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THE WEEKLY CONSTITUTION - . ATLANTA, CA., TUESDAY JANUARY 5 I860
CONSTITUTION WRITERS.
the constitution entertains
ITS FAMILY.
Reunion of the Correspondent* and RszulrYorco
of tbo Paper Tuesday—A Pleasant Day Soaldg
the Establishment and the City-Tho
Banquet a Happy Occasion, Etc.
Tuesday was a great day for The Consti
tution. More than four hundred members of its
family were gathered in Atlanta to enjoy iUaunuai
Christmas dinner. They came from all sections
and all state*, and made an unusually fine-looking
body of men. They came full of enthusiasm for
The Constitution and anxious to talk over the
work of the present year and learn how it could be
made better in 1886.
The day was a thoroughly social one, with no set
programme and no formal ceremonies. Our visit
ors dropped into tho office, registered, secured
rooms Hi ’he Kimball, donned their badges and
button-hole bouquets. They then found carriages
awaiting at the door, to take them wher
ever business or pleasure inclined them.
Most of them had never been
to Atlanta before, and enjoyed tho sights of this
goodly city to a degree. They were made welcome
everywhere. The quiet hospitality with which
they were received renews the obligation that
tho good people of Atlanta have often put
The Constitution tinder. Tho weather w. B
perfect, and it may bo said that there
was not an hour of tho day from early morning
until midnight that was not heartily enjoyed.
|It was 1 o'clock this morning when tho banquet
was over, and hasty forewells were spoken, and
The Constitution’s family scattered, each
man going to his separate home to do his part in
making The Constitution of1886 all that it should
he and in fixing his record for the next annual
dinner.
SHOWN OVER THE CITY.
Everything possible was dono to make tho visitors
enjoy themselves. The Constitution building was
thrown open from garret to basement, and for tho
first time the paper's big family was at home. The
editors, reporters, business force and in fact all the
local members of the force not necessarily engaged
otherwise, took charge of the visitors. As a starter,
most of them went by the elevator to the top of
TnE Constitution building and took a look at the
city. The broad expanse of gables and turrets and
steeples, housetops and streets, with tho myriad of
- smoky factories and tho landscapes receding to the
horizon made a spectacle that was quite pleasing
even to those who were accustomed to big chics
and big houses.
Many stopped a moment in tho composing room
to watch tho nimble-fingered typos. Others dropped
in . at the editorial rooms, and there found
* comfortable resting place. Nearly
went to tho mailing rooms of tho weekly where
fifty thousand names “in the forms’ 1 tell the story
of that paper's circulation. The big press was run
ning on tho weekly, turning out twelve thousand
an hour, and dll took a peep at that during the day,
stopping a moment by the way tocxaminc tho elec-
trie light machinery, and the other matters of in-
■ tcrest connected with the work of the establish
ment. After seeing tho building thoroughly tho
visitors took the carriages that were In waiting and
were driven to various points of interest. Among
the places visited Whs tho now capltol grounds,
where Governor McDaniel met the visitors and show
ed them over the grounds. Quite a number of the
visitors were driven to Grant park and to suburban
points from which good views of tho city could bo
obtained.
THE FIRE DEPARTMETNT.
' At eleven o’clock a large crowd of tho visitors
were escorted to No. 1 engine house, where Chief
Joyner kindly showed tho boys how the thing
worked. The first exhibition was given with all
tho men on tho first floor. Tho gong was sounded,
and in four and one-half seconds the horses were
hooked up to tho machine and ready to start out.
“That’s poor time,” said tho chief. “I’vo seen
the boys in the dead hours of night, when all were
asleep save the man on duty, and then get out on
_ faster time. Come, boys, go up stairs, and let’s see how
Bho works.” The men went up stairs, undressed
r -and lay down on their beds. Again thegona Was
7 tapped. Dovrh Cnme the mOil on the btaisl sliding
poles, and in four nnd one-quarter seconds every
thing was ready for a run.
“How do tho men get on their clothes so quick?"
asked a gentleman.
“Why, they Jump into their boots, pull up their
pants and button them np whllo sliding down tho
' poles,” replied an enthusiast.
Several tests were given and all left tho engine
house delighted with their visit.
SEEING A RUN TO A FIRE.
While eighteen or twenty carriagcs,fllled with Con
stitution men, were rolling out Peachtree, about
half past fouryesterday afternoon, and when near
thcjunctlon of Peachtree and Ivy, tha flre alarm
was turned on from the box at
that point. Before tho gentlemen
had Umo to realize what had happened and
get a firm seat in tho carriages, Chief Joyner was
seen coming down the street in his red wagon at
lightning speed. Following closely
behind him came No. 1 hose reel, and
then the fsraons old hook and ladder. In
Just, four minutes No. 1 hsd water nnd the en
gine on the ground. In six minutes, No 3 engine
and hose reel, housed on Marietta street, nearly a
mile and a half away, was on hand, aud ready for
business.
“How do you like that?" whispered a Constitu
tion man in the cars of Major Halley, night editor
of the Nashville American.
“Well, that’s pretty nearly as good as Nashville,”
and the left underlld of his right hand eye prop
ped with a knowing wink.
"It’s the fastest time on record,” exclaimed Mr.
8. W. Bcniggs, of Greenville, Booth Carolina, asihe
whirled his hat In the air.
“Been all over the world, and never saw anything
to equal it. Do they go by electricity V' said Mr.
roe.
The department made remarkably good tlrno,
and our men were carried away with their splen
did work.
THE BANQUET AT THE KIMBALL HOUSE.
Dnrlng the evening the arcade was thronged
with the visitors, who chatted in groups among
themselves and with their Atlanta friends. The
upper galleries were crowded with ladles and gen
tlemen who were drawn there to get a gllmixe of
The Constitution family. On the first gallery a
fine orchestra discoursed sweet music and tho
hours just preceding tho banquet were moat pleas
antly spent.
The dining room was thrown open at 0:30 and the
company entered. Each man was assigned to a
seat and in a few minutes the Constitution family
was sitting around the festive board.
