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JOURNAL AND MESSENGER. CLISBT & JONES, Proprietors. THE FAMILY JOURNAL—NEWS—POLITICS—LITERATURE—AGRICULTURE—DOMESTIC NEWS, Etc.—PRICE $2.00 PER ANNUM. ESTABLISHED 1826- MACON, FRIDAY, MAY 14, 1880. VOLUME NO—LV SEEKING HELP. Father! take not away The burden of the day, But help me that I bear it As Christ His burden bore, When cross and thorn He wore, And none with Him could share it; In His name, help, I pray. I only ask for grace To see that patient face, And my impatient one; Ask that mine grow like His— Sign of an inward peace From trust in Thee alone, Unchanged by time or place. —£ It. Chaplin. SEEKING STRENGTH. God, give me strength! I am so weak and frail! In solemn duties Every day I fail. N I fain would think— Too weary is my brain; I fain would walk— My senses faint with pain. So weary am I, Father, give me rest, Or strength to toil— Thou knowest which is best. —Mary E. Lambert. ALMA MAXWELL. BY MINNIE E. BOMBARD. “There, Alma, it is finished now!” and Mrs. Maxwell unconsciously drew a long, tired sigh as she threw her work on the rickety table, and rested her aching head on her hand. It was the cheeriest little voice in the world that answered, ‘•Done already, mama ? Oil, I am so glad! I will light the fire and put the kettle on so that it may get to boiling, for, mamma, you are to bave a cup of tea to- night—a real cup—all to yourself, and when I couie back, I will stop at the ba ker’s and get a loaf of bread, and we will have a splendid supper, won’t we, Todd- lings?” Little Charlie, the three-year old pet, clapped his hands and shouted, “’pendid supper!” and then went on with his play. Alina Maxwell was a bright child of twelve years, with dark eyes, dark curling hair, a small rosy mouth and cheeks a lit tle too pale, but if not pinched with want, would be rosy red. Whenever a sunbeam came into the old garret wingow, it al ways rested on Alma, playing In her dark ringlets and passing over the smiling face with a gladsome glee. Alma stood thoughtfully holding the door knob in her hand, wheu little Char lie, running up to his sister, cried: •‘Me go too, sister! see pity lings! me go too!” clinging to his sister’s hand with a winning smile. “Couldn’t I take him with me mamma? I will take good care ol him,” she said hesitatingly. “You—you wouldn't lose—” “Lose him, mamma?” interrupted Al ma, with a merry laugh. “Of course I wouldn’t lose him; may I?” “Yes, if you will be very careful and ■ don’t lose him, for what would I do with- oat my baby?” I Alma changed the old tom frock for a cleauer one, combed the tangled curls, ! tied a faded comforter around his neck, and pushed the small, worn hat, over his bright flaxen ringlets. Then when she had finished, she caught him up with a merry laugh, and holding him long enough for his mother to snatch a kiss, started down the old rickety stairs. . . “And, to be sliure, ye are taking the lit tle one for a walk, is it ?” said an Irish woman, who lived on the landing below them; “to be shure, ye must be careful and not lose him in this crowded city,and shure and liis rosy cheeks makes me think of me mother’s garden in June.” Alma thanked her for her kindly warn ing, and catching up Charlie she went down the next flight; when she reached the landing, she put Charlie down, and the old cobbler at the end of the hall smiled a ready good evening. ^ “You are going to take the litt»e one out this evening, are you? 'well, here’s a penny for him, and swinging himself around on his crutches, he went over to the window where a large monthly lose was blooming in a broken bowl, and cut ting the. very brightest and largest blos som, handed it to her. Alma went to thank him, hut the old cobbler had shut the door arid was work ing away with a will; he could not bear thanks. “The poor little souls, how I do love them!” he murmured as he rubbed his eyes with his coat sleeve. Alma wended her way down the several flights of stairs, thinking all the time of the warning she had twice received that evening. “Oli, of course, I won’t lose him!” and tossing back her curls, she kissed the rosy lips of her baby brother, each moment nearing the street door, within the sound of horses and carriages, women swearing and men brutal with drink. Just as she closed the door behind her and was passing down the steps, a lady and gentleman on the other side of the street, exclaimed: “Oh, what a beautiful child! he woind be as pretty as our Freddie if he were only dressed.” Alma’s heart filled with pride at the first part of the sentence, but at the last her lip quivered and tears filled her eyes. She looked at the dress which she had thought was so nice when she put it on, hut although neat and clean, was nothing but a net-work of patches. The little boots were out at the toes, and the com forter was faded and the hat too small and torn. “I love you bettor than if you were dressed in finery, and ydu are just mam ma’s and my pet, and our little Tod- dlings!” exclaimed Alma, catching him up and kissing him. Charlie wanted Alma to look first at the soldiers and then at something else; and danced with glee at the prancing horses until Alma grew impatient of delay. It was hard work to get him alor> l j very fast, but at last the store was reached, the money received and more work ready. It was late when she got back to the baker’s, and the store was full. Alma kept a firm hold of Charlie’s hand until just as the baker bad given her the bread and taken the money to be changed, when the little hand slipped from her grasp, and the people crowded in, making the distance between her and Charlie greater. She sprang to go, but the baker’s boy, worried with the crowd of customers, cried out: “Here, gal, If you don’t take your change, I won’t give it to you at all.” Alma thought, “I cannot go home to mother without the money, he can’t run- far.” She sprang back, seized the money ami then ran for the door. She had some trouble in gaining it, but when she did. reach it, she saw, way up the street, his little fat legs flying under Ills short skirts. “Charlie! oh, Charlie! how could you run so fast?” exclaimed poor Alma, thinking of the warning she had twice re ceived that afternoon. . ,! Oh, what will mamma say?” i&d run ning fast, she lost her footing and fell heavily to the ground. The fall almost stunned her, but picking herself up quickly, regardless of pain, she started to run again, but fell senseless to the pave ment ; “What is this ?” asked a pleasant-faced man, as he saw the senseless girl, and picking her up he carried her home. A few simple remedies and conscious ness returned. Then memory resumed her sway, and she sprang up eagerly, cry ing, “Oh, I cannot go home without him, what would mother say? Oh, sir, have you seen my Charlie?” Just then she