Newspaper Page Text
Chronicle anb Smtinrl.
ivEDNEBDAY .OCTOBER M, 1873.
TIIE PLANTERS AND THE FAC
TORS.
In another column of to-day’s Chroni
cle and Sentinel we publish the able
and pointed reply of a correspondent,
“Planter,” to our comments on his let
ter of the twenty-fourth of September.
There are certain portions of this reply
which we think need some attention at
our hands. He complains that the
planter is a hewer of wood and drawer
of water for the whole human race,
though the world could not get along
without him. It is true that the world
could not get along without agriculture
—it is true that it is the basis of the
world’s prosperity, and it is also true
that as a general thing the planters make
less out of their products than the mid
dlemen who stand between the producer
and the consumer. But how is this con
dition of affairs to be remedied ? So
long as there are producers and con
sumers so long will there be middlemen
who purchase from the one and sell to
the other—making their profit in the
difference between the purchasing and
the selling price. But can we dispense
with the services of middlemen ? We
think not. And are they confined to the
sale of agricultural products alone?
Assuredly not. Everywhere and in
every branch of business —in every
avocation of life— form the
medium of communication between
those who have and those who want.
The wearer of a pair of shoes, the
purchaser of a pound of bacon, a quart
of rice or a yard of calico, never pro
cures his shoes and his calico from the
manufacturer, or his rice and his bacon
from the producer. He purchases from
the retail dealer, who has purchased
from the jobber, who has purchased
from the producer or the manufacturer,
and the retailer and the jobber must
both have their per eentage. But of
whom do they make it ? Not of the
producer or manufacturer —but of the
consumer. The consumer pays the mid
dlemen, not the producer. The com
merce of the country cannot well get
along without middlemen ; least of all
could the planters afford to do without
them. The relation of planter and fac
tor is almost as old as agriculture itself,
and it will only cease when planting
ceases. There is, too, a mutual profit
found in this relation. The benefit is
not all upon one side, and it is fair to
say that the planters are benefltted just
as much as the factors. If the factors
lend the planters money and store
and sell their cotton for them, it is from
no philanthropic desire to help along
their fellow men, but because they re
ceive a handsome return for their money
and trouble in the shapo of interest,
storago and commissions. If the plant
er sends his cotton to the factor and al
lows him to make a living by handling
and disposing of his crop he does not
do it because he cares a shilling wheth
er that particular factor succeeds or fails,
but because he receives in return for his
patronage advances of supplies and
money with which to make the succeed
ing crop. But because each makes
something out of the other there is no
reason why there should be an antagon
ism between parties whom business has
so closely allied. On the contrary, their
mutual profit furnishes an excellent basis
for the firmest and most enduring friend
ship—a friendship which has existed in
the past and will continue in the future.
"Planter” seems to think there is a
combination existing over the whole cot
ton world for the purpose of depressing
the price of the staple. In this opinion
ho is, no doubt, correct, but he could
have gone further and with equal jus
tice asserted that there is also a combi
nation for the purpose of keeping up
the market. Where there aro bears there
must be bulls. The consumers of cotton
and their allies are bears. The producers
and their friends aro bulls. This is
necessarily the case. The Southern
people, as a people, are interested in
the disposition of the crop at high
figures. A high price for cotton brings
wealth and prosperity to our section.
Every branch of trade prospers when
the planters prosper. The planters’ loss
is every ones misfortune. A high price
brings plenty of money. It increases
the factor's commissions; it enables the
merchants to dispose of larger stocks of
goods; the lawyer collects his fees and
“Mr. Editor” his subscriptions. A de
pressed market curtails expenditures
and diminishes profits in a correspond
ing ratio. How natural then is it for
Mr. Editor, Mr. Merchant, Mr. Lawyer
and Mr. Factor to combine with Mr.
