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8 NOT OUT OF HIS HEAD. COL. ANDERSON PRONOUNCED SANE BY A JURY. His Case Thoroughly Investigated by the Ordinary—Some Interesting Tes timony Concerning His Dispute with Postmaster Lamar—Opinions of Ex perts—The Post Office Episode Re hearsed—The Jury’s Verdict. The Ordinary’s jury lunatico and 1 inqui retulo met yesterday afternoon to determine whether Col. Clifford W. Anderson was If or a lit subject for the lunatic asylum. number of people that gathered to hear the trial made it impossible to conduct the proceedings in the office of the Ordinary, and as the Su|>erior Court room was unoc cupied Judge Ferrill adjourned to that room, but even it was well filled, for the trial for lunacy of a man of Col. Anderson’s prominence attracted no little attention. Dr. Brandt was foreman of the jury, and when the jurymen had answered to their names, they were sworn in by Justice Waring Russell, and the trial liegan. The first witness was Deputy Jailer Kinchley. who testified as follows: Am deputy jailer. I received Col. Anderson and discharged him. While in jail he be haved as a gentleman. I saw nothing wrong with him. He was in the jail two days. 1 only saw him when he went in and came out, and I saw nothing to indicate aberra tion of the mind. He was in jail once be fore on a peace warrant, and I saw nothing then to indicate that he was not in his right mind. He acted as nicely as any man I ever shut the gate on. CAPT. LAMAR ON TIIE STAND. Capt. George W. Lamar was then called. He said: Before giving evidence in this case I desire to make a statement. lam not the prosecutor in this proceeding, but the in former. I do n’t know what, the witnesses will testify to. I was told that those who liave been summoned could givp evidence, bift what it will be Ido not know. What I do know is this: Col. Anderson came into my office Oct. 10. Dr. Schley was there writing a prescription at my desk. Col. Anderson demanded his bond as Assistant Postmaster, and I told him that I would not give it to him until all matters had been satisfactorily settled. He denounced me as a liar and a thief. When he got that far I arose to rny feet. He placed his hand behind him as if to draw a weapon. A conflict then took place. Acting upon ad vice I took out a peace warrant. Saturday before last I saw Col. Anderson standing in the door of the post office. I then had my pistol in my hand. I told him that I had heard that he was going to kill me. He said that he was unarmed and under a fcfiOO bond to keep the jieace. My reply was that that was sufficient. I asked him if the threats I hail heard were true. He said yes, that he would kill me yet. I started to leave him and he followed me. I told him to keep away. He said that he wanted to talk to me on business, and I asked him w hat he wanted? He said he wanted to collect sev eral days’ pay which was due him. I told told him that only one day’s pay was due him as he hail been dismissed Oct. 2. He said I was a liar. I told him that if he repeated that I would shoot him. Mr. Ellis then soparated us. ANNOYED BY THREATS. I have been greatly annoyed, as my family have been, by these threats and menaces. I applied to the Solicitor Gen eral, who advised me to put Col. Anderson under a peace warrant. It has done no good. I appealed to his family—his three rothers. They asked for time. I gave it. I received a note from one of the lady mem bers of his family asking me to wait until they could hear from Judge Chisholm, say ing that I would not be molested in the meantime. The very day that I received that note, as I came down town, he came out of the hospital and walked on the opposite side of Abereorn street. I expected every minute for him to cross over and renew the conflict. I believe that the law contemplates protecting a man from such menaces. Col. George A. Mercer, who represented Col. Anderson, then cross-examined Capt. Lamar, and asked: “On the Saturday, the week before last, when CoL Anderson went into the post office, you did not see him in your private office did youf’ “No.” “You speak of two threats to kill you. "What threats do you refer to?” “His threats to kill mo on sight, and his saying that the town was too small, to hold us both.” “Who told you of these threats!” “I don't care to say.” “Ycur honor,” said Capt. Mercer, address ing Judge Ferrill, “I think, we ought to know.” “I will tell you,” said Capt. Lamar, “his brothers and l)r. Duncan ha t been trying to keep him from making these threats, and he himself told he had made them.” “Did you ever hear of any other man threatening to kill another?” “Yes.” “Did you consider that man insane?” “No. “Would you have expected his brothers to begin these proceedings if they did not think Col. Anderson insane TANARUS" AFRAID OF COL. ANDERSON. “No; I did not want them to. I want to be released of those threats and menaces.” “When did you hear of these threats?” “First, after the conflict in my office.” “Would you consider yourself responsible for everything said under such circum stances f’ “I would not go fnto a man’s office aud attack him without cause.” "But suppose lie had cause J” “Because he thinks he had cause I think him crazy.” “You do not consider yourself crazy, do you?” “No.” “You bad a pistol in your hand when you went up to him, had you not?” “Yes.” “It was cocked?” “No. It was a self-cocker.” “You have only heard of these throats from three persons ?” “No, I hear them everywhere. People ask me if 1 am still alive when I meet them, and it is very annoying.” DR. DURCAN’S TESTIMONY. Capt. Lamar t* . left the stand,’and Dr. Duncan was called. Dr. Duncan said: “Col. Anderson fell under my care some five or six weeks since. I heard that he had been incarcerated. I advised his removal to the hospital for treatment, in case that treatment should be necessary. For the first few weeks that he was there I saw him every day, and Ido not believe that ho is insane, but, as I stated in my certificate to the Ordinary I believe that he indulges too freclv in alcoholic stimulants. I found him once at the hos pital when he had taken more stimulants than he was allowed. I had reason to believe that they were introduced by someone employed by Col. Anderson for that purpose. 