Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page.

HI The Weekly Democrat. ■BN ft. UVK8ELL, Editor and Prop’r THURSDAY. JUNE 1,1882. b EDITORIAL ROTES. —The State Democratic Convention amcts hi Atlanta the 19th of July. —Hon. A. H. Stephens will probably be oar next Governor—for Joe Brown, Gov. Colquitt and the Atlanta Con notation says it shall be so. —-Ben. Hill is reported as improving, God grant that our greatest statesman, orator, and the South’s noblest son may be spared to his country. —Old Joe Johnston and Tecumseh Sherman are haboobbing together in Washington. Tecumseh thinks Old Joe is the greatest living soldier, and the latter has an exalted opinion of Tecumseh. The latter is not far from right —It is understood that Lieutenant Flipper’s sentence is to be mitigated, so that he will not be dismissed from the service. Whittaker, whom the Judge Advocate-General held not to have been legally convicted of the of fence charged charged against him, was gotten rid of by a subterfuge, while Flipper who was convicted, is to be spared. The Charleston New and Observer puts a searching question, so : Can it be true that Hon. A. H. Stephens is the only man in Georgia that possesses the confidence of the people snd the only man that the Democrats could elect ? It may be so; it may be that Dr. Felton, Marcellus Thornton, and the balance of the nine would be a fear ful foe to encounter marching under the banner of independentism with A. H. Stephens at their head, but if so it is rough—very rough on Georgia.. When a State gets so that her destiny hangs on one man, she must be get ting pretty near the ragged edge. —A dispatch to the New York Times states that the indications are that the Republicans of New York State are soon to be aroused by a general shake-up. The custom house of that city is to be, thoroughly overhauled, aud a general sweep of Federal appoint ments, not in sympathy with the ad ministration and stalwartism, is to be made. It is also reported that Folger is to be the administration candidate for Governor, and that the approaching State campaign will be unnsaally hot and exciting. Kelly and Arthur are probably still on intimate terms, and the former may again succeed in defeat ing the Democracy. However, the lat ter do not seem to be greatly cast down. —Frank fort-on-the-Mam, containing a population of about 100,000, is said to be the richest city of its size in the world. If the wealth were equally di- raided among the inhabitants, every V child would have, it ^-aid, swn^^OftQ apiece. There are, as may be supposed, i£acy poor people in the town ; but the citizens are as a whole, iu unusually comfortable circumstances—more so, probably, than the citizens of any other capital iu Germany or Europe. It is stated that there are 100 Fraukforters worth from $4,000,000 to $7,000,000 each, and 250 who are worth $3,000,000 and up ward. The city is one of the great banking centres of^he globe. Its ag gregate backing capital is estimated at $2,000,000,000, more than one-fourth of which the famous Rothschilds— whose original and parent house is there—own and control. The annual transactions in bills of exchange are in excess of $100,000,000. —As will be seen elsewhere in these columns, Mr. G. F. Wood, one of the County Commissioners replies to the letter of “Grand Juror,” printed in our last weeek’s paper. The letter is straight-forward, manly and honest. Mr. Wood acknowledges, without equiv ocation, his great error, in common with his associates on the Board, in failing to have a proper bond from the late Tax Collector. He makes no ex- ense for himself, bat stigmatises the error as “a terrible oversight.” Sel dom have we ev% seen men in public plaee so squarely shoulder the blame; snd we respect Mr. Wood for his manli ness in so doing. In justice to our correspondent “Grand Juror,” we woold say that because he writes nnder s non de plume, it is no reason that he is a coward. It is a mistaken idea A man who writes for a respectable news paper under an assumed name is just as clearly responsible as if he had signed the article with his own autograph. Upon a proper demand the editor must give the trne anthor at any time; and in the ease of “Grand Juror.” we stand ready to discover him at any moment When properly demanded. CHATTAHOOCHEE 4 EAST PASS Last Monday, Capt. John C. Rey nolds, Chief Engineer of the Savannah, Florida & Western Railway, and his efficient corps of assistants, left Chat tahoochee to make a survey of the