Over the right front window were the words, In
large letters: ‘•The Constitution, 18tW-18*V
Over the other window were the words, “welcome,
those who make it.”
The tables were exquisitely dressed. Tho dining
room was filled to its utmost capacity. An outside
row of tables extended around tho entire room* In
the center a long table extended from one end of
the room to the other. The decorations and
dressings of the tables were lovely
and beggar description. On the tables were hun
dxeds of fancy pieces and many pyramids and sim
ilar decorations. Homo of the pyraraMs were five
feet high. About half a dozen pigs baked whole
added much to the decorations and were so tempt
ing as to whet dull appetites. Many cold dishes
were also set.
Mr. Grady, who stood at the head of the table
next to the grand arcade, asked the banqueters to
rirp'and listen to a blessing which would be asked
- by ReT. Mr. Ilarrison. Tho great company arose,
and Mr. narrlson fervently asked the blessing of
God on the occasion.
Mr. Grady then announced that The Constitu
tion quartette would sing a welcome. Mr. H. B.
Dcas, Mr. F. U. Gates, Mr. John W. Lively and 3fr.
F. M. Fremont, who were located at tho end of the
hall opposite Mr. Grady, arose and sang “The
Toast,” by Zollner. The singing was admirable,
and was received with a perfect storm of applause.
This was a most happy opening to the banquet,
and when the song was over the banquet was
served.
The menu was as follows:
Biloxi Plant Oysters on half shell.
soup.
Oysters stewed, a L’AHemande.
Con*orame, glace en tone.
hobs D'irrvp.E.
Celery. French Sardines with lemon. Olive*.
Canapce of caviar ala Ru**e.
FISH,
Salmon Trout, sor socle aux Bom Montpelier.
I’otnme Dcterre la Duchesse.
mi n pieces.
Boned Turkey, ala PAriatfenne.
Patede’ Foi Gnu, a’U Ht. Hubert,
Turkey deeoree, A V Anctenne,
_ „ _ ^ HOT ENTREES.
Scalloped Oysters, nfia^Marrinlerc.
Chicken Meyonaise. Lobsters a’ia Lettuce
Potatoes aux Fine Herbe*.
COLO DISHES,
Ham with Jelly, Tongue, aL’Ecarlato,
Boned Turkey with Aspic JcUy, * ’
e ,. ' • _ . Grouse, larded. Currant Jelly,
Sirloin of Beef Pressed Com Beef,
\ enisou with Jelly, Pomme Julienne,
Roman Punch.
Ornamented Fruit Cake,
Citron Cake, Pound Cake,
I-ady Fingers, . Royal Slices,
Cocoanut Meringues,
Charlotte Rosso,
Champaguo Jelly,
Maccsar
Neapolitaine Ice Cream.
FRUITS, ETC,
Indian River Oranges, p
Bananas, Raisins, Assorted
Edam Cheese, Cream Cheese, Wafers.
French Coffee. Green and Black Tea. Chocolate.
WITH TnE PLATES PUSHED BACK.
When the banquet had been served and tho
plates hod been pushed back Mr. Grady arose aud
said he bad intended to introduce first Captain
Evan P, Howell, the editor-in-chief of the paper, bif
that Captain Howell preferred that ho should in
troduce first Mr. W. A. HCmphlll who
had been with tho paper longer than auy
of tho other proprietors. Mr. Hemphill
was then introduced and made a short address, re
ferring to the history of the paper and its success.
It was started, he said, in June, 1868, and then two
brawny-armed negro men ftimished tho power for
the press. It was an event in k tho history
of the paper when a little engino was
put In, but today it requires a
double cylinder forty-horse*power engino to run
the press. At one time ono editor did tho work.
Now it takes twenty. He spoke feelingly of his
connection with the paper and the warm attach
ment he had for it, and said ho was
glad to meet tho men who -mAdo
paper. Ho wanted to gflsp
each by the hand nnd call him “brother.” Mr
Hemphill referred quito feelingly to thcath of Sir.
Tandy Wilkinson, ono of the old compositors,
whose death occurred last week,
Mr. Grady then introduced Captain Howell, who
made an enthusiastic talk to tho company, re
ferring to the work of the past and tho ftHnro.
Ills remarks were received with a great deal
of enthusiasm. Ho told the correspond
ents that the policy, of Tnn Consti
tution was to first get the news and print it, then
to get the sul*scribers and then tho advertisers
would come of their own accord.
Mr. S. M. Inman, who has recently purchased an
interest In The Constitution, was called for, aud
responded briefly.
Mr. H. W. Grady made a happy speech, in re
sponse to calls.
Mr. N. 1’. T. Finch was called for, but bad ro
tired.
Mr. D. W. Rountree, of Quitman, asked Captain
E. P. Howell to stand up, and in a neat speech pre
sented him with a handsome gold-headed caue, a
present from The Constitution family.
Mr. Sweat, of Clinch county, in behalf of tho
family, presented Mr. W. A. Hemphill with a gold
headed cane.
Rev. Mr. I.ano followed suit and presented Mr.
H. W. Grady with a like cane.
Each of the gentlemen responded In a happy
manner-
impromptu speeches were mode by Messrs. Mc
Lendon, Gurley, Folsom, McGregor, Dr. Burke,
Brantley, Towers, Turner, Swartz, Atwood and
others.
Mr. D. N. Rountree read the following resolutions
which were adopted:
Whereas, we the guests or The Atlanta Consti
tution, have received innumerable courtesies and
enjoyed princely hospitality at tho hands of tho pro
prietors of that able Journal; and,
Whereas, this unique eutortaliiraont, sohospitably
arranged and so perfect in all its appointment*
has brought us together and given us so much gen
uine pleasure; and.
Whereas, wo desire to express our appreciation of
this generous occasion:
Therefore, be it resolved, That we, Individually
and collectively, acknowledge our hearty gratitude
to the proprietors of The Const;
rictor* of The Constitution.
further, That their hospitality is •
uieftilncsa for The Constitution which the ability
- d enterprise of it* management ao richly merit,
.vvllng assured as we do, that in tho future. as in
the past, tho prosperity of The Atlanta Consti
tution means the prosperity of the commonwealth
of Georgia. Dan’l W. Rountree,
A. 8, Giles,
J. 8. Turner,
Committee.
