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THE WEEKLY CONSTITUTION. TUESDAY, JULY 25,1882.
THROUGH THE STAT£.
SPECIALLY REPORTED FOR TH
CONSTITUTION.
A Horrible Seed—Hade I onry *• Death—How B.ntly
V T n KlUed-S'racIc by Lightning—A Political
Runaway—A SuleJde—Tiro and Ream—A
(imb'ia Aooldent-Rome New*.
Special Dispatch to The Conatltntion.
Kockmabt, July 17.—Late Saturday after
noon a serious riot occurred at the tunnel in
Paulding county .seven miles from this place,
in which one man was instnnt'y killed, an
other so seriously wounded that he roust die
within a few hours, and four others more or
less seriously injured by gunshot wounds.
The disastrous affray had its origin some
months ago, and it is thought here
that tl*e end has not been reached
f et. For a long time a man by the name of
'oote kept a whisky shop in this place, but
when Polk county voted “no whisky" he
moved across the line into Paulding county
and opened his saloon at the mouth of the
tunnel, where a large number of negroes were
working for the Macon and Brunswick exten
sion company. When Foote was about to
open his saloon near the tunnel, the managers
of the road attempted to prevent him, and
in order to do so began buy
ing up the land. In their purchase they suc
ceeded in every attempt except one. Here
Foote got ahead of them and built his saloon.
Attached to it was a dance house in which
a dozen or more of the filthiest and blackest
females held supreme sway. Here every
night, after work, the bands were in the
habit of congregating and to music as vile
as the whisky, they danced until
late at nigh. These nightly gath
erings were riches to the . saloon but
a disadvantage to the country. Among the
white men in the neighborhood was one
Hicks, a desperate character, against whom
there are several indictments both in Polk
and Paulding counties. Hicks frequented
these places and was the cause of several bad
disturbances which usually had a renewal
whenever the dancers met. Finally these
rows grew so general that a war between the
two races in that locality became imminent.
A few days ago some farmers came
to the camp to sell some peaches. During
these transactions one of the vendor accused
a negro boy of stealing some peaches, and a
bloody fight was prevented by the departure
of the larmers. However, when they had
gone a hundred yards one of them fired at
the negroes and a running fight ensued in
which fully fifty shots were exchanged. This
affair increased the unimosity and on Friday
Hicks, armed witli two revolvers and
with his pockets full of cartridges,
sought the camp and attempted to raise a
. racket, but failed. Saturday at 12 o’clock the
latiorcrs were paid off, and many of them,
well armed, went to the dance house. About
four o’clock Hicks made his appearance, and,
backed by a crowd, attempted to disarm the
negroes. Several of the number surrendered
their pistols, but finally Tom Laws refused
to give his arms up. and for his
refusal was shot by some one
m tiie Hicks crowd As soon as the pistol
cracked the darkey fell to the ground danger
ously wounded nnd will surely die. The fall
was the signal for a general fusilade, and in
an instant Hicks was literally riddled with
bullets, nnd four other men were more or less
wounded. After the row—the negroes com
ing out conquerors—they took charge of the
bar and place and held a high hand. Yes
terday they declined to surrender
to the sheriffs of Paulding and Polk county,
who demanded the ones who caused the row,
but late last night they agreed to give up
eight of their number, who were the cause of
the difficulty. This morning things are
quiet, and the men have resumed work.
M. O. X. AND A. COLLAGE.
Special Correspondence of The Constitution.
Milledgevillk, July 10.—The closing ex
ercises of the M. G. M. and A. college came
off to-day. The grand feature of these exer
cises was the address of Hon. J. A. Billups.
His subject was “Influence,” and never did
he make a more decided hit. The applause
with which he was greeted once and again,
but feebly expressed the appreciation and
gratification of his large and intelligent audi
ence. At its close, very much to the surprise
of Chancellor Mcll ns well as of the audience,
Miss Pauline White came upon the rostrum
and with a sweet little speech proceeded to
cane the reverend gentleman. At the close of
her very pertinent remarks, she handed the
D.D. an elegant ebony cane, gold headed, and
inscribed with the words, “Presented to
Chancellor Mell by the Young Ladies’ Lit
erary Society of the M. G. M. ana A. College."
The doctor accepted the gift and most gal
lantly thanked the young ladies for their
kindness and consideration. Professor Hill
read out the roll of honor and also the awards
of the scholarship medals, viz: First prize.
Miss Hattie Wrigut, the gold medal ottered
by your townsman, Mr. J. P. Stevens; second
prize to Cadet Charles Herty, a gold
medal, and the third prize, a gold medal to
Miss Lucy Posey. The two last were offered
by the trustees of the college. These were
delivered in a most felicitous style by Rev. J.
M. Stoney, of the Episcopal church in this
City. At 5 p.m. the prize drill by the cadet
corps came off on their beautiful parade
ground. It was witnessed by a large crowd—
the judges being Captains Hardeman, Find;
Jay and Haygood.
THF. DRILL
was an exhaustive one, lasting one and a
half hours, last half of which only Cadets
Tinsley and.Perry remained in line, till it be
came a contest of physical endurance, and
finally Cadet Perry was declared the victor,
and to him the prize wa9 awarded, which was
presented by Captain Hardeman. At night
the final exercises were had, consisting of
recitations, gjlloquys, etc. One interesting
feature of the evening's entertainment was
the singing of the “Conquered Banner,”
during the rendering of which Cadet
Herty held on the rostrum the un-
, furled flag of the Baldwin Blues, .all
tattered and tom and pierced with,
bullet holes in the late cruel war, and which
was brought home from Virginia by Captain
B. U. Herty, the fatlierof the young man who
held it. Captain Hardeman delivered to Miss
Fannie Williams the prize awarded for the
best reading, and to Cadet Williams the prize
(a gold medal in each case) for the best decla
mation. Captain Hardeman's remarks were
in that happy humor so characteristic of his
illustrious father. After these exercises the
cadets and ex-cadets, a large number of whom
were present, had
AN AGREEABLE REVISION.