eon- templated railroad from that point to East Pass on the Gulf of Mexico. Our readers will remember that this railroad company was organized in March last at Jacksonville, Fla., with Mr. H. S. Haines as President. We have reason to believe that this line will be built as soon as the line cf the S. F. & W. is extended to Chatta hoochee. The advantages accruing to that road by having a branch leading direct to a splendid harbor so far west< ward on the Florida coast is appareot to all who will take the trouble to think for one moment- This was the great aim of Mr. Haines when he organized his company. Capt. Reynolds starls upon the sur vey of this line with no little enthusi asm. Having been identified with the S. F. & W. as engineer and chief en gineer for a period of twenty-five years, and being as it were, wrapped up in its success; and now looking forward to the time at no distant day. when his road will have an unbroken line of 346 miles from Savannah to the Gulf al most in sight of Apalachicola, Fla., it is enough to make him enthusiastic. Mr. Plant, Mr. Haines and their asso ciates, are doing an immense work toward the development of this country, and this East Pass enterprise is by no means one of the least. To Florida the nad will prove a blessing, as it will give to the needs of civilization a country that has hitherto been little more than a howling wilder ness. It will also develop one of the best ports along the Gulf and build np an important maritime city for a por tion of the State, that has scarcely been known since the British fleet anchored in Carabelle harbor seventy years ago, prior to th« attack on New Orleans. We have hundreds of the benefits our sister State is to derive from this road on the end of our pencil, but space for bids their narration. As to the good results to follow its completion to our own immediate town, county and section, and to the State of Georgia, we have alreadyspoken in form er articles, not yet lost to the memory of our readers we hope. Succcess to the Chattahoochee & East Pass Railroad! - -A New York letter to the Cincin nati Commercial contains the following item : “General Grant’s superbly fur nished residence in Sixty-sixth street, of which he is so proud, is in jeopardy from the attack of an aged negro woman, who claims the gronnd on which it is built. Theie is a flaw in the title to the deed, and it is said to worry the Gen eral very much, as he believed he was settled for life. Grant begins to loom up as an owner of fast horses.’ He only cares for trotting stock, and wouldn't give a fig for a tanning hoise. It is a common sight to see him late in the afternoon skimming up the road in a little feather weight wagon, putting a new horse through his paces or extend- iag the legs of an old favorite. He looks very little like an ex-President then. He wears a rusty old ulster, and a hat drawn down over his eyes, and he sits like a round-shouldered horse man. He has no longer the military bearing by which he was once distin guished, and is rather shabby in the matter of dress. His time is spent with financial men altogether now. He goes down to Wall street early in the morning, and remains till the tick of the bell. He is so much engrossed in money making that he has refused an invitation for Newport, and will spend the summer at his son's Ulynsses 8. Grant’s, place, in Westchester county, so that he can reach the ele vated railroad every day, and get down to bis beloved Wall street at an early hoar. Colonel Fred. Grant is also com ing out as a heavy financier, and U. S. G., Jr., is doing some very considera ble money making in a quiet way. It is not at all improbable that the Grant family will rank amoDg the wealthy ones of New York in twenty years or less.” —We have no candidate for Gov ernor. Whenever the people speak in convention we shall be fonnd ready to do battle for their choice. The governor of Tennessee has*sign- ed a bill to fund the State debt at 60 cents, with interest at three, four, five and six per cent. The intelligence from’ Hon. B. II. Hilj is very encouraging, and the peopfc of Georgia and of. the entire south hope that he may yet be spared many years to add to his uselullife. . No political event could be more gratifying to the country than for him to be his own successor in the United States congress. Mr. Commissioner Wood Replies to ‘Grand Ju-or-” Mr. Editor : It is with reluctance that I appear in public print, but I feel that the challenges thrown out to the Commissioners