Newspaper Page Text
THE TELEGRAPH.
MACON, FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 1860.
The Court House Commissiou.
We learn that at the meeting of the Court
Haase Commission last Saturday, the Court
•House was finally located on the comer of Mul
berry street, as heretofore described, and in-
.imctions were ordered to advertise for plans
uadi proposals, forthwith.
MerrlwetUer Springs,
Open the 1st of May next at prices to meet
raced, times. See the advertisement of D- L-
jJaoiier and Son, proprietors, who offer Board
per day at $2,00—per week at $12,00—per
.month at $40,00, and to take familes at reduced
rates. Considered the luxurious appointments
.and accommodations, this is surprisingly low.
lbs Meriwether Springs offer every inducement
that could be desiring by visitors. They are un
surpassed in Georgia, and are, in fact, among
.tbs finest Chalybeate Springs in the world.
A New Fbeight and Passenger Depot.—It ia
stated that the Central and Southwestern Rail
roads will very soon commence the constriction
of cow passenger and freight depots at the foot
of Mulberry street, the better to accommodate
ihnr vast through freighting and passenger
trade. The present passenger station will then
bo occupied by the Macon and Western, Macon
rml Brunswick and Macon and Augusta Roads.
. . *
Convicts fob the Macon and Bbunswick
TTeiit>—Says the Augusta Chronicle and Senti
nel, in accordance with the provisions of the
recent contract made between the county of
the city of Augusta and Grant,
Alexander & Co., railroad contractors, five con
victs, recently convicted of different crimes,
sentenced to hard labor on the chain-gang
coder the laws of Georgia, will leave for the
3£aoon and Brunswick Railroad on to-morrow
juoming. Mr. T. C. Bridges, keeper of tho
county jail, will guard the prisoners while en
rsttic to the scene of labor. The following are
the names of the convicts, all of whom are
colored: John Mitchell, Jane Carr, Laura Wil
liams, Henry Williams and Thos. Hankinson.
Discovery op a Dead Whale.—Capt. Bnlkley,
of the steamship Virgo, says the Savannah Re
publican, reports that about three o'clock on
Friday afternoon last, when fifty miles south
west of Frying Pan Shoals, and three miles off
■•shore, discovered what was supposed to be a
boel from its appearance; bore down to it, but
upon nearing it found it to be a large dead
sperm whale, estimated to be at least forty feet
in length, with a harpoon and lance in its body.
From appearance the animal had not been long
.dead. _
Effect of Mb. Chandler's Speech.—The
fTrtrifib Minister, who is at present in New York,
is credited with the remark that the Chandler
speech will be a God-send to the Tory party at
• home, as they will be sure to construe it as a
menace, which the party in power will be called
upon to resent, or else bear tho odium of sub
mitting to 'it .In any event it will answer to
inflame the popular feeling, and put the day of
settlement farther away than ever.
Death of Col. T. B. Howabd.—CoL Thacker
IE. Howard, one of- the earliest white settlers of
this section-of the country, and for a long time
a prominent and highly esteemed citizen, died
at bis residence in Columbus on Friday night.
His health had for some time been feeble, and
sa attack-of pneumonia in his weak condition
proved fatal. CoL Howard would have been 71
years of age in July next.
Sdcbetaby Bobie to Resign.—Washington
dispatches of the 23d report that Secretary
Borie, of the Navy, has intimated to the Presi
dent his intention to resign on account of ill-
health. Since his appointment he has performed
but little, official duty, the department being
-fully under control of Admiral Porter.
The Imperialist.—The "Newark Daily Jour
nal, of tho 20tb, makes the astounding statement
that tho Imperialist is edited under the auspices
and at the cost of the Secretary of the Navy,
ih. Adolph Borie, and alleges that Grant him
self has been distributing copies to his friends.
The proof—Mr. Journal!
Oglethorpe No. 1.—We learn from the Ma-
-ron Telegraph that this company contemplate
s. visit to their brother firemen of Macon about
fho 15th of May, on which occasion they will be
tho guests of Protection-No. 1, of that city.—
Macon knows how to entertain -firemen and
•everybody else,and the Oglethorpe have a merry
time ahead.—Savannah Republican.
Difficulties in the Hill of Science.—The
Columbus Sun says that at one of the African
collegiate institutes in that place a teacher sent
out a boy to wash his face. He came back with
water clinging to liis wool and forehead. “Have
you washed,” asked preceptress. “Yes'm.”
“Why didn't yon wipe your face?” “Did,
•m’ain, as fur as my shirt tail would ’low.” No
more was said. A towel was found next time,
and the necessity of using under garments ob
viated.
Employing a Hired Servant.—Sumter Supe-
- zior -Court, on Friday, tried tho case of tho
State ws. Dr. Turner, charged with the misde
meanor of knowingly employing another’s hired,
servant. After a tedious investigation the jury
returned a verdict of “not guilty.”
Cbawjishing.—The Montgomery Advertiser
predicts .that there will be some exemplary
crawfishing done before summer is over, in the
matter-of the-Alabama claims. That seems to
be the principal .chance for peace left to the
country.
A Pointed Question.—Senator Sprague, in
his late speech to tho Senate, asks that body,
“is there anything left in the Constitution of
our fathers, however sacred, against which you
do not dare to raise your paricidal hands ?”
Extorting Praise from His Enemies.—Tho
New York Times declares that “Governor Hoff
man deserves the support of every honest news
paper in the State, Republican and Democratic,
for his resistence to the schemes of plunder
. which are so rife at Albany.
"A Washington dispatch of the 20th states as
■.a faot, that a considerable quantity of cannon
. was shipped from Philadelphia on that day for
- some point South, and eventually to Cuba.
,.Trs Talbotton Gazette reports the death of
• Archibald Bruce, a very old citioen of. Talbot.
He was ninety years of age,.and had been for
many years a ruling elder in the Presbyterian
Church.
