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THE CENTRAL RAILROAD
ONE OF GEORGIA'S GRANDEST
ENTERPRISES.
Savannah's Want of External Com
munication—The Lack at Length
Supplied - Early History of the Cen
tral-First Report of the President -
Railroads a Novelty Two New En
terprises Contrasted Reaches Ma
con—What Followed Magical De
velopment A Gigantic System Now
Extensions—South Carolina Connec
tions-A New and Rich Region
Opened Up The Fleet of Steam
ships—Steam Cotton Prestos Pres
ent Business Outlook lnterstate
Law The Names of the Presidents
—Conclusion.
To the conception and completion through
>to Macon of the Georgia Central railroad is
Savannah indehfist for deliverance from the
semi-asphyxiation of many years caused by
the lack of interior communication. Her
river formed the only medium of ac
cess to the upper country, and
even this was often interrupted by
protracted droughts and damaging fi’esheto.
At best, too, intercourse with the great in
terior was restricted to a narrow skirt of
territory save by tedious and expensive
wagon transportation. Surrounded also for
nearly 100 miles by a thinly populated and
comparatively barren region producing but
little, it can readily lie perceived that the
town was almost wholly dependent upon its
maritime commerce for support. This,
however, was necessarily limited for the
above reasons, and no wonder that the
place languished nnd the population re
mained nearly stationary (numbering only
■about 8,000 souls) for quite a number of
years.
But with the opening up, section by sec
tion, ot the “old Central,” the city advanced
paril patten with its ever expanding business,
and anew impetus was given to everything.
Soon the arrivals and departures of coast
wise and foreign vessels largely increased,
and the value of imports and exports began
to assume greatly enhanced proportions.
In short, the era of stagnation hail
passed, and throbbing life and activity
gave place to erstwhile apathy
almost akin to despair. Of course with the
rise and growth or the numerous towns ami
villages that sprang into existence almost
simultaneously with the advent of the road,
the business of Savannah has increased
proportionately, until at length she has be
come the leading city and trade centre on
the Atlantic and Gulf coast, from Balti
more to New Orleans. While other enter
prises have doubtless contributed their full
share to the consummation of these grand
results, to the “Central Railway System”
with its far reaching connections is much of
the credit unquestionably due.
In this annual review 'and expose of the
condition and progress of our chief seaport,
it will be both interesting and appropriate to
give a succinct sketch of the origin, career
and present status of this great Southern or
ganization.
EARLY HISTORY.
It was towards the close of 1834 that the
preliminary survey under the auspices of
the city of Savannah was completed by
Col. Cruger, to ascertain the most available
route for a railway from that point to Ma
con, Ga. It was then decided that the
scheme was practicable and could be carried
out at moderate cost. Accordingly two years
later, in April, lH3ti, the company under its
present name and style was formally organ
ized by the election of Col. W. W." Gordon
President, and soon after began operations.
L. O. Reynolds was appointed Chief Kngi
neer, and another survey was made, com
mencing at Macon, undsr his direction, dur
ing the same year. When this was com
pleted, and fill the grades, distances and va
rious details hail been carefully examined,
the board of directors unanimously
determined to adopt, what is known
aa the “Northern Route,” in
lieu of the “Southern.” From that time,
building contrai ts for sections of various
lengths continued to be let out, until the
whole road was in process of construction
and finally completed Many were the
prejudices to be encountered nnd the ob
stacles to be overcome, but the indefatiga
ble President W. W Gordon and his faith
ful assistants, never faltered for an instant
until their herculean undertaking hail been
consummated.
The first report of the President was
submitted on May 20, 1838.
To illustrate how little was then really
known concerning the scope and operations
of a railroad at that early era in their his
tory, President Gordon commenting in this
report upon the recent employment of a
civil engineer naively remarked: “In the
commencement of the work, it was deemed
expedient to secure the services of an
engineer of established character and repu
tation, by which it was hoped we should
avoid those errois which have usually
occurred in enterprises of a novel clut rac
ier."
It should be remembered that at. the period
referred to, however, the only railroad in
the South was the Use collecting Charles
ton with Augusta. the passenger coaches
used were in the shupo of a
HUGN barrel,
thus constructed, we suppose, to roll out of
danger with greater facility if “derailed.”
In Slav, 1838, twenty-six miles had been
graded aud equipped and engines were run
ning tLat distance. The grading alone had
been finished for sixty-seven miles, but it
was not until July that passenger trains
wore put on regularly ami begun to be a
source of some income.
As was t o be expected in the infancy and
unfinished condition of the enterprise, the
revenues were small, though they seem to
have been regarded as quite encouraging.
Thus we find in the fifth report ot Mr. Gor
don when the road was operated 100 miles,
to a point near the Ogoecliee river, the to
tal receipts from freights and passengers
for the six months ending April 30, 1840,
ware given at *89,183 96. Instituting a
comparison between this statement and the
receipts of the South < 'arolina road, which
which were *18,983 93 for the half year
ending May 1, 183\ the President remarks
as follows:
“This particular period of the ojierations
of that rood is selected for the analogy it
appears to lunar to the condition of oura for
this last six months as regards the state of
advancement of the enterprise, distance
completed, mid other circumstances. They
were then running 72 miles, had a motive
power of 7 engines and 48 care. Wo, for the
most part of the last hulf year, have lieen
running 80 miles with n motive jwer of
only 5 engines and 12 to 15 ears, though our
distance has lataly been extended to 100
miles, and our motive power to 7 engines
and 48 cars,” This retrospect is certainly
flat tering to the Georgia enterprise, as it
shows an increase of nearly 250 per cent,
over the road of our sister (State under cor
responding circumstances.
ENTERS MACON.
At length, on May 13, 1843, the iron
horse entered the citv of Macon amid the
acclamations of thousands, drawing a
crowded train of passengers the entire
length of the rood from Savannah, distant
102 miles. It was nil auspicious event that
sent a thrill of exultant joy throughout the
commonwealth. The effect has l*eon magi
cal upon the growth and prosperity of the
country. Real estate has appreciated many
times in value, immigrants have flocked
in by thousands, handsome cities, pretty
villages, school houses, colleges and church
es dot the land, aud the hum of machinery,
and other signs of thrift and progress ma'y
be board or mm on every aide.