Planter iu the formation of a large bull
influence. The world over men strive
for their own advantage, and it is greatly
to our advantage that a high price for
cotton should bo realized. The North
indeed affects to disbelieve all our esti
mates and reports because they say that
Southern judgment is warped by inter
est. On the other hand we give but
little attention to their cries of glutted
markets and decreased consumption—
we say, they wish our cotton for noth
ing. Wo are the bulls, they are the
bears. They wish to depress, we wish
to elevate values. Certainly planters
must accept these facts and see that the
interests of all tho Southern people and
their own are identical. Again, “Planter
intimates that in financial crashes the
planters are the only sufferers —that they
must pay tho tiddler no matter who dan
ces. He is paying for the present frolic
says, “Planter,” at the rate of foureents
per pound on his cotton. The planter
pays for it all, “and not another solitary
soul or occupation.” In proof of this as
sertion ho instances the fact that though
cotton has declined in value, groceries,
dry goods, commissions, lawyers’ fees,
subscriptions and labor are not a penny
less than they were before. Is not our
esteemed correspondent mistaken ?
Have not others been injured equally as
much ns the farmers —has not every
branch of industry sustained partial
paralysis? We read of thousands who
went to bed wealthy and awoke paupers
—not speculators these, but hard-work
ing, honest men, widows and orphans,
whose savings aud support had been
placed in securities which were consid
ered sound, but which fared worse in
the panic than the wild-cat stocks mani
pulated by dishonest speculators. Have
these not suffered? The telegraph
every day brings to ns tidings of mills
aud manufactories which have suspend
ed work, and of operatives thrown out
of employment and not allowed to
earn the scanty pittance which kept
starvation from their homes. Have
these not suffered ? \\ e see upon our
streets men of undoubted probity and
honor, men energetic and industrious,
who have sold their goods on credit
trusting to good times for a small protit,
who find that their customers are embar
rassed, unable to pay their debts, and
that they themselves are drifting to bank
ruptcy and to ruin. Have these not suf
fered? Is there no suffering for the
merchant and the business man who
sees his credit—the life of trade—threat
ened by dangers which he had no hand
in arousing, and which he is powerless to
resist. Is there no suffering for the
mechanic, the laborer, who is told that
he can no longer get that work which is
the life of his class, and that he ard
his little ones must look to Heaven for
aid, for none can come from man ? Ah !
yes. If “Planter” will only look more
closely into the matter, he will see that
he is not alone in his misfortune—that
the city as well as the country contri
butes liberally to the payment of
the demon fiddler who plays this dance
of death. For once misery has certainly
more than enough of that company
which she is said to love so well.
Let “Planter” rest assured that the
fanners are not alone in their troubles.
Let him also feel assured that the
whole Southern people sire interested in
keeping up the price of cotton. The
salvation of the planters is the salva
tion of us all. Like him, we think that
the skies though black now will soon
assume a brighter line. Like him we
think that the end of tho trouble is at
hand—that we have reached that dar
kest hour which precedes the glories of
the dawn. We must all lose something
—though unfortunately many are ill
able to lose at all—hut by the practice
of 'patience, of mutual confidence and
mutual forbearance, we can escape from
our perils without sustaining much
lasting hurt or injury.
"SPEAK OUT FARMERS.”
“ Nationalist” presents some import
ant views for the consideration of the
planting community. He gives stubborn
facts and figures, which will be found
difficult to controvert. His advice to the
planters is prompted by an earnest de
sire for the welfare of the producing
class. “Nationalist” is one of the peo
ple. He is perfectly familiar with his
subject, and knows the feelings and
understands the interests of the planters.
THE GRANGERS AT WORK.
The farmers’ Oranges in this State
have taken a step in the right direction.
Forsyth Grange has declared the cotton
tax levied 1865-6-7-8 oppressive and un
constitutional, and that it is the duty
of Congress to refund the money col
lected by this tax to the producers. The
Grange declares that it will bring the
matter before the State Grange and
thus secure unity and concert of action
when Congress assembles. We believe
that if the Grangers will set to work
between this time and December they
can secure the passage of a bill refund
ing the tax and restoring sixty millions of
dollars to the impoverished producers of
the South. If a little energy is dis
played the Southern Granges can get
their Western brethren to unite with
them, and thus backed Congress will
not dare to refuse compliance with their
just demand./ The Granges could not
make a more signal display of their
power than in this matter. If they, can
force Congress to give tardy justice to the
South, it will pave the way to the re
storation of Farmers’ Rights in the
West. Let this movement be made a
national affair on the part of tho Granges
and victory will be certain.
AUGUSTA AS A COTTON MARKET.