Baron'Rothschild’s fortune was scattered
ove ■ world, and the amount of it has just
been a - e rtAinecL It reaches the figures of one
thousand seven hundred millions francs, or
-three hundred and forty millions dollars.
Navigation-of the Ocmulgee.—The steamer
O.- 8. -Hardee arrived at Hawkins villa Sunday
night with a respectable passenger list and a
heavy freight -of merchandise, chiefly for Ma
con. .
Bjev. 8am. Anthony.—The Americus papers
state that the Rev. Samuel Anthony is rapidly
recovering from his wound.
Bailwat trains in Sweden are provided with
, a complete medical and surgical staff, for cases
a t sudden sickness or accident.
France, Great Britain and Cuba.
The Herald’s London special, of yesterday,
reports, as a rumor current in London, that the
British Government, with a view to prevent the
annexation of Cuba to the United States, would
forthwith concede belligerent rights to the in
surgents, and lend such countenance to the
rebellion as to insure its success, and induce the
Cubans to erect an independent power instead
of seeking incorporation with the United States.
"We suspect this story is got up in the interests
of American filibnsterism. We believe England
and France are under treaty stipulations to
guarantee Spain in the possession of Cuba;
and that Government will hardly delude itself
with the hope of preventing annexation, so soon
ns Spain loses her grasp of Cuba. The one
must be regarded as the natural sequence of the
other, and hence the treaty alleged to have been
made by tho two powers, immediately after the
failure of the Lopez expedition, in which they
undertook to assure Spain in the possession of
that island.
The following dispatch to the Western prints
is interesting in this connection:
London, April 22.—The Post has an article on
the Cuban question and gives currency to the
assertion that Grant desires the acquisition of
Cuba in order to divert the attention of Ameri
cans from internal distractions. It says there
would be no doubt as to the issue of a conflict,
and thinks the acquisition of Cuba would lead to
the final acquisition of the whole West Indies.
France and England icill doubtless determine
whether these designs against Cuba tciU be toler
ated, or aid Spain in relieving her colony. The
French press has agitated the question much in
the same tenor, and special meetings of the
French Cabinet were held Tuesday and Wednes
day which resnlted in a special envoy being. sent
yesterday to London with dispatches referring to
the present complication of events.
This indicates that the two governments are
in very earnest deliberation on the subject, and,
as we hardly doubt, with the single purpose of
preventing the acquisition of Cuba by the
United States. Taking the view of the London
Post, both, however, are directly interested in
preventing it, on the score of the danger it
would offer to their own West Indian dependen
cies ; but still more are they concerned to pre
vent a great naval power from holding both
sides of the Gulf of Florida and reducing a grand
naval highway, and, in fact, the Gulf of Mexico
itself almost to the condition of mare clausum.
The Engle ami PlicenixManufacturing
Company.
The premises of this gigantic establishment,
says the Columbus Enquirer, offer more to
please the eye and encourage the hopes of the
lovers of Southern home enterprise, than can
be found elsewhere within the limits of Georgia
or of any State adjoining. It is worth a visit
from every citizen of Columbus, and no stranger
sojourning here should leave without seeing the
works, completed and in progress, of this Com
pany. It has been made known that they have
in full operation one of the very largest cotton
and woolen factories in the country, and that
they are daily turning ont a larger variety of
first-class fabrics than any other one mill; and
all our local merchants, as well as the distant
customers of the company, know how greatly
in excess of the supply is the demand for these
goods. But a great many people right here
within the daily hearing of the bell by which
the labor of the thousand operatives is regulated,
have never seen nor have the least idea of what
has been done, and what is now being done for
the extension and improvement of this magnifi
cent enterprise.
In addition to the large mill completed and
put in operation last fall, the companv are pre-
S iring the foundation for another milf building,
rger and of etill greater capacity than tho fir,st
while the foundation of offices and store-rooms
has already been laid and the walls going rapidly
up. The activity prevailing at every point
about the premises cannot fail to inspire the
visitor with a new hope and a new courage.—
Over a hundred laborers are at work—wheeling
dirt, clearing rubbish away, mixing mortar, car
rying hods, piling up wood, loading drays with
goods, receiving bales of cotton and wool, drill
ing and blasting stone, and doing tho hundred
other services required about the place—and yet
it is all done with snch perfect order and regu
larity that no chance is made for confusion, or
opportunity given for idling.
During the summer the building just now be
ing located will loom np a splendid structure,
and like a bride waiting for the bridegroom, it
will be ready to receive tho machinery which by
thattime will have arrived from Europe. Messrs.
W. H. Young and H. V. Meigs have already
gone to select and provide tho best that can be
obtained. And when it is all received and
placed, and all the plans of the Directors of the
Company for enlarging the variety and quality
are fully developed, the Eagle and Phenix Man-
ufacturlnfi Company will stand far in front, and
a head and a shoulder higher than any other
manufacturing establishment in the whole south.
The Advantage of being a Woman.
One “Hannah Tyler” claiming to be a spinster
clerk in one of the "Washington Departments,
sours over abuses in the following to tho Inde
pendent :
“My observation has shown me that any
simpering girl can wheedle more favors from
her superiors by one shake of curls than n con
scientious man could obtain by a year’s diligent
labor. It is not my intention to be personal.—
Butevery one in Washington knows that the rule
is, if clerks are absent from their desks, except
when on leave, a corresponding deduction is
made from their pay; yet it has been no uncom
mon thing for women to ask two weeks’leave,
remain two or three months, and on their return
draw the full arrearage of salary. And if their
pay was stopped by tho disbursing clerk, they
would send such details of portly gentlemen,
signing themselves ‘M. C.’ that he would be
glad to pay tho money, fearing to lose his own
place. A married lady sits within speaking dis
tance as I pen this paragraph who remained at
home for more than a year, and drew $74 per
month for the entire period. As a woman, I
denounce this ns a fraud on the public.”
Cotton.