heard a well-known voice, her eyes fol lowed the sound, and there, sitting on the S ntleman’s knee was Charlie, talking as st as though he waS in his own little room at home. “Oh, Charlie!” and Alma hid her face in Charlie’s pinafore, and cried long and passionately. The room was an artist’s studio—paints, paper, pencils and ink lay all in confusion on the table; au easel, with a half-finished picture on it; beautiful paintings hung in tasteful groups around the room; other pictures turned aggravatlngly toward the wall; landscapes, faces of children, baby portraits and, all kinds of pictures imagin able. Alma saw none of these, but lay sobbing on Charlie’s lap. “Charlie sowy! Charlie won’t do it adain; Alma, don’t ky!” said Charlie, trying to raise her head. At last Alma looked up, the tears still on the heavy lashes, a smile on her lips, with a look half reproachful, half joyful, gazing on her recovered treasure; her dark curls hanging confusedly over face neck and .shoulders, her hat thrown to one side; Charlie’s arms were around her neck, his flaxen ringlets mingling with hers, a look, half awe, half repentance, on his baby face. “Oh, what a splendid picture that will make!” said the artist, mentally. I don’t believe Alma’s mother knew how beautiful she was. The finely-form ed forehead and shapely head, with ears like pink shells, encircled in a crown of dark ringlets, the rosy lips and pearly teeth, the finely moulded form, so much like wax-work, was beautiful to gaze upon. The artist took in the picture at one glance. As he stood there he re membered a little sister, just the counter part of this one, who had left him with tearful eyes and loving words on her wed ding-day, and gone from them never to return. . , . “What is your name, child?” he asked,- abruptly. “Alma Maxwell, sir.” “What was your mother’s maiden name ?” * “Lucy Cleve.” “It is! it is the same! Child, your mother is my sister, and you are my niece and nephew!” and he caught them to his breast in trembling excitement. “Wife,” turning ta a graceful lady who had just entered the room, “these little ones are my long-lost sister’s children.” At the sound of the voice Alma started, and said: . “You are the lady and gentleman that were passing on the other side of the street when I came down the steps this after noon and said, ‘Oh, what a beautiful child! He would be as pretty as our Freddie if he was only dressed!” “Oh, yes, I remember now; but I did not think then that you were my husband’s sister’s children.” And she took him up with a merry laugh, and kissed Charlie’s rosy cheeks nud lips. “Can’t you tell me your name?” “Tarly, ma’m,” he said, in lisping tones. * .... “Ob, you dear little pet,” and going to the door she rang a bell, and when the servant appeared said, “Send Freddie to m«, Mary.” “Yes, ma’am.” Pretty soon a merry, childish laugh was heard, and Freddie soon appeared. He had black curls, black mischievous eyes and very dark skin. “Freddie, they are your cousins,” said Mrs. Cleeve, taking him by the hand; “go and speak to them.” “No, mamma, dey ain’t my tonsms; dey ain’t dressed pitty enough!” exclaimed Freddie, looking at bis richly embroider ed dress, then glancing at Charlie’s and Alma’s faded and patched ones. “Yes, Freddie, pet, they are; go and speak to them,” said his mother, in a tone of command. , , . Freddie went up to Charlie shyly and kissed the rosy lips, while Charlie shrank hack with a frightened glance. “What ’ou name, ’ittlc hoy ? “Tarly.” “Mine’s Freddy.” Then turning with a comical gesture, he eyed Alma, then said: “’Ou is pitty, isn’t ’ou? I dess I’ll tiss ’ou!” putting his hand up to his eyes and looking through his lingers. , . , “Ob, you little rogue!” exclaimed Alma, catching him up with a merry laugh. “Do ’ou want to fee my lister?” “Yes, indeed.” Freddie sprang down and went out of the room; when he came in again lie was followed by the nurse, carrying a six- montlis-old baby in her arms. “Dis my fister.” Alma sprang forward, with a cry of de light, and in a few moments had won her from the nurse, saying at the same time, “Oh, I do love the babies so!” “I must go now or mamma will be so worried!” and putting the baby in its mother’s arms with great reluctance, she started for the door with Charlie. “Not quite so fast, my little girl; you must have some supper first, and then I will take you home.” “But mamma will be so anxious; she will that I am hurt or Charlie lost!” exclaimed Alma, the tears filling her. eyes. “Supper is ready now,” said Mr. Cleeve, catcliiii? Freddie up in -one arm and Cbarlteup in the other, while ho led the way. Alma knew that it was no use to re monstrate, but followed the rest—Mrs. Cleeve had taken her hand—into the dining-room. She sat down with a won dering face at the abundant and elegant table before her, while Charlie clapped his little fat hands with joy. When they were all seated Charlie folded his hands and bowed his head; then, seeing that the rest were all looking at him, said, “Don’t ’ou fank Dod and bless him for ’ou daily b-’e’d ?” Mr. Cleeve blushed and said in an im patient tone, “No, we do not thank him be “Then I’ll fank him!” and bending his head until it almost touched his folded hands, he said in low, reverent tones: “I fank thee, O Dod, for my daily b’e’d and for thy loving tindness over us frough the the day. Amen.” When lie raised his head he saw that Mrs. Clceve’s eyes were full of tears, and that Mr. _ Cleeve and Freddie were looking on with surprised faces. Supper was soon over. Alma seemed to have become quite dignified, and atff with gentle politeness. After supper the carriage was brought to the door, and they were soon on their way home. Charlie’s head began to droop lower and lower, un til he lay fast asleep on his uncle’s arm, his little flaxen curls lying in confusion on his uncle’s coat. They soon reached their home, and Alma sprang up with a bright smile. * “Don’t try to get out without assist ance, child.” “No, I will not, sir.” The driver assisted Alma out, and Mr. Cleeve soon followed, with Charlie fast asleep in his arms. Alma sprang up the steep stairs with rebounding step, leaving her uncle far behind. He followed on with his burden as fast as it was possible, and soon heard the sound of voices. “And to be shure, Alma, ycr mother is almost worried to dith about ye!” “Oh, I knew that she would be, hut undo would not let me come away until I had eaten some supper.” “Shure, and have ye found yer unde ?” “Yes, I am her uncle,” said Mr. Cleeve, coining up at that moment. They hurried on and soon readied Alma’s room. Mrs. Maxwell was sitting with an anxious face on the low chair by an empty grate. Alma sprang in with a joyous cry, saying, “Oh, mamma 1”—that was all. As soon as she saw the manly figure be hind her, she cried, “Edward 1” ‘Lucy!” and