There is no market in the Sonth in
which better prices can be obtained for
cotton than in Augusta. Centrally lo
cated in the midst of tho cotton belt,
with unsurpassed facilities for trans
portation for the planter and shipper,
the advantages which our city jiresents
arc appreciated and acknowledged both
by the producer and purchaser. Our
large receipts and sales demonstrate the
truth of our assertions. The planting
community has confidence in the in
tegrity of our business men with whom
they deal, and they aro satisfied that
the prices obtained for their cotton is
tho “top” of the prevailing market
rates. The competition of buyors on
Northern and European account has
always placed Augusta on a par with
even Charleston and Savannah, and it
not unfrequently happens that better
prices are obtained here than at either
of the cities named. The net result to
tho planter, after freight, commissions,
etc., aro deducted, is always iu favor of
our market as compared with Charles
ton and Savannah. The planters in the
country tributary to Augusta, who have
tried the seaport markets, will bear us
out in the truthfulness of our statements.
There has been an apparent advantage
in favor of Charleston and Savannah,
growing out of the manner of their clas
sifications, which correspond to those of
New York, while the classifications of
Augusta are the same as those of Liver
pool. But there is no advantage in fact,
as any planter will have demonstrated
to him who takes his cotton from Au
gusta to either of the above named mar
kets. The additional freight charges
and increased commissions, incurred in
the transportation and sale of cotton at
either Charleston or Savannah,will prove
that Augusta is by far the best market
for the planter who lives in the country
tributary to Augusta.
MIXED SCHOOLS.
The organ of the South Carolina Radi
cals—the Columbia Union-Her aid —is
sorely troubled because three of the Pro
fessors in the University of the State
preferred to resign their positions
rather than teach a colored man who had
been admitted to the institution. We
can see notlxiug in these resignations to
excite the ire of the organ. On the con
trary, they are the legitimate results of
attempted amalgamation in the schools.
1 f the ring government of South Caro
lina thinks that it can force social
equality upon the whites of the State it
is vastly mistaken. The laws of God
and of Nature cannot be changed or ab
rogated by the edicts of a carpet-bag
administration. The powers which rule
and ruin our sister State can, by the
enactment of odious laws and by the
exercise of brute force, make the schools
and colleges of South Carolina admit
color and men within their walls, but
neither laws or physical power can com
pel white students or white professors
to remain. When the colored men enter
the whites will retire, and establish insti
tutions of their own. The consequence
of this line of policy will be the destruc
tion of all State schools and universities
instead of benefit to the colored race,
as these philanthropic carpet-baggers
and scalawags assert. We do not wish
it understood that we are among those
who oppose the education of the colored
people. We believe that they should be
educated. We believe that they should
be given equal advantages with the
whites. But we do not believe in mixed
schools. Wherever they are attempted
harm will come of the experiment. The
whites will not tolerate, the blacks do
not desire them.
THE GOVERNMENT OP FRANCE.
What shall it be—Republic, Monarchy,
Empire ?—a government of the Right,
the Loft or the Centre ? Bourbon, Or
leanist, Bonapartist? de Chambord, de
Paris, or tlie Prince Imperial ? These
questions will soon be answered by the
people of France. The enemies of the
Republic seem determined that the
issue shall be presented aud speedily
determined. Every telegram from France
indicates that a crisis iu public affairs is
impending. The quarrels of the Or
ion; lists and the Legitimists have cease and.
The younger branch of the family has
resigned its pretensions to the throne in
favor of the Count de Chambord, and
the adherents of the latter claim for him
a majority iu the Assembly. Their con
fidence, however, does not seem to be
well grounded. There are doubtless
many members of the Assembly who
are iu favor of a Monarchy, and yet are
not willing to accept de Chambord.
These repudiate the theory of divine
right, and wish a King who shall be
chosen by the people, and shall govern
uuder a written constitution. The few
Imperialists in the Chamber will not
support de Chambord—the Bonapartist
and the Bourbon can never become
allies. With these elements of weak
ness in the array of their enemies, it will
not be impossible for the Republicans
to carry the day and preserve the existing
form of government —that is, if the pres
ent peril can render them forgetful of
past differences, and unite in one body
the different factions which compose the
Left and Left Centre. We, who live on
this side of the Atlantic, especially those
of us who reside in the South, of course
know but little of the condition or
the requirements of France—or of the
temper and wishes of the French people.