A dispatch from New York reports the receipts
of last week at all the ports of the United States
at 27,180 bales. The receipts of the correspond
ing week of last year were 18,000 bales. So the
week’s operations go to sustain the opinion ex
pressed a few days ago that the maximum of de
crease, as compared with last year’s receipts,
has been reached, and that the receipts for the
remainder of the season will show*a gain on
those of last year for the corresponding time.
The stock on hand and on shipboard not yet
cleared at all United States ports is reported at
268,850 bales. This is against 232,000 bales at
the corresponding date of last year. The stock
of American in Liverpool on Friday afternoon
was reported by telegraph at 167,000 bales. At
the corresponding date of last year the stock of
American in Liverpool was 231,000 bales. >
Tho total receipts at all the United States
ports are now 15,000 bales short of the receipts
to same time in 1868. This includes the esti
mate of the receipts overland.—Columbus En
quirer.
South Carolina Negroes.
Of the population of South Carolina, 400j600
are colored and 300,000 white. The ratio is
changing fast. Emigration helps and so does
the death rate. A Times correspondent says that
the mortuary reports in Charleston for the year
1868 exhibit the fact that out of a population of
about 40,000 in the city—about half white and
half black—there have died 1,208 persons; of
these, 818 were oolored, and 390 white. That
is, more than two negroes to one white died
last year in Charleston. More exactly it is, one
negro in every twenty-four dies annually; while
in the same time only one in every fifty-one
whites dies. •
The vote of the State is about one in seven;
that is, about 100,000 votes in alL Of these
60,000 are negroes and 40,000 whites—the ma
jority of negroes being 20,000. The black race
is crowding toward the coast, leaving the upper
and middle country. This gives the mountain
counties already a majorty of whites; and thin
majority must idcrease on that side of the State.
At the next elections, In 1870, it is very proba
ble that the whites will have a majority in the
State Senate, which oonsits of one frpm each
county.—Commercial Advertiser.
The man who “faced death” says he don’t The man who “burned with indignation" has
like the view. > been put out. Damage very slight.
Caldwell vs. Farrow.
“A Plot to Ruin Georgia Exposed; or, A Reply
to Henry P. Farrow on the Status of Georgia,
by J. H. Caldwell.”
This is the title of a broadside upon Farrow
by Caldwell, published in the last Atlanta New
Era ana dated. Metropolitan Hotel, Washington,
D. C. April 14, 1869. The wars of the Georgia
Radicals are now very appropriately carried on
outside tho State. Georgia feels no concern
about them, and they are waged purely in the
interest of the combatants. Caldwell says that
Farrow’s pamphlet was circulated for effect in
Washington before a single copy of it was mailed
to Georgia, and that Dickey, to whom it was ad
dressed, is a warm friend of Senator Hill and
known to be opposed to the Sumner and Butler
bills.
Caldwell then proceeds in a verbose review of
Farrow’s pamphlet, covering seven columns of
the Era. He goes into an exposition of the an-
imus and the objects of the revolutionists and
details at length the machinery and clap-trap
used to work out their schemes. These schemes,
he says, were defeated by the Conservative Re
publicans of Georgia. The Democrats were in
no condition to help themselves or the state;
but the business was done by Hiram Warner,
Dr. Bard, J. E. Bryant, T. P. Saffold. Isham S.
Fannin, Ackerman, Holden, Osgood, Bowles,
and Simms, J. H. Caldwell and so forth.
He says when the Radicals were whipped ont
they were “mad, enraged, desperate.” No
doubt they felt badly, and the “Conservative
Republicans” would have plumed themselves all
the more, if they, too, in turn, had not been
whipped ont in all the Georgia appointments.
Caldwell says:
“It is time to expose villainy. There is
enough exhibited here to enrage any people,
not in the condition of Georgia. If such con
duct were attempted by the chief officials of any
Northern State, what would tho people do to
them ? But our people must not be rash. Their
peril is imminent. Let them bide their time :
be patient and endure the pressure of existing
evils. The day will come when they will be
emancipated from them. A reaction will take
place. The most extreme men in Congress are
beginning to see it.”
Well, under ordinary circumstances, it would
perhaps be “time to expose villainy,” but in
these days the business seems to be much like
showing a bone to a hungry dog. It stimulates
his appetite ; it don’t excite disgust; it don’t
lead to shame, repentance or reformation. The
public accept as a settled point that there’s no
thing but villainy to be seen, but they question
the moral effect of the exhibition. People
sometimes get beyond the sense of shame, and
look upon their own or any other villainy, not
with remorse, but with the eyes of an adept—
an expert—merely to see how it could have been
improved upon, and whether there’s any ras
cality afloat which they are not fully up to. We
think, therefore, it would be well in Caldwell to
.defer the exposure until the so-called Republi
can politicians in Georgia shall have arrived at
a point in which villainy shall cease to operate
upon them as a stimulant and source of emula
tion.
Tlie Eight Hour Law.
Attorney General Hoar sent to Secretary Borie
on the 23d inst., an opinion as to the constitu
tionality of the eight hour law, saying he had
no reason to differ from the opinion rendered
by Ex-Attorney General Evarts. In accor
dance with this, Secretary Borie has issued a
circular letter to heads of the various navy yards
saying that while the Navy Department has not
a right to compel mechanics and laborers to
work more than eight hours, yet it has a right
to employ them to labor extra hours and pay
pro rata for such work. Senator Wilson has
addressed a letter to the Secretary of War dis
senting from the official construction placed up
on the eight hour law. The letter will probably
be published.
The eight hour law is a piece of demagogic
nonsense which will return to plague the inven
tors. Georgia and the Confederacy made many
experiments to regulate values by law. We be
gan with a heavy attempt on salt, and we had
the most vigorous legislative and executive ac
tion, not only to keep salt, but a good many
other articles, down to reasonable rates.