These are some of the results at home that
have followed the building of the main stein
of the Central railroad to Macon, anil Its
MUor extension* to tbs bout,hern and Hunt In
western portions of Georgia. But the far
seeing genius and sagacity of its managers
did not rest here.
They have carried their conquest', into
other States and boldly entered the lists in
competition for the trade of the distant re
gions of the North and West. Nay, even
the ocean lias been subordinated to their in
terests by the construction and equipment
of a numerous and magnificent fleet of
steamships that ply between the principal
Atlantic seaports and transport thither the
wealth of the South, bringing back in re
turn the luxuries and productions of the
whole earth. Suecess has crowned the
efforts of the organization, and they have
lieen able to purchase other lines and con
necting links with roads beyond our borders,
until at this date their
GIGANTIC SYSTEM
controls in whole or in part no less than
2.1415 miles of the iron highways of the
Union. In addition, the following exten
sions are in actual profcesß of building, or
will bo immediately constructed, to-wit:
The road from Blakely, Ga.. to Columbia,
Ala., distance miles 11
FrOm Troy, Ala., to Elba, Ala . • 32
From Clayton, Ala., to Ozark. Ala., 40
From Columbus, Ga.. to Albany, Ga H 0
From Goodwater to Birmingham, Ala., 70
Wo are also authorized to announce that
a surveying party is now at work on the
line of the extension of the Savannah,
(Trillin and North Alabama road from Car
rollton, Ga., to Decatur, Ala., which, when
completed, will be 135 miles in length.
Decatur, located upon the Tennessee
river, is growing rapidly and destined to be
a city of much importance. The Memphis
and Charleston and Louisville and Nash
ville roads cross each other there. The ex
tension when finished will give the Central
railroad another direct line to the West.
All of thcatiove lines will hoof signal
advantage to the company, the Goodwater
extension placing Savannah in direct con
nection with the vast coal beds and with the
iron mines of Alabama, that from Blakely
diverting over the road large quantities of
cotton hitherto reaching market by other
channels, and the remaining two forming
important links in the general system of the
organization.
Aga in, it should not be forgotten what a
valuable auxiliary the Central pos.ses.sos in
its South Carolina acquisitions embracing
the control of the line of road from Augusta
to Spartanburg, and the flourishing branches
recently completed from McCormick to
Anderson, and from Laurens to
Greenville. These all permeate the
very garden region of our sister State,
which hitherto has enjoyed no railway
facilities, but now offers the most tempting
inducements to those who desire Southern
homes in a delightful climate, where the
advantages of n fertile soil, picturesque
scenery, good water and refined civilization
may all lie had for a reasonable considera
tion. With the development of this coun
try will come largely increased revenues to
the Central railroad.
As our reader i are familiar with the close
relations (amounting to virtual possession)
existing between the Southwestern, Maeon
and Western, Savannah and Augusta and
Georgia railroads and the Central system,
we shall not pause to describe or dwell upon
these important factors in the compact. It
is sufficient to say that they impart union,
harmony, solidity and strength totheorgan
ization, and render it impregnable so long as
its membera remain true to themselves.
And in this connection it may be well to
remark that we have the authority of the
President for the statement, that there has
been no change whatever of late in the
policy and management of the Central rail
road. It will continue to be operated in the
interests of the stockholders and for the gen
eral benefit of the people of Georgia.
IN PERFECT REPAIR.
From Maj. Shellman, one of the officers
of the company, we have the satisfaction to
announce that the entire roadlied is in ex
cellent condition, and the damages caused
by the recent floods were far less than first
reported, and have all been repaired.
THE FLEET OF STEASHIPS
number nine first class vessels, with a car
rying capacity each, varying from about
2.000 to near 3,000 tons. They are all
rt mnehly constructed, ably officered, and
general favorites with the public. These
shire are an incalculable benefit to farmera
and truck growers, as affording the safest,
cheapest and most satisfactory transporta
tion for their fruits, vegetables and fierish
nble commodities to Northern markets.
Five of these steamers ran regularly as per
nublished schedule, between Savannah and
New York, two ply between Savannah and
Philadelphia, and the other two between
Savannati and Boston.
STEAM COTTON PRESSES.
These are located respectively at Savan
nah, Macon, Columbus and Eufaula, and
have a united pressiug capacity of 9,300
bales every twenty-four hours. They save
a very large amount of stowage room on the
care, and pay a haudsomtK interest on the
investment.
We are pleased to state, from careful in
quiry at headquarters, that the present
BUSINESS OUTLOOK
of the road is very encouraging. The sum
mer travel and freight have lvn well sus
tained, and the company confidently expect
an increase of traffic and profits over last
year.
In regard to the effect the enforcement of
the interetate commerce law would exert
upon the business of the company, the opin
ion seemed to obtain that, owing to the
very fortunate location of the Central sys
tem lines, and its thousand miles of water
navigation, very little, if any, harm would
inure to it from the operation of that law.
Wo close this hurried sketch with -fin
enumeration of the several Presidents who
managed the affairs and wielded the
destinies of the old Central for the past, half
century. They were all popular citizens,
“riorum et vencrabile," and served their
constituents and State well and faithfully.
They come in the following older:
W. W. Gordon,
R. R. Cuylkr,
John W. Anderson,
William M. Wadley,
E. P. Alexander,
W. O. Raoul,
and the present incumbent, Gen. E. P.
Alexander, for the second time. Of this
honored roll all have passed awAy save
one, Capt. W. G. Raoul, who now holds
tho high office of President of the Mexican
National Railway Company.
Finally, it may lie safely asserted, that
under ito present astute management the
Central system is stronger than ever, and
the prospect for continued good dividends
and general prosperity, seems both reason
able aud hopeful.
Stories (Torn Down East.
Ftotn Uarper't for September.
Many arguments appeal to the rustic
New-Englander, but there is one that
never fails— The Arguinentum art crumen
am.