We can only judge from outward mani
festations what form of government has
done most for the country and its citi
zens. Judged in this manner why
should the French desire to set aside
the Republic and erect a Monarcly in
its stead ? What have they to gain by
destroying a government of the people
and placing upon its ruins the govern
ment of the man. The tree must be
judged by its fruits. What fruits have ,
the Republic born ? Behold Frauce af- ]
ter the surrender of Sedan. A country
without a government, a people without |
a ruler. Her armies defeated, her terri- ;
tory devastated by the soldiers of a ;
hostile power, hei capital in ihe hands
of a lawless body of robbers and assas
sins, who pillaged in the name of
Equality and murdered in the name of
Liberty. Her finances disorganized,
her industries paralyzed or destroyed.—
At this juncture, in the absence of
rulers by divine right, and of those by
usurpation, the people resumed the
sovereignty which they had delegated.
The Republic was proclaimed. What was
the result ? Peace was concluded. The
Commune was crushed. Order was re
stored. Manufactures were revived. The
finances were adjusted. Law again be
came supreme. The country flourished.
As time went on the hard terms obtain
ed from the Germans were fully com
plied with and the last foreign soldier re
moved from the soil. The enormous
indemnity was paid to the uttermost
farthing with scrupulous promptness,
and France has been restored to the
custody of her sons. This is what the
Republic has done. Can a Monarchy
do more—can de Chambord do as much ?
We doubt it.
AN ENCOURAGING VIEW FOR THE
SOUTH.
In times of general distress and
gloomy despondency, such as exist now
in the South, a ray of commercial sun
shine is as welcome to the impoverished
planter and harrassed and embarrassed
merchant as the calm which succeeds
the storm is to the tempest-tossed ma
riner. The positive hardship is the de
pression in the market just at the open
ing of the season, when maturing obli
gations have to be met. The planter
has to keep faith with the merchant and
factor, and these with the banks. Credit
is the basis of agriculture and of com
merce. It is unfortunate that our busi
ness relations are not upon a more sub
stantial basis; but so long as this condi
tion of affairs exist, those who do
business on the credit system must keep
faith with each other and preserve their
commercial integrity, which is the basis
of trade and agriculture. What we
want now is confidence and forbearance,
or, what would be better, accommoda
tion and patience. The banks must be
willing to renew, when absolutely neces
sary, tho paper of the merchant or fac
tor who is pressed to tho wall from no
fault of his, but from a condition of
affairs which he is powerless to resist.
The planter must send in liis cotton, so
that the credit of the mercb ant may not
suffer. By confidence and accommoda
tion and patience the pressure will be
relieved and affairs assume a more
healthy aspect. One thing is certain,
that relief cannot come unless the cotton
is in the warehouse.
The scarcity of currency—-of green
backs and National Bank bills—grow
ing out of the panic caused by the stock
and gold gamblers and railroad develop
ers of Wall street lias depressed the
cotton market. National banks, and
State banks, trust companies and sav
ing banks, clutched those promises to
pay and hid them away tn their vaults
as deeply as the miser hides his gold
and liisj silver. When the banks stam
peded all over the country it was natu
ral that the people should become affect
ed by the same disease. Tlic fever be
came epidemic, and all classes and con
ditions of people took tlie fever of bid
ing away greenbacks, which are but the
promises to pay of the Government, aud
which, after all, depend upon the faith
the people have in the integrity of
that Government to redeem its promises
to pay. The whole country has been
stampeded by the downfall of a few men
in Wall street, who have been gamb
ling for years on a scale of im
mense magnitude without capital,
but with unlimited credit to issue aud
negotiate bonds for the construction of
South-sea-bubble railroads, which found
fools for purchasers, both in Europe and
America. These fraudulent speculators
dabbled in everything, and with their
immense power extending and controll
ing, for a time, even the Government of
the United States, they were enabled to
depreciate valuable securities, and to
give a fictitious value to the most worth
less. Articles of prime necessity be
came subject to their influence and ma
nipulation, and their values were in
creased or decreased as it suited their
inclinations and interest. The down
fall of this entire class of people
must result in positive good to the whole
country. The scare and the panic caused
by their failure is most senseless and
stupid. There is nothing in the general
condition of tho country to justify it.