'When he came to the hos pital I otiserved him to see if there was any thing the matter with him, but 1 found nothing abnormal. There is a species of in sanity due to the excessive use of stimulants, but it is easily recognized. I have heard of men threatening to kill others l>ecause of 1 uncled insults, tut it does not follow-that they are insane.’’ Dr. Schley had known CoL Anderson for twenty years, and did not consider him in sane. Dr. Colding said: “Col. Anderson was brought to the Savannah Hospital about Oct 10 or 11. I have never seen any mani festation of insanity except on one or two occasions when he had too much whisky. Then he was like we would all be when we were drunk. It has been a long time since 1 was tight, but when I was I reckon I knew as little as Col. Anderson did. I think if he could bo kept from whisky he would be as •one as any one ” Col. Mercer—A celebrated physician,who says but few people are sane, thinks all of us have individual peculiarities, which are only mild forms of insanity. Dr. Colding—l read a book which says that we are noarly all insane, and it is a rare thing to meet with a sane man. I hope it is not so. WITNESSES BY THE DOZEN. Drs. Martin, Nunn and Charlton were called, but they all stated that their ac quaintance with Col. Anderson was not .suf ficient to enable them to judge of his sanity or insanity. ■ Mr. William Wade was in the same cate gory. He had taken liis meals in the same house with Col. Anderspn for five or six weeks, but Col. Anderson’s presence at or absence from the table did not affect his apjietite, os he did not notice him. Col. Charles H. Olmstead said: “I have known Col. Anderson from his boyhood and havo never seen anything in him to | lead me to believe that ho was insane. I saw him in the hospital and talked with him for about an hour. I saw no evidonco of mental alierration. Ho spoke with great clearness.” Gen. Jackson said:- “My relations with Col. Anderson were at one time very inti mate. It was during the Sesqui-Centennial. I thought him not only sane, but a labori ous, able and efficient officer, and I would have helped to put him in any jiosition he might desire.” Mr. W. P. Hardee said: “I have known Col. Anderson ever since he was a boy, and have never seen anything about him that looked like insanity.” Col. Lester testified as follows: "I am not an expert on insanity, but I have known Col. Anderson for a long time, and I know of nothing that looks like insanity; I only know of one thing, and as I am under oath 1 will have to state it. It occurred about four years ago. He wrote me a letter making some remarks that were neither compli mentary or correct. I investigated it, and was told that when he wrote tho letter he was under the influence of liquor. Col. An derson left the place at which we were stay ing and and came back in about three weeks. He then told me he had been informed that he had written such a letter, and asked me not to take any notice of it, as he was off when he did it.” AS SANE AS ANYBODY. Dr. Weiehselbaum testified: “I saw Col. Anderson at tho hospital several times, and all I have to say is that if he is insane Col. Mercer and lam insane. I talked with him on subjects that an insane man could not con vers*- about.” Mr. William Hunter said he could not say anything more than had already been said. Has had known Col. Anderson all his life, and never considered him insane. Mr. Charles Ellis said: “Saturday, a week ago, I was passing the post office and I saw Col. Anderson and Capt. Lamar, and they seemed to be having a difficulty. I saw Capt. Lamar with his hand on his pistol. I went between them. When I separated them Capt. Lamar went down the street and Col. Anderson aud I stood thel-e talk ing. At CoL Anderson’s request I searched him and found he had nqs>istol on him.” Col. Garrard, Messrs. F. C. Wyllyaud J. G. Heyward said they had known Col. An derson for years, and had never considered him insane. A WITNESS OF THE FIGHT. Mr. J. W. Howard, a clerk in the post office, did think Col. Anderson crazy. He said he had known him to do things that no sane man would do. He was present at the fight between Col. Anderson aud Capt. Lamar, and was tho clerk who took the pistol from Col. Anderson. Once Col. An derson was highly excited while in the post office—when the inspector was there —and he would walk up behind a man’s back and stand there until he could get the man to turn around. He would stare him in the eye for a minute and then walk away with out saying a word. Once CoL Anderson went into his room and laid down, and he (the witness) took his pistol and razor from the room for fear the Colonel would harm himself. Gen. Anderson said that he had never had an interview with Capt. Lamar until last Tuesday when he received a letter from him in which he said that ho protester! against the action of CoL Auderson’s brothers. The General, with his brother Clarence, called upon. Capt. Lamar and asked him what ac tion of theirs it was against which he pro tested Capt. Lamar said it was against their permitting CoL Anderson to go at large; that he considered him crazy. The General said that he could not swear out a war rant before the Ordinary because he hail consulted Dr. Duncan who said he did not think CoL Anderson crazy, and if he swore that he believed his brother crazy it would be a falsehood. The statement which Capt. Lamar made to me in that interview was materially different from that made here in court. I have not seen