laying the little one down the bed, he caught his long lost sister to him in an ecstasy of joy. * “How could you, Lucy?” he asked, in a reproachful tone. “I could not let you know that I was so poor,’’she said in faltering tones. “Where is he?” “Dead.” “How long ?” “Three years.” “And you never told me! Ob, Lucy! how could you be so proud?” “I didn’t know you were in the city; I thought you were at our old home.” “Didn’t you know that mother and father had been dead for several years, and that father had been neglectful anc not made any will, and the farm had fal len into strangers’ hands, furniture and all?” “No, Ed. Where is Fred ?” “I do not even know where he is. You know he left for California when you were a child, and, but fur a few letters, I have never heard from him since.” ‘Oh, poor, poor Fred! I suppose it might be possible that he may be dead by this time.” “Lucy, you are going home with me to night. I shall not have you stay another moment in this old garret. Why, Lucy, you still have your picture, haven’t you?” he asked abruptly, turning the con versation. “I could not part with that. Mother gave me that the last time I saw her, be fore I was married.” “I have one just like it, too. Come, it is getting late. I will take Charlie down first, and send the driver up for the pic ture.” “Oh, mamma, is this true?” “Yes; that is my long lost brother.” The man came up for the picture. Then with a last farewell, they left their garret home forever. They met with a warm reception by his wife, and Alma and Charlie were soon in bed and fast asleep. A few hours later; and all was still, and the inmates of the house were soon lo3t in silent slum ber. In the exhibition the next spring a por trait of two child-faces were among the rest. The crowds of people passed by the gorgeous pictures, in their colors of bright sunsets and fine scenery, and stopped be fore this one, thinking of their own little ones at home. A high premium was offered, and a large fortune earned by the unknown artist. -One day a man came strolling by, in his dress of rich broadcloth, partly to pass away the time, partly to see the many fine pictures. When lie came to this one he started and turned pale. He remem bered long years ago a sister who, when he was a boy leading his father’s sheep to pasture, used often to follow him, with laughing, dark eyes and dark curls. How, when at last he grew tired of farm-life and determined to seek his fortune, she had thrown her arms around his neck, a look of sorrow on her upturned face, the tears still ou her heavy lashes, her curls hanging confusedly over face, neck and shoulders, her hat thrown to one side. “It is the same 1” he cried. He went abroad and returned some years before, having accumulated a large fortune. When - he went to some of his old neighbors to inquire about his family, they told him that bis father and mother had been dead several years, and the prop erty had fallen into other hands. “And Lucy ?” “She married some years ago, and not even her own parents knew where she was.” . He turned away with a sad heart and wandered on and on, finding no clue to either his brother’s or sister’s wherea bouts. He went away, but the picture haunted him. He went, inquired the name of the artist, and was soon on his way to learn the simple story. Little he thought, as he went through the lawn into the house, that he was going to meet his own brother. The servant answered the bell, and he asked if the master was in. “Yes sir. Do you wish to see him?” “If you please, sir.” “Walk in.” “Are you the artist of the picture of the two child-faces in the exhibition ?” ’ “I am, sir.” And then when the artist told him the story, he looked up with a peculiar smile and'said: “Then yon do not know me, Ed ?” “Oh, Fred, is it—can it be my brother?” and he fell upon his neck and wept tears of joy. Mrs. Maxwell coming into the room that moment, saw a tall, bearded man, and recognized her brother, and said: “Oh, Fred, is it you!” “Yes, Lucy, it is I.” Alma, who had come in with her moth er, saw her spring into a young man’s arms and sob hysterically. The story was soon told, and that night, a happy family gathered around the hearth. They are all once more united. angry and told her that she should ■ do nothing of the kind, for he had mouey and plenty to live upon without doing that. She grew daily thin and listless; and at last took her bed; the parents be came alarmed. They called a physician in, and he told them hat they were kill ing their child by refusing what she wished most. The parents’ eyes w'ere opened after that sickness and her wjsh was granted. She took a large school In the country, and her parents were happy in seeing their child pleased and conten ted. The girls were soon ready, and as Miss Munk saw their happy, pleased faces, she was content. They were all in high spir its, and the crowning of the king and queen was the great event of the day. “Come, May, huriy up with that wreath, won’t you, please?” asked Carrie Gray. t For answer she held up a pretty wreath twined with green leaves and May flow ers. “Oh, that is just lovely!” “Beautiful! beautiful!” they all cried in chorus. The queen was soon crowned, and they enjoyed the freedom of a whole day in the woods. Everything went on nicely, until as the hour drew near for dinner, the king ard queen and May Farley Were missing. “I wonder where they could have gone ? Maybe they will be back by dinnertime!’ said Miss Munk, although she could not help feeling uneasy. Dinner time came and still they did not come, and they all grgw alarmed and ex cited. “They may have got lost!” exclaimed Edith Bright. “They must have!” * “Frank is with her; I wonderrif be knows the way through the woods ?* “No, I think that he does not.” Just then Mr. Cleeve, Alma’s uncle, came into their midst, and gazed mquir- inrrltr infn flinir onrimio foooo A few years have passed and Alma is a a bright school-girl, studying hard to make up for lost time. She is a great favorite with all her teachers and dearly loved by her schoolmates. One morning in May, the young folks were all gathered under the oaks in the school-yard before school, flitting here and there among the green trees. “Alma,” said her special friend, “we always have a picnic before May ends, and it is such a lovely day, let us all ask Miss Munk if we can’t have it to-day.” “Oh! that will be just grand; let us vote for our queen,” they cried in chorus. “I vote for Alma,” cried May Farly; “all in favor say aye.” “Aye! aye! aye!” was cried in a'deaf- ening chorus. “The vote is carried and Alma is to he oar queen. Now I wonder who will be her king?” “What is the matterjgirls? what’s all this noise about ?” - “Oh, Miss Munk, it is such a grand day, won’t you let us have our May picnic to day, please ? We have made