The crops of all kinds, in every section
of the Union, have yielded abundantly,
the manufactures and mechanic arts
were in a flourishing condition, and
trade and commerce were active and
prospering apparently, just as this stu
pid, causeless panic set in at Wall street.
The industries of the country have been
affected. The wheels of trade have
been blocked, and business generally
has been retarded and, to a certain de
gree paralyzed from the fear which
seized npon corporations and individu
als that their dirty greenbacks would
be swallowed up or destroyed in the
storm raised by Wall street. Tlie re
sult of the panic has shown that while
it was causless people have hoarded cur
rency with as much avidity as if it was
specie.
The effect upon the South has been
most unfortunate. Just as the crop was
: coming on the market this wave of con
fusion sweeps over the land and drags
us into its shallow and muddy waters,
leaving our fleecy staple high and dry
for the waut of a medinm of exchange
to move it. There was chaos abroad in
the land, and we must needs share in
the general hubbub aud alarm. And
there were not wanting those interested
parties, always ou hand in times when
money is to be made, who did all in their
power to add to the general stampede,
in order to depreciate the intrinsic
value of prime necessities, and there
by profit by the depression and con
sequent reduction in prices. Our chief
staple, always subject to the manipulat
ing influences of the manufacturer and
speculator, who at this season unite in
an apparent combination to buy as
cheaply as they can, has suf-
sered from the panic. The reduction
in price is a grievous loss to the planter,
but we should remember that there is
always an effort made to tumble down
prices on the incoming of the crop. The
condition of affairs in the country for
several weeks past has favored this
“bear" combination in depressing the
market. And now that the storm is wear
ing itself out and this senseless panic is
subsiding, confidence is being restored,
and affairs are assuming a more hope
ful aspect. The banks are resuming
currency payment in the commercial
centers. The people are bringing out
currency from its hiding place, and the
prospect for the South procuring it to
move the cotton crop is encouraging.
The importations of gold from Europe,
coming forward almost every day, and
the currency from the North, w ill soon
put an end to the cotton blockade.
In this connection we desire to call
attention to an article from the New
York Bulletin, in which the position is
taken that the crop is going forward in
verv fair volume, considering the ac
wardness of the crop and the monetary
causes which have retarded its removal.
The article takes, on the whole, a hope
ful view, and is encouraging as coming
from a Northern stand-point. The writer
enjoins confidence among ourselves,
which will prevent a needless saennee
of onr matchless product which the
world must have. Our cotton is
money, and a little patience and for
bearance on the part of the creditor with
the debtor will enable the latter to re
gain strength and influence, and cotton
will again reassert its kingly power over
the money market. Let our planters
send in their cotton and repose confi
dence in the judgment and integrity of
the men whose money enabled them to
make a crop, and our word for it, the
merchant and the factor will not need
lessly sacrifice the interests thus confi
ded to their keeping. The banks have
a duty to perform, an important duty,
and that is to protect as far as in their
power the credit of the merchant and
factor and thus save from loss the inter
ests of thp producer. What we all want
in this emergency is patience and ac
commodation. There is no good reason
why the interest of any class of our peo
ple should be sacrificed, and they
will not be if good faith and wise
counsels prevail. Let the banks ac
commodate the merchant and the inter
ests of the producer can be protected.
THE DIFFERENCE.
The New York World makes a com
parison not at all complimentary to onr
President-General. When Andrew Jack
son was President he discovered that
the United States Bank was in a rotten
condition, and he at once removed the
public deposits and saved the pecmle’s
money. President Grant, finding Jay
Cooke’s national bank in a failing con
dition, at once withdrew his $40,000
and had it sent elsewhere in a tin box,
but paid no attention to the $187,000 of
public funds deposited in that institu
tion. He gave no thought of the peo
ple’s money, of which he is a trustee,
but thought only of securing liis own
dollars. This is only one example of
his entire official career. He is for
self, first, foremost, and all the time.
WILKES COUNTY FAIR.
Washington, Ga. , October 16, 1873.