The banqnct was adjourned with prayor by Rev.
Mr. Harriet)u.
MOTES or THE DAY.
Now we go in for another year.
Everybody seemed to havo a good time.
The Kimball arcade presented a busy scene last
night.
Among the guests was Mr. Flynn, of New York
who Is a member of the family.
The Constitution quartette during tho evening
rang “Artillerists Oath” and Vogel Walt*. The
quartette was one of tho decided hits of tho day.
Dr. R. A. Halley, night editor of tho Nashville
American, was among the visitors. Ho said of At
lanta: “You hnvo a live city. I havo fallen In love
with it. 1 seo nothing but enterprise all around
me. I am glad I am here. I foci (that 1t Is good to
be here.”
Mr. I*. II. Snook did tho neatest thing of tho day.
He sent to the ofllco several hundred button-hole
bouquets, mado of tho rarest hot-house flowers.
Accompanying them was the following note:
To the Proprietors and Attaches of The Atlanta
Constitution: With the compliments and bod
wishes of T. C. F. H. 1. G. “May you live long and
prosper.” Respectfully,
P. n. SNOOK.
Mr. Orchard, of Columbia. 8. C., aald after in
-spectir.g tbc new Constitution building from top
to bottom: “I have been in nearly all tho promt-
nent newspaper buildings q£ the north and l don’t
know of a better equipped establishment any
where. The Constitution is ahead of many or the
leading Now York dailies in tho facilities and con
veniences for carrying on work. There is nothing
whatever that la lacking.”
A WICKED STORY.
Washington, December 29.—In regard to
the widely-circulated story that the members
of the supreme court have a side-board well
stocked with liquors in their consultation-
room, one of the justices says; “I have ac
tually received letters from people who ought
to know better asking whether thero is any
truth in the story. One came from a clergy
man who knows me very well, but has never
seen any of my associates, tnd laments that
the supreme court is a school of drunkards.
He thinks we ought to set a better example to
the youth of the land. I could only answer
that the story was an absurd falsehood, and he
Immediately wrote me that a load had been
lifted from his mind. There Is a tradition
that years ago there used to be a black bottle
kept in the consultation-room, and that the
members of tho court used to pass it around at
intervals, but I havo never known
anything of tho sort in niy time. I have never
seen any liquer of any sort In any of the rooms
occupied by the court, and I bavo never
known of any of the justices takings drink at
the capitol. I am not a total abstinence min
mytelr, and I’ve got some pretty good whisky
ut home which is at the service of my friends,
but I would just as soon suggest that a ques
tion of constitutional law be decided by a flip
of a copper as to ask one of the attendants of
thcccurtto mix me a glass of grog or pass a
bottle around the consultation room. It is a
wicked, silly story, and I hope that it will be
widely contradicted,”
How She Was Caught.
From the Chicago Tribune.
A woman was in disguise, and was fleeing
mwimc crime she had committed. She was
travelling (n a »tage coach, and stopped at a coun
try inn The travellers alighted, and the supposed
man got out with the others. All went to the wash
shelf at the end of the porch. A man was Kitting
leaning against the post of the porch. He wai
watching ibe woman In disgnDe as rite washed her
fac e and bands, and whenpthe was done be at once
arretted her. He discovered her sex by her man
of. spi lying the water in washing her fitce.
.... nan mb up and down and short. All women
apply the water and stroke gently downward.
A Bolt Delicate and L'sefulplollday Present
Is beyond doubt a prerent consisting of that ex
quisite, refreshing and invigorating perfume, uni
versally known as Murray & Lanman's Florida
Water, a floral preparation which admirably com
bines both the qualities of a handkerchief extract
and there of a toilet connetfe such aa “Ran de
Cologne” to which It Is infinitely superior in
fragrance, softness and intensity of areas. Such a
present unites elegance and refinement to good
sense and good taste. For sale by all druggists,
ptsftxmtn and fancy goods dealers.
GOVERNOR LEE.
A Brilliant! Day for Virginians. Which Onoo More
Places a Han of Their Own Blood In tho Execu
tive Chair-The Ceremonies or the Inaug
uration, and Incidents of the Day.
Richmond, Ya., January 1.—Governor Fit*
hugh Lee was inducted into office today in the
presence of the general assembly of Virginia,
gathered, in joint convention in the hall of tho
house of delegates, the galleries of which, and
every inch of available standing room, being
occupied with interested spectators, including
many ladies. The rotunda and approaches
thereto were also crowded with people, all ea
gerly striving to gain admission to tho hall, or
to catch a glimpse of the new governor as ho
passed. The Joel Parker association, of New
ark, N. J., which arrived this morning, were
assigned to privileged places on the floor of tho
house, and attracted much attention by
their fine appearance. At 11:50 a. 'in.,
the speaker called the house to order, and tho
proceedings were opened with prayor by
Right Reverend D. A. M. Randolph, bishop of
the Episcopal Chnrch. Clark Bigger then
read the journal of yesterday. Just ns ho
concluded, Hon. John W. Daniel, United
States senator elect, entered tho hull, and was
escorted to a scat. Ho was greeted with
much enthusiasm.
TIIB GOVERNOR-ELECT INTRODUCED.
At 12 o'clock,the senate of Virginia was an
nounced, and that body filed in by twos, and
took the seats assigned them. The speaker
then called the joint convention to order, aud
immediately named dplegates,A. Fulkerson
and|R.M. Stribline and Senator Taylor Berry, as
a committee to notify Governor Lee that the gen
eral assembly of Virginia was roady to recoivo
him. In a few minutes the loud cheers on tho
outside announced tho approach of tho guber
natorial party, and soon after
wards Governor Leo, arm-in-arm with tho
retiring executive, Governor Cameron, entered
the hall,followed by a number of ladies aud gen
tlemen, including non. John E. Massey, lieu
tenant governor elect, and Mrs. General Lee,
wife of the governor, and Mrs. Blackburn, wifo
of tho ex-mayor of Alexandria, and escorted
respectively by Frank W. Dawson, of tho
Charleston News and Courier, and Dr. Geo W.