It is due to truth, however, to say that this idea
was not original with Georgia. It is, in fact,
about as old as the world, as well as unreason
able as sin. It has been tried an infinity of
times since the flood, and failed as often as
tried, and yet the world-resolutely sticks to it,
as if it were entirely practicable and philoso-
phicaL
The “eight hour law” is a grand scheme for
compelling mankind to pay the price of ten
hours’ labor for eight. Now this can be made
to work only by a universal application of the
principle of the law to all other commodities as
well as to labor. For example, if yon call eight
hours a full day’s work, then call eight tenths of
the old price a full day’s wages—or if yon pay
in other commodities count eight tenths os a
bushel, a yard a gallon or a pound. This would
be fair and impartial. Itis not right to give a
short measure of labor and claim a fall one of
molasses. It would, however, amount to a
mere change of names, and this is all the eight
hour law can possibly amount to.
In other words values are not to be controlled
by arbitrary enactments. They take their
origin in entirely different causes, and are
pretty nearly as independent of human enact
ments as the changes of the seasons. The bald
political demagogery which seeks to delude
laboring men into the idea of adding twenty
per cent, value to their labor by a Congressional
or State statute, making eight hours a day’s
work, is shameless and disgusting.
If government wants to benefit tho laborer,
there is but one way—reduce tho oppressive
burdens of taxation—unfetter trade by taking
off tariff and excise duties, and then you make
on one hand cheap living and on the other an
active demand for labor, which will stimulate
its price.
From Eanrens County.
Laurens County, April 24 th, 18G9.
Editors Telegraph :—I never see anything
in your paper from old Laurens. Tho com
crop in this county looks very promising, and
what cotton is up looks well. The planters
have bought largely of commercial manures, and
the freedmen are working very welL Guano,
and “how much have you put to the acre?” are
the topics of conversation, and Mr. David Dick
son’s plan of cultivating cotton. If the reason
suits and the caterpillar should not appear, I
think old Laurens will moke an average crop
with some of her sister counties. I am fearful
that some have neglected to plant com enough
for home consumption, and that the long-nosed
hogs will cry out next fall that bought com cost
•too much for me to eat, so I will have to “root
hog or die.” Yours, etc., Q. L. H.
Laurens County, Ga.
Affairs in Southwestern Georgia.
Buena Vista, April 23, 1869.
Editors Telegraph : iThe late cold weather in
some of the lower counties set the planters bock
some, and fruit was damaged slightly in low
damp places. The crops, however, in the coun
ties of Talbot, Marion, Chattahoochee, Stewart,
and Webster, are looking very. well. The supply
of labor is pretty good, and harmony and good
feeling prevail between all classes of people.
The freedmen are laboring well, and everything
moves on satisfactorily. Heavy rains fell in
most places during the week. Bain was much
needed. Traveler.
BY
From Washington^
Washington, April 26.—The Herald’s London
special says: “It is rumored that the Government
will adopt a bold Cuban policy, conceding belligerent
rights to the Insurgents and, by moral and materi
al assistance, insuring the independence of the Is
land, and thus prevent its absorption by the United
States, and maintaining their own consistency in
respect to the recognition of the Confederacy.
Senators Sherman, Poole and Sumner have suc
ceeded in engineering a reconcilliation between Ab
bott and Sprague. Sprague writes Abbott: “Ho
wrote tho paragraph which gave Abbott offence be
fore Abbott spoke.” "Whereupon Abbott writes to
Sprague: “My allusion to you. in tho Senate, was
founded on a misconception. I ask you to consider
it unsaid.
Dispatches from all points represent magnificent
celebrations of the fiftieth anniversary of tho Odd
Fellows.
A Boston petition is circulating requesting the
President to appoint Fred. Douglnss to Brazil.
Col Parker (Indian) was qualified to-day as Indian
Commissioner.
Washington, April25.—Registrars have ceased in
dicating color on lists. Negroes are registering
laigely. Whites, as a mass, seem indifferent. Reg
istrars rejected applications of several black and
white females to have their names registered.
Daniel Page, one of the founders, and first Mayor
of St. Louis, died hero of congestion of the lungs.
Tho President recognized Charles Pagans as Turk
ish Consul at Philadelphia.
Tho steamer Uselda was snagged in the Missouri
River, thirty mile3 above St. Croix. While sinking
she esploded her boiler. Fifty persons are miss
ing. :•
Andrew Johnson’s son Robert is dead.
Prom Richmond.
Richmond, Ya., April 26.—The Odd Fellows’
semi-centennial celebration was held at Hermitage
Park to-day. About 2,000 persons were present, in
cluding seven Lodges and two Encampments. The
railroad train running to tho Park every ten min
utes was crowded every trip.. The address was de«
livered by Judge W. W. Crump.
There was a prize fight this morning, twelve miles
from Richmond, on the York River Railroad, be
tween Charles Doherty, an Irishman, and Tom
Hammond, an Englishman, for three hundred dol
lars a side. Eighty-six rounds were fought in two
hours and ten minutes. Both men were badly pun
ished. Doherty won tho fight.
Steamboat Explosion
Mobile, April 26.—The steamer St. Elmo, belong
ing to the Mobile and Montgomery Railroad, on her
way to this city this morning, exploded her boiler.
Mr. Clay, the steward, was blown overboard and
drowned; six other officers were seriously burned
and bruised. No passengers were hurt. The boat
is being towed to this city.
Foreign News.
Madrid, jfpril 26.—Dispatches report a great popu
lar demonstration in Madrid in favor of a Republic.
It is rumored that Serrano and Prim are at Havana.
Florence, April 26.—Arms belonging to the
Mazzinian conspiracy have been seized in this
city.
Madrid, April 26.—The conscription, authorized
by law, lias been conpleted without serious distur
bance.
From Cuba
Havana, April 26.—It is rumored that the sudden
departure of the frigate Gerona was intended to in
tercept a fillibustering expedition.
General News.
Philadelphia, April 26.—To-day there is a mag
nificent Odd Fellows’ demonstration in the city,
which is very imposing.
Columbia, April 26.—The Columbia Hotel, an ele
gant structure, was opened to-day in magnificent
style. It is the finest public house of entertainment
ever kept in this city. Gorman & Badendoff are the
proprietors. This needed addition to the attractions
of Columbia creates a feeling of public joy.