An elderly farmer and his middle aged
son Sam had been spending the day at the
county fair. When it came to be time to
go homeward Sam appeared, rather the
worse for his day's pleasuring.
“Sam,” said nis father, “what ails ye?
Hain't ye got no sence ! 1 don’t care a cent
about yer f akin’ a nipper or so, but how
kin ye be such a tormented fool ez to go
and git corned, ez ye bo now?”
A gleam of triumph shone in Sam's
watery eye os he answered, “Wot ye goin’
ter do w'en folks lin it tu yef”
There is no reply known in rural New
England to such reasoning ns this.
A “Culs" iiain.
From the LesingtontGa.) Echo.
“A mighty cuis rain fell at my house,
boss,” said a negro living on Mr. M. H.
Arnold's place to a gentleman in Crawford
Tuesday last. "How's that?” inquired the
gentleman. "Well, sir, it rained hard
Hough on half of the top of my house pi
ran off, but 'tether side won't hardly wet.
Twas a good shower, enough to run, in my
front yard and for some distance in front
of de bouse, but it didn't lay do dust in tie
hack yard. Di cuts times, anyway, ain’t
it, boss?” It certaiulv it if this statement
be true. |
THE MOHXIXG NEWS: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1887.
THE PLANT SYSTEM.
SAVANNAH, FLORIDA AND WEST
ERN RAILWAY COMPANY.
What the Railroad Has Done for South
Georgia and Florida Dr. James P.
Scrovon Savannah and Albany
Railroad Subsequent Changes In
Name and Organization-President
John Screven -Progress of the Road
-Its Sale to H. B. Plant The Plafct
System Organized - They Buy the Sa
vannah and Charleston Rond—The
Atlantic Coast Line Extension of tho
System to Havana—Other Branches
on Foot-Porto Tampa Business
Statistics -Property of the Company
-Cheering Prospect.
Southern and Southwestern Georgia, and
a large portion of tho peninsula of Florida,
are more indebted to the construction of the
Atlantic and Gulf railroad, now known un
der the “Plant Investment” system as the
Savannah, Florida and Western, for their
unexampled development and prosperity
than to all other agencies combined.
Almost within a single generation the
greater part of that vast region was little
more than a Sparsely settled wilderness,
sneeringly dubbed the “Pino Barrens” of
Georgia, and possessing hardly any
quotable value in the market. Thousands
of acres changed hands at from 10c. to 50c.
jier acre.
Now, much of that Identical country is
the a I wide of a refined and wealthy people,
and the lands are in great request for homes,
farms and fruit culture. That these
changes have been wrought mainly through
the instrumentality of the railroad none
will attempt to gainsay.
For the inauguration aud successful com
pletion of this great enterprise is the coun
try more beholden to the late
DR. JAMES P. SCREVEN
than to any other single individual. His
services cannot lie overestimated, nnd to
his memory, as in the instances of the
lamented Gordon and Wadley, a fitting
monument should be erected.
As it is with the enterprise of to-day,
however, that we have cniefly to deal in
this article, a mere passing glance is all that
can be bestowed upon the origin and record:;
of the original road. An abler pen, we
trust, ere Tong, will do full justice to tho
subject in these columns.
HAVANNAH AND ALBANY RAILROAD.
It was in 1858 that an organization was
first effected under the above name and Col.
James P. Screven elected President. That,
designation was again altered the following
year (185-1) so as to read Savannah, Albany
and Gulf Railroad Company In 1863 tho
Atlantic and Gulf Railroad Company,
which in the meantime had obtained a
charter ami the loan of *1,000,000 from the
State, was consolidated with the Savannah,
Albany and Gulf railroad.
U pon the death of Dr. Screven, which oc
curred July 16, 1859, his oldest son, Col.
John Screven, who had lieen acting for his
father during his illness, was elected Presi
dent of the Savannah, Albany ami Gulf
Railroad Company. Early in the following
year he was chosen President of the old At
lantic and Gulf Railroad Company, and
then in 18ti3, upon tho union of tho two or
ganizations, he was elected President of the
consolidated corporation, and remained in
office until 1880, when tho Atlantic and
Gulf railroad passed, by purchase, under
the control of H. B. Plant, Esq.
During the administration of Col. Scre
ven early in 1860 the track was laid as far as
Lawton Station, (near Dupont), 130 miles
from Savannah. In March, 1861, it was
completed to ThomasvUle. Hera the track
lay iugjvas arrested by the impending war.
The grading and bridging, however, of
both the Florida Branch and the extension
to Bainbridge, was continued, and during
the last year of the war the superstructure
of the former was laid by the Confederate
government.
After the war the iron on the Florida
Division of the Florida Branch was taken
up by the Pensacola and Georgia Railroad
Company, but the division was soon pur
chased by the Atlantic and Gulf Railroad
Company, and the track re-laid. Many of
our readers will recall tho ruinous condition
of the road after tho cessation of hostilities,
and the great energy with which President
Screven pursued the work of repair and r
hnbilitation. All will admit that, with the
means at command, he accomplished won
ders.
We pass on now to the history of the rise
and progress of the
SAVANNAH, FLORIDA AND WESTERN RAIL
WAY COMPANY.
The Atlantic and Gulf Railroad Com
pany, then under the management and
direction of Col. John Screven and
Samuel IA. Strang, Esq., receivers,
was sold Nov. 4, 1879, by fore
closure, to Henry B. Plant, Esq., who, with
his associates, formed a corporation entitled
the Savannah, Florida and Western Rail
way Conqiany, by certificate of the Secre
tary of the State of Geoi-gia, bearing date
Nov. 36, 1679.
The railroad and its appurtenances be
came the property of the purchasers on
Nov. 19, 18cJ, but the new corporation did
not take actual possession until Dec. it ot
the following month. Subsequent to this
important business transaction, Mr. Plant
and his associates, now known as the Plant
Investment Company, purchased also the
SAVANNAH AND CHARLESTON RAILROAD,
changing its name to the “Charleston and
Savannah Railway Company.” This
strategic movement, resulting in the acqui
sition of the road in question, gave the Plant
Investment Company control of the line
from Richmond to Jacksonville, Fla., and
the subsequent purchase of a controlling in
terest in the Richmond, Fredericksburg and
Potomac railroad completes the lines of the
Plant system from Quantioo to Jackson
ville: and when its connections with the
Pennsylvania railroad were perfected it be
came known as the “Atlantic Coast Line.”
