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18 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