Marine News.
SavaNSXH, April 2G.—Arrived, steamship Ameri
ca, Baltimore. Cleared,shipBretania, Caleoss, Penn.;
bark 8. W. Swazy, Montevideo; brigs Wm. Robert
son, Montevideo; N. Churchill, St. Johns, N. B.
to give this and the adjoining counties a lit
tle attention.
Superior Court-has been in session here
about two weeks—Judge Gibson presiding.
Tbe Judge is a thorough relief man: holding
that the whole relief act is constitutional, and
instructs juries to make up. their verdicts ac
cordingly. One of the most important cases
tried last week was that of the State vs.
Washington Jackson, charged with the mur
der of William Taylor. The State was repre
sented by Judge Jas. S. Hooke and Hon. R.
W. Flournoy, tbe prisoner by Gen. A. R.
Wright and Hon. I.L. Harris. Verdict: not
guilty.
But I commenced simply to give you a few
“dots” about the prospect for a crop, and will
finish by saying' i that a refreshing rain fell
here on Tuesday last, to tbe great delight of
both man and beast. I could say something
more but I partook of a fine dish of green
peas gathered from Mrs. Smith’s garden yes
terday, and feel a little unpleasant to-day.
I fear that I ate too much. Too many peas
and Oconee catfish do not set well, A.
From Washington County.
A Fine People—Lands in Good Condition—
Tall: of the Farmers—Col. Jack Smith's
Plantation — A Judicious Planter—Corn
and Cotton — Superior Court—State vs.
Jackson.
Washington County. Ga., April 22,1869.
Editors Telegraph .-—Once more I am at
my old home, the place of my nativity,- and
amidst the scenes of my childhood. Ten
years ago I left this old county for the pur
pose of earning a livelihood in a different
portion of the State, among different people,
who had different ways and customs. Of
course, during the period of ten years, many
cbaDges have taken place. But as has ever
been the case, the people of Washington
county are doing well.
As a class, no people can boast of a better
record than the people of this county. They
are honest, hospitable and industrious. It is
pleasing and encouraging to notice tbe vigor
and cheerfulness with which they enter upon
the duties ot the year. Their lands are care
fully and prudently prepared to receive the
cotton and corn. I have not seen a farmer
since I have been here but who i3 using more
or less fertilizers. Upon lands that have been
in cultivation for a century, the farmers talk
learnedly of making a bale of cotton to the
acre. Such land, with such people to culti
vate it, can never wear out.
One of the most systematic and practical
farmers in this section of the country is Col.
T. J. Smith, better known as Col. Jack Smith,
This gentleman favored me with a ride yes
terday over bis entire farm. , He owns about
six thousand acres of land running parallel
witn the Oconee river. His hands work in
“squads” and are both white and black. He
is using about one hundred tons of guano.
Not being familiar with the different names
of fertilizers, it is impossible for me to give a
list of them, but suffice it to say that he is
using fifteen different kinds, and intends-to
give them all a fair trial. He use3 from two
to four hundred pounds to the acre, and on
all kinds of land. The better the land; the
better the guano will pay.
And strange to say Col. Smith-has not got’
the cotton mania. “I will convince yon be
fore I get through” said the Colonel as he
pointed out to me a large field of corn about
twelve inches high, “that I am trying to make
some corn. Experience has taught me that
I can raise an abundance of corn and bacon,
and five or six bales of cotton to the hand.
I think it pay3 better than raising so much
cotton.” Would that more of our farmers
could think the same way. Col. Smith also
showed me a very fine Chester sow; She has
a brood of twelve pigs following her now,
ten days old, and as large as our commonpigs
at a mouth old. Tbe sow is now nine months
old and weighs five hundred pounds. Not
withstanding tbe enormous size of these hogs
it takes less for them to eat than our common
hogs, and they can be fattened at any age.
But as Col. S. proposes to take the sow and
her family to the fair that is to be held in
Macon this year I refrain from- further com
ment.
The SavanDab merchants are doing a lively
business in this section of the country. Their
agents and circulars aie as thick as hops all
over the country. I think it would be well
for our Macon merchants and warehouse men
From Sumter County.
Danville, Ga., April 23, 1869,
Messrs. Editors: You have not yet asked
us to write you concerning the crops, &c.,
but thinking you would not object to hear
from this once glorious part of Sumter—but
alas! for several years has been cursed with
the sweets of freedom, Radicalism and such
like; but now I am happy to inform you we
are getting to be ourselves again.
The Freedmen—are conducting them
selves in terms satisfactory to all with so
little exception as to be not noticed. Experi
ence has taught, them that they are not the
white man’s superior, and they acknowledge
that they have been led astray, and now
manifest a disposition to retaliate.
Farmers.—Those who procured hands at
the proper time are generally very forward,
and prospects before us are brighter than at
aDy time since the surrender, and all goes as
merry as a marriage bell. Corn is looking
well, though slightly frost bit. Those who
planted cotton very forward, in a few in
stances, have bad it killed; and there seems
to be as great a demand for seed as there
was a few years back. There being a few
scientific men in the community who always
save enough to plant over, all will be sup
plied.
Fertilizers—are being used extensively,
and should they prove successful to planters,
they will be unanimously used in the future!
Our people are waking up from their lethargy
and their old fogy system of planting. Ex
perience is teaching them that there is no
money nor discretion in cultivating four acres
of land to make a bale of cotton, when
the money expended for tbe cultivation of
four will make one acre bring the same, and
in stead of wearing out our lands we are
making them rich. So soon as we adopt
this plan, no North, no East, nor "West can
compete with us, and the result is we are an
independent people.
"We have superior advantages over any
other country, and would we apply ourselves
properly, time would soon show to the world
what they are. Factories ate being built,
and every improvement is rapidly develop
ing.