The introduction of swift and elegant
steamers on the St. John’s river, known as
the
“PEOPLE’S LINE,’'
but owned by the company, and the build
ing of the South Florida railroad from
Sanford to Tampa, together with the estab
lishment of the Plant steamship line be
tween that city and Havana, completed the
extension of the Plant system from Quaiiti •'
co to Havana.
The Plant system has also made every ar
rangement recently for the construction of
branch lines connecting Tallahassee and
Monticello, Fla., with Thomasville, (la, a
point on the Savannah, Florida and Wes
tern railway. This will supply r long felt
want in that section, and add largely to the
traffic and revenues of tho rood.
In addition to the above the company are
actively engaged in extending the line of
the South Florida railroad, twelve miles to
deep water at a jioint on old Tatnpu Bay, to
lie known oil the map as
“PORTO TAMPA.”
Here substantial docks are to be con
structed, alongside of which the ocean
steamers of the Plant system will be able to
take on board or discharge their cargoes
without the delay and expense of lighter
age. It should lie stated, too, that the com
pany own a line of handsome steamers that
nm upon the Flint and Chattahoochee
rivers, making regular connections with
the trains of the Hxvannah, Florida and
Western railway. Indeed, almost the entire
State of Florida maybe said to 1* tribu
tary to the Plant System and it* numerous
connections.
BUSINESS OK THE 8.,K. AND W. RAILWAY.
Tiie receipts of naval stores in barrels
(spirits of turpentine included) over this
highway when the industry was in it* in
fancy in the Mate of Henrgia in IH7J were
1,471) laurels In lhftil they foot up 1115,HO:'
barrels. All this vast amount of freight is
bandied at the wharves of the uomuanv
from their naval .store yards and depot.
Over these wharves there were shipped in
1886 no less than 437,647 barrels of rosin
and turpentine in coastwise and foreign
bottoms.
LUMBER RECEIPTS.
Of lumber, sawed and otherwise, in 1886
the shipments amounted to but 7,792,000
feet. Last year they had swollen to 67,774,-
500 feet. Comment is unnecessary. The
wharf property of the concern embraces 321
acres of valuable land, and it owns three
fourths of a mile of continuous wharf front
and docks. Tracks have been laid and are
operated to Gordon’s iron warehouse, and
all the cotton warehouses and presses in tlio
eastern part of the city. They have been
recently extended, also, onto the dock of
the Merchants’ and Miners’ Transportation
Company, and now all freights are deliv
ered and received on the rails from the Bal
timore steamers.
A CHEERFUL. PROSPECT.
From the obliging oflicials we learn that
the road is doing a very satisfactory busi
ness. And when the new and attractive
regions that have been thrown open to set
tlers through the untiring energy, sagacity
and capital of Mr. Plant, and his associates,
havo had time for development, they will
reap a rich harvest for all their pluck and
enterprise. In live years the very fruit and
vegotable shipments of Florida will afford
ample employment to the Savannah, Flori
da and Western railway upon whose track
must be borne to the sea a large proportion
of these products, thanks to tiie feeders pro
vided by the far-reaching arteries of the
“Plant system.”
The principal officers of the company
are:
H. R Plant, President.
W. 8. Chisholm, Vice President.
H. S. Haines, General Manager.
R. G. Fleming, Superintendent.
W. B. McKee, Comptroller.
W. P. Hardee, Treasurer.
These arc nil competent and efficient citi
zens, and the interests of the great organi
zation are safe in their hands.
Eureka Manufacturing Company, Mi
con, Ga.
The introduction of new industries in the
South, from the gigantic mining plant,
marble quarry and buzzing cotton mill to
the smallest labor-saving invention which
multiplies values and diminishes expense,
furnishes the best criterion of the advanc
ing prosperity of this section of the Union.
Macon, especially, has taken anew depart
ure in that direction, and presents a bl ight
example to her sister cities of the “Empire
State of the South.” In that rising centre
of trade there are more than thirty manu
facturing enterprises that give employment
to hundreds of artisans, skilled mechanics
and day laborers. They include quite a
variety of manufactures with a long weekly
pay roll for the operatives which, when
cashed, goes far to keep in motion the
wheels of commerce.
Prominent among these industries stands
the “Eureka Manufacturing Company,”
which was established in December, 1886,
for the production of ball and canned pot
ash, and concentrated lye. Beginning in a
modest way, the business soon assumed such
proportions that it became manifest that
the works would require to bo largely ex
tended. Accordingly, a convenient and
commodious structure, of ample dimensions,
was contracted for and is now in process of
erection. The material is brick, of the best
quality, and the edifice now rapidly ap
proaching completion will present an im
posing appearance.
None but skilled experts are employed hv
the company, and they have brought the
specialty manufactured to the very
highest degree of excellence.
Their most noted brands are the
following: “Eureka,” “Samson,”and “Good
Luck,” which are all warranted to give ab
solute satisfaction to the trade and con
sumers.
These goods have been tested in nearly
every town and community in the South,
and pronounced equal in every respect to
any manufactured in the United States.
The demand for them, which is steadily on
the increase, shows the great estimation in
which they are held. All the leading whole
sale grocers of this section handle them, and
they are also very generally sold by country
dealers. The company is possessed of abun
dant means to prosecute the business with
the utmost energy, and have already made
a signal success of it.
Some of the principal distributing points
are Savannah, Augusta, Macon, Charles
ton, and Jacksonville, Fla. The
goods of the concern are neatly
and securely packed in white
pine cases, anil the cans dressed up and
ornamented in the most attractive style.
One of Macon’s most enterprising young
merchants, Mr. Thomas 4V. Troy, is the in
defatigable general agent of the company.
