0. Kerr of Saturday is the S.-P.-Korr of to-day, with the control of several fine offices attached, which in reality be long to the family of Orpheus C. Kerrs. We Wood-n’-thin-Kerr-’bout canine after pun-ishing our mother tongue in thin manner. The New Speaker, The men who stand first in the political and commercial ranks of our country furnish the best evidence that America is still a republic, much as it has away from the severe simplicity of ot l^ | years. Most of GwiA are of humble ori gin, and have fiolln to a commanding position in spite of the adverse circum stances which surrounded them. Birth and early advantages have had little to do with their success, but an indomitable perseverence and unwearying energy bad. Through trials and obstacles they strug gled forward until the one talent became five and the five ten. Michaol O. Kerr, of Indiana, who has just been elected Speaker of the House of Congress, is a brilliant example of this class. Born in Pennsylvania in 1827, he had but few opportunities of ing the education which he was ambi tious to have, but, by hard study f and application, he succeeded in laying ie foundation for it. - Afterwards, by team ing and attending school alternately, he gained a knowledge of booKJ, which served him in good stead in after life. Ambitious to become a disciple of Blackstone, he came to this city to study .law, and after completing his course settled in New Albany. In 1856 he was elected to the State Assembly, and in 1862 to the position of reporter of the State Supreme Court. Two years later he was elected to Congress, and has served in that body ever sinoe. Mr. Kerr is an able speaker, and a fine parliamentarian, and will undoubtedly perform the duties of his new position in a manner that will reflect honor upon himself and the party which is proud to number him among its members. — LoiiiSr. ville Ledger. A Brooklyn minister whose name has occasionally been mentioned in connec tion with that of Theodore Tilton, has a peculiar fashion of inculcating the doc trine of “peace on earth, good will to man.” It seems that there is a Mia, Moulton who has been writing a series mF letters which has disturbed the sereraH of the aforesaid minister, and made soma trouble among his flock, and instead,H was his wont, going to the lady, and making friends, he theoretically up on his muscle, and announces lis time to “strike back.” If this oH| disciple of muscular Christianity is kbmr lutely spoiling for a fight he ought to have it, aDd, in default of any better man, we nominate Susan B. Anthony.—. Louisville Ledger.