Old Danville—is here yet, reduced to
one little grqcery. It is an excellent stand
for a small business. If some clever man
would open a family grocery with a capital
of three or four thousand dollars, he could
make as much money as in Macoa or any
other town. Yours truly,
Danville.
Interesting from Houston County.
Fort Valley, April 24, 1869.
Editors Telegraph ."—This Spring has not
been very forward nor late, wet nor dry. Our
farmers seem to be inspired with hope and
courage, and are as busy as bees. I bear but
little complaint of the weather, labor or
stands. A few who planted some fields of
cotton very early have had to plant them the
second time. This has made cotton seed
scarce and high, some asking $1 60 a bushel
for common seed. Guanos have been exten
sively used and a large cotton crop planted.
Our town people, even, have been so blinded
as to' plant their patches, and in some cases,
their" gardens in cotton, notwithstanding
everything to eat is scarce and high. Cora,
peas, potatoes, chickens, butter, eggs, etc.,
from the country can’t be bad. Will our peo
pie never learn sense 1
Money is scarce, and our merchants adher
ing to the cash system are doing but little.
Our place is improving a little, some more
brick stores are to be built this summer. The
Dow Law patent is owned here. Over 1000
cotton planters were made here and sold this
season, at $15 apiece. The same firm are put
ting up a machine shop. Another firm is
going into the fruit canning business this
summer. And a cotton factory will be in
operation here next fall. But our people
must grow wiser before they can get rich.
They must go to work, produce more, man
ufacture more, and buy less.
Negro Labor at tlie South.
From the Maryland Farmer.
In the last Agricultural Report published
by the Bureau, at Washington, there is a very
interesting account of the condition of agri-
culturein tbe cotton States, under tbe changes
wrought by the war upon the labor system of
that section. The people there, it is well
known, have gone guietlv and earnestly to
work to endeavor to restore, as far as they
may, their shattered fortunes; but one of tbe
greatest drawbacks until recently, has been
the want of pecuniary means. To ascertain
the agricultural condition and most pressing
need ot those states, a series cf questions was
addressed by the Department of Agriculture,
to different agricultureal editors and planters
and the answers were generally full and often
elaborate - in the expression of individual
opinions based upon personal experienceand
observation.
From these we gather some valuable infor
mation. Of course tbe primary inquiry, and
the one upon which the greatest stress was
laid, was the future prospect of the cotton
crop under the new condition from free ne-»
gro labor. The mode of cultivation, of course,
remains the same as it was before tbe war,
and “no radical changes in the order of this
culture or in the general character of its pro
cesses is looked for, though positive and
marked changes are highly desirable in pro
moting thoroughness and economy of
culture.”
Persons hitherto unacquainted with cotton
planting, it is affirmed, stand little chance of
succeeding-in it, though many, after a season
or two of trial and sometimes of disastrous
experience, learn tlie business and infnse into
it new energy and elements of success. “There
are, however,!’ it is said, “other questions in
volving the management and economy of la
bor, improvements of farm maebinery and
enrichment of soils; upon" which depend the
profits of cotton production to a far greater
extent. than upon the .order and peculiar
mode of planting and cultivating.”
The average yield of cotton per acre is not
more than one-fourth what the soil, rightly
managed, is capable of producing. The wisest
of planters, indeed, are reaping substantia!
benefits from new appliances and by improv
ingupon old processes. The masses, however,
are following their example but slowly. A
spirit of energy has nevertheless been awak
ened at the South which has already begun
to yield valuable results.
But the most pressing problem with
which the South has to deal is, after all, that
of labor. The question as to whether free ne-
negroes will work steadily and continuously,
is yet in course of solution. Tho opinion
seems to.be general that tbe negro will work
in most cases faithfully, if the matter were
left between himself and his employer.—
Whilst negroes are excited, meddled with,
and used lor political purposes by the North-
whites, known as carpet-baggers, the result
must continue to be pernicious in the ex
treme.
Various modes have been adopted by
the perplexed planters in trying to 1 find the
best mariner of working tbe negro advatage-
ously. Payment ot wages was tried exten
sively in 1866, but generally proved unprof
itable. Under this system, idleness became
a contagious malady, and was of a more ma
lignant type in proportion to the increase of
numbers working together. Crops were neg
lected, upbraiding and threats sometimes
followed, and the cotton fields were, in many
cases, left in the lurch at tbe season of pick
ing. Renting was the next plan tried; the
rent either being paid in money or a stipu
lated portion of tbe crop, usually one-third.
That failed also.
The minds of the planters are wakeful and
active. They are casting about for tbe best
and most rapid method of improving their
condition. Intelligent and practical writers
are publishing through the press, advice and
liberal ideas upon agricultural subjects. Im
migration where it would be profitable is in
vited and welcomed. Artificial fertilizers are
beginning io be used to a great and increas
ing extent,and their comparative value, mode
of application and results upon different
kinds of soil, are more eagerly canvassed than
ever before. .
The most popular mode according to tho
correspondents quoted in the report, is said
to be that of working on shares. Even un
der this method the improvident negroes
have generally borrowed, bought or squan
dered, to the extent of their allottment long
before the crop was gathered. The Depart
ment acknowledges tint the attempts of the
negroes to cultivate the land on their own
account, have with some very unimportant
exceptions, been utter failures. It comes to
tbe sound conclusion that it would be “un
wise in view of tbe overwhelming evidence
of their present unfitness to manage planta
tions, to advocate the undertaking, of cotton
planting, or even ot general farming by the
treedmen generally.” The instances given
under the head of failures, to justify the
above opinion, are certainly ludicrous; but
are nreciselv what those who know the hab
its of the negro would have expected. We
eite a few cases;
A colored man ia Amity county, Missis
sippi, who had formerly managed successfully
eighteen hands for his master, and who was
deemed an intelligent and excellent manager,
went to work with a force of seventeen
hands, four being women and three youths.