All orders for goods from country mer
chants should be sent to the accredited
agents in any of the above designated cities,
or to the general headquarters at Macon
The company have several live represen
tatives on the road, who penetrate every
portion of the South, but more especially
Florida, Alabama, North and South Caro
lina and Tennessee. Their goods have also
obtained a solid footing both in the North
and West, as is evinced by the heavy orders
received from Chicago, Philadelphia, Louis
ville, and other remote points. It is not un
likely also that ere long the operations of
the company will include the manufacture
of sou | is of every variety. With the ample
means at command there is little doubt, that
the project, if inaugurated, will prove higlily
successrul. We commend this, and every
similar enterprise for the development of
the South to the support and patronage of
our people.
A. Falk & Son.
This firm are the successors of I. L. Falk
& Cos., which legaii business in IH(>7 at Sa
vannah. The present senior was a partner
in tho original concern.
Falk & Son are the peers of any clothing
establishment in the South. Their motto
is: “Honest goods and reasonable prices for
all.” In stock they constantly keep every
variety of wearing apparel for men and hoys,
from the most eostlv fabrics of tho “upper
ton," to the rough-st vestments of the
sailor and the laboring classes. All tastes
are successfully catered to, the exquisite
“dude” finding at. hand the latest
styles and pattern* of tho fashion plates,
deftly made ut>of the best material; plain
folks ueing suited to their own notion, and
the lovers of “shoddy” getting accommo
dated to their heart's content with that de
scription of goods. In hats, caps and gents’
furnishing goods they deal extensively also,
covering every article in its appropriate line
with the newest, latest conception of the
trade.
They are sole agents for Dr. Jaeger's .San
itary Woolen Hoods also.
Let those in want of “betterment” to the
Outer man, call and get suited.
A Blunt Old Lady.
From Ihf Pittsburg Trlrgrnph.
The blunt old lady who speaks her mind
hut is kindly withal sometimes occasions a
commotion in social circles by her very
frank utterances, but she is usually respect
ed. mill ahe can be depended on to rectify a
good deal of the nonsense with which com
mon conversation is liberally garnished. Hhe
is very useful in keeping young women from
being as silly as they at e capable of lining
when they fairly set out to outdo thoniselves
in that liiie, and she is the proper terror of
solemn liores who endeavor to make wise
looks and sententious platitudes pass muster
for better things. This old lady is usually
endowed with a good share of hard sense,
keen observation and dispatch in the trails
action of such mutters as fall to her charge.
She is called eccentric by common-place peo
ple, hut her eccentricity is merely an inde
pendent wav of thinking and acting with
out anything vulgar or needlessly offensive
altout it. Him will lie found to ls just as
warm-hearted ns she is sensible and shrewd,
and if you will condescend to talk and act
to the point without flummery or aifecta
tiou, you will Uiul her reasonably asspias
cent and by no means as dogmatic as you
auMHisn on Ur.t aouusintano*
TYREE ISLAND.
THE IMPROVEMENTS OF THAT
POPULAR RE3ORT.
Location—The Martoilo Tower—Bom
bardment of Fort Pulaski—Descrip
tion of tho Island—The Bathers Ty
boe as a Summer Resort—Not Suffi
cient Hotel Accommodations—Tybee
Beach Company to the Rescue—An
other New Hotel to be Erected—
Other Improvements -20,000 Visi
tors—Amusements—The Tybee Rail
road-President D. G Purse—A Tri
umphant Success—A Olay Jacket-
Only Slightly Damaged by the
Freshet—Soon Will be in First-Class
Condition—Route of the Road, Etc.
Tybeo Island is situated at the entrance
to the port of Savannah, where her majes
tic river debouches into the sea, and just
opposite the commodious and land-locked
roadstead, in which hundreds of ships may
ride securely at anchor, while the fiercest
tempests rage outside. It is a spot of some
historical interest, having been identified
with every event of any importance con
nected with the early settlement and defense
of the country. In fact, even before Ogle
thorpe ever stepped foot upon its shores it had
been regarded as a point of strategical sig
nificance as is shown by its famous
MARTELLO TOWER,
the circular walls of which are still in a
state of perfect preservation, nlls-it the
origin of the work is hidden in the mazes of
antiquity. It is thought to have been erected
by trie Spaniards in the chivalrous days
of Ponce de or De Soto, those knight
errants of old, but like the ancient stone
mill at Newport, It. 1., and other quaint
military structures on the coast, they possess
no written history, and even tradition fails
to solve the mystery of their existence.
Both in the war of the revolution and the
late Confederate struggle, the island was
fortified, and the scene of military opera
tions, and it was here that the Fedorals
planted the powerful siege guns, which
fired at half range, soon knocked the mas
sive brick walls of Fort Pulaski about the
ears of its gallant defenders. The old tram
way over which the artillery was trans
ported, and the batteries erected for the re
duction of the fort, are still plainly to be
seen.
The island, with its forest growth of live
oak, cabbage jialnietto. ferns and other
evergreens, to the eye of the stranger pre
sents a novel and picturesque appearance.
The surface is broken; numerous little hills
or hummocks following each other in regular
succession. Indeed, the most apposite illus
tration would lie to imagine the ocean
tossed by a tempest, in full posses
sion, and then when the waves were
at their highest suddenly arrested, con
gealed and transformed into dry land, with
all their undulations intact, but solidified.
On either side old ocean spreads forth his
broad expanse of waters, fringed by a firm
and snowy shell-sprinkled beach, upon
which the ever restless billows, like foaming
steeds of the desert chasing each other, con
tinually break and roar.
Here, when the days are pleasant and the
tide is up, multitudes of joyous beings clad
in nondescript garments are wont to disport
in the waves, forming the most preposterous
caricatures of themselves as viewed in the
parlor or ball room. But why criticise.'
They are but seeking renewed health and
vigor in the salt-laden breeze aud bounding
surf, and relief from the stiflng atmosphere
of the crowded city.
TYBEE AS A SUMEER RESORT.