To which the faculty and trustees and other
visitors were invited. At 11 o’clock p.m.,
with many sad good-bys all parted, many to
their homes and a large number to the bospit
able mansion of Mrs. Treanor, where the trip-
• ping of the light fantastic toe was kept up till
the wee small hours of the morning.
The executive committee of the democratic
party for the sixth congressional district met
here' to-day. A full quorum was present.
The only business done was to recommend
the meeting of a convention in this city on
the second Wednesday in August next to
nominate a candidate for the 48th congress.
It is generally conceded that there will be no
opposition to Hon. J. H. Blount, and that he
will be nominated on the first ballot.
P. S.—The trustees of the college met this
morning (July 13th) and re-elected all the old
faculty, except President Dudley, who de
clined a re-eiection. Rev. Josiah Lewis, of
Rome, Georgia, was elected to the position.
REJOICING FARMERS.
Special Correspondence of The Constitution.
Bai^bridge. July 8.—You may set it down
as a fixed fact that the farmers of this county
have changed their programme. It is a safe
calculation to say that the most of them will
raise corn enough to last them two years.
The oat crop is the finest that has ever been
raised in the county. Cotton is not 90 good
and has less acreage. Sugar cane and sweet
potatoes are booming. Every industry is
pressing forward. The lumber business is
very exciting. Mills are going up and every
heart is rejoicing that their com cribs are at
home and their meat houses in the yard.
Politics are not ooisterous; the people of
this county are calm; they want an honest
executive.
rORTER SPRINGS POINTS.
Special Correspondence of The Constitution.
Porter Springs, July 10.—The season in
this section have been tine and the crops
promising. Within the next ten days the
crops will has been generally laid by. The
oat crop has been harvested and the yield fine,
and rather more than the usual wheat crop
has been made. Just here things are quiet
politically. The people are too busy with
crops to give much attention to such subjects.
More interest will be manifested when the
campaign fully opens.
DAWSON PEOPLE.
Special Correspondence of The Constitution.
Dawson, July 13.—Mrs* Dr. Stokes, of Lee
county, and sister of Captain J. A. Fulton, of
our city, died at the home of her brother here
on yesterday from a sudden attack of brain
fever.
Judge J. W. Bragan, of this place, is off
this week on “matrimonial business.” He
has had the good fortune to wed a charming
lady, Miss Tiguor, of Talbotton.
NAMING CHILDREN.
Special Correspondence of The Constitution.
Hartwell, July 12.—There is no dissenting
voice in this county for Mr. Stephens for gov
ernor. Our people had rather there would be
no governor in Georgia for the next two years
than for him to be defeated.
Children are being born every day in this
county—both male and female—that are at
once named Alexander Hamilton Stephens.
One was bom night before last that has
already been named, and our connty is full
of them and will be for all time to come.
Mr. A. R. McCurry, of Hartwell, was mar
ried to-day to Miss Neese, at Bowersville, in
this county, at the residence of the bride’s
father. Rev. J. C. Neese.
COLLEGE EXERCISES.
Special Correspondence of The Constitution.
Athens, July 18.—The sophomore and
junior exercises occurred to-day, and the
chapel has been crowded ever since morning.
On the stage were seated the faculty and the
trustees, of whom there are about twenty-five
present. The exercises were opened at 10
o’clock a. m., by prayer from the Rev. Dr.
Myrick, of Athens. The sophomore prize
declamation then took place, with the follow
ing participants:
Mr. W. D. Carswell, of Irwinton,who spoke
Cicero's “Verses Denounced;” then Mr. C. H.
‘ ‘ h#;
Cothran, of Rome, in “Southern ChWalry,'
by Ransom, and then Mr. R. A. Crawford,
whose “Liberty,” by Dewey, was s]>oken in
an admirable manner. The next speaker,Mr.
T. J. Ripley, of Atlanta, did honor to his
city in Burke’s “Impeachment of Hastings;”
‘The Polygamous Chinese,” by Senator Vest,
was rendered admirably by Mr. JoeE. Pottle,
of Warrenton, who was followed by Mr. E.H.
Groover, of Quitman, speaking “Franklin,
the Printer.” Everett’s “Adams and Jeffer
son.” as spoken by Arthur F. Bishop, of Ath
ens, was received with much applause. The
next was “Stonewall Jackson,” spoken by W.
H. Reeves, ot Athens.
BROOKS STATION BIPI’LES.
Special Correspondence of The Constitution.
Brooks Station, J uly 15.—An election was
held here on the 10th instant for fence or no
fence, when there was a majority of twelve
for no fence, but there was a majority of 115
for fence in the county. Dr. Henderson has
been carrying on for several days a series of
meetings at the Protestant church, which re
sulted in reviving the church, but no addi
tions thereto. A great many accepted the
invitation Ipr prayer by going to the altar. A
very commendable subscription was raised
to plaster and ceil their church, also to fur
nish with stoves. Fruit and melons are com
ing in. Glen Sansom has quit work, Ad is
driving two “spanking” ponies. Glen presents
very much the appearance of a gentleman, if
he was not so black. Professor Reictor’s two
little daughters arrived from Montezuma yes
terday, sick with chills. Their parents will
follow next week. It is said, to be very sickly
there this season.