by “Grand Juror” in reply to Mr. Crawford makes it neces sary. It strikes me as cowardly in any one to attack any man or body of men as he does, behind a mask. I first notice what he says in reference to the Commissioners employing Mr. Craw ford as their legal adviser and purchas ing agent. He seems to think that the Board did not need a legal adviser; that their duties were plainly set forth by the law creating the Board, and as intelligent men they should have known their business ; I admit this to he a fact. Nevertheless, is it not reasonable to suppose that in transacting the va ried business affairs of the county, there would frequently come up mat ters thateto act upon intelligently would requir^legal information which men not at all versed in law did not possess. How many men are there in the county doing even a small business who have not found it necessary at times to consult a lawyer? “Grand Juror” would not have to serve long as County Commissioner to realize the fact that legal advice was needed, and that pretty often. It Was contemplated that such would be the case in the first appoint ment of the Board under the act cre ating it and provision was made for it by the appointing power by placing the lamented Col. Fleming on the Board. When he could no longer serve it was necessary when such emergencies arose to go out and hunt up a lawyer and obtain the desired in formation or advice; or else make a permanent contract with Mr. Crawford who was always present with us. I ask which was preferable ? And I ask “Grand Juror” if it is expected of any lawyer to render such service gratis. He would also realize that a great many little matters would come np during the vacation that required im mediate attention ; this was the ease especially when the free ferries were iu existence. Mr. Dickinson bad it expressly understood in accepting the position that he should not be troubled with these things. Mr. Jackson was out of town a great deal of tho time, and even when there it could not be expected for him to be troubled with them without some compensation, and how could this he determined for such service when the law fixes the Com missioners pay at so so much per dieui? I know that he has rendered a great deal of such service without any com pensation whatever. As to making him a purchasing agent, at almost every meeting bills would be rendered by various parties for goods, jail, poor- house, stationery, court, &c. To ascer tain anything in reference to them it would be necessary to go out and hunt the sheriff or some other party and in quire. To obviate this confusion and trouble the Board instructed all pur chases to be made through Mr. Craw ford, who was always present and could give any information in regard to these matters the Board desired. It seems to me to be a systematic way of doing business that should commend i'self to every intelligent mpn ; and the compensation for such services seems to be reasonable enough. What he says as to the great power conferred upon Mr. Crawford by the Board is 6imply magnifying a mole-hill into a mountain. Whatever the wording of the resolu^ tion may be the above is the true spirit and intention of it. He must suppose the Commissioners a stupid set of men not to know that a bond was required of the Tax Collector; or that they needed any legal advice to that effect. It was clerly an uninten tional oversight on the part of the Commissioners, and I believe thateverv man of sense in the county is entirely satisfied on that point. It was a ter- rib'e oversight and no one felt more deeply mortified at it than myself and the only thiug that made it endurable was the fact that it was unintentional I have not tried to shield myself from any of the blame or censure chargeable to snch an oversight, but the insinna tions of this cowardly Grand Juror that there was villainy connected with it on the part of Mr. Crawford, or auy member of the Board, I de repel with all the vehemence of tuy nature. The office of Commissioner is by no means a desirable one. and the compen sation amounts to nothing iu comparison to the sacrifice that some of ns from the country who have any business of our own are required to make in order to attend to its duties. If the Com missioners are to be held responsible for every “slip np” and the advantage that the unprincipled officials with whopi they have to deal are always reaffy to take of it, who can be found that will fill the position ? In eoneiusion, Mr. Editor, I will say that I never sought the office ; was not consulted in reference to it, nor had any intimation of it until notified that I was appointed; was at home at the time attending to my own affairs. I felt that it was a responsible position and mv unfitness for it, tried to get out of serving and only consented to serve frem a sense of duty, feeling that as a citizen 6f the -State and county, enjoying the rights and protection offorded by the laws thereof I could not totally disregard all the demands made upon me. I have done the best I could under the circumstances and I know no one has felt more anxions than myself in reference to the welfare of our county. 