or communicated with my brother for two moilths, aud havo never heard him make threats against Capt. Lamar, and have never said anything to Capt. Lamar about such threats. COL. ANDERSON’S BROTHER. Mr. Clarence Anderson said he wished to corroborate the statement of Gen. Ander son. He then said: “I occupy a peculiar position. I am a brother-in-law to the Irosecutor and a brother to the defendant. consider Capt. 1 junar a mono-maniac upon this subject. He has got his wife into such a state that if he does not come home by a certain hour she imagines he has been killed. I deny emphatically that I ever told Capt. Ijanmr that my brother had ever made threats against his life. On the con trary, I went to him authorized to tell him thut the peace bond would be observed, but the more I talked to him the more frenzied he got. I consider Capt. Lamar the more dangerous man of the tv/o, for he is armed.” Col. Anderson then rehearsed at some length the details of the difficulties between Capt. Lamar and himself, aud the case was then given to the jury, which retired and after a consultation returned a verdict to the effect that it considered CoL Andersou a perfectly sane man. The Ordinary then dismissed the case. SHOT HIMSELF IN THE HEAD. A Five-Year-Old Lad Fools With a Loaded Pistol. Willie Thompson, a five-year-old colored boy, shot himself in the head with a pistol yesterday morning, and will probably die. Ho and his thirteen-year-old brother Robert live with their parents on Gwinnett street near Price. On Tuesday the younger boy swapped a lot of playthings for an old powder and cap pistol, which lie took to bed at night to conceal from his mother. The two boys sleep together. Robert got up first yesterday morning, and while he was dressing Willie got out the pistol from under the pillow, and, not knowing that it was loaded, snapped it. ilie weapon was discharged and the bullet entered the boy’s mouth and passed upward toward the brain. His mother heard the shot and ran into the room. The oldest boy told what had happened uud Dr. Groth was summoned and rendered such assistance as he was able. Policeman Liglitbody arrested the boy who was in the room and who, it was believed, had shot his brother, and took him to the barracks. There is no evidence, however, that ho did the shooting, and ho will be released this morning. PISTOL SHOT AND A CROWD. Lively Fracas in a Broughton Street Billiard Room. About 10 o’clock last night John Woelt jen, a German grocer, was in the billiard roon connected with George Schwarz’s saloon on Broughton street, and raised a row in which some nine or ten engaged. During the rumpus somebody drew a pistol, and the cry of police was raised. This drew a crowd, and in less than two minutes the street whs full of people. In the mean time, Wooltjen yelling at tho top of his lungs, was hustled into a buggy and was driven off. The police arrested two others of the crowd, but they were released, us the parties which wore to prefer charges said that they would take out warrants for their arrest. THE MORNING NEWS: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15. 1887. NEXT YEAR’S EXPENSES. THE CITY COUNCIL TAKES UP THE TAX ORDINANCE. Going Over the Departmental Esti mates—The River Front Railroad Franchise -Bids for the Paving Con tracts—Street Railroad Matters. Clerk of Council Rebarer broke all pre vious records last night and spun off the tax ordinance on its first reading in nine min utes and forty-one seconds. The ordinance contains something over 10,000 words, and its first reading is a mere matter of form for the purpose of getting it before the Council. The members usually get together for a chat while the ordinance is on its first reading, but they had very little time for that last night. Council will meet to-morrow night as com mittee of the whole to discuss the budget for next year. The Finance Committee is putting in rapid work every day now going over the department estimates, and the committee of the whole will try to equalize the budget as far as possible. THE RIVER FRONT RAILROAD. The Central railroad’s petition for the street franchise along the river front was taken up and discussed at considerable length. The special committee appointed at the last meeting made a lengthy report whic j was adverse to the granting of the pe ition now before Council. The committee is opposed to granting an unlimited fran chise, and it suggested the framing of a new ordinance. The report was received, and later on Alderman Duncan introduced an ordinance on the subject, which was re ferred to tho committee,to be reported upon at the next meeting. STREET RAILROAD MATTERS. The Committee on Streets and Lanes re ported adversely upon the petition of the City and Suburban Railway Company to extend its tracks out Abereorn street to Second street and across to Whitaker. The company then petitioned to extend its Liberty street line through Randolph to President street. This petition is now in the hands of the committee. The Rural Resort Railroad Company petitioned for the right to build its road on the following named streets in lieu of portion of the route granted by way of Bol ton and East Broad streets. Through East Broad street to Gwinnett street, through Gwinnett to Habersham street, out Haber sham to Bolton street, thoro connecting with route already designated by Council, the change being a substitution of Gwinnett street for Bolton. This petition was referred along with the others to the Street and Lane Committee. WANT THE RENTS LOWERED. The joint committees on Market and Finance reported adversely upon the butch ers’ petition for a decrease in tho rent of the Market stalls. Clerk of the Market Mad dox asked that his salary be increased to SIOO a month during the remainder of his term of office. The petition will tie consid ered by the Market und Finauce Commit tees. A petition from