Alma queen,” and they looked up inquiringly in their teacher’s face. “I was just thinking myself what a nice day this would be for our annual picnic, and you may go.” “O, thank you, Miss Munk! ” “I have come already prepared, but I will just call the school together, then dismiss you to get ready.” While they were getting ready for their day’s tour in the woods, I will just give you a little glimpse into Mis3 Munk’s life history. Luella Munk was always a dear lover of children. As she grew older her lore for them did not abate, but; she became more fond, if anything, of them. She was an only child, brought up in luxury, and by loving parents. After her gradu ation she expressed the wish to become a ingly into their anxious faces, “Frank and May Farly and Almaf are lost in these dense woods!” said Miss Munk. “I will go in search of her, then. Yon, Edith, come with me.” “How long have they been lost ?” he asked, after they had walked in silence a few moments. “I don’t know, sir, we only missed them just now.” On they hurried with rapid pace, Edith finding it hard work to keep up with him. Just as they turned a bend in the road, about a mile from the picnic ground, he saw a young la.d standing with a puzzled look in a listening attitude. “Oh, Frank, are you lost? where’s Alma and May?” The lad started and said: “Yes, we got lost, and I left the girls to •see if I couldn’t find a path to go back by, but I can’t find them now.” ‘Alma! May!” shouted Fred and Frank together, using their hands for a speaking trumpet. “Here we are!” was shouted back in clear tones. So shouting and singing they soon found the two girls, standing with joyful fa ces under a butternut tree, iust wl»re Frank had left them. Alter resting ir-few moments they started on their journey back. “What made you wander off so farfrom the rest, Alma?” “We were trying to find some pretty ferns, but we didn’t think of going so far.” “I hope it lias taught you a lesson.” “It has.” They soon reached the waiting group, who were sitting in anxious silence. Ev erything went on so nicely after that, and they enjoyed the rest of the day in telling stories and playing some quiet games. Several years have passed and Alira and Charlie have fulfilled all that their child hood promised. Alma entered into so ciety with a becoming grace. Charlie has grown to be a great tease, as boys gener ally are. . Alma is now twenty, a pure-hearted, simple girl. She is the belle of the circle m which she goes, and a dear lover of the beautiful. Charlie goes to college, and is acquitting himself well for his years, as, of course, he has just commenced. Alma’s mother is proud of her children, and finds as Alma grows older that she is more and more companionable and better suited to enjoy life. Uncle Fred is a great favorite with all. Our little Freddie is Charlie’s age, but more quiet and thoughtful. He also en tered college the same time Charlie did. Thus wc will leave them, happy and con tented.—New York Methodist. The Retirement of Hon. James H. Blount As we are ready to go to press, the Telegraph and Messenger comes to hand, and we find it contains a card from Mr. Blount, announcing that he will not again ask the people of the Sixth district to return him to Congress. We regret this exceedingly, and hope he will recon sider the matter; and in making this ex pression we belief it will be the emphatic utterance of nine-tenths of the people of Butts county. It is true Mr. B. has been repeatedly honored, but it is equally true that no representative from Georgia has done more for his district, and also for the State at large, than he has. He has occupied a prominent position that has enabled him to do much for the public weal, and as he has become thoroughly conversant with public matters, we should dislike to lose his experience in the Na tional Congress. Georgia needs conserva tive men like Mr. Brio look after her in terests, and we hope he will be again re turned.—Indian Springs Argus. Milledgevillk Union and Recorder: “We have ever regarded Mr. Blount as an able and faithful representative in Con gress, but believed there were other men in the district of equal ability, and held that only extraordinary qualifications should entitle a man to continued re-elec tion. Hence, on more than one occasion we did not favor lus nomination, but al ways supported him cheerfully after he had been selected as our standard bearer. We have observed hjs course in Congress, and are gratified to know that he has de veloped into a most useful member, com manding the respect and esteem of the country, and earning a national reputa tion at a statesman of ability. * By his distinguished services he has at tained a position of power and influence in our national councils, that render it de sirable that he should be continued in Congress, as it is now plain, that he canbe of more service to his district and .the State than any new man. Under these circumstances, we read with surprise and rdgret his letter announcing his determi nation to retire. We heartily endorse the call made upon him by the people of Bibb which has been seconded by a strong pe tition from Baldwin, to reconsider his de cision and submit to the will of the peo ple in this matter. The people of the dis trict have claims upon him which he can not ignore, without a good reason, which he has not given.” Colonel Blount Must Allow the Use of His Name.—The people of Butts are determined if in their power to keep Colonel Blount in Congresj, where he has so ably and faithfully represented them. There are several petitions being circulated in the county asking that they shall be allowed to use his name. We have only seen the one circulated by Mr. names, and he tells us he has not seen a man but signed it cheerfully,' and all say Blount is their man.