He rented fertile bottom land, agreeing to
pay one-third of the product as rent. He
bought of his landlord two mules, four hors
es, eight cows, and borrowed four yoke of
oxen, a wagon, twelve hundred pounds of
bacon, forty bushels of corn, three tbousaud
pounds of fodder and obtained credit for one
thousand dollars. He obtained four bales of
cotton, raised no com, fodder or vegetables,
both mules were dead at, the end ot the year,
two horses were run off and sold, two yoke
of oxen were reported dead, one yoke of oxen
and two horses were turned over to the land
lord so poor they could scarcely stand; no
rent, or debts were paid, and five hundred
dollars of debt was further incurred.
Again. Such aa occurrence as the follow*
ing has been common: A planter who had
furnished a yoke of oxen and a cart to a
freedman who had four children to help in
his field,- seeing him on his way to a neigh
boring village with a small load of wood, and
knowing that his little cotton farm was rap
idly going to grass, asked him, “ How is
this ?” “ Oh, I am out of tobaccy and am
gwine to town to sell a load of wood.” His
wife was housekeeping, and his four chil
dren had gone fishing. His cows brought him
two calves, but ho lost both because he was
too indolent to mow a small quantity of hay
and pea vines.
Once more. The veteran Agricultural Ed
itor, Dr. M. W. Philips, of Mississippi, as the
extensive observations, declares that the
freedmen may have a third, or a half, or even
an ontire interest in the crop be is cultivating,
and if any one will give for a week, or more
than a smgle day, more than usual wages in
cash, be will leave the crop in the grass, and
earn a few dollars to spend for some trifle
that would only please a child.
Though we in Maryland, snd in the States
further South of us, have always known all
this, yet we are glad to see the facts recog
nizee in so authoritative a manner. Coming
as they do from official sources, they may at
least have a tendency to change the opinions
entertained in regard to the negro by those
who, whilst they attempt tolegTslate for him,
are so ntterly ignorant of negro labor and
negro habits.
What is It? Hip
A singular bird has recently been seen
at Foster’s Ferry, in this county. The
same character ot the “feathery tribe” was
discovered in that vicinity a few years ago,
just preceding a great freshet, that i* well
remembered by our citizens. The bird is ?ep“
resented to be cf the size of a common dog;
its head is shaped' somewhat like a Lord’s;
its tail of long teathct3 banging down line a
horse’s; its plumage is'of various .COlCTs.
Usually when seen, it Was" flying very liigjlv
It bas the voice of a colt*, when loudly whick
ering. A gentleman of‘the neighborhood
fired with bis rifle at the biY4i that w'as'last
seen at the ferry, as it flew oVer.’ One ofiis
long tail feathers was taken oils by the shot,
and is said to be now in tbe possession of
Mr. Geo. W. Foster, on exhibition at bis
store. It is nearly four feet long, of a creamy
color, and tbe feather portion resembling
coarse hair. It was shot off at tbe root.
Judging from the unearthly screaming ot
the singular ereature, it is believed to have
been wounded by the shot. Some who pre
tend to be skilled ia the science of ornithonvan-
cy: assert that the appearance of this singular
visitor is a sure sign of the approach of high
waters—most likely,a freshet during the" next
month. Many of the best citizens of Foster’s
settlement have had £ good view of this colt-
bird, as they have named it, and we cannot
for a moment question the truth of the dis
covery. Hope some enterprising and watch
ful person may yet succeed in securing one,
dead or alive, in order to furnish a wonder
to the world, and a new subject for uatu-
ralists.— Tuskaloosa Monitor
A Problem in Fencing.
Tbe "Washington (Ga.) Gazette has the fol
lowing:
Can one Rail Fence an Acre op Land ?
Interesting Inquiry for Farmers.—Two
hundred arid ten feet each way make an acre
of land. Suppose we take ten rails to a pan-
nel of fence and each pannel encloses ten
feet. T-o fence the acre there must be four
sides fenced of twenty-one pannels or 840
r&ils tb the'acre.
Now, if we double the length of the field
and take in two acres we shall have two sides
of 420 feet each and two sides of the original
width 210 feet, and will need 1260 rails to
fence the two acres.
If now We double tbe width of the field we
shall have four sides of 420 feet each, and
with 1780 rails will take in tour acres of land.
Proceeding in this manner to double tbe size
of the enclosure, we find that 2520 rails will
enclose eight acres, and 8868rail3 will enclose
16 acres. The first single acre required 840
rails; two acres required 428 rails per acre;
and when we reach a 16 acre field we require
only 210 rails. Two hundred and fifty acres
would require but about 105 rails per acre.—
Now, proceeding in this ratio, I6vr large
must the field be which will require but one
rail to each acre enclosed ?
War with England.
COMMENTS ON THE BRITISH PRESS—OPINIONS
From the Chicago Times, 20th 1
The ocean telegraph gave, on Thursday a
synopsis of the opinions of the London Times
and Lord Stanley, with reference to the re
jection of the Stanley-Johnson agreement. It
is somewhat worthy of note that both these
authorities—one of whom is, to some extent
a representative of the Government, and the
other of popular opinion—seem disposed to
take rather gloomy viewB of the situation
The Times is, indeed, hopeful enough to
qualify its depressing forecast of events by
stating that there is a probability of Mr. Mot-
ley’s offering, in a different form, substan
tially tbe same terms that were proposed bv
Reverdy Johnson; but it precedes this state
ment with the assertion that there is nothin*
more to concede on the part of Great Britain*
It characterizes any downright demand for
payment as an unfriendly and offensive action
which it does not believe is contemplated bv
General Grant, but which, if made, England
would know liow to treat.
There is somewhat of menace in the Times’
article, and a trace of the Glasgow speech of
Lord Stanley. The tone of the discourse is
an intimation that only, the good sense of the
American people can prevent the difficulty
between the two countries from taking an ex-
treme character. He concludes by auvisin*
his hearers that it is their duty to show a
united front in case of any dispute with the
outside world ; and by pledging himself to
strengthen, so far as he can, the hands of
whatever foreign minister to whom may be
entrusted the settlement of any menacing
questions.
As the country does not know what Sir.