the Presidents of the rice mill conipaniw, asking that the specific tax on rice millsCe fixed at a lower sum next year than it was last, was referred to tho committee of the whole, and will be consid ered in connection with the tax ordinance. THE STREET PAVING BIDS. The only other matter of importance be fore the Council was the reading of the bids for street paving. There were half a dozen or more bids, the most of them for granite aDd Belgian block paving. Tho only bid for asphalt was by the Warren-Scharf Com pany, of New York, which made the same bid that it did for the Broughton street contract —$2 35 per square yard. The bids for stone were from $2 30 to $2 95 per square yard. All of the bids were referred to committee of the whole, and will be considered to-morrow night. THE NEW JAIL ACCEPTED. Tho County Commissioners Ready to Take Possession. The new jail muddle was brought to a sudden ending yesterday. It will be re membered that about two weeks ago the building was inspected by the architect, and afterward by a committee of experts. The architect and experts recommended in their reports that certain work should be done by the contractor before the building was ac cepted. The changes recom mended were made, or were supposed to have been made, when the Board of County Commissioners visited the jail last Friday, and, in company with the contractor, went through the building. A memorandum was then made of the defects, and it was supposed that the con tractor had taken cognizance of all that was said. It appears, however, that he did not. On Monday the Commissioners held a special meeting to consider the acceptance of the jail, but when the matter was brought before the board no one present was able to state whether or not Mr. Bowe had made the alterations and had finished his work. A committee consisting of Col. J. H. Estill and Dr. W. S. Lawton was appointed to visit the jail and report upon its condition. The committee visited the building as soon as the Board adjourned and went over it with the contractor and the County En gineer. What report they intended to make was not known until the regular mooting of the board yesterday, when the committee reported that it had visited and inspected the jail. In their report they stated that Mr. Bowe had put up the partitions between the water closets in the hospital ward as directed by the board when they went over the building last week, but that he had done nothing farther for the reason, as he stated, that he did not know that anything more was re quired of him. Mr. Bowe expressed to the committee his willingness to make any or all the changes suggested. The committee, in view of the fact that what now remains to be done is very trilling, and that tho county cannot, in their opinion, well afford to delay longer the acceptance of the building, recommended that it be accepted. The re port was unanimously adopted. This settles the inil matter as far as the b ilding is in question. The next thing is , .to adjustment of the contractor’s accounts. The board will meet for that purpose to morrow. Mr. Bowe is at present out of the city, but as soon as he returns and turns over the keys to the commissioners the Sheriff will occupy the jail, and the prison ers will be removed from their present quarters. THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. Proceedings of the December Meeting —New Roads, Etc. Messrs. Walker, Estill, Lawton and Dor sett wore present at the monthly meoting of the County Commissioners yesterday. The petitions for county aid and for relief from double taxes were referred to the proper committees. A petition was received from A. W. Harmon and others asking that a road bo opened from the White Bluff road to the Middle Ground rood, between the five and six mile posts. It was referred to tho Committee on Roads and Bridges. The Jail Committee was authorized to place $20,000 of insurance upon the new jail building as soon as it is turned over to the county authorities. Tho Commission ers passed bills to the amount of $19,000. The Pool Tournament. Mr. Wilson defeated Mr. Brown last night after a well played contest. This afternoon the Unknown and Mr. Herbert will play at 3:80, and to-night Messrs. Brown and Her bert. Chas. Kolshorn & Bro. Firing and Gilding China. Vv’e m ike our semi-monthly shipment to China Decorating W orks to-dav. L. & B. S. M. H. THROUGH THE#CITY. Items Gathered Here and There by the News Reporters. There were four arrests yesterday for dis orderly conduct. The City Council last night ordered paid bills against the city amounting to $9,207 81. The St. Andrew's Society will hold its December meeting at Metropolitan Hall to night. The annual meeting of stockholders of tho Savannah Bank and Trust Company will be held Saturday, Doc. 21, at the banking house. Solomon’s Lodge, F. A. M., will hold its one hundred and fifty-first annual commu nication to-night and will elect officers for next year. The Confederate Veterans’ Association will hold an adjourned meeting at the court house to-night. Gen. Lafayette Me Laws will deliver nis address to the veterans. The time for paying State and county taxes is rapidly drawing to a close, and those who have not yet called on Tax Col lector McGowan should not delay any longer. The hotels have been drawing consider able patronage from the contractors who are looking after the street paving jobs aud the railway supplymen estimating on the wants of the new street railroad. David Sawyer was arrested yesterday, charged with cutting Bennie Merrill. Both are colored men, and on Dec. 10 they got into a quarrel. Sawyer drew a knife, and Merrill says he used it without provocation, inflicting a painful but not dangerous wound in the hand. Sawyer had kept out of the way, but he was caught yesterday and locked up on a charge of assault with intent to murder. Safe Blower Ward created