Ross, of Richmond. The appearance of tho
party was the signal for a perfect ovation of
enthusiastic applause, which continued several
minutes. The two governors were escorted to
the speaker’s platform, where Hon. L. L.
Lewis, president of the supremo court of ap
peals of Virginia, administered the oath of
office to the new governor and lieutenant gov
ernor. At the conclusion of this brief cere
mony the joint convention was dissolved, nnd
the house took a recess for fifteen minutes.
GENERAL CONGRATULATIONS.
Congratulations and hand-shaking then be
came the order of tho day, tho governor de
scending to the floor anu meeting
friends and strangers nliko with a
J lcasant word for 'each. Tho
oel Parker association woro individually pre
sented, tho first momber introduced fastening
to the lancl of Governor Lee’s coat tho hand
some badge of tho association. A notlceablo
incident in tho ceremonies was tho almost total
absence of colored pcoplo in tho hall. Only
two colored delegates were present, and a col
ored man wearing tho badge of tho Jool Parker
association. The latter Joined in tho stream of
visitors who passed by tho governor and con
gratulated him. He extended his hand to the
governor, and with a smile on his face, said:
“Governor, let me congratulate you.”
Governor Lee looked at him, and breaking
out into a laugh, cxclaimod:
“My friend, don’t you think tho country is
safe now V*
The colored man, laughingly, replied:
J Governor, I believe it Is.”
t was an amusing incident, and no one en-.
cd it more than Governor Lee. Captain E.
M. Hayes of the Fifth United States
cavklry, who was a bosom friend
and companion ofGovernar Lee when the latter
was a lieutenant in the same regiment before
tho war, and who come all the way from tho
Indian territory to be present at the inaugura
tion, was among the crowd,and when Governor
Lee spied him, he hailed the captain with:
“Hello, Jack. How are you today?”
Captain Hayes replied:
“Very well, Fits; allow me to congratulate
you.”
A warm and cordial grasp of the hand fol
lowed. After the assemblage had departed.
Governor Lee proceeded to tho gubernatorial
office in tho capitol, where tho retting govern
or turned tho office over to him. Ex-Governor
Cameron remained in the hall during tho re
ception, and was greeted by many of those
f (resent. The Newark association were taken
n charge by the city democratic committee,
and handsomely entertained.
THE INAUGURAL BALL.
The reception and inaugural ball at tho arm
ory hall tonight, which completed the induc
tion of General Lee into tho gubernatorial
chair of Vireinta, was the grandest social
event which has illustrated tho liisftryof tho
commonwealth ainco it cast off its
royal governora and assumed its
own sovereignty, over a century ago.
Hundreds of “fair women and brave men”
who were present, in intellectual acquire
ments, in manly and womanly presonce, In
dress and demeanor, and in fact in tho posses
sion of every attribute of the better class of hu
manity, would hnvo gracodand adorned any
occasion, either Uf American or European get
ting up. The crowd bogan to
pour into the hall about 8:30 o’clock,
but it was 9:30 bofore Governor Lee and hia
escort arrived, when the band, composed of
some thirty musicians, strnck np the Baxler’s
grand march, “Fits Lee,” aa tho initial wel
come of tho governor to the ball. Ho was
immediately escorted to a dais at the east end
of the hall where, after being
introduced to the lady patronesses of the
ball, tho ceremonial part or the affhir begun
by bis introduction generally to his friends
and fellow citizens. Borne of the former had
come many leagues to see this happy consum
mation of their good wishes for Leo. Every
thing moved smoothly, showing the perfection
of the arrangement. The ball was decorated
with national and state flags in pro
fusion, most gracefblly disposed, and
intertwined with those of many
foreign nationa. The tout ensemble, both in
decoration and of the hundreds of beautifbllv
clad ladies, as they moved a living panorama
of beauty, left nothing to be desired. . On tho
walls were seen many palmetto leaves, and on
the entrance a splendid specimen of that tree,
lent hither from South Car
olina, especially for this occasion,
spread its branches to tho friendly encircling
air. The formal introductions ceased about
midnight, when the dancing was begun. The
sound of the tripping feet in answer to the
cadences of tho band were accompanied by tho
tramp, tramp of burryin| hundreds bound for
the banquet hall. As about 1.500 persons were
iresent, it was only possible for a portion at a
ime to And room at the table. Professor
Charles L. Siegel was general designer and
manager of the entertainment, which was in
all regards a success. Mrs. Leo accompanied
the governor and received with him.
GOVERNOR HILL OF NEW YORK.
vice, and having spoken of tho presided t, said:
’* * » * -»-—— something of
as of tho uay,
It may be expected I should say something of
the future. Upon the public questions of' *
I have uo sentiments to conceal, but the
annu-
exprcsslon. It (s needless to' add P that
I have no anurnnees to give or pledges to pro
claim, except that the principles aunouncod by me
during tho recent campalgd are those which shall
govern my official action. I assume this offloo uii-
trammeled by a single promise inconsistent with
the welfare of the people. I have no other ambition
except the faithftu and conscioutious discharge of
EATINO MULE AT VICKSBURG.
A Valiant Democrat In tbs Executive Chair
of the Empire State.
Albany, N. Y., January 1.—The ceremonies
attending tho inauguration of Governor Hill
today were, among the most imposing ever
witnessed here. The weather was extremely
fine and but for the muddy condition of the
streets, nothing more could have been desired.
The attendance of visitors from all points of
the state, especially from New York city and
Brooklyn, was very large. The parade of mil
itary and civic organizations was most success
ful and imposing, about 2,599 men being in
line. The speech of the governor was in a
great measure devoted to a review of
the administration of his predecessors,
his own being the forty-seventh inauguration
of a governor of New York. The governor
alluded to the administration of the first exec
utive of New York, Clinton, to the present
ime, reciting their varied and honorable eer-
To look at the comfortable averdupots of Ordinary
W. L. Calhoun, and to see his pleasant and well
satisfied face, one would not suppose ho hmj ever
been a half starved soldier. *
But appearances often deceive. It is true tho
genial ordinary suffered as much porhaps as any of
the confederate soldiers.