DAWSON DOTS.
Special Correspondence of The Constitution.
Dawson, July 14.—'The protracted meeting
at the Methodist church here continues with
increasing interest. Up to this time there
has been about forty accessions to the church.
This section has had abundant rains during
the past week and the crop prospects are un
precedentedlv fine. Wagon loads of fine wa
termelons are daily seen on our streets and
the supply; is unusually ample. Cotton is
beginning to boll, and in some’ few places to
open.'
a horrible deed.
Special Dispatch to tne Cincinnati Enquirer.
Chattanooga, Tenn., July 13.—Informa
tion readied this city to-day of the horrible
murder of a negro near Red Clay, Georgia,
thirty miles from this city. He had the
small-pox, and occupied an isolated hut. The
house was fired into and he was wounded, and
the building was then set afire and he burned
to death. The deed was perpetrated by rail
road bands.
UKCLE LOWRY’S DEATH.
Special Correspondence of The Constitution.
Gainesville, July 14.—Rev. Edward Low
ery, familiarly known as “Uncle Lowery,”
died here yesterday morning of oid age. Mr.
Lowery was coroner of this county at the time
of his deatli, and was a favorite with all who
knew him.
VILLA RICA TO ATLANTA.
Special Dispatch to The Constitution.
Villa Rica, Ga., July 15.—Track laying on
the Georgia Pacific railway reached Villa Rica
to-day at 2:30 p.m.
HOW BENTLEY WAS KILLED.
Special Correspondence ot The Constitution.
Draketown, July 15.—The following are the
facts in the case of the killing of the negro
Bentley at the Tallapoosa copper mine a few
days ago: The negro Bentley, together with
five or six of his friends, all colored, came to
this place on the morning of the 4th of July
and bought a supply of whisky. On their
way back to the mine they were overtaken by
a Mr. SVeaver, when they commenced crack
ing jokes. One or the other of the parties
took exceptions and a fight ensued, in which
Mr. Weaver was badly beaten. Mr. Weaver
went on to the - mines and reported the facts
to some gentlemen, and wanted to go at once
and arrest the negroes. Mr. Samuel Hunt was
present, and knowing the character of the ne
gro, and that he was drank, prevailed on Mr.
Woaver not to go until the negro quieted and
became sober. After waiting some time Mr.
Hunt and several other gentlemen went over
to the cabin to arrest Bentley, when he re
sisted and drew a pistol on Mr. Hunt, who in
self defense shot him. Mr. Hunt submitted
himself to the officers and demanded an in
vestigation.- On last Saturday the witnesses
on both sides were brought before Justices
Humphries and Waldrop, and the facts above
stated were testified to and Mr. Hunt was re
leased.
HOW KINGSTON STANDS.
Special Correspondence of The Constitution.
Kingston, July 15.—This vicinity has been
favored with good seasons, hence the corn
crop is very promising, and cotton is doing
well. The health of the people generally is
good. Mr. L. W. Gaines died at Euharlee on
the 10th. Mrs. M. A. Dagnall died here on
the 9th. Mr. J. H. Cotter has charge of the
academy, and bids fair to have a good school
THE AMEBtCAN LIGHT INFANTRY.
Special Correspondence of The Constitution.
Americus, July 15.—The Americas Light
Infantry leave here on the 24th of July for
Indian Spring, where they expect to meet sev
eral other companies, and a big time is ex
pected. They will spend about a week in en
campment. A detachment of the Albany
Guards will accompany them on their trip.
The round trip from here will cost about
$3.50.
HE kept his word.
Special Dispatch to the Cincinnatti Enquirer.
Chattanooga, July 14.—A negro named
Pittman Collins, living on Oswichee river,
Ga., who had stolen sheep, while being pur
sued by the sheriff, stated that he would die
before he would be arrested, and when he
reached a stream plunged in and drowned
before the officers could reach him.
MONROE MERRYMAKING.
Special Correspondence of The Constitution.
Forsyth, July 13.—A very large and intel
ligent audience assembled at Pye’sKail,Tues
day evening to witness a charming entertain
ment given by the pupils of Processor As-
bury's select school. First on the programme
was rhetorical reading, a handsome med
al being offered to the most successful reader.
The following young ladies engaged in the
exercises: Misses Helen Roddy, Vesta Ralls,
Lizzie Lou Smith, Annie Sharpe. -Mamie
I’inckard and Sallie Evans. Next came emo
tional calisthenics, fan drili, pantomime, etc.
A court of claims was then organized, con
sisting of Diana, nymphs, muses, graces,
undine sprites and fairies, who conferred the
following honors: First honor in reading,
Miss Lizzie Lou Smith; first honor in masic.
Misses Evans and Jarrett; first in drawing and
painting, Misses Sharpe and Mobley. The
whole programme was interspersed with
sweet music. The walls of the building were
tastefully decorated and adorned wi#i paint
ings. reminding all forcibly of the “time-
honored” Monroe female college, which now
stands with unfinished walls. Strenuous ef
forts, however, are being made to complete
the building, and we hope ere many months
glide by that its halls may be filled with hap
py hqarts and busy brains. Crops are good;
plenty of rain.
EUFAULA PEOPLE.
Special Correspondence of-The Constitution.