With its present facilities of access,
Tybee Island is destined soon to beicome the
favorite health and pleasure resort
not only of Savannah, but of thousands in
the interior of the State. There, under the
low excursion rates soon to be inaugurated,
whole families. Sunday schools and picnic
expeditions, may hie themselves, arriving in
in a few hours without change of ears, and
then, after the glorious excitement of an
ocean bath and the witchery of music and
the merry dance have been enjoyed, those
who desire to do so, call return to the city
in a few minutes, and take in its lions and
many objects of interest.
The only drawback the present season
has been the lack of sufficient hotel accomo
dations. True, tho proprietors of the Ocean
House and Mr. Wright have done their best
to entertain the multitudes of visitors dur
ing tho late hot weather that thronged the
island to enjoy bathing and fresh air, but
they had not room for hundreds of them.
Arrangements have been made by the
“tybee beach company,”
who own the Ocean House, which is leased to
the Messrs. Hodges, to erect another spacious
hotel with a capacity of 125 rooms, hav
ing all the modern improvements attached,
and to be kept open in the winter also, for
the entertainment of Northern guests who
may be partial to a salt atmosphere in ad-
the mild climate. Servants ouar
ters, more bathing houses, anew billiard
saloon, and probably a large wing are ex
pected to be added to the Ocean House es
tablishment before the next season.
Albeit the summer was more than two
thirds over when the railroad communica
tion with the city was perfected, it is esti
mated that not less than
, TWENTY THOUSAND PERSONS
have visited Tybee since that period. A fine
cornet band discourses sweet music three
times per week in the pavilion of the Ocean
House, and dancing, promenading the beach
and surf bathing are among the amuse
ments on these occasions.
THE TYBEE RAILROAD.
This highway to the ocean was opened to
the public on July 10. To the indefatigable
energy, undaunted pluck and persistent ef
forts of
CAPT. D. G. PURSE,
the clever President of the company, is the
success of the enterprise mainly due. Many
hooted at the idea of constructing a road
through the wide extent of Salt marsh, in
tersected with deep rivers, and ever ex
posed t<i the inroads of tide and tempest.
But still the brave Captain refused to aban
don the undertaking, and at length a com
pany was formed, with himself in the lead,
the route surveyed and pronounced practi
cable, and operations were begun at once,
and pushsl forward with his characteristic
energy. The result was a
TRIUMPHANT SUCCESS.
It was found that the salt marsh which
was supposed to lie nothing more than a
soft and yielding Vied of mud, in reality
rested upon a foundation of stiff blue clay,
which, when excavated and exposed to the
sun’s rays hardened rapidly and became im
pervious to water and the elements.
Upon this solid foundation u super-struc
ture of pure sand has been laid, obtained
from Causton’e Bluff, in the near vicinity,
which, when raised to the grade that will be
above the highest tides, is to be covered to
the depth of 13 inches on the top ami ;itf
inches at the base with a
JACKET or THIS BLUE CLAY.
and thus rendered impregnable alike to
freshets and the inroad* of the most tem
pestuous sea. Even if overflowed, the road
lied and track would remain intact and a*
Arm as aver. This is proven by numerous
dykes and causeway* constructed through
the marsh for fences or pedestrian*, which,
though submerged by every spring tide, yet
remain as Arm and solid as when first
thrown up.
When this work is completed the Tybee
railroad will Is-a safe and enduring struc
ture for generations to come.
In the late abnormal and unprecedented
froshst in the .Savannah river, which was
rendered even more formidable by high ad
verse winds and spring tide*, travel over the
road wua only interrupted for the half of a
■ingle day. while many of tile old road* of
Georgia were impa-*af>!e for days. Hal the
track le-en raised to the grmie required by
the survey, even this pnrtul inundation |
would hove (men averted
The ron i |H*aei tinougl> a pc tur*qun i
and iMMUtlful region, which 1* simply]
nhsrniiai to llmhs *. fsmilisr with Jh.l
peculiar scenery of the seaboard. At Fort
Bartow a copious artesian well of the finest
water is eagerly imbibed by the passen
gers, and " the island, too,
thanks to the perseverance of President
Purse, is amply supplied with artesian water
and purged from malaria by deep and thor
ough drainage.
The completion of the Tybee railroad
forms an era in the history of Savannah,
and henceforth that lovely isle will become
one of the most frequented and fashionable
summer resorts in the South.
Savannah’s Projected Railroads.
Despite the vaticinations of the ’enemies
of the Railroad Commission of Georgia,
there is greater activity in railway circles
and a larger number of new lines are con
templated or in actual process of construc
tion than ever before in the history of the
commonwealth. Prominent among these is
the Birmingham and Atlantic Ail -Line rail
way.
T his road, starting from Savannah, takes
a straight course to Dublin, and thence on
to Macon and to Birmingham, by a direct
line. From Savannah to Macon it pursues
the line of the old Savannah, Dublin and
Western railroad, w hich will he an integral
part of the Birmingham and Atlantic Air
Line. The distance by this route between
the two cities is 100 miles. Of this, about
100 miles has been graded. fifty at each end.
The intervening space, including grading,
piling, bridging, etc., has been let out under
contract, and is now in actual process of
construction.
Tne entire line is to be completed by Feb.
1, 1888. The builders of the road are the
“United States Construction and Improve
ment Company,” of New Jersey. The Presi
dent is Mr. J. A. Simmons, of 45 Broad
way, New York. This company has ample
means to complete the work in the time
prescribed. A force of 700 hands are push
ing operations forward as rapidly as possi
ble, and more will be employed as last as
the men can lie engaged.
Douglass Green, of New York, is the
President of the Birmingham and Atlantic
Air-Line railway; John A. A. West, Gen
eral Manager, and M. F. Tutwiler, Chief
Engineer. Both of the last named have
their headquarters in Savannah.
This road when completed will be a mast
important feeder for our city, and means
cheap coal, and lumber and naval stores
world-without-end.
Mr. West is our authority for the above
statements. It is an open secret that an
other line is on the tapis to connect Savan
nah with the East Tennessee, Virginia and
Georgia railroad at a point about sixty
miles below Macon. Indeed, the matter
has progressed so far that a preliminary
survey has been made. As no positive step*
have yet been taken in the premises, we re
frain from mentioning names and particu
lars. Such a line, if completed, would tap
one of the finest timber regions in the Union.