“I was In tho siege of Vicksburg,” lio said to a
Constitution man yesterday, “and you can Just
guess it was anything but comfortable. We fought
tho battle of Baker's creek on the 16th day of May,
1863. Wo were defeated, and had to retire. Tho
rcglmnet I was ’ v in, tho Forty-socond Georgia,
brought up tho rear as Fcmbcrton's army fell back
across the Big Black. Wo had fought all day
and fought the yankco cavalry a
we retreated. We crossed tho Big Black about
midnight, slept tho balance of the night and went
into the fortifications around Vicksburg tho uoxt
morning. Grant's immenso army then laid siege
to the city and for forty-seven days and nights
-were there, The federal* had plenty of ammunl
Hon and kept up an almost constant fire with all
sorts of guns. I used to
night and watch the streak of fire that accompa
nied the shells. Tho things would seem to bo
coming right at you and looked as big as a wash
pot, but tho domago seldom amounted to any
thing. During the siege there were numbers of
assaults made upon tho works but tho fedorals
were always repulsed. Tho confederates mado
sorties quite often and sometimes captured fedor*
als. On one occasion the fcdcrals blew up a por
tion of our works and immediately made an as
sault, but were repulsed with heavy losses.'
“How did provisions hold out?”
“We were put on short rations at tho beglnutng,
and at last wo were actually reduced to peabread.
“And what is pea bread?”
“Bread mado of the meal of common cow peas
It was sour and very Indifferent stuff. Tea bread is
Indifferent at best, but it was very precious to
us. I was captain of a company and Doo Walker
was lieutenant, and wc had to divide oar pono, and
I tell you wc divided it with mathematical precis
ion. During tho ilcgo mule was issued to tho
troops, but I did not cat any of it.
Some of tho troops aio it, how
ever, though I don’t think they took to It vory
much. It was terribly hot out there In tho trenches,
with no shade and tho burning July sun coming
right down on us. Many a man did I see loso his
life for a drink of water, and many times did I risk
my own for a draught.”
“How so?”
“Just back of my part of tho lino was a littlo rise,
and over behind it was a spring branch. Tho yan-
kces were closo to us, and if a hat so much as
showed up over tho breastworks it would bo rid
dled with bullets. Aa tho confederate soldiers
would lay there In the hot sun nnd swolter tliey
would become ftiriously thirsty, and tho only way
to get water was to break for the branch and take
the chance of being shot while crossing
rise. Tho thirsty soldier would
have to run about fifty yards
in plain view of the enemy, and whenever he ap
peared in right the bullets would whlx by him,
and perhaps ho would fall and die. Even if ho
was aucccsrftil in getting to tho branch ho would
still have to tfcce the bullets in getting book. Of
course it wi I not so when darkness would come
and ihelter-the movements of the mdn.”
' ‘ITow diO ytra feel over tho adfrender?”
“I was mad. W6 had suffered for forty-seven
days an<tminy of tho weaker ones bad failed under
the terrible Ordeal. The night of the 8d of July; I
was In command of a detachment that was In sup
port of the pickets. Just before day I received or
ders to return to camp. I did so and was informed
that the' army would surrender
tho 4th.- I felt like it was
shamo to surrender on that day, and I would rather
bavo died and have sacrificed every mail In tho
army than to havo given up on tho 4th of July.”
“There was ono right interesting little incldont
that occurred there,” cont! nuod Mr. Calhoun. “A
young Virginian commanding a battery was killed
at Baker’s creek. Tho battery with
out the gallant young officer was
taken to Vicksburg and was stationed with my reg-
meat. The men had a beautlfol banner mado
from a dress of the dead officer's wife. When tho
surrender was announced the men in charge of tho
battery swofo they would never surrender the ban
ner. They tore It to pieces and throw it away be
fore the officers camo to receive tho arms, aud it
never fell into the hands of tho fedorals.
Serving a Warrant on Lost Mountain.
. From Joel Chandler Harris’s humorous and dra
matic story, “Troublo on Lost Mountain,” in tho
January Century, we take this characteristic*, inci
dent of mountain life in northern Georgia: "On
one occasion shortly after the war, Abo had gone
to tbc little county town on business and had boon
vexed into laying rough bands on ono ot the prom
inent citizens who was a trifle under tho influence
of liquor. A warrant was Issued, and Dave Mc
Lendon, the sheriff of tho county, a stumpy little
man, whose boldness and prudence mado him the
terror of criminals, was sent to serve it. Abo, who
was on the lookout for some such visitation, saw
him coming, and prepared himself. IIo stood in
the doorway, with his rifle flung carelessly across
bit left arm.
“ 'Hold on thar, Dave!’ he cried, as the latter
came up. The sheriff, knowing bis man, halted.
“ *1 hate to fling away my manners, Dave,' he
went on, 'but folks is giUln’ to be mighty funny
these days. A man’s oblccgcd to a’aroh bis best
frien’s ’fore he kin find out tber whicb-away*.
Dave, wbatsortof adockymeut Is you got ag*w’
me?’
“ 'I got a warrant, Abe,’ said tho sheriff, pleas
antly.
“ ’Well, Dave, hlt.won't fetch me,' said Abe.
*Ob, yes!’ said the sheriff. 'Yes It will, Abe. I
bln a-iisin’ these kind er warrants a mighty long
time, an' (bey fetches a feller every whack.’
” ’Now, I’ll tell you what, Dave,' said Abe, pat
ting his rifle, 'I got a dockyment here that'll fetch
you a blame sight qulckcr'n your dockymeot’ll
fetch mo; an’I tell you right now, plain an’ flat,
1 haln't a-gwlne to be drug arouu’ an’ slapped In
Jail.’
“The sheriff leaned carelessly against tho rail
fence in the attitude of a man who Is willing to
argue an Interesting question.