Eitfaula, July 12.—Eli S. Shorter, who has
been quite ill with fever, is convalescing.
Mrs. L. J. Richardson is improving, and little
Janie Reeve, is also better. The weather has
been very warm and sultry the past few days
and this morning we have prospect of a
much needed rain. Crops in this section,
outside of this immediate neighborhood, have
suffered no drought and the corn is very fine
where it'has been well cultivated. The corn
crop is made and will be extraordinari ly large, ’
and the cotton promises well. A compli
mentary concert benefit will be given Miss
Eva Cuckler to-morrow night—a highly gifted
singer, who goes to Atlanta to make it her
home. Mr. J. E. Singer has been in feeble
health for some weeks. He is slowly improv
ing now and his friends hope to see him soon
fully restored.
struck ry lightning.
Special Correspondence of The Constitution.
Rocky Creek, July 11.—As Henderson
Mann, colored, was plowing in the field near
Dr. M. M. Green’s, there came up suddenly a
hard shower of rain between 12 and l o’clock.
He turned his horse loose and went across the
public road to seek shelter under a black gum
and beech tree, and some two hours after the
rain was found there lying on his face dead
and pearly <>•!■!. No marks were found on
him except some small cuts on the face where
he struck the ground. No bones nor skin
were broken by the lightning which struck
the top of the biack gum and run down with
in about twenty feet of the ground and shot
off. Mann’s death was caused by concussion,
as he was not bit by the lightning.
a political runaway.
Special Correspondence of The ConstituUon.
Elberton, July 12,—While Mr. P. M. Davis,
)ur candidate for senator, and Mr. Isadore
Strauss were riding out last evening Mr.
Davis’s ' horse became frightened and run
away. Botli gentlemen jumped from the
buggy to save themselves, and neither was se
riously injured. Mr. Strauss’s losses was con
siderable, caused by the breaking up of the
buggy.
AN OLD CITIZEN DEAD.
Special Correspondence of the Constitution.
Powder Springs, July 10.—One of our most
valued citizens, in the person of Thomas
Lindley, Sr.,.departed this life on Saturday
morning, the 8th, about 1 a.m. He was a
good man, a Christian.
THE BUENA VISTA RAILROAD.
Special Correspondence of The Constitution.
Buena iVista, July 10.—Editors Consti
tution: In your issue of the 8th
instant, under the “Railroad News of
Georgia,” it was stated that the Buena Vista
railroad had ceased operation on account of
some hitch with the Central road, and that
there was a company being formed to operate
a road from the city of Atlanta to connect
with the Talbotton branch, and over the pro
posed line of tiie Buena- Vista company,
thence to the city of Americus or Eufaula,
Ala. The statement relative to the Buena
Vista company is true, but the directors have
not given up the subscription for stock in the
road—it being held by them to begin opera
tion at any time they can or may make such
terms with the Central company as to insure
the construction of the proposed Buena Vista
road.
Our people want railroad facilities, and
whether built by the “Central,” or the “At
lanta company,” the same liberal aid will be
extended.
The right of way through onr county would
cost nothing, and our directors would sur
render their charter, maps, profiles, and esti
mates, the survey having already been made.
The maps, profiles and report of the engi
neer show the country from Bostic, the junc
tion of the “Talbotton branch” with the
the Southwestern road, to Buena Vista, to be
of “a first-rate character,” principally pine.
South and southeast of Buena Vista lie the
best cotton producing lands in Georgia await
ing development.
A road leading from Atlanta to this section
of GCorgia and thence to the lake regions of
Florida, would not only develop sections un
developed, but it would be another grand
trunk line, carrying a greater trade to yonr
city than perhaps any other, these sections
being dependent upon colder climates for
breadstuff's and meats.
Atlanta in return would receive the ship
ment of cotton, fruits, hides, furj, &e.
If there is any such company being organ
ized in Atlanta, our people will extend to it
hearty co-operation and a very liberal sub
scription. Asub Scribes.
THE BIGGEST TOMATO.
Special Correspondence of The Constitution.*
Cave Spring, July 12.—Editors Constitu
tion : I weighed a tomato from my garden
yesterday, and its weight was one pound and
nine ounce. Crops are.generally good. Rain
abundant Yours truly,
Palemon J. King.
ROME NEWS.
Special Corresoondence of The Constitution.
Rome, July 13.—About 2 o'clock this morn
ing the citizens residing on upper Broad
street weie awakened by a terrific crash which
sounded like a loud clap of thunder. Upon
inquiry it was at once ascertained that the
steam boiler of the Oostanaula ice factory,
located on Jail street, had exploded. There
were present in the factory at the time the
colored fireman, Alex Wooley, Mr. Bud Tay
lor, engineer, and Mr. Henry Watters, super
intendent.
The engine room was literally blown to
pieces, fragments falling in every direction
full fifty feet. A fence on the opposite side
of the street was demolished, and several
window glasses of the jail, adjoining the
factory, were brokenl The boiler was thrown
upwards from 15 to 20 feet, and is a total
wreck.
Alex. Woo'.ey, the colored fireman, was in
front of the boiler when the in jury happened,
and was thrown violently several feet, receiv
ing fearful injuries on the face, arms and
breast. Dr. L. P. Hammond was at once
summoned, but it is believed that the injuries
must necessarily prove fatal. Mr. E. Z. Tay
lor, the engineer, was slightly injured. Mr.
Watters, the superintendent, escaped un
hurt.