1 am ready and always have been to give way for some one else, I know there are many more competent than myself. No donbt this ubiqitnons Grand Joror who can attend to his own business , if he has any) and be always on band to attend to every little county matter also, who is versed in all law and has so far overcome the frailties cf the flesh as to never forget or overlook any important matter, could fill it much better. G. P. Wood. Attapulgus Ga., May 30, 1882. Mr- Alex* H* Stephens’ Letter. Special Dispatch to The Constitution. Washington - , May 22.—In reply to ques tions touching his relations to the coining canvass forgovernor of Georgia, Mr. Steph ens has consented Yo the publication of the following letter, mailed to-night: Nat ional hotel, Washington, D. C., 22d May, 1882.—Mr. CharlesE. Smith, Washington, Ga.—Dear Mr. Smith : Your letter of the 10th inst. is before me. 1 reply to your inquiry about my position in relation to the governorship of Georgia. I can only say reported interviews with me on this subject as published in The Atlanta Con stitution are substantially correct. In re ply to letters from all parts of the state, and from men attached to all political parties, urging me to forego my intention to retire from public life at the close of my present congressional term, and con sent to accept the office ol governor, I have stated that if my health continues as good as it has been during the pas*, winter, and if unmistakable evidences should be furnished me that it is the will of the peo ple of Georgia that I should serve them I know of no reason that wonld justify me in refusing so tp <Jb. Thus the matter rests at present, so far as I am concerned. When asked the question whether I would allow my name to be used in connection with this office, at the next election, against the nomination of another person by the democratic state conversion, to assem ble or the 19th of July next, my uniform answer has been : “I would not.” This action of the democratic party would with me, be the controlling evidence that it is not the will of a majority of the people of Georgia that I should serve them as gover nor. To this conclus’on I should come, notwithstanding thS nnmerons letters I have received from men of the greatest eminence in the state, and the many peti tions embracing hundreds of peop'e in different counties to which I have referred, and the recommendation of my name to be voted for as governor by the people of Georgia, by the highly respectable body of men who recently assembled at Atlanta and whose good opinions and confidence I appreciate in no small dpgree. I deem it prooer in this connection to • add that while my political affiliation is entirely with the derf.ocracy on principles and measures ; and if in either it has erred, such errors should be corrected within rather than without its ranks, yet if I were nominated by the democracy and elected governor of Georgia byth^. people I shou'd not he a partisan governor bnt should lock to the best interests aud well- fare of the state by protecting the rights of all colasses of society which should be the chief object of all govenraent. The principles perpetuated in the motto of the grand old state, “Wisdom jnstice and moderation,” would be the guide of my administration. Since writing the above I have seen a telegram dated the 15th inst. from Atlanta. Ga., tp the Chicago Tribune, published in the Augusta Chroni cle and Constitutionalist of the 20th mst., stating that I had telegraphed to the Atlanta convention of independents that I would accept their nomination for gover nor. It is utterly untrue that I ever sent any such a telegram or authorized it being sent by anybody. Yours. . Alexander H. Stephens. P. S.