'“Well, I tell you bow I feel about it, Abe,'said
the sheriff, speaking very slowly. 'You kin shoot
me, but you can't shoot the law, Bang away at
me, an’ tbar’a another warrant attcryou. This yer
one what I'm already got don’t amount to shocks,
to you better fling on your coat, saddle your hone,
an' go right along wi' me tbes es neighborly ez you
please.'
“'Dave,' said Abe, 'if you come In at that gate
you er a goner.'*
‘Well, Abe,' the sheriff replied, 'I lowed you’d
kick; I know what human natur’on these hills is,
an’ so I then axed some er the boys to come along.
Tbey er right down thar in the holler. They bain't
got no mo idea what I come ferin the man in tho
moon; ylt they'd makes mighty peart posse. Tooby
shore, a gnat big man like you ain't afeard for ter
face a little bit er law.’
'Abe Hightower hesitated a moment and then
went into the house. In a few minutes he issued
forth and went out to the gate where the sheriff
was. The face* of the two men were a study.
Neither betrayed any emotion nor alluded to the
warrant. The sheriff asked after tbs 'crap,' and
Abe told him it was 'middlin’ peart,’ and askod
him to go into the house and make himself at
home until the hone could be saddled. After a
while the two rode away. Once daring the ride
ALe said:
I’m mighty glad It wa'n't that feller what run
agi’n you last foil, Dave.’
'Wbyf asked the sheriff.
‘Bekase I’d 'a' plugged him, certain aa' shore,*
said Abe.
'Well,’ said the sheriff, Uughlngly, T wu* a-
wlsbln* mighty bard tbes afmut that time that the
t'other feller had got ’lected.’”
BENJAMIN’S PERIL
Tbs Outrunners Attacked by the ltoysl Guard, and
Unmercifully Whipped-Tho Matter Called to
tho Bhsh 1 * Attention, Who Immediately
Benders Satire Batlsfaotion-Xto.
Washington, January 1.—The following
official report by Mr. S. G. W. Benjamin, lato
minister to Portia, which haa recently beeu
communicated by the president to congress,
describes an international opisodoof ovenmoro
thrilling interest than that brought on by tho
Pittsburg chief of police, who onlored the
“Imperial Royal Austro-Hungarian Consul
Fchambeig” to tako in his flag:
“I havo the honor to report that on tho 12th of
June I was riding out to tho country from Teheran
in a carriage, on the way to the summer quarters
of the legation. 1 was accompanied by my daugh
ter. According to tho custom of tho country tho
cnrrlsge was preceded by two outriders. Tho othor
legations on such an occasion tako four to eight
outriders, a matter of necessity as well a* of display
in Persia. As wo approached a half-way coffoo*
house I observed a lino of carriages wait
ing by tho roadnldo in tho shade. As It
1* very common lor several vehicles to lw soon
standing there while the occupants are taking a
►nicko, I had no idea auy precaution needed to bo
token. I was greatly surprised, therefore, to sees
troop of mounted cavalry rush out from the shade
of the trees and make a violent attack on my out
riders, who immediately cried out several tlmos
that the United States minister was in tho carriage
and had tho right of way. I now recognized the sol
diers to belong to the royal guard, and immediately
after perceived that that tho wives of the shah wore
In tho carriages. Although having officially the
absolute right to pass, allowed to none oxcept min-
liters and their families, at risk of iramedlato death
to all others, I ordered my drivor to stop in order
to give on officer opportunity to come to tho
carriage to apologizo for tho attack and
escort us safely through tho guards sta
tioned In front and rear of tho royal
harem. But as no attention seemed to bo paid to
this I ordered my men to keep on, thus throwing
the responsibility of any results on the guards, who,
not satisfied with heating tho outriders with tho flat
of their swords, swarmed around tho carriage itself
with loud cries and flourishing their woapons. Tho
lieutenant of the troops seized tho carriago horses,
othori struck and thrust at the horses and two oven
struck the driver himself. Fortunately tho man
was alike skllftil and Intrepid, and
succeeded both in controlling tho hones
and driving ns safely out ot a disagreeable melee
that at one momont treatened serious results. Tho
number of men attacking was about twenty. It ii
proper to add that when tho chief lady of tho
harem saw what was going on sho dispatched a
eunuch to escort us through tho lines,’but ho did
notarrlve until tho attack was nearly ended. All
my men and horses were more or less bruised, and
one of the men hsd his arm nearly brokcu. Thoy
all behaved well.
“On tho same evening I sent a note to tho minis
ter of foreign atfelndcmandlug tho prompt chas
tisement ot tho offenders, leaving it to the Persian
government to suggest out or its friendship aueh
urther redress as tho occasion required.
“There being some delay in replying to my note
I sent our dragoman, Mr. Kcunc, to tho minister of
foreign affelrs. After quite an extended Interview
tho minister replied: 'Tell your minister ho shall
hear from mo tomorrow. I am anxious that he
should be convinced of our good-will, and I give
you my word you shall bo entirely satisfied by aun-
Mt tomorrow that I am sincere in those expres
sions.’
“At 11a.m. the following day, accordingly, tho
Hanleh-cd-Dowleh, a prominent member or tho
cabinet, waa announced; Coming at once to tho
point, ho stated that he had been personally depu-
ted by the shah to express the royal regret, and to
■ay authoritatively that our demands should- re
ceive Immediate attention.
“In the afternoon of the same day I received an
apologetic note from tho miuister of foreign affair*.
In accordance with a request at the aud of the
note, our Moonchco went to tho foreign offioo next
morning, and was thero directed to take my driver
and outriders and proceed at once to Bultsnslabad,
tho summer palace, where tho shah is staying
at present. On arriving thero tho Moonchoo
was confronted with the royal guards, and
tho men who had been most forward In the
attack on my carriage, including tbelr lieutenant
were recognized by my men. A grand chamberlain
of the palaco then ordered tho punishment of the
men and they ware accordingly punlshod. I thlnl
we could not ask further proof of tho friendllnoa
of tho shah towards the United Htatca than tho im
portant fact that he ordered a number of the Koval
Guards to bo punished at tho Instance of a foi
lcattlon.