We wish the inchoate scheme success.
OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
An Increase in Attendance 1000 Per
Cent. Last Year.
The system of public education now in sue
cessful operation in this city and county, heing
intimately connected with the prosperity and
well being of our people, is entitled to a promi
nent place in our annual exhibit of the year's
work. The origin of the system will be best
presented m the following extract from
the twentieth annual report of the superinten
dent:
“Prior to the war between the sections,
the education of Southern youth was left to the
efforts of private individuals and voluntary
societies. True, there was what purported to be
a free school system in the State, but in fact it
was intended only for the extremely poor, and
was properly designated a pauper system. * * *
The vicissitudes of war and its disastrous termi
nation inflicted upon the citizens of Savannah
misfortunes which might well appall any
people. While a few good private schools were
opened, the people were unable to pay tuition
charges. The interests of the large number of
colored children who had recently emerged
from slavery were eagerly looked after by so
cieties and private individuals at the North. For
the whites, who had been ruthlessly despoiled
of their property, there not only seemed to be
no sympathy, but our “brethren” from across
the bonier were disposed to regard their calami
tous condition as only just punishment for hav
ing taken up arms in defense of their dearest
rights. It was at this juncture in our history
that a number of philanthropic citizens assem
bled to devise ways and means for meet ing a
great want of our people. The present system
of public education is the outgrowth of their
deliberations.”
The best evidence of the growth of this system
can be shown by making a comparison of ih
statistics of 1886 with those ot 188.'. In 1886, ac
cording to the official record, there was an en
rollment of 520 pupils, and in 1887 there was an
enrollment of 5,526. The present number of
teachers employed by the hoard is Uki, not in
cluding the superintendent, whose entire
time is devoted to the visitation and in
spection of the schools. The board is com
posed of twelve gentlemen and the President
Is Col. George A. Mercer, whose name alone is
a sufficient guarantee that the educational in
terests of the county will lie faithfully guarded.
The selection of teachers for the schools is care
fully made, no one being appointed to that
responsible position until the ordeal of a rigid
examination has been passed. Asa consequence
of this care, the present large corps is made up
of highly intelligent and scholarly gentlemen
and ladies. The curriculum established by the
board embraces not only the studies necessary
to the obtaining of a thorough educa
tion in the elementary branches. but
offers a more extended course to those punils
who desire to prepare for admission into the
colleges and universities of the country. From
a knowledge of the teachers employed, and a
careful examination of the “course of study,"
we are satisfied that nothing is gained by send
ing our children to Northern schools. Tho
County Commissioners have shown not only
great liberality, but a high appreciation of the
benefits conferred by a good system of educa
tion by increasing from year to year the appro
priation for the support of the schools.
The past year has been an unusually success
ful one in the history of our schools. There has
been a large increase in the enrollment, and un
usual interest and enthusiasm on the part of
the teachers in their work. We know it to be a
fact that not a few families have, in past years,
made Savannah their home in order to avail
themselves of the advantages offered by the pub
lic schools. Their increased excellence ami grow
ing popularity will make them in the future an
important factor in promoting the prosperity
and growth of the city. Savannah has certainly
reason to be proud ot her admirable system of
public education.
A Bad Little Office Boy’s Trick.
From the Chester Times.
A day or two ago a young lady entered a
well-known Chester business house and
cal led up a friend’s number on the telephone.
It happen’d that a young man was at the
other end of the wire and he at once im
proved the opportunity of a conversation
with the young lady. Finally, after a free
interchange of sentiments, slw pul, the ear
tube back to its place und went out. Hardly
had she reached the door before the office
boy went to the phone and called up the
same number. The same young man an
swered, whereon tho office lad, simulating
tho young lady’s voice admirably, held
quite a lengthy conversation with the swain,
who talked a whole liookful of soft nonsense
into the phone. Then tho wicked boy re
marked :
“Well, good-by. Mammals waiting just
outside the office. You must call and see us
Good-by.”
And the young man replied very sweetly
that he would, while the bad Imy hung up
the phone and hiui a good laugh over his
naughty joke.
An Impressed Professor.
from Harper's for September.
Outside the lines of his own science, pro
fessor Peirce was a man of the keenest in
tellect and the soberest judgment. Ope
evening just after the close of the war he
was at an evening |>arty in Washington,
and was Introduced to a quiet man. whoso
name ho did not catch: but lie sat, down
lieside him, and soon was engaged with him
in a long slid earnest talk. At the end of
the evening he asked his host. “Who was
that man to whom you introduced in*-' 1
didn't catch his mute-, but be coins to me
the cleverest and solidest man 1 have met in
year* a man of very great |>owar*.”
"Why', said his host, “didn't you know?
That wn (ten Grant."
Prof. Pirce was much more than a nmd
mate Democrat in politick—ha was an ex
treme Democrat but the Impression of
Ihl cvsnlsx wist naval- alVaeail
S. Guckenheimer & Son. *
The wholesale grocery business is a Urge
factor in the commercial growth of Savan
nah, and prominent among the houses in
this line we desire to call the attention of
our readers to that of Messrs. S. Gucken
heiiner & Son, situated at 149, 151 aud 1.53
Bay street. This house is too well and fa
vorably known to require any elaborate
mention at our hands. Their business lias
grown to enormous proportions, built up by
their perseverance and indomitable energy.
Their warehouses, Nos. 195 and 197 Bay
street, they use solely for the storing of
flour, which they bring here in enormous
quantities, their’shipments being the larg.-st
received at one time by any house in this
section. When their senior, Mr. 8. Guekan
lioimer, visits the milling districts he pur
chases from 5.000 to 6,000 barrels of flour at
a time, and frequently charters a “special
train” from the West," tho last of which con
sisted of twenty-four care, of 125 barrels
each, making a total of 3,000 barrels for the
train, direct to Savannah.