quite a stir in Griffin on his way to the North Georgia mines on Monday. Whon the train pulled into the Griffin depot it was reported that Woolfolk, the Bibb county murderer, was on board and a rush was made to the car. Ward quite enjoyed the distinction of being ogled, but he didn't relish tho idea of being thought a murderer. Ho has high notions about some matters, which will most likely be tamed somewhat after he has handled the pick and drill awhile. RIVER AND HARBOR NOTES. Happenings Among the Shipping and Along the Wharves. A survey was held yesterday on the Nor wegian brig Amykos. The board consisted of Capt. T. A. Laird, Port Warden Wig gins and H. F. Willink, master ship car penter. accompanied by James T. Stewart, Lloyds’ agent. The brig was hove down for the examination of her bottom. The latter was found to be all right, with the ex ception of a few patches of her metal gone. The board recommended that she lie stripped and recaulked. After the examination the vessel was righted. It is very probable that she will be condemned. TALKING OVER MISSIONS. The United Lutheran Synod Board Meets in Columbia. The Board of Missions and Church Exten sions of the United Synod of the Evangeli cal Lutheran church in the South met in Columbia, S. C., Tuesday. The whole board was present. The principal business trans acted was the election of a permanent Sec retary, the adoption of a resolution in structing the Secretary to visit and report on the mission in Richmond, Va., and the appointment of a committee to nominate a missionary to Japan. Various propositions were discussed, and arrangements were made to collect the revenue voted by the United Synod. Four thousand dollars for home missions aud $2,000 for foreign mis sions were apportioned by the board. Rev. L. K. Probst, of Charleston, was invited to become permanent Secretary of the board, but ho has not yet indicated his acceptance of the position. Dragged Under a Buggy. A few minutes after 6 o’clock last night a carriage, driven by Peter Blair, ran into a buggy belonging to Mr. Robert Haysack, standing in front of the Ludden & Bates Southern Music House. Mr. Haysack’s brother was in the buggy and was thrown out. In some way he was caught in the rear part o the buggy, and was dragged as far as the Marshall House. His left arm was badly cut and he was covered with bruises. The jehu drove down Brough ton street, and turned into Drayton. The buggy was only slightly damaged, but the carriage was pretty well stove up. Blair was drunk and his employer dis charged him. A policeman went to hunt him, but did not succeed in finding him. Mr. llaysack talks about suing the owner of the carriage. Yesterday in the Courts. In the Superior Court yesterday Charles Fleming was tried on the charge of cattle stealing, but tho testimony showed that he had received the cow in question from a man who said he had picked it up as a stray and he was acquitted. Friday Alibright took a judgment against Mary Alibright in the divorce case pending between them. Articles of incorporation were slanted to the Savannah Cold Storage and Ice Manu facturing Company. Iu the City Court the case of Annie Flan agan vs. ihe Savannah, Florida and West ern Railway Company was continued. It will be concluded to-day. Pushing the Work Ahead. Arrangements were completed yesterday for all the material, rails, switches, turn outs, curves, etc., required for the building of the eastern and western divisions of the Rural Resort railway. If no legal impedi ments are placed in the way tho entire line will lie finished by April 1, if not before. It is expected that the road will be running to both the railroad depots in time to convey the thousands who will be here at the Jas per festival. A SUGGESTION To Those in Search of Christmas Presents. Do you want something for your wife, your husband, your little boy or girl or the baby—for a young man or lady--/or any one at alii Then take a leisurely look through our store, don't hurry through. Wo will be glad to have you stay as long as you like whether you buy or not. In this "way only, will you get an idea of the immense stock of beautiful goods we have, and you will he apt to find what you want in our store. Respectfully, Jas. S. Silva & Son. China, Glass, etc., Lyons Block. Concort This Afternoon and Evening 3:30 to 0 and 7 to 9. Music by Saverio I). Pierre’s Italian Or chestra Public cordially invited. The following is tho programme: 1. Dauntlesge March. . W. F. Sudds 2. Forget-Me-Not Waltz By Waldteufel 3. Robert le I liable Meyerbeer 4. Sorella Polka By Argezia 5. Tres Jolie Waltz Waldteufel 6. I.ucia Lamme-rinoor I louizet t i 7. Forget-Me Not Cavotta Jakobowski 8. Lullaby from Krminle Jakobowski 9. Rossin’a Mazurka Argezia 10. Traviata Verdi 11. Ruddigore Waltz Bucalossi 12. Maria Mazurka H. C. Black 18. Ia Figlia del Kiggimento Donizetti 14. Gypsy Baron Strauss 15. Galop G. Lacutararta L. & B. S. M. H. Sweet Mixed Pickles, Stuffed Mangoes and Currant Jams at D. B. Lester’s. A 25c. Neokshawl for 10c. at Weishein’s. Imported Sherry, $3, Catawba Wine sl, Old Duff Gordon Sherries from $3 to $4, at D. B. Lester's. THKAFRICANMETHODISTS THE GEORGIA CONFERENCE IN SESSION IN SAVANNAH. Over One Hundred Preachers in At tendance-Bishop Disney to Preside— Some Prominent Men in the African Church—Growth of African Metho dism in This Country. The Georgia Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church began its annual session in St. James’ church at Randolph and Perry streets yesterday morn ing. There are three conferences in Geor gia—the Georgia Conference proper, the Middle Georgia Conference and Upper Georgia Conference. The Georgia Confer ence is the largest and represents a majority of the African Methodists in the State. It is divided into seven districts, with altogether something over 100 appointments. Its or ganization is similar to that