There are various theories as to the cause of
the explosion. One is that the water in the
boiler was allowed to become too low; an
other that there was a serious defect in the
boiler. Hundreds of people visited the wreck
to-day. It is a matter of universal regret that
the accident occurred, thus leaving the city
with only one factory—the Rome ice factofy—
which will hardly be able to supply the de
mand. It is not yet known whether the
Oostanaula factory will be put in running or
der this summer or not. It is hoped that it
will.
A dramatic association has been organized
in this city with the following officers: T. W.
Alexander, president; J. G. Y’eiser, vice-
president; W. C. Yeiser, manager; Joseph J
Printup, treasurer. Directors: Judge Bran
ham, T. Y. Wright, M. M. Pepper.
A number of dramatic entertainments will
be given under the auspices of the association ,
for the purpose of raising money for a mam
moth encampment next summer. It is pro-
drilled company, etc. In fact, <to make the
encampment the best that bas ever been held
in Georgia-
Rev. J. F. Reeves, Of Atlantn. is holding a
series of meetings at the Baptist church in the
interest of the temperance cause.
Later—The negro, Alex Wooley, who was
injured by the boiler explosion of the Oosta
naula ice factory, died this afternoon.
A SUICIDE.
3:30 p.m.—The city was pained and startled
-this afternoon to hear that Mr. David Adams
was in a dying condition. Mr. Adams has
been very much depressed of late, and re
cently he received a letter announcing the
death of an old friend in New York, vhich
seemed still further to depress him. Yester
day afternoon he purchased a vial of lauda
num. To day at 8 o’clock he was found in
his bed unconscious, and it was observed that
the vial was empty. ’ It is believed that,
owing to a deep depression of mind, he had
attempted to commit suicide. At this hour
his condition remains unchanged,
but it is the opinion of his
physicians that he will die. Mr. Adams
came to Rome about twelve years ago, from
Columbus, and soon became one of our most
popular citizens. He had ample means,
always seemed cheerful, was kind to the poor
and needy, and did not have an enemy in
Rome. He is about 71 years of age, and his
death would be a source of sincere regret to
the whole com oiunity. In 1877 he made a
will, appointing Mr. Hamilton Yancey his
executor. To-day a note was found on his
table, addressed to Mr. Yancey, whose con
tents were devoted mainly to business mat
ters. The letter was probably written last
night, and would seem" to confirm the opin
ion that lie intended to commit suicide.
Rome. C p. m., July 13.—Mr. Adams ha
just died.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Special Correspondence of The Constitution.
Canton. July 18.—Onr citizens are making
preparations to entertain the ministers, dele
gates and visitors who will be in attendance
at the “annual district conference” of the
Methodist Episcopal church, south, which
meets at this place next Wednesday (to-mo'r-
row). Distinguished divines are expected to
be present, and the meeting promised to be
one of much interest. Cherokee's deiegates-
elect will be on hand at-the gubernatorial
convention ready to voice the wishes of the
democrats of this county. B. H. Turner and
wife are visiting relatives ill South Carolina.
Crops are quite promising.
FIRE AND DEATH.
Special Correspondence of The Constitution.
Daiilonega, July 17.—On last night Mr. A.
H. Pitner, a merchant of Union county, died
at this place after a protracted illness, aged
35 years. He was a leading citizen, a mem
ber of the Methodist church, and his loss will
be deeply felt in his neighborhood. To day
his remains was taken to his home in Gaddis-
town for interment. A farmer out on the
Etowah river lost ten stacks of oats by fire a
week ago. The estimated value of the oats
was one hundred and fifty dollars. A match
was accidentally ignited and set them on fire,
which could not be extinguished.
BUY AN BUSINESS.
Special Correspondence of lhe Constitution.
Byron, July 18.—Judge Grice, ot Houston,
has entered the field against Colonel Robley
D. Smith, of Crawford county, for senator
from the twenty-third district. The campaign
will be a lively one, and it is probable that
the “fence question” will be a factor in the
contest. The fields of cotton and corn _ look
promising, and we expect abundant yields.
The survivors of company E. Fifty-seventh
Georgia regiment, will have areunion at Fort
Valley on Saturday the 22d of July.
thomaston Tones.
Special Correspondence of The Constitution.
Thomaston, July 19.—Judge Willis, who
bas been holding court here since Monday,
made an adjournment yesterday until
Thursday next. Last three cases called and
continued were divorce cases. Judge Willis
stated that he was always willing to continue
a divorce case in order to give the parties time
to get toiJfether and make it up. Solicitor
General Wammack was standing in the court
room yestfrday. Delegates to the state con
vention all left yesterday.
A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT.
Special Correspondence of The Constitution.
ALBAN^July 18.—A horrible accident hap
pened yesterday afternoon about one o’clock,
at the county artesian well, in the court-house
square, by which Win. Berry, a well known
colored man, was buried alive. I wrote you
a day or two ago, that the augur or drill, after
oenetrating to a depth of more than 500. feet,
iccame imbedded in quick sand so that it was
impossible to withdraw it, or go on with the
work. This necessitated the boring of another
well, which was commenced within a few
ifiches of.tbe mouth of the first one. A pre
liminary to this was the driving down by
piles to a depth of forty or fifty feet of that
much of the outside iron casing. In doing
this the casing became bent towards the bot
tom, and deflected from the perpendicular.