Their liquors, tobacco and cigars and sta
ple groceries are to be found at Nos. 149
and 151 Bay street, and their stock is sim
ply immense. Regarding their tobai oo and
cigar department, we desire to call the at
tention of the reader to their Town Talk
and Red Star tobaccos, and their Rolled
Gold and Five Favorites cigars. The popu
lar favor with which these brands have been
received must indeed be very flattering to
them. In addition to this, they carry regu
larly in stock every desirable style and
grade of both tobaccos and cigars! Their
stock is of large proportions, and their
business in this line has grown to that ex
tout so as to become a distinct feature in it
self.
At 153 Buy street they store their fancy
groceries and their canned goods. Their
stock in this department we unhesitatingly
say is unsurpassed anywhere, both in their
excellent quality and the amount they carry.
They have foreseen the growing demand for
superior quality of goods and the apprecia
tion which the public show for such. Canned
goods is a prominent feature in their busi
ness, and their extensive line embraces not
only the ordinary articles classed under this
head but also every delicacy which modern
progress and competition has added to tempt
the eye and please the taste. Gueken
lieimer’s best canned goods are displayed
under the firm’s own private labels, and the
goods are packed specially for the firm with
a guarantee which places them a# “perfec
tion” in the department. They handle
numerous other specialties, controlling many
popular goods so well and favorably known
to the trade, as to meet and excel in compe
tition, and establish for the house its envia
ble reputation in the commercial world.
Bat it is useless to dilate further upon the
resources of this wall known establishment.
To describe in detail everything in which
they deal would require a volume, and more
space than we can possibly give. Suffice it
to say that there is nothing in the various
departments of their trade which they can
not furnish on the shortest notic# with satis
faction guaranteed. Every department
seems to he sufficiently large to constitute a
business of its own. The same clock-work
precision and regularity are visible every
where, and the same energy and force i3
manifested in every detail, presenting a
model business house.
Messrs. John Lyons & Cos.
Mr. John Lyons, of the firm of John
Lyons & Cos., stdrtedbusiness at the close of
the war with a capital of less than S2OO.
He rented a store at the corner of Whitaker
and Congress streets, where now stands the
drag store of Messrs. G. M. Heidt & Cos.
From this store he moved to the comer of
Broughton and Whitaker streets, which
Eroporty he afterwards bought, and where
e did a successful grocery business until his
store was destroyed by fire, on July 3,1877.
On account of the inflammatory condition
of the old wooden building at this corner,
the rate of insurance was so great that Mr.
Lyons preferred taking his own risks, which
ho did. and the buildings were finally
burned without his having one dollar’s in
surance upon them. But a small portion of
the stock was saved from this disastrous
fire, the estimated loss being about SIO,OOO.
On July 4 (the day after the fire) he rented
temporarily a store on Congress street, and
on that day bis clerks went heartily to work,
and on tho following day, July 5, his doors
were open for business.
Having reached that stage of business
success which enabled him to discount all
his hills, he had at this time afloat between
$2,000 and $3,000 worth of goods, which had
tmen already paid for, and these, with the
remnant rescued from the fire, formed the
nucleus uppn which he started again his
second successful career.
Preparation had been immediately mar’*
for the erection of an elegant structure on
the ruins of the old store, which was in
tended to eclipse anything of the kind that
had yet been built in this city in this branch
of trade, and a mammoth establishment of
brick and mortar was soon reared, and in
gigantic proportions towered until the
rafters of the third story were reached.
About 1 o’clock on the night of Oct. 30,
1877, the inhabitants of the neighborhood
were startled, and the stillness of the night
interrupted by a crash which resounded al
most thorugh the length and breadth of the
city, and the morning light revealed the hith
erto magnificent fabric, a piled ruin, and
mingled mass of waste and destruction
upon the ground.
It did look indeed as though the fates were
against Mr. Lyons at this time, and it was
only those who knew him bettor that did
not imagine that this last blow was the end,
and his ruin was told. Instead, however,
of this being the case, Mr. Lyons de
termined not only to rebuild the devastated
structure (the w hole loss of which was en
tailed entirely upon himself), but to build
upon even still larger proportions, and to
this end he bought the adjoining lots, 66 by
90, fronting on Broughton street, and three
owned by Mrs. Greene. And now the
magnificent building known as Lye***’
block stands, and will ever remain a monu
ment of energy, perseverance and pluck.
“Peace hath her victories no less renowned
than war,” and in a mercantile sense Mr.
Lyons, by losses sustained and overcome,
difficulties met and vanquished, merits the
distinction of having been at least victorious.
Besides his handsome and well equipped
grocery, which graces the intersection of
Broughton and Whitaker Streets, there are
two magnificent stores fronting _on
Broughton street, and three others on Whit
aker str<sit, from which good rentals are
obtained, ns the business situation will
always guarantee tenants.
About one year ago Mr. Lyons bought tb*
residence of the late Mr. J. W. Lathrop. au
elegant building and palatini home, fronting
on Bull street, opposite Monterey square.
As soon as purchased it was put in complete
repair, and every convenience that modern
ingenuity bus invented, or comfort sug
gests, has lieen added. The house stands
alone, and looks like "a poem,” or a picture
of Ivauty in repose, ensconced and nestled
in foliage, flowers, shady trees, and ever
greens.
Where moonbeams Rhimmer,
And sunlights glimmer.
From azure skies.
For fifteen years Mr. Lyons has been ably
and faithfully assisted by Mr. Samuel T.
Baker, his biokkoeper and friend, who is
still with him.
Freako of the Gulf Btrettm.
From the Mew Orleans FnSIJ/une.
CApt. E. V. Gager, of the Cromwell Lins
steamship Louisiana, yesterday arrived in
port with bis vessel from New York, which
no left on Aug. 13. He report* that in cros
sing the (iuli stream off Hattera* he found
no current, with the water of a peculiar
green color. After passing the strait* of
Florida in the Gulf of Mexico, from th*
Tortucas to the mouth of the Mississippi
river, no had a strong southeast current with
nn utiiiniih! amount of Gulf weeds. Here u
an ntf -ct to the reports of st rong current re
ported hi Mm Gulf stream some week*
ago, and it look* a* if Its ocean river were
engaged in iome strange freaks. The Gun
stream is th* sphinx of the sea, and it*
rl ldlas apparently have not yet been rightly
ias.t