of the Method ist Episcopal Conference. OPENING THE CONFERENCE. There was a full nttemfance at the open ing session yesterday. Bishop Brown, of Washington, was expected to preside, but he is detained at home by sickness. It became necessary in his absence to elect a President, and Rev. J. A. Wood, Presiding Elder of the Savannah district, was unanimously elected. At the request of the President Rev. W. J. Gaines, of At lanta, presided in his stead. Bishop R. R. Disney, of Canada, is ex f'cted to-day to fill the appointment of ishop Brown, and will preside during the remainder of the Conference. The entire morning and afternoon sessions yesterday were taken up in the appointment and arranging of the conference committees, and in getting the work of the session mapped out. The annual sermon was preached last night by Rev. Caleb McDowell, of Hawkinsville. TO BE IN SESSION A WEEK. The conference will be in session until next Tuesday night when the appointments of ministers will be announced. There are about 100 preachers in the conference be sides the visitors. Among the latter are Rev. W. J. Gaines, President of Morris Brown College, of Atlanta, and who is the unanimous choice of the Georgia Confer ence for Bishop to succeed the late Bishop Cain, Rev. B. W. Arnett, of Xenia, 0., Financial Secretary of the African Methodist church in the United States, and one of the strongest pillars of African Methodism in this country. Rev. B. T. Tanner, of Philadelphia, editor of the A. M. E. Church Review, and Rev. J. C. Embry, of Philadelphia, publisher of the Christian Recorder. The conference sessions will be held in St. James’ church. There will be public worship in the other African Methodist churches every evening and on Sunday. THE AFRICAN METHODIST CHURCH. The African Methodist Episcopal church has a membership enrollment of some 400,- 000, with 8,000 preachers and exhorters. The complement of the Board of Bishops is ten, three of whom have died since the Baltimore Quadrennial Conference, held three years ago. There are 250,000 Sunday school scholars, with 25.000 teachers. The church, parsonage and school property is valed at $4,500,000. It controls sixteen colleges and academies, officered by some sixty-five pro fessors and teachers, all colored, the princi pal institution being the Wilberforce Uni versity at Xenia, O. It sustains two peri odicals, the Christian Recorder, published weekly, which has a circulation of some 15,000 copies, and is edited by Dr. B. F. Lee, a former President of Wilberforce Univer sity, and the Church Review, issued quar terly, with a circulation of 2,500 copies, edited by Dr. B. T. Tanner, one of the ripest scholars in his denomination, and who was for more than sixteen years editor of the Christian Recorder, the official organ of the church. These periodicals are issued from the publication house owned by the connection, at 631 Pine street, Philadelphia. BRANCHES OF ITS WORK. A Sunday school paper is also issued at a branch office of the denomination at Nash ville, Tenn., by the Rev. C. S. Smith, Secre tary of the Sunday school work, and the Missionary Record is issued by the Rev. J. M. Townsend’ Secretary of the Foreign Mis sion and a member of the Indiana Legisla ture. In addition to the extensive work success fully prosecuted in the United States, the denomination also sustains prosperous mis sions in Africa, the West Indies, Hayti and the republic of Dominica. Besides this great Methodist- body there are four others with an aggregate member ship of 737,500, which, with that of the African Methodist Episcopal church, gives a total colored Methodist membership of 1,137,500. The real power and influence of the Afri can Methodist Episcopal church as an edu cational and evangelizing force dates from the close of the war, in 1865. Every State in the Union now has a con ference, and every town and city where there is any considerable number of colored people sustains one or more churches. ITS FIRST CENTURY. The church has just completed the cele bration of the first century of its religious indeoendence. African Methodism started in Philadelphia. Its founders were dissi dent colored members of white churches who refused longer to endure the contempt and odium heaped upon them by members of the white religious bodies with which they had affiliated. The leading spirits of this first movement of the American-Afri can population to resent the then prevailing ostracism and contempt of white church men, were Richard Allen, Absalom Jones, Richard Coker, and others, who have be come fathers of the church, whose lives and examples are regarded as a rich legacy by their descendants. The handful of colored people who were in Philadelphia at the time, and who were Methodists in their religious views, held their first meeting under the ministra tions of Richard Allen, who was a man of strong convictions, courage, ami some edu cation. The meetings were held in an old blacksmith shop, purchased and fitted up by Mr. Allen. GROWTH OF AFRICAN METHODISM. The independent spirit thus displayed was soon noisi and about, with the result that a similar movement was successsully inau gurated in Baltimore. The movement spread to other cities with equal success, so that in 1816 all the organized recedents held a conference at Philadelphia, and Richard Allen was unanimously chosen as the first Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, a denominational name adopted by the conference, which has been retamed to the present time. The growth of the young denomination was such that in 1828 the Rev. Morris Brown was olevated to the bishopric to share the honors and the labors with Bishop Allen. Prior to 1865 the growth of the denomina tion, although phenomenally rapid, was principally confined to Northern nml West ern communities. Since then it has de veloped in every part of the country. Savannah