Motley may be instructed to offer in lieu of
tbe proffer of his predecessor, and as it is
doubtful that even tbe administration itself
Bas yet concluded what it is prepared to ask,
and to enforce it refused, any discussion with
reference to future negotiations would be
premature. It is safe to leave this aspect of
the matter "with tbe charitable hope that
General Grant, when he shall cenclude what
he does wish, will have reached a conclusion
in which the honor of the nation will be fullv
consulted and established. A present ques
tion of more importance is the feeliDg of the
people of this country with reference to a war
with England.
It cannot be denied by any man familiar
with public sentiment, that a war with Great
Britain, whether that of 1776, or that of
1812, or one which may occur within the
present decade, or at any time in tbe future,
is popular with the American people. This
feeling has its origin, in part, in the heredi
tary instincts which have come down to us
from our revolutionary forefathers; and,in
part, in the large Irish element in our nation
ality, among which hatred to tbe Saxon is
as permanent and bitter as tbe feeling of the
Pole for the Austrian. There is additional
reason .for dislike to Great Britain, which
has originated in the burlesques of its
writers, the unfriendly action of its states
men diiriDg the late war, and in the constant
assertions of its authors and thinkers that
we are a loose, anarchical government,
destined to early fall in pieces from our own
weight.
In view of this chronic dislike of Great
Britain, there is no doubt that, were every
thing favorable, public sentiment, with en
tire unanimity, would push the settlement of
the Alabama claims to the arbitration of the
sword.
“Grace Greenwood” in the Political
Arena.
The "Washington Star, of Wednesday, con
tains the following spicy card, from the well
known female author:
A Card.—Editor of the Star:—Sir, I
find in your issue, of yesterday, the following
paragraph:
“Dr. Lippincott, (the husband of Grace
Greenwood,) a lourth class clerk in the Post
Office Department, was an applicant for the
position of General Superintendent of tee
Post Offico Department, but failed to get the
appointment.”
During the visit of Mr. Macready to this
country, as lie was travelling on a Western
steamboat, he was pointed out, by a waggish
clerk, to a rough backwoodsman, as Ole Bull,
who was then giving concerts in the "West.
The great tragedian sat apart, on the deck,
wrapped in poetic contemplation and insular
dignity; but the tall Missourian strode im
mediately np to him, and with a startling
slap on the shoulder, thus accosted him:
“Hello, old boss 1 Old Bull J whar’s youi
fiddler”
The stately actor turned tlpofif Mm, and
with a “withering look,” and id the mori
tragic tone, replied: “Sir I am ndt & horse,
neither am I a bull, neither have I a addleT
In like manner. I have to reply that Mr.
Lippincott, of Philadelphia, “the husband of
Grace Greenwood,” is not a doctor, neitbo
is lie “a fourth-class clerk in the Post-office
Department;” neither has he been “an appli
cant for the position of General Superinten
dent of the Post-office Department;” neither
has he failed to get the appointment.
As for the excellent Dr. Lippincott, is it
not enough that he should miss of the office
to which be aspired, that you must divorce
him from his lawful wife, a* most estimable
lady—and bestow him upon a stranger?
As for us, belonging to another branch of
the Lippincott tree, we have applied for no
office at Washington, though we have, vc
will confess; held ourselves open to the prof
fer of a .first-class foreign mission. Witt
slight solicitation we would consent to be s
“looker-on in Vienna,”. though, perhaps.
Madrid would be a better point, as os:
worldly possessions principally consist o-
certain dilapidated “castles in Spain.” That
we missed of Paris, was not, we feel afsoisfc
because our honored President loved Phi*'
del phi a less, but Galena more. A. fl® 1
has fallen upon o»r hopes of St. Petersburc.
and if we mourn, it will not be in Rusasc
Sables. As for the Court of St. James •
seems “your Motley Js the only wear.”
1 think I have some reason to complain c-
your editors, fori apparently classing
among, the “bigamiatic writers' of the
in assigning to me so many amiable consort-'-
If you would only vary the name occasions -
iy, there would be some relief in the vant“-
But toujeurs' Lippincott!
The same disclaimer I now pllt forth ti
the benefit of Dr. Lippincott, must cppl. r 1
Mr."J: B. Eippi&coit, the great pubiisuoi-
and to General Lippincott, late Door-keepc'
of the Senate. '
They* are “hll honorable men,” doubtl« ; -
but they arb"note my husbands ; and I beret?
warn all'persona against trusting me on the”
account: Grace Greenwood-
Washington, April 31st, 1869.
A Lively “Interview.”
Afierce interview took-place between Jac*
Hamilton and Attorney General Hoar, oc
Tuesday last, and the following conversation
is said 1 to have occurred : ,
Hamilton—‘Tcilled Mr. Attorney Genera-
to inquire whether it is true that yon intern;
to appoint Mr. : —- for the Texas
Attorney General—“Yes. sirflbaveslrea^J
made out his nomination.’*
Hamilton—“Then,- I think,- it is my d° l -
to say that he is a- bad man, and no* t0
bold the office.”
.Attorney General—“I had heard that yc-
were opposed to him, and was not surprises
as I also hear, that you are going over tot-rf
Copperheads.”
Hamilton—“G—d d—n you; or any ft 3 -’
who impugns my political motives. “
were you when tbe war was raging ? " hs
were you doing that justifies your blatax-
Unionism to-day ? Dispensing tbe only
you know—Massachusetts law—whilst I w3 -
risking my life in behalf of the Union.
you do not know what is decent or well br*“
in yonr intercourse with gentlemen, I" wl __
not trouble you further, but will go to you-
master.”
So saying, Jack struck off, leaving the re
spectable Massachusetts pettifogger to a be
wilderment of rage and astonishment 1 * El ‘
proceeding to tbs White Hoase laid the
before Grant tad bad th* appointment an*
nulled. It is skid Jack 1k pretty certain to
be elected Governor of Texas, end this inter
view wIHaot Mi kUa back modi.