—Indian Springs Ar gus. teacher. At first her parents were very B. W. Collier who has over two hundred The Southern, Baptist Convention. From our own Correspondent ] Lexington, Ky., May 6,1880. At 10 o’clock a. m., Dr. Jas. P. Boyce struck the marble table with the gavel, in the handsome meeting house of the First Church, and called the convention to order. The coup d'oeil, at the mo ment, was something worth seeing. The large building, with its mouse-colored walls, groined ceiling, beautiful stained- glass windows, crowded by a large assem- sembly of fine looking men and hand somely dressed ladies, presented a splen did spectacle. Just as the Doctor called the house to order, end while all was still for a moment, two sliding doors in the rear of the pulpit platform rolled gently within recesses in the walls and exposed to view a most beautiful array of plants and flowers in pots, arranged on shelves, with a small fountain playing in the middle. It was a-striking and gor geous spectacle, and such a gratifying surprise that an involuntary clapping of bauds occurred on the part of the specta tors, in token of gratification and compli ment at. the taste and tact which executed the pleasing surprise. Dr. Boyce led in short devotional ser vices, calling on Dr. Shelton, of Illinois, to make the opening prayer. He then announced .that, in accordance with the notice given a year ago, he positively de clined a re-election. Dr. Cornelius Tyree, of Virginia, then nominated Dr. P. H. Mell, of Georgia, and he was elec ted by a vote approaching to unanimity. The chair appointed Dr. Tyree and Dr. Winkler to conduct the new president to the chair, which they did very gracefully, Dr. Boyce as gracefully yielding, voluntarily, the position he has so ably occupied for a number of years. Dr. Mell, on taking the chair, offered his thanks for the honor rendered him, told the advantages and disadvantages of the position, and made some tender and pathetic remarks in a manner which ex hibited a good deal of feeling for one of his temperament. Rev. 0. E. W. Dobbs, of Kentucky, and Rev. O. F. Gregory, of South Carolina, were then elected secretaries, andDrs. Yeaman, of Missouri, Dr. Winkler, of Alabama, ex-GovernorBrown, of Geoigia, and cx-Govemor Leslie of Kentucky, were made vice presidents. The pastor of the church, Rev. Lansing Burrows, a son of Dr. J. L. Burrows, of Louisville, Kentucky, and a man of fine presence, oratorical ability and decided intellectual power, then delivered an ad dress of welcome to the convention in the name of the pastors, churches,citizens and Christians of the city. It was gracefully and happily done, and was replete with many beautiful and apposite thoughts well expressed, and constituted another agreeable surprise to the convention. Dr. Mell felt called upon to appoint some one to reply, and his choice fell hap pily upon Dr. E. T. Winkler, of Alabama, who responded briefly, but in a happy and appropriate manner, in behalf of the convention. ’ The convention then adjourned until 8 o’clock p. m. AFTERNOON. In the afternoon the reports of the home and foreign boards were read, abstracts of which I send. Among those present are Dr. Lasher, of Ohio, editor of the Journal and Messen ger; Dr. J. A. Broadus, ex-Governor Brown, of Georgia; Dr. J. L. Burrows, of Louisville; Rev. C. D. Campbell, of Geor gia; Dr. A. C. Caperton, editor Western Recorder, Louisville, Kentucky; Dr. Chambliss, South Carolina, Dr. C. C. Chaplin, Texas; Rev. W. H. Cooper, of Cuthbert, Ga., Dr. R. M. Dudley, of Georgetown, Kentucky, Dr. Duncan of Ohio,- H. T. Ellyson, Virginia, Dr. J. R. Graves, Tennessee, Drs. Hatcher and Hawthorne of Virginia, Dr. L. Moss of Indiana, Rev. V. Norcross of Georgia, Rev. G. A. Nunnally, Rer. W. L. and Rev. J. H. Kilpatrick pf Georgia, Dr. Pritchard of North Carolina, Dr. C. H. Ryland of Virginia, Dr. J. S. Lawton of Atlanta, Joshua Levering of Baltimore, Dr. G. A. Lofton of St. Louis, Dr. Yeaman of Missouri, Dr. B. Manly of Louisville, Dr. C. Manly of-Greenville, S. C., Dr. S. W. Marston of St. Louis, Rev. G. R. Mc Call of Geoigia, Dr. McDonald of Vir ginia, Dr. McIntosh of Alabama, Dr. E. W. Warren of Macon, Dr. Tupper of Vir ginia, Dr. J. W. M. Williams of Baltimore, Dr. Kerfoot of Baltimore, Dr. Spalding of Atlanta, Dr. M. T. Sumner cf Alabama, Dr. Ticbnor of Alabama, Drs. Cornelius Tyree and Reuben Jones, of Viiginia, Dr. M. B. Wharton, Rev. O. C. Pope, of Texas, Dr. A. B. Woodfin, of Alabama, Dr. T. G* Jones, of Texas, and many oth ers, whom I cannot mention. In all there are about 300 delegates present, who brought many ladies with them, making tho largest convention we have had in many years. Dr. Jeter’s body is absent; but his well-known face is here. Just in front of the beautiful display of flowers in the rear of the pulpit recess, in a gilt frame, and resting on a tasteful easel is a handsome portrait of the lamented dead. He is looking calmly and peacefully upon the body with which he met lor nearly half a century and whoso course he had a large share in shaping. Above him are painted beautifully the letters WEL COME. Ou one side of the wall, in the rear of the desk, is painted a handsome scroll, bearing the phrase in gilt letters, “Say among the heathen that the Lord reign- etb;” and on the other side is a similar scroll bearing the words, “Preaching peace by Jesus Cbnst, He Is Lord of all.” The general view of these is exceedingly striking and handsome. On the table is a beautifully arranged vase of flowers, and the breeze waiting through the audi torium the perfume of the actual conserv atory behind the desk, makes the air fra grant with delicious odors. abstract. The report of the home board an nounces the encouraging beginning by Dr. J. B. Hartwell, cf his mission in San Francisco, and the loss of his pious and devoted wife, soon after his arrival there. The following allusion is made to her in the report: Mrs. Julia Caroline Hartwell, wife of Rev. J. B. Hartwell, D.D., died Decem ber third, a tow days after reaching San Francisco.. She anticipated with lively interest the renewal of work among the Chinese, in which she expected to partici pate with her husband. She was a wo man of cnltivated and brilliant intellect, and ardont affections. Had her life been spared, and her health permitted, she would no donbt have rendered valuable services to the mission. The afflictions of our bereaved brother, we trust, will awaken on the part of the denomination, a deeper sympathy in the work. Mrs. Hartwell was formerly a resident of your own city. Our missions among the Creek and Chickasaw Indians, in the Indian Terri tory, are flourishing. We have a mission among the “wild tribes,” under the care of Bev. Tnlsey Micco, a Seminole, who re ports large congregations, a growing church and a Sunday-school! The board has contracted for the pur chase and establishment of a manual la bor school among the Creeks, and the money is secured for the purpose. In regard to its work among the col ored people, the Board of the Institutes r— 1 COLORED MINISTERS say that they have been largely attended by them, and others have been held dur ing the year at various places in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi ami Louisiana by Rev. W. H. Robert, who, while in the service of the board, diligently .addressed himself to that work. The following allusion is made to “kind words” : We. are happy to announce the connec tion of Rev. M. B. Wharton, D. D., as associate editor and business director of our Sunday-school paper. He has become a member of the firm printing' Kind Words, and takes charge of that depart ment of their business. The paper has fully maintained its popularity,as is shown by its increasing circulation. This paper is printed in your city by the firm of J. W. Burke & Co., and it has