has three African Methodist churches, and all of them have large and flourishing congregations. The African Methodist church membership in this city is about 2,500. There are also two colored Met!lodlstchurches,one of which is under the jurisdiction of the Methodist Episcopal ('hurch North, and the other of the Method ist Episcopal Church South. Both have largo memberships. Beauty and Fragrance. These are both attributes of the lovely. Beauty of the tooth, frngrancoof the breath, are twin benefactions conferred by SOZO IIONT. The queens of society, the brightest ornaments of the Ivric and dramatic stage, the refined everywhere commend it. Infants’ Kid Button with tuasei, a bargain, at 50c.. at Nichols’. I Garrett Released from Custody. Wesley Garrett, who was arosted on the charge of beating his child to death was given an examination lief ore Justice Waring Russell yesterday, W. G. Charlton, Esq., appearing as his attorney and W. W. Osborne, Esq., representing the State. James Bythewood, who swore out the war rant, testified that he did not know of Gar rett’s beating his child, but he heal'd it as a rumor, and upon the strength f that lie swore out the warrant. As stated in the Morning News some days ago, there was no evidence against Garrett, and after the examination he wus dismissed. Off for the Brickyards. William H. Turner, a penitentiary guard, came down yesterday, and will take back with him a batch of convicts. He will go up this morning with the following: William Nixon alias Frank Nixon, one year. Samuel Kelsey, one year. Janies Dupree (white), two years. Mack Holway, four years. William Henry Baker, seven years. Jackson King, ten years. They will be taken to the Chattahoochee brickyard. The County’s Poor Farm. At the meeting of tbe County Commis sioners yesterday. Commissioners Dorsott and Estill were appointed to look into the matter of organizing the Poor Farm. It is understood that the part of the Queensbury plantation lying on the Montgomery cross roads is to be used for the purpose of the Poor Farm. This tract is separated from that where the convict camp has been lo cated by rice fields. It will make a pleas ant and beautiful refuge for the poor and unfortunate people of the county. At Estlll’s. Savannah Daily Morning News, Savannah Weekly News, Demorest Monthly for January, The Cosmopolitan Sunday Magazine for January, Ehrick’s Fashion Quarterly for Fall and Winter, Rand McNally’s Railroad Guide for De cember, Harper’s Weekly, Leslie’s Weekly, Life, Boston Herald, Boston Globe, Phila delphia Times, Philadelphia Press, Balti more Sun, Baltimore American, New York Herald, Press, World, Times, Tribune, Sun, Star, Macon Telegraph, Atlanta Constitution, Augusta Chronicle, New Or leans Times-Demoerat, Florida Times- Union, Jacksonville News-Herald, Charles ton News and Courier, Cincinnati Com mercial Gazette, Cincinnati Enquirer. A 25c. full regular Ladies’ Hose for 10c. at Weisbein’s. Old Scuppemong Wine and Blackberry Brandy at D. B. Lester’s. Oak, Pine and Lightwood, For sale by R. B. Cassels, corner Taylor and East Broad streets. Telephone No. 77. A 25c. Damask Towel for 10c. at Weis bein’s. Mixed Nuts 15c., good Raisins Citron and Currants cheap at D. B. Les ter’s. Tiffany’s Jewelry Palace. There are few persons who have not at least heard of Tiffany’s celebrated Jewelry and Art House, and a great many other people imagine that nothing of good quality can be had except at Tiffany’s. This is a follacious idea, as there isn’t the slightest necessity for sending from home for a single articlo in this line. We have right here as fine and varied a stock of Jewelry, Dia monds, Bronzes, etc., as can be found any where in the United States, a id at prices as low as can be obtained at Tif fany’s or elsewhere. We would di rect especial attention to our very elaborate display of solid Silver Ware, as also a select lme of Plated Ware. We make a feature of Ladies’ Watches, Chains and Charms, an l those contemplating holi day gifts can be suited in every regard. Our display of the famous Lemaire’s Opera Glasses is very complete and this quality and fine workmanship does not need com mendation at our hands. We have some of the prettiest and most novel ooneeits in Bronze Ornaments that one often sees, and invite attention to them. A gold-headed Silk Umbrella makes a neat and inexpensive present, and we have them in great variety of design of ornamentation. It is not pos sible to describe more than some of our leading articles in limited space, and, in fact, by a personal inspection only can the extent of our efforts this s ason be appre ciated. We do not allow the slightest mis representation, and where our guarantee is placed it can bo relied on to attach the re sponsibility that belongs to any first-class house. Our many patrons of the past are our best vouchers, and we certainly intend to retain our place in their popular regard. The raffle list for the magnificent Diamond Necklace is filling up very rapidly. Bear in mind that a visit to our establish ment carries no obligation to buy with it. Wo are just as glad to see the chance vis itor as the most determined buyer. M. Sternberg, 157 Broughton street. A 25c. Hair Brush for sc. at Woisbein’s. Boys’ Hats, latest styles and prices, reason able, at Nichols'. Go to Lester’s for Apricots, Plums, Peaches, Pears, Quinces and Green Gages. Old Pianoa Taken in Exchange for new ones. We want the public to know that our faei lities for repairing and putting in good order worn or badly used Pianos are unsurpassed by any house in this coun try. We want to repair twenty-five old Pi anos before Xmas. We guarantee to do it as well and as reasonably as it can be done anywhere; or, if you are tired of your old Piano, we will take it in exchange for a new one, and allow you fine price for it,and sell you any Piano we have in stock (twenty five of the