T in tho afternoon of Iho nno da, tho captain of
thocompanrcamototho lontlon and apolwlnst
In a araccnO and thoroughly satisfactory mannor
for tho hasty and unwarranted action of Uro
"Two days later I called on tho mlnlMer of for-
elm o(lair, nnd thanked him for the satisfactory
mannor In which tho affair had terminated, and
later I acknowledged 1*1* nolo In a note Intended to
reaehlliocyoofthoihah, who, I havo roanon to
know, aanoon aa he folly appreciated tho gravity of
tho oeeulon, waa willing it ponalblo to anticipate
-■QUITS."
From the Detroit Free I*rc*n.
If it lo itcallng for a atarvlng man to help
hlrorclf to food from the atorehonoo of a man worth
thouunda and Una of thouiand* then I wu guilty.
They ratoed tho thout of "thief I" and I waa run
down. Thero wu no pity for mo in tho crowd. I,
who had not luted food for two day), had balpod
tcywlf to a bit of meat to bo routed In tho wooda,
and thero wuu much rejoicing orer my capture
u if 1 bad been caught red-hand ut after a murder
"To Jail with him I" and I wu kicked aud cuffed
on tho way. No ono reemed to think that I might
havo been unfortunate—that It might not bo my
fault that I wu homelcu, pennllcui and In rag*.
There wu no pity, no other thought than to mako
an trample of mo.
In tho gloom and darknen of Iho old Jail tho
thought that men would give mo no cbanco—that
Iho hand, of all were agalnat me-embittered mo
end mado modoqieratc. In an hour I had dog my
way out, but my blltemeaa only Increaaod. If raon
hunted mo I would revenge.
It wu the work of only a momont to retire to tho
building, and when tho flaraea blared np I turned
oway and .ought refuge In tho dark and tangled
rwomp. We wer, now quite. Iflhey would lot me
alone 1 would go my way. If thoy hunted mo-lot
them look out I
Tho blare of tho burning building lighted mo
for a mile, tnd u I picked my way through tho
tangle I heard the enraged obouta of tho men who
gathered about tho Jail. Dy and by tha flamca
died away, and the rboatacaared, and I wu loft
alone with tho bluing make* and tho growling
Ing alllgatora.
Fear? why, when onahu neither money,bomeor
frlenda-wbenonelelnragaand weak with hun
ger—whan one hu been hounded and driven by
men-ahoutd Iho reptile, ba lore merciful? The
moccadn* and cotton mouttu blared at me, and
the great ■aurlani thnuhed the black waters In my
path butliwu unharmed.,Ily and by mybltternore
of feeling began In pare away, and In a little time
more I could have almoot forgiven the men who
had Bbouted “thief!" in my car, when a alrengu
round reached my can,
"Owl Owl” -
Bo they bad put a blood-bound on my track I
They were not willing to call It quite! I felt the
(lend of murder In my heart again, and I waited
right there In my tracks for tho dog to overtake me.
My trail wu plain, and In ton minute, hi* Dory
eye, looked Into mine. IIo wu fierce and *troog,
hut I bad a clutch of Iron, In three minute* I
heaved hia dead body to the waiting alligators, and
I laughed u they fought for It and tore it lo
ahred*.
We were qnlta again. Would they let ore go my
way In peace?
A» Iho *un of morning came up! Mood on tho
edgt of tho darkest, dankest pool which the gloomy
and langlcd swamp could present. I wu sleepless,
worn and starving, hut I no longer held resent
ment. I hod forgiven my enemies, an-1 I wished
harm to no men on earth.
It wu then that I caught sight of another pur
suer—this time a man. He came on u silently u
a panther—u grim u yalo—« tenaciously av a
blood hound. 1 stood with folded arms, although
the old feeling of hate end murder and destruction
wu chocking me. lie came straight np to me,
his eyes (lashing success, tod he laid a heavy hand
on my shoulder. When that touch horned Into my
flesh throofh my rage I loot all oontml. I seised
him u If ha had been a child, lifted him high over
my hood end then hurled him far out into tha
black pool. Ilia long, lingering cry of tenor had
scarcely reached the tree tops when oerpentt left
their biding place to strike at him, and half a score
of monster alligators rushed toward* him with
frightful mooths wide open. Joe a single moment
the dark waters were lighted upuit were with a
tinge of blood, hot then the ripples which splash
ed my feet were again of midn&bt blackness
Wt were quit* again.
CONSTITUTIONALS.
General Gossip nnd Editorial Short Stops
Caught on the linn.
Tho following letters will perhaps be Interesting
to some of our readers;
D - c !- December 25, l&tt.-
Dear Sir. I noticed recently in your pansr that
you assert that tho brilliant Thad. Oliver was tho
thePot«nac.” tbe poem emlllcd “ AU ^ uIct Along
I had heretofore been under the Impression that
the poem was written by Ethel Jayun, aiers.be-
cause it is accredited to her In tho collection of
Porter■& toatea of Philadelphia, and in tho collec
tion of Williqp) Cullen Bryant.
IfMr.,OUver, your southern genlua wrote tho
poem. It is a shame and downright theft to steal tho
baby of his brain and accredit the child to the caro
of a step mother!
I feel rather a personal interest in Mr. Oliver; first
beeausc ho was a soldier and must havo felt whut
ho wrote, and also for the reason that many of my
own lyrics have been stolen by other peoplo or ap
propriated by my numerous friends—anonymous!
Please get the real facta about.Oliver composing
John A. Joyce,
Author “Peculiar Poems” and “Checkered Life.'’
Glens Fauj, N. Y„ Dcccmbor 23, im-Editors
Atlanta ConstItution: In reading the New York
World of yesterday, I came acn*s an artlclo taken
from The Atlanta Constitution, in regard to
“Thad Oliver" and his writings. I was very much
fascinated with some quotations from Oliver's poem
of “AH quiet along the IWotnac tonight.” 1 havo
never *cen the poem before, and I should like very
much to have tho whole of It. What I have seen of
it is very bcautlftil, ami nothing would please mo
more than to learn more of the man, who could wrlto
such a bcautlftil poem. I have taken tho liberty to
wrlto you to ace ir you would bo kind enough to In-
foim mo where I could gctji copy of his life and
writings, If any has ever been published. If I
cannot get a life of him, where can 1 get a copy of
that lieautlflil poem.