paid into the treasury of the home during the last year $SOO, besides paying its own expenses. The hoard has employed more than thirty missionaries during the last year, who have supplied six ty-three churches and fifty-four stations. They have performed 1,091 works of labor, preached 2,5S0 sermons, delivered 1,027 addresses, held 1,000 other meetings, baptized about 300, established 05 Sunday schools, and traveled 50,000 miles, be sides much other labor. The board has received about $20,000, and has about $0,500 on hand. THE REPORT OF THE FOREIGN BOARD opens with an affectionate and apprecia tive tribute to Dr. Jeter, its former presi dent, and then announces the departure of various missionaries to their fields of labor in Italy, China and Africa—Dr. Taylor and family, to Italy; Dr. Crawford, Rev. E. Z. Simmons and wife, and Miss Stein, to China; and Rev. W. J. David to Africa. In all those fields, our missionary work is progressing favorably, and under cir cumstances which demand their continu ance and vigorous prosecution. AFRICAN MISSIONS. Missionaries—At Abbeokuta, W. J. David, Mrs. David, and two native assist ants; at Lagos, S. Cosby, of colored board, associated, and one native assist ant; at Ogbomoshow, Moses L. Stone. These mission stations are in Central Africa, where the people are earnestly longing and clamoring for the Gospel. The report urges the enlisting of our col ored Baptist brotherhood of the South in this work, towaids which end successful steps have been already taken. The con tinuance of work in this field is urged. CHINA MISSIONS—TUNG CHOW MISSION. Missionaries—T. P. Crawford, Mrs. Crawford, Mrs. S. J. Holmes,-‘ Miss L. Moon, with native Christians as volunta ry assistants. The church at Tung Chow is growing in Christian character. In the last year seven have been baptized—total in the church, sixty-six. Each of the ladies has a school containing fifteen to twenty each. “The gospel is striking its roots deep into Asiatic society,” says Dr. Crawford. SHANGHAI MISSION. Missionaries—M. T. Yates, Mrs. Yates, one native pastor, Wong Ping San, and su yd\^Tons s ' s i^^Bf^t;rieiua5 anu uapnsm, e2. Total in the Shanghai church, 82; in the Kwin San church 18. Says Dr. Yates: “Be assured of this, yc friends of missions, I was never more encouraged in my work than now.” CANTON MISSION. Missionaries—R. H. Graves, Mrs. Graves, Mis3 LulaWbilden, E. Z. Sim mons, Mrs. Simmons, Miss Sallie Stein, Yong Seen San, and eleven other native assistants and Bible women. There are two churches here, Canton and Shia Hing. The former has 190 mem bers, and received 52 in tho last year; and contributed $140, mostly by the Chinese, towards the support of the church and its work during the past year. The latter church has 40 members. These churches have five schools with more than two hun dred scholars in them, forty of whom are children of church members. BRAZIL. Two stations have been opened in Bra zil, the first, Santa Barbara, has thirty members, and is self-sustaining; the other station has twelve memhersT Both are under the care of Rev. E. H. Quillen. EUROPEAN MISSIONS. Missionaries—At Rome, G. B. Taylor, Mrs. Taylor, and Signor Corcoda; at Torre Pellice, Signor Ferraris; at Milan, Signor PasChetlo; at Modena and Carpi, Signop Martinelli; at Naples, Signor Colombo; at Bari and Barletta, Signor Yolpi; at Isl and of Sardinia, Signor Cossu; at Ve nice, Signor Bellondi; at Bologna, Signor Basile. Our mission work in Italy we conceive to he simply grand, and the watchword is “Go forward.” In that classic field, there is as much need of the true Gospel of Christ and of real Christian training and instruction as in any part of the world. The foreign board has collected in the last conventional year about $40,000, but have expended more, their bank account being about $3,000 minus, which Will bo paid by contributions soon. TUESDAY - MORNING. The convention opened at nine o’clock, Dr. Mell in the chair, and ex-Governor Leslie, of Kentucky, on the plattorm. The convention presents an imposing spectacle. Dr. Mell preserves good order, and all seem deeply interested. But thismust be mailed on the morning train. May 7th. S. B. ton, of Missouri, superintendent of mis sions among the freedmen, as arepresenta tiveof the same society, who made t speech strongly advocating the education of colored mmisters and supporting the allusion of Dr. Tupper in his report that the colored Baptist should bo enlisted in the cause of African evangelization, as by them alone could the work be done. He said he saw no use for any closer or ganic union between the North and the South—that they were working together very’welJ in their mission work among the colored people, and he saw no reason why they could not continue to do so. The following is the communication brought by Drs. Moss and Marston: To the Southern Baptist contention, as sembled at Lexington, Ky. — Dear Brethren: The board of the American Baptist Home Mission Society, desiring that the Baptist household of faith throughout our land should “keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace,” have appointed the Rev. L. Moss, D. D., president of Indiana University, and Rev. S. Marston, superintendent of missions among the freedmen, as our representa tives to convey to your body expressions of our fraternal regard, and to assure yon of our readiness, in every practicable way, to co-operate with you in takingand hold ing our country for Christ. On behalf of the board, yours fraternally, H. L. Mokeiiead, Corresponding Secretary. A resolution of appreciation in regard to their addresses was passed afterwards ana five (5) delegates were appointed to represent our convention in the Saratoga meetings of the Northern society this . month, and bear to them words of greeting, brotherly love and encouragement. Night.—Friday night was devoted to home missions, and fine speeches were made by Drs. J. L. Burrows and E. T. Winkler, a large congregation being pres ent. A collection, amounting to more than $200, was taken up. SATURDAY'. Morning.—Auotliei effort was made— similar to those made every few years—to change the sessions of the convention from annual to biennial, but the effort proved a failure, for the resolution to make our sessipns biennial was laid on the table: During Saturday morning some fine speeches were made, and perhaps the best was onthe subject of China missiotis, by I. T. Tichenor, of Alabama. He is an el oquent speaker, when aroused, and he cer tainly delivered a splendid speech in favor of China as a mission field, now fully opened by Providence, and affording a field of more hope for Christian effort than any other nation on tHe globe. He presented some novel views and enlairged ideas, which will require time and a great mission spirit to develop properly. The speech of Dr. M. B. Wharton, in regard to Sunday school literature, was also com plimented, for he was in his hap piest vein. His address followed the report on Kind Words, which commended that paper highly, mentioning his connection with the firm of Burke & Co. with great gratification, saying that in his hands and in that of its present ed itor “wo feel safe in saying that Kind influence for gooa'.’ r Tlic ‘iei>orf conclddel as follows: “We are pleased to state that the contract is being faithfully fulfilled by the firm which prints the paper, and we believe that the firm merits the fullest confidence of the denomination and cf all our Sunday schools. I must close this to catch the mail, but will state that Geor gia is represented by thirty-five delegates, all of whom are well, and are representing their State honorably. Besides myself, Dr. Warren and Bro. C. C. Smith from our town are here, who are well and enjoying themselves. We expect to go upon an excursion to Cin cinnati next week, from which place I will write you, and perhaps from Louisville and Nishville alio, as I shall return by that route next week. j ✓ S,B. P. S.—I add a postscript merely to say that the convention will meet next year at Columbus, Mississippi, and that Dr. S. Landrum, of Savannah, is to preach the introductory sermon. Louisville, May 8,1SS0. FRIDAY’S SESSION. The convention met at 9 a. m. After prayer by Dr. Lasher, of Ohio, Dr. J. William Jones, of Viiginia, offered a reso lution striking out the provisions as to quorums. There was some little discus sion on the matter between the brethren, including Drs. Boyce and Mell, which was stopped by a motion of Dr. A. C. Caper- ton to lay the matter on the table. At ten o’clock the special hour allotted to the Southern Baptist Theological Semi nary arrived, when Dr. Boyce ascended the rostrum and delivered one of the best speeches of his life, onthe condition and needs of the seminary. He spoke in high terms of Governor Brown’s donation of $50,000 to the convention. He asked for a collection, and over $7,090 were contributed on the spot for the board. The first donation was one of $1,000 from Mr. Joshua Levering, of Baltimore, in be half of himself and the Eutaw Place Bap tist church, Baltimore. Mr. Levering is a young and wealthy Baptist, very liberal, and of very handsome personal appear ance. Dr. John A. Broadus'followed Dr. Boyce,and aided materially insecuringthe $7,000. A complimentary announcement was then made of the portrait gallery of the Christian Index, of Atlanta, which con tains portraits of some of the chief men in the convention, including Dr. Boyce, Broadus, Manly and Mell. Afternoon.—In the afternoon, Dr. Lemuel, Moss, representative of the Northern Home Mission Society, was conducted to the rostrum, and delivered a strong and interesting speech, as the mes senger of the society. His speech was full of fraternal feeling and of words of cheer and encouragement in onr mission work. He is a strong man intellectually, of ro bust form, beardless and rather under the usual height. He is now president of In diana University and was formerly editor Public Meeting in Jones County. At a meeting of the citizens of Jones county, held May 8th, I860, Dr. James F. Barron was called to" the chair, and Ro land T. Ross, Esq., appointed secretary. The object of the meeting was explained, and on motion a committee of twelve was appointed to prepare resolutions i pressivc of the feelings of the citizens of of Jones county. The chair appointed the following gentlemen as said committee: R. V. Hardeman, chairman; G. N. Mann, P. T. Pitts, H. S. Graves, G. T. Peasley, R. T. R<?ss, E. C. Grice, Richard Johnson, N. J. Gresham, B. F. Finney, R. T. Christian, A* H. G. McKay—who reported the following preamble and reso lutions, which were unanimously adopt ed. Whereas, Appreciat’ng the immense labor and arduous toil of the Hon. James H. Blount for the past years in the na tional Congress, and keenly sensible of the esteem in which he is held by our sister counties of the district, and consid ering the beneficial results to the whole country by tho wisdom and prudence of his past services, and recognizing the fact that he has just reached the noontide of his influence; therefore, “Be it resolved, 1, That his retirement from Congress at this particular time would be a public calamity, and every condition of the public interest demands his services and nothing save a Providen tial cause will induce ns to submit to his retirement. Resolved, 2, That wo invite the Demo cratic party of the Sixth district to unite with us in protesting against the with drawal of Col. Blount and in securing his nomination and re-election, feeling fully satisfied that he will yield to the wishes of his constituents. Resolved, 3, That a copy of these reso lutions be furnished Colonel Blount, and that they be published in the Macon Telegraph and Messenger and the Democratic papers in the district be re quested to copy the same. On motion the meeting then adjourned. Dn. James F. Barron, Roland T. Ross, • Chairman. Secretary. Extensive Arrangements Have just been completed by which we are enabled to supply the “Compound Oxygen” for home use to any extent, and to all parts of the country, giving at the same time the right of free consultation by letter during the whole time a patient may be using the treatment. ,zrA.'. Every case submitted to us 'Will be, as we have said, carefully considered. If we see a reasonable ground for anticipating the favorable action of “Compound Oxy gen,” we will encourage the patient to give it a trial; but if we think the matter at all -doubtful, we will frankly say so. Write,for our treatise on “Compound Oxygen.” It will be sent free. Dbs. Starkey & Pai.en,1109 and 1111 Girard street, Philadelphia, Pa. May 11-lw. AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT edited by General Wm. M. BROWNE, Professor of History and Agriculture in the University of Geoigia. THE EARLY - CULTURE OF COTTON. Most fanners are now engaged m the early working of their cotton. It is a common practice in the first plowing of cotton to use a turning plow with the oar next the cotton. This does apparently pretty woik and covers up all the grass and weeds that may have shown them selves in the rows. But I think it cleans rather than works the young cotton which is left standing on a ridge five or six inches wide, whose sides are as sheer as those of a ditch, leaving the soil around the roots of the plants undisturbed. When the land has been well prepared, the best way to work cotton, ip our judgment, is to start the hoes ahead of the plows, chopping the cotton into buuches of from three to five stalks,and then let careful plow hands follow with a sub-soileror long narrow ripper, running very deep and close to the