leading makes for you to select from) at close factory prices. We handle the Knabe, Kranich & Bach, Bans, Behr Bros., Estey and Harrington Pianos, and the Estey Organs. Tuning a special feature of our Piano and Organ department. Davis Bros. A 25c. Chilcreu’s Undershirt for 10c. at Weisbein’s. Ladies' Imperial French Kid Button, best in the city at $2, at Nichols’. Thirty-three per cerft. reduction on all Winter Goods at Weisbein s. Cek, Pino and Lightwood, For sale by R. B. Cassels, corner Taylor and East Broad streets. Telephone No. 77; A pure linen Damask Napkin for sc. at Weisbein’s. Old Kentucky Rye $3 ]>or gallon at Lester’s. . A 25c. Red Twill Flannel for 16c. at Weisbein’B. Nichols has Ladies' Button Shoes, all widths, A, B, C. I), and E, prices $2 50 to $6 50. Old Peach and Apple Brandy at Lester’s. Atmore's Mince Meat and English Plum Pudding at D. B. Lester’s. Immense variety of handsome Christmas Goods at Weisbein’s. Examine D. B. Lester’s stock and get his prices before buying your groceries. At the Harnett House, Bavannali, Ga., vou get all the comforts of the high-priced no els, and save from $1 to $3 per (lay. Try it and lie convinced.— Rost on Rome Jour na' .. 35c. full regular Gents’ Half - Hose for 10c. at Weisbein’s. v 'uildivii’s ami Misses' Button Shoes ia hoe autl spi iag heel, cheap at sl, at Nichols’. LUDDEN & HATES S. M. 11. THE OLD ANDNEW. PHOTOGRAPH ALBUMS. SILK PLUSH, assortod colors, extension clasps, a large fine book, at $1 25, $1 5:1 #2 $2 50, $3; did sell at $2, 52 50, S3, $4 and $5. ’ Elegant CALF and MOROCCO ALBUMS great variety of styles, and prices are 50 per cent, better than last year. AUTOGRAPH ALBUMS. Red Leatherette, Silver Gilt and Inlay, at 15c 25c., 35c., 40c. Long Grain, Calf Padded, Stamped in Gold. Gse., 90c . $1 10. ’ Best Silk Plush, plain padded, 45c., 60c., 75c ,90c SCRAP ALBUMS. An immense assortment of finely illuminated and illustrated, at prices ranging from 25 cent3 to $2 each. TOY BOOKS. To those who wish to make the little folks happy, we say don’t forget the Toy Book Coun ter. Better selections can now be made than later. It will pay you to look at and price our stock. TOY DRUMS AND PIANOS Are features in our business that should not be overlooked. Handsome Square Pianos at $1 50, $2 and $2 50 Toy Drums range in price from 25c. to $1 75 CHRISTMAS CARDS, NOVELTIES AND BOOKLETS. Our assortment and stock of these goods sur pass anything heretofore shown by us, and when we assure our patrons that our prices are much less than ever before seen, we simply ask that an inspect ion of our stock be made. This we think,will convince the most incredulous that large sales and small profits enable us to offer them the choicest productions of the new and old world. BRONZE, BISQUE <ft TERRA COTTA WARE. Handsome Bronzes at from S3 to $65 per pair. Bisque Figures at $1 50 to S6O each. TerraCotta Figures, 75 cents to SOO each. Royal Hungarian, Terra Roman*, Silesian Majolica and Roman Amphora Glassware in endless variety. • Etruscan, Florentine and Sienna Bronzes Lamps. Vases, Rose Jars, Money Jars, Etc. ’ POCKET BOOKS AND CARD CASES. The latest and newest styles in Rich Leath er (loots. Lap Tablets, Music Rolls, Writing Desks, Etc. Our stock shows for itself, and the prices will be found in plain figures, and WE GUARAN TEE THE LOWEST. L. & !B, S. M. H. Fl'l{ NI XU HE AND CARPETU HOLIDAY GOODS! .Unique and Elegant Pieces for the Hall, Parlor, Library and Dining-room in ANTIQUE OAK, CHERNY AND WALNUT. Luxurious Parlor Suits, Divans, Conversation Chairs, Lounges and Odd Pieces. Rattan Rockers in great variety. Rich effects in Rugs, Carpets, Portieres and Draperies. Durable Styles in Girls’ Tricycles, Boys' Tri cycles, Velocipedes, Wagons, Doll Carriages, etc. We have spared no expense to present tha Choicest Goods at Popular and Attract ive Prices, and invite our friends and the public generally to visit our ware-rooms and inspect our HANDSOME DISPLAY. A. J. Miller & Cos. 11 KCKER’S FLOUR. WINTER COMPANIONS. MUFFINS, FRITTERS, WAF FLES AND GRIDDLE CAKES. The Lightest, Most Delicious and Best of these can be obtained only by the use of Hecker's Self-Raising Griddle Cake Flonr. Don’t use any other. Ask your Grocer for a package uad ee for yourself what a good thing U Is. FOR SALE EVERYWHERE. REAL ESTATE. W. J. MARSHALL. H. A. M'LEOD. MARSHALL & McLEOD, Aactioo and General Comu-ission Merchants, —DEALERS Ilf— Real Estate and Stocks and Bonds 11616 Brougkson Street, Savannah, Ga. ATTENTION GIVEN TO RENTING OF HOUSES AND COLLECTING RENTS. IRON RIPE. RUSTLESS IRON PIPE. EQUAL TO GALVANIZED PIPE, AT MUCH LESS PRICE. J. D. WEED & CO. STOVES. PERFECTLY ASTONISHED YT7E are more than surprised at the tremend •’ " ous sales of our Bathroom Oil Heaters. They suit the purpose so nicely that we have without much effort disposed of more than fifty this winter, and inquiries exceed ten times the transactions. Our stove is a beauty and little less than a household necessity. LOVELL & LATTIMORE, SAVANNAH, - - - GEORGIA. DAVIS BROS. LEADING PIANOS^ HUNDREDS availed themselves of our invi tation last week to examine and hear the “Gem of a Piano," the KNABE PARLOR GRAND. Many others failed and were disap pointed, its we sold and delivered it to one of our leading and most influential citizens on Satur day morning. Mr. ERNEST KNABE, the senior member of the firm of WM. KNABE & CO., Baltimore. Md., Manufacturers of the celebrated Knabe Pianos, made us a special visit on Saturday, and will se lf ft for us in person,on his return to the factory, another of their Elegant Parlor Grands and three of their tiest Upright Pianos, y bey will all arrive this week, and we invite everybody to see them. TWENTY FIVE PIANOS of the leading makes in this country now on our floors. TUNING, REPAIRING and SHIPPING special features of our Piano and Organ Department. Buy None But the Knabe. DAVIS BROS