When this was discovered it was determined
by the contractor to remove it and begin
anew. A shaft, some three by six feet, was
accordingly sunk around the casing for this
purpose. When this shaft had reached a
depth of forty or more feet, and while the un
fortunate victim of the accident was at work
at the bottom, one side suddenly caved in and
he was buried under about twelve feet of
earth. Mr. Jackson, the contractor, had been
down with him but a moment before, and was
being drawn out, when the caving-in oc
curred just below him in hi? ascent. He es
caped the same fate by about half a minute.
The work of removing the earth was immedi
ately commenced, but it was necessarily slow,
and it was not until after dark that the body of
the unfortunate man was recovered. Much
sympathy is expressed for the energetic con
tractor in the many mishaps, unlooked for
and unavoidable, that have occured during
the progress of his work on this well. He was
thoroughly overcome when he was drawn out
/and realized the nature of the accident that
had occurred. A large crowd gathered in the
square about the well as soon as the accident
became known, but it was a case where num
bers could only impede and not aid the work.
THE GREEN-EYED MONSTER.
•A warrant was taken out yesterday by the
Rev. Howard Bunts, a very prominent colored
clergvman of this place, and chaplain to the
convicts in Dougherty county, against Len
Stewart, another well known colored man,
charging him with assault and battery. As
occasionally happens in this world of ours, a
woman was at the bottom of the trouble. It
appears that theRev. Bunts, among his.varied
occupations, teaches a music class, of which
the wife and sister-in-law of Stewart are prom
inent members. For some unaccountable
reason, the green-eyed monster had taken
possession of Stewart, and on Friday night
last, about 11 o'clock, as he was approaching
his house, he heard low and suspicious tones
coming from within an enclosure near by.
Having satisfied himself that Bunts was one
of the interlocutors, he at once suspected that
the other could be no other than the wife of
his bosom. He at once secreted himself by
the side of the way they were pursuing, and
when Bunts and his partner came up, went
to work upon the former with a stick. Being
a good exemplar in his own person of muscu
lar Christianity. the Rev. Bunts
grappled his assailant, and during the
skirmish dealt him a severe blow bver the
head with a bottle. About this time it was
discovered that the Rev. IJunts was the right
man and in the right place, his companion
being the sister-in-law and not the wife of
his assailant,whom Bunts was escorting home.
Apologies and explanations were of no avail,
and Stewart was bound over by Judge Jones,
of the county court, in $100 to stand his trial
for assault and battery.
Many friends of the Hon. W. E. Smith
around here appear to be quite confident
that his name will not be overlooked in con
nection with something or other in the con
vention to-morrow. As an outspoken candi
date his chances would undoubtedly be good,
while as a tied-out horse, he could not be
matched from the mountains toithe seaboard.
It will be a fortunate day for the democratic
party of Georgia, should division and dissen
sions occur in the convention, when they fall
back upon a man who never made a mistake
ATHENS.*
THE SOLIDEST CITV OF ITS SIZE IN
THE SOUTH.
Facts About the Trade end Business of the Georgia
Namesake of the Claasio Capital of Greece—
Eight Million Dollars* Worth of Capi
tal-Cotton Beoelpia-Other^tems.
posed to offer prizes in money for the best or compromised a principle.
Special Correspondence of The Constitution.
Athens, July 17.—"‘There is more solidity
about Athens,” said Bradstreet’s agent here a
few days tgo, “than any other city the same
size in the south.”
And I believe it.
“Classic Athens” has been a brace of words
ever since I can remember, but business
Athens is a new known quantity that sur
prises me more than can be indited in this
effusion. I think I can safely say
that the individual wealth here is
within a near approach to that of Atlanta,
certainly equal to that of Macon, and the
figures I can present will puzzle the brains
even of sturdy, reliable old Savannah. What
do you think of the statement that the per
sonal and realty values of this lively bantam
being a close push to eight million solid dol
lars? Rather astonishing eh? Well. I took
a stroll down to the city clerk’s office this
afternoon and from him 1 learned this pleas
ing bit of intelligence. $S,000,000 in figures
looks large, but 1 am prepared to classify it,
and thus I hold that there is nothing unreal
or wild about what I have stated. That we
have within tha borders of our grand
old _ commonwealth a young giant
of a city like this will be no less a pride than
an astonishment to those who scan these lines.
The authentic population at present is slight
ly above 8,000, and in three years it is pre
dicted that it will swell to 10,000. In 1870, by
a tight squeeze, the inhabitants numbered
nearly 5,000, an increase per centage of sixty-
six and two-thirds, or say about 70 per cent,
which, I am told, was the actual increase.
TAXABLE PROPERTY.
The total taxable property of the whites is
classified as follows: .
Real estate ; SI,575,376
Vehicles and stock ; 63,424
Furniture, jewelry, etc 166,068
Merchandise 346,510
Money, debts and bonds..... 691,876
Hank stock 310,0.0
Gross receipts of telegraph and express
companies 20,624
Gross receipts Sou them Mutual insurance
company 226.077
83.389,974
Colored property 103,216
Total 83,493,190
In round numbers $3,500,000 is what is re
turned as taxable property. Besides this it
is estimated that over $4,000,000 of bonds and
other non taxable property is held by citizens,
winch will give the figures I announced at the
outset. Hon. Ferdinand Phinazee, said to be
worth over $1,000,000, lives here, but is out
side the iimits, and holds a vast deal of secu
rities which are not taxablq. The Southern
Mutual insurance company hold anothermil-
lian, while such men as Dr. Hamilton and
others possess the rest of the huge pile of
wealth.
BONDED DEBT.