cotton and killing whatever grass the hoes may havo left. This plan is quite as ex peditious as any other, and b leaves the crop clean and in a favorably condition for growth. The idea that the cotton plant grows best when its roots strikes hard earth, is certainly erroneous. The fact that deep, soft lands like the Mississippi bottoms produce the largest crops, sufficiently demonstrates the error. Li putting cotton to a stand, tho utmost care should be taken that the . stalks be not bruised or peeled by the liocs, causing “sore shin” and death. Many of the casualties to cotton, which are- lamented as providential, are really the result of careless hoeing. The death of many a stalk, which has been attributed to the cutworm and the aphis, should have been ascribed to slap-dash chopping. Af ter the crop has been brought to a stand, earth should be brought to the beds in each working so that the roots may be sheltered from the sun and have plenty of : finely pulverized soil for the lateral root lets. OAT HARVEST. - a The oat harvest will soon be here. Ba M prepared in time and ready to give it due . j ■ attention when it comes. As already recommended, cat befofe the crop is fully ripe. Care well in the sun, and if possible let no rain fall on itt Oats cut ■ and cured in the proper way, with the aid » of a good straw cutter, afford most whole- - ^ some and valuable food for horses and Jr mules. It is astonishing with what waste- • fulness fanners feed uncut oats andfod- der to stock,When the wasted portion even JJ. of a small crop would more than pay for a M good straw cutter. When'plow animals are doing hard work, chopped sheaf oats sprinkled with a little coarsely ground corn meal will keep them in better con dition than sedid corn and fodder. PROGRESSIVE AGRICULTURE. '•M ts ;:<& :T ! 4* i*: ffi i iY n* MSL held for —The New York Commercial Adverti ser, a pronounced Grant organ, says: “If would be useless to deny that a formidable movement is on foot to weaken General Grant, and to influence tha conventions yet to be held, particularly Illinois. It of the Journal and Messenger, a Baptist j shows that its projectors are ready to paper in Cincinnati. He was followed by Dr. S. W. Mars- While there are still in every commun- " ity men who ridicule as- valueless the ■ knowledge of the science of agriculture . which is derived from books, ignorance and its sister, prejudice, are yielding rap idly fo tfie onward march of improvement, must be elevated to the samd hr:-f .— of dignity and respect which other professions occupy. We boast with just pride of many distinguished sons of our sunny South whose brilliant talent and eminent public service are the gloiy of our country. But among that number, where are they whose names will be hon ored by posterity on account of their dis tinction in agriculture ? Yet, in tha wide field that scientific agriculture open3 the aspirant for fame has a fairer pros pect of success than any other art or sci ence presents. He who can demonstrate how the maximum of the various pro ducts of the soil of the best quality can be realized with the minimum of expense would seem to be entitled to equal honor with the members of the other professions which wo call “learned.” HORTICULTURE. R. C. Winthrep, speaking of the achieve ments of horticulture, “the fine art of common life,” says: “It decor ates the dwelling of the hum blest laborer with undoubted originals by the oldest masters, and places within his daily view fruit pieces such as Van Huysen never painted, and land scapes such as Poussin could only copy.” ■ “DESPISE NOT SMALL THINGS.” It would be well if fanners would pay heed to this wise injunction. All things seem small, we know,-in comparison with the cotton crop, hut there are. other unpre tending little crops which will abundantly repay a little attention. Tidy little patches of pea-uuts, of cow peas, of sweet potatoes, of rutabagas,of carrots, a modest supply of garden vegetables, medicinal and savory herbs—of the many small things which afford comfort to a family, and which can be had without paying for them out of the proceeds of the cotton crop—are veiy convenient and profitable, and cost almost nothing. Had we all plenty of “goobers” and cow peas, our meat need not cost us eight or nine cents a pound plus “interest on advances.” Did so small a thing as the tnmip patch re ceive due attention, our cattle would be in better order and we might even have fat mutton occasionally on our tables. Had we such an insignificant thing as a well stocked orchard, we might have, be sides fresh fruit in season, a plenty of pre serves and dried fruit, which would help out the bacon and greens very agreeably. In short, were the thousand and one “small things” attended to, which need ing but very little outlay of time or money, conduce largely to thebealtb, comfort and economy of a household, millions of dollars would be kept at home wMch are now scattered abroad every year, because, in onr all-absorbing wor ship of cotton, we despise small things. It is the aggregate of these small things attended to in due season, which make a people independent. The farmer who provides for them rarely pays “interest on advances,” or asks a merchant “to run. him.” THINNING VEGETABLES. It needs very strong resolution to per form this operation as it ought to be per formed, but to have fine vegetables they must be thinned heroically. Here is a - hill of nine or ten luxuriant melon vines just preparing to run. Here is a bed of beets well headed and standing close to gether in the row. There is a.bed of salsify the plants as thick as the hair on a dog’s back. It seems hard to pull up and throw away seven or eight of the ten melon vines, to thin the beets and salsify to ten. and six inches between the plants. But' it must be dono. The increased vigor of those that are left will amply repay the trouble. No taprooted plants or bulbs should Stand so thick that an ordinary weeding hoe will not pass fieely between them. No vine should bave more than three plants in a hill. Snap-beans to be most productive should be thinned to seven or eight inches. Most gardeners. sow vegetable seeds loo thick, intending to thin to a stand after they are well out of the ground, but the intention is rarely carried out properly. Now is the time. sol mU xrii- dr*! j-odi (Join j •riia itW uadf :«d ace mi d ha ■M ,-jqx .•a foi aist }■ Tilt | I« *1* :U8 :At •it -fll ni> ■ -as ;S> i j •» n 4* S. T. Williams, a prominent druggist of Salisbury, Md., wrote, January 25, 1878: “Send me one dozen Tntt’s Pills, and if they prove what you claim for them I will order more.” February 19, he writes: “Send me two dozen more of [ stoop to the most unworthy means to Dr. Tutt’s Liver Pills, by return mail, i- achieve their ends.” They are doing wonders here.”