If his life never haa been written, it ahonid 1)0.
A mail who could write that poem ia worthy of a
biographer.
Asking pardon for addressing you without a pre
vious acquaintance, and hoping that you will kind
ly furnish the desired information, 1 am very re
spectfully, William M. Cameron.
Literary mysteries are very intorertlng, and
thero is none more interesting than tho poem which
is known aa “Tho Picket,” “Tho Picket Guard,”
and “All Quiet Aloug tho Potomac.” Indeed
the verses are more Interesting for their
mystery than for tholr literary art, for though their
art Is pleasing it is not by any means remarkable.
It is certain, for instance, that "The Plckot Guard”
attracted littlo or no attention at tho north when
it was printed in Harper's Weekly. But It had a
great run in tho south, and tho mystery of its
authorship has given it a very high place in tho
estimation of those who keep scrapbooks.
The poem mado Ita appearance at tho south In
the first year of tho war, and Inquiries were at
once act on foot os to ita authorship. It waa
claimed by Major Lamar Fotitolno, a soldier whoso
individual bravery lisd given him an enviable
reputation in tho army, and ho woro tho laurola
until after tho war, when It wna discovered
that tho poem had appeared under tho title of
Tho Picket Guard,” in Harper’s Weekly of A
date prior to that which Major Fontalnohad
given os tho dato of Ita composition. This sottled
tho matter so far as Major Fontaine waa concern
ed.
'The Picket Guard” waa contributed to Harpor's
Weekly by Mrs. Kthol Beers, who Is now
dead, and It occupies a place In her volume of
poems, But, In spito of this all is not qnlct along
tho Potomac, so far aa this poem Is concerned. Tho
Rev. Hugh Oliver claims that it was writton by hia
father, Thad Oliver, and the ovldenco which ho
adduces ia very strong. For instance, ho proves
that the poem waa circulated in tho confederate
army in manuscript sbapo months before it ap
peared in Harper's Weekly. Tho comrades of Thad
Oliver certify that ho read them the poem by tho
campfire, and on varions othor occasions long be
fore It appeared in print at tho north of
south. ThU evldeneo is of a
kind that cannot be easily disposed or. It is given,
by many well-known persona, and mast bo accep
ted (seriously.
To add to the mystery, It is to bo borne in mind
that when this evldeneo waa brought to tho atten
tion of Mrs. Beers some years ago, sho
made no sort of reply. Probably thero was no re
ply to bo mado, but thero is no doubt
That she conld havo settled tho matter in dis
pute if sho had been ao dliposed-lf she had had
prooft of her authorship. But, curiously enough;
beyond pointing to tho fact of publication, Mrs.
Been never claimed tho poem and, in tho midst
of the discussion, whioh at ono tlmo covered tbQ
whole country, sho was silent.
Therefore, the question still is, who wrote “Tho
Picket Guard,”
“Alabama gets more poisonous candy and adul
terated goods thin any stato in tho nnion sold, be
came of a foolish law,” said a gentleman yester
day.
“What is the law?”
“It is a law that prohibits tho Inspection of goode
of any sort brought into the stato or the appoint
ment 6f an inspector. This law is tho result of re
action against tho carpetbag administration,whlcli
was disposed to Inspect everything, Of courso
such a law invites dealers In adulterated goods to
pour them into Alabama. Tho fraud in fertilizerg
became so great that tho anti-inspection law wav
evaded by providing that any merchant who
wished to do so might send samples of tho guan
be wasMlUng to the state chemist,havo it analyzed
and the analysis printed.”
Tub Constitution, which has^dcveloped many
things, now comes to tbo front with a colored poet.
With Instinctive love of mnslo and a swinging
rhythmic melody in reading old songs, wo do nofi
recall a single negro who hu before aspire*] to
poetry. Even the rude couplets sung a-down tho
com row were given ready made to hia tongue, to
be, we may aay, fused into harmony of dialect and
phrasing, and amplified with such choral iteration
u the affluence and wantonnesa of hia cxocntlon
suggested. His folk-lore shows that be had imagi
nation galore. But never hu ho compaaaed this
imagination with metre. It ts surprising, therefore,
to read such lines u these which wo requote front
tbo poem on Robert Toombs, by Robert Barr, a
young negro boy.
ITo the memory of the man, In Jwboee life thero
Wu neither UInt nor dishonor.]
Tia Death I
Far off U heard a nation’s teared lament,
Across Llfe’a light thercahlfta a sable cloud,
And all the grfeft that haunt a saddened soul,
Rise up and shroud his world in solemn gloom.
PanJon rocked—
gwasje,^
*d#ptb%
Onward, outwsra, to its arbitcr-lts God.
O Death I oh fete I oh grave I
Thy pangs are nought, brave In life and braver
Still b death, that soul, traced In Truth-
Appeals to Ilia eternal Justice, and when yer ra
Within that lasting tone shall blend *
Will roar to height* above the common aouliof
A Little Hammer.
_ _ earth so wide,
A little summer,’ ail shut In ,
From the frozen world outside;
er all our own,
.... Mrs when the robins go,
To the days when tbey come from a warmer zono
And the pansies peep from the snow.
The rich may dallyon daintlesdine,
And daily on velvet tread.
But give to my home the trailing vine,
And the blooming flower* instead;
A cheeifril wifo In a ninny room,
W ho rings** she flits about;
What care I, then, with tbc plant* in bloom,
For the wintry winds without.
How sweet to cone frotntllo constant din
Of life’s contending tide,
To my little summer all shot in,
From the froaen world outside;
To watch the bright geranium* grow,
^ sno»,
••And bouud i»y the lee King’s power. m
0 IT, v
Thepoet sings of the better land,
“Where Cower* immortal bloom,” r
And ro I can partly understand
The glories beyond the lomb.
Jow sad and dreary the earth would be,
Through all the weary hour*.
Had Goa not given to you and me 1
The Lcamlful birds and flowers.
| INDISTINCT HtlHT