The bonded debt of the city is now $97,-
500; in 1875, it was $131,000, showing a de
crease since then of $32,500. This debt was
mainly incurred by subscriptions of the city
for $100,000 of stock in the Northeastern rail
road. This, however, has been transferred
t*» the Richmond and Danville company,
a pure donation in fact, for the purpose of
securing the extension to Rabun Gap and
Tallulah Falls. These outstanding bonds are
drawing six and seven per cent interest,
which is paid promptly semi annually. It
is held mostly in the state, very little of it
being in the hands of northern capitalists.
THE TRADE OF ATHENS.
One ot the first things I heard on making
inquiries into the trade of the city was that
the largest single wholesale establishment in
the state is located here, Reams, Nicholson &
Co. They have* gone considerably over $1.-
000,000 annually, but whether or not they
touch that amount now I am unable to say.
There are other houses doing as much as
$500,000 annually, while the total trade of the
city, including the product of cotton facto
ries, the latter about $1,000,000, mounts up to
$5,000,000. This, however, does not include
the cotton interests. The cotton receipts now
amount to 45,000 yearly, and it is confidently
expected that next year will swell the receipts
to 50,000 bales.
COUNTING TIIE COTTON
into the bargain, and I see no reason why it
should not be considered as a legitimate
branch of the trade,since the money for it is
paid out here, and the business as a grand
total goes up to $7,500,000. Figures are very
nice things to deal with and especially so
when they are correct and reliable. There
are fifty houses here doing an average busi
ness of $50,000 each, aside from the big ones
already named. Groceries and dry goods,
also hardware, are sold all through northeast
Georgia and North and South Carolina.
• ATHENS SELLS GOODS
nearly to Augusta, and as close to Atlanta as
Covington and Gainesville, all of which goes
to show that tiie business men here know
a thing or two and are letting
the world know it. On everything
but western produce, Athens gets as good
freight rates as Augusta or Atlanta, and the
difference on western produce is so small as
not to seriously interfere with the bustling,
booming trade.
The banking facilities are ample. The
National bank lias a capital of $100,000 nnd a
surplus of $160,000, making a total of $260,000
capital. Captain James White is cashier of
tbis institution, and to him I am indebted
for much of the information I have given of
Athens. The bank of the university lias a
capital of $125,000 and a surplus of $6,000.
MANUFACTURING INTERESTS.
The manufacturing interests of Athens are
by no means an unimportant part of the
city’s prosperity, as will appear when I state
that there are represented here 25,000 cotton
spindles on a capital of $500,000, divided up
between four factories. Besides these there
is a large foundry and machine works and
small minor concerns. This foundry, b’y the
way, is one of the best paying investments
here and is worth $75,000.
THE BOOM.
During the past year the boom has been
general, and many, handsome structures have
gone up,while others are now under contract
Said a well posted business man to me this
afternoon: “It is not a high estimate to say
that the total improvement of Athens for
twelve months has been $200,000.” The Ath
ens branch of the Georgia railroad has. exclu
sive of this, spent or will spend, $100,000 in
bringing the road across the river into the
city, where a handsome general depot will be
erected. Every • ay the dynamite cartridges
are being fired, down where the rocks are
being blasted for the foundation of this new
structure, and ere long its walls will rise as
another monument to the growth and pros
perity of Athens.
A RAILROAD PROMOTER.
Colonel G. J. Foreacre, the president of the
Northeastern railroad, has proven one of the
best friends the ciiy everhad.and is still form
ing plans to further increase the railroad facil
ities. The next road to be pushed forward is
to Jug Tavern, where it will strike, out for
Jefferson, and thus complete the triangle. I
have talked with no one here who did not
have a hopeful outlook for the future of
Athens. I am satisfied it will become one
of the leading cities of Georgia, and being in
a glorious section, nothing can retard the pro
gress.
POINTS.
If there is any one thing which has had a
tendency/to build up and give Atlanta a good
name abroad, it is her hotels. So with
Athens. Thdre is nothing here of more credit
to the city than the Commercial hotel, really
one of the neatest, best kept places to be
found in the state. It has recently
been refitted throughout with all modern con
veniences, new furnitnre, electric bells,
elevator, good, airy rooms, and the very best
of tables, with everything on it that careful
selecting can buy. The Messrs. Williams
have been praised by all of Athens for their
liberality, and I can only add my mite to
what has been said. The hotel has fifty rooms,
and is a model of neatness every way. It
would Be a credit to any city.
This week the commencement exercises of
the university have attracted an unusually
large crowd, and the general appearance of
everything is lively enough.
There are many points of interest about
this classic city which I reserve for future
correspondence. . j ,
Athens is lighted with gas. and a telephone
exchange, pith fifty subscribers, is being
started. c - T -
OCONEE COUNTY. 1
A Grand Sunday-School Convention und Its Ucsalts-
Politic* and Personal*.
Special Correspondence of The Constitution.
Watkinsville, July 13.—Yesterday re
corded the grandest children’s day ever wit
nessed in Oconee county. Sbme weeks ago-
Mr. J. W. JOhnsor, superintendant of the
Watkinsville Sunday-school, proposed that
our school extend invitations to all the Sun
day-schools in this county to participate with
us in a grand Sunday-school celebration,
•which was readily agreed to. The time and'
place was agreed upon and committees were-
appointed to make all necessary arrangements
for the glad, happy occasion. The place
selected was what is known here as the old
Hardin hill, just outside of the town in a
beautiful oak grove. Au immense arbor was
erected with seating capacity for over fifteen
hundred people, which proved inadequate for
the number which attended. Master
Calvin Johnson was selected to
deliver the address of welcome.