—This letter you can nse as yon please. . A. H. S. F L BABBIT. Tallahassee and Bainbridge Railroad- A correspondent of the Tallahassee Floridian writing from Concord under date of May 18, concludes his letter as follows : A raihoad from Tallahassee, Florida, to Baiubridge, Georgia, via Concord and At- tapulgus would be a profitable road, and would prove to be a source of great profit to both Tallahassee and Bainbrid.e. It would pass through a fine fanning section of country, and and would not be more expensitte to build - than roads through other sections. Tile route would be through a fine farming portion of Leon county, passing between Lakes Jackson aud Iamonia and crossing Ochlockonee river at a point called “Grissett’s bend” between the Whidden and Cotton ferriets, then through Gadsden county via Concord to the Georgia line. We would respect fully call the attention of the Disston Company'8 surveyors to theadvantages of this ronte. A road from Bainbridge to Tallahassee, and the St. Marks road extended by trest les to the deep water of the bay, would prove a grand thing for Tallahassee. May her citizens look well to their interests. Several of our Florida contemporaries congratulate themselves that nearly half the people in Florida immigrated from Georgia, * Georgians are all right, even when yon find them in the land of gal- linippers, alligators and swamp angels. SPRING 18 8 2 If yon want any Drj 'Joods or Groceries, call on me. I Have a full stock, to which I am making daily additions. These goods must be sold. Cash buyers particularly so licited. All goods warranted as represented, and shown with pleasure. Dress Goods, Straw Hats, for men ladies and children, Shoes for all. A nice line of Spring. And Summer clothing. bought very low and lor sale at extremely Low prices. Groceries, consistingof Coffee, Flour, Sugar Soap, Potash and indeed every thing in this line. I have a stock of samples from DEVLIN % CO., the Farmer’s Clothiers, New York. Make, style aud fit guaranteed. F. L. BABBIT, Try the “Tropico” cigar—the best and cheapest cigar in the market. F. L. BABBIT. 118 2. A. E. POHLMAN, THE LIVE CR0CER Will run a lightning schedule the present year, and will keep on band for the benefit of the public the beat and most select as sortment of GROCERIES, Ever seen in Bainbridge. Also, FRUITS, CANDIES, CONFECTIONS. Country produce bought at highest prices. All I ask is a trial, after which I know you will be pleased. E A Pohlman, Keep Cool! KeepCool! ICE ALWAYS ON HAND. Strictly CAS Too Cheap To Charge. GEO. D. GRIFFIN. SUBSCIBE FOR The Democrat. Your County Paper $2 a Year. SPRING or 1882! JONAS tOEB'S Okl Reliable “People’s Store.” Headquarters for Farmer’s Supplies and the most reliable heavy goods of every dr. script)un. Dry Goods, Clotning. Shoes, Boots, Hats, Hosiery, Notions.^etc., in end-* less variety Hardware, Tinware, aud a full supply of Bacon, Flour, Corn, and other heavy Groceries, by the car load. I’defy competition in prices and challenge ecomparrison in goods. Large quantities of.goods are’arriv- ing daily, and they MUST B OLD. If small profits can do the woak. I will givs no prices, because when yon coma with the cash THE GOODS MUST GO. Give me chance before purchasing elsewhere and be convinced that I offer tho bsst bargains. Highest market price paid for Country Produce in cash. JOHJkS LeOEBf Proprietor of the People's Store. in inn H e CURT s CO ARE READY FOR THE- Spring and Summer CAMPAIGN E, WITH A FINE STOCK OF GOODS. Consisting of Everything Usually Kept in a FIRST-CLASS STORE. COME AND SEE THEM. Eolith Broad St., Thespian Buildln g* Millinery and Fancy Goods. Call and see meeverybody, and examine my well seleeted stock of Millinery and Fanej Goods; comprising everything kept in a first-ctasa millinery establishment. Having ju* 1 returned from the north, I am prepared to give my customers every advantage of tks latest styles and fashions. I have a .-plendid assortment of law anil lalsle milts, glove*, wares and fronts of every description. Fine cologne and Ejgier Down, the best face P°*‘ der in existence. Hats of every description from 25 cents to $1 * Picture frames. *u sixes, very cheap. I have the agency tor E. Butterick & Go's, patterns and they e»n bs be purchased of me as cheap as of the firm. I pay postage on all patterns. Mis* Hogue, an adept in the art of mant-ua.making can be fonnd at my establishment •* **? time, where she will be pleased to serve her many friends. Ladies coming to the «**? should call and see me before leaving. All orders will receive my personal attention. Respectfully, BBS, M.!J XLBY2VOLD&