Miss 'Beatrice Booth, of the Watkinsville
school, then read an essay. The address of
welcome was responded to by Mr. James Mc-
Ree, of the Flat Rock school. Little Cora
Anderson, a child of ten or twelve summers,
then read an essay without the slightest em
barrassment. There were thirteen Sunday-
schools in attendance, each had a speech, and
an essay by some one of its scholars besides a
special song. All of them performed their
parts to perfection. After all the schools had
finished their respective programmes, which
were interspersed with general song by all
the schools together, the audience was
invited to partake of the banquet which had
been prepared in an adjoining grove. After
dinner there was a lecture by Rev George G.
Smith, of Madison, -who was the orator of the
day. Everybody in attendance was delighted
with it. A*fter the regular programme was
finished a proposition wits made to organize
a permanent county Sunday school conven
tion, which wits done by electing JJohn W.
Johnson president, and other officers neces
sary for such organizations.
POLITICS.
Mr. Thos. Booth will'go to the Atlanta con
vention on the 19th as alternate for J. R.
Lyle. He is a thorough Stephens,
man. The Oconee delegation will
favor the majority rule, and will advocate the
claims of Hon. H. H. Carlton for congressman-
at-large. Oconee will certainly “set down”
on, Emory Speer in the next election.
Our county has been visited with refreshing-
rains, and our people are in a more prosperous
condition than they have been since the war.
The Faiubrongh boys are considered out of
danger from the wounds received in their
fracas with the Gregory’s. Ben Gregory is
still in jail, being unable to make a bond.
CAMPAIGNING IN ELBERT.
Opening of the Scu*nn*‘ Work with General Speeches
by Well Known Men.
Special Correspondence of The Constitution.
Elberton, July 17.—Last Saturday a meet
ing was held at Craft’s ferry, in the northern
part of the county, which was very largely at
tended. Mr. P. W. Davis, candidate for state
senator, made the opening speech of his cam
paign. It was well timed and well received.
In the afternoon Colonel John P. Shannon
addressed the meeting in behalf of tiie Hon.
Seaborn Reese, candidate for the congression
al nomination in this district. Mr. Shannon’s
speech certainly had a telling effect. Both
gentlemen discusssdMho Augusta, dam very
freely.
A very large crowd assembled in the court
house last Saturday, to hear Colonel J. C. C.
Black, of Augusta, who is a candidate for
nomination before the congressional conven
tion of tiie 8th district Mr. Black made an
excellent speech which was well received*
Political excitement is running very high
here on the congressional question. Next-
Friday, the 21st, is the day for our primary
election in the districts, and a warm contest
is looked for.
The Knife.
From the Dublin, Ga., Gazette.
Last Sunday afternoon a disgraceful row
among negro boys was witnessed by those who-
were on the streets. It is the custom of these
brigands to congregate on some corner every
Sunday afternoon und all wiio are in hearing
must put up with their silly braggadocio talk
and horse laughter. The result of last Sun
day evening was not a surprise. These “town
riiaps” set irt upon a boy living in the coun
try, and getting the small end of tiie bargain,
one of them, John Taylor, set in with a piece
of plank, and Gose Harris held on while Bob
Whitfield sliced him in the back. The boy
cut is badly hurt, but not fatally. We have
been told that Bob Whitfield and Gose Harris
both liad a part in the carving, but whether
or not there are more than one cut we are
unable to say. The ones doing the cutting
have absconded, but not so far that the grand
jury may get bills. Neither one is under six
teen years of age.
Killed by Lightning.
From the Dublin, Ga., Gazette.
We learn from Mr. John M. Thigpen, who-
Iives near Fortner, that two negro women
living near that place was struck by lightning.
The two women were in a house during a
thunder storm, when a tree standing near the
house was struck. One of the women was
killed instantaneously, while the other barely
escaped death. The shock was terrific. From
the same gentleman we learn that a small
colored child fell from a fence and was killed,
whether instantly or not we are unable to
state. . He reports arops looking well and the
seasons propitious for a bodntiful harvest.
Sagacious Chickens.
From the Danieisville, Ga., Monitor.
Mr. Willis Benton says that he traveled
around with Dr. Daniel’s thresher, and that
such a crowd followed, around after it to eat
chickens, etc., that generally go to make up
a thresberman’s dinner, that the chickens
learned of the trouble in camps, and the sa
gacious old roosters got to where they would
listen for the whistle of the engine and as
soon as they could hear it, they would hoist
their wings and heads and say, “Look out!
Look out!” and strike for the swamps.
. Wanted a Tombstone Bureau.
From the Athens, Ga., Chronicle.
An old lady called in the furniture store of
Mr. John Bird one day this week, who wanted
to buy a tombstone bureau. Another, in
looking at a marble top article of furniture,
said that it was only an imitation of marble
and was nothing in the world but this stuff"
from which buttons are made.
She Backed Out.
From the Athens, Ga., Banner.
There is a young man in Athens who,
the strength of his engagement to a lot
young lady, took out a $3,000 policy in a r
rimonial association; but great!v to his ho
the girl yesterday broke the engagement
so the victim finds tSat he has paidout
money for nothing.
To the Surviving Members of the Macon L
Artiilery.
If the Furyiying members will send me thei
dress I will inform them how they can procu
complete history of the company from its oreai
tion io the surrender, embracing a period of
y*o- , Jno. C. Judsok, Atlanta. G
july4—wky tf 2dp ’ ‘