Editors Chronicle and Sentinel:
The weather was cloudless and pleas
ant to-day, but the dust was intolerable,
and what is worse, the large crowd in
attendance did not tend to settle it.
Persons from all parts of the county and
the adjoining counties were here to-day.
The Fair is progressing with spirit and
excitement. The committees are busy
with their investigations, while those
who feel so disposed are engaged in
pleasure. The young ladies are talking
“light talk” with their gentlemen at
tendants, while the larger number of
men are interested in field sports—rifle
and shot gun shooting form an attrac
tive past-time, and horse racing a beau
tiful sight.
Mr. Wei borne Hill, of Wilkes,
brought the fastest trotting animal upon
the ground. There were many other
superior animals on the turf, either
running or trotting.
The pigeon match was won by Mr.
Warren Mays, over twelve other gentle
men—ho being the only one who made
a clear score with his two shots.
The day passed off pleasntly, not a
single disagreeable thing occurring to
mar its peacefulness.
To-morrow are to take place the tour
nament and other pleasures. We will
endeavor to give you all the items.
Correspondent.
LETTER FROM HANCOCK COUNTY.
Editors Chronicle and Sentinel:
The Hancock Superior Court com
menced on the 13th inst., Judge Pottle
in the chair. Tlie administrations of
his Honor thus far, I believe,give gener
al satisfaction. His charge to the grand
jury combined as clear and forcible ex
positions of law, and as strong appeals
in behalf of tho niorals of society, as we
ever heard. He very highly compliment
ed tlie Solicitor General for the extraor
dinary dilligence and energy displayed
thus far in the prosecution of criminals,
and assured the grand jury that if faith
ful to their oaths aud obligations, tlie
evils that curse society would soon be
corrected. The people are highly pleas
ed with their new Judge, and think a
new leaf will be turned over in the crimi
nal business of the Courts, and the law
made a terror to evil, dooers.
Among tlie visiting members of the
bar present are Judge Reese, and Gen.
Dußose, of Wilkes; Cols. Lewis and
Branch, of Greene; Mr. Gilmore, of
Washington, and Messrs. Williamson
and Crawford, of Baldwin.
Almost the entire week will be devot
ed to the criminal docket,but the Judge
proposes to give an adjourned term for
c : vil business, perhaps the fourth week
in November. Comparatively few peo
ple are in attendance; still there are a
sufficient number to fill the very small
and uncomfortable court room. It
strikes us that this temple of jurispru
de ice should be enlarged and seats
provided for visitors and those on busi
ness with tho Court, and save jurors aud
lawyers from suffocation from tlie crowd
standing in and around the bar. Be
sides affording the public a great cotnfort,
the noise and confusion of the court
room would be avoided, and all could
hear something at least of what was go
ing on. The spirit of the times, tlie
pride, intelligence, and ability of the
people of this venerable old county, de
mand the favorable consideration of this
matter.
The nights are cool, the weather dry,
and the streets clouded with dust, aud
coughing and swearing is in order.
Visitor.
[for the chronicle and sentinel.]
SPEAK OUT FARMERS.
To the Cotton Producing Class of the
South :
Fellow-Citizens— lt is dogmatically
Mated in the Charleston News and
Courier, of the 15th of October, that you
owe the merchants of the South almost
the entire proceeds of tho present cotton
crop, that you are threatened with wide
spread disaster, with paralysis, calcula
ted to bring national bankruptcy upon
the countrv. “The South needs instant
relief, and that relief, so far as we can
see, can only come through such ex
pansion of the currency as will raise the
blockade of the cotton crop, enable the
Southern people to pay their debts and
give them money for their daily wants.”
Is this so? Are you really a class of
beneficiaries ? After eight years inces
sant toil in the broiling sun and drip
ping rain, in which time you have pro
duced upwards of 23,205,465 bales of
cotton, which has been sold at an aver-
age price per pound exceeding 25 cents,
realizing in greenbacks an aggregate
amount exceeding two thousand five
hundred aud twenty-three million dollars,
are you compelled to plead with a gov
ernment that has never considered your
interests to issue one or two hundred
millions more of paper money that you
may be kept from bankruptcy and the poor
house ? The Hews and Courier states
the aggregate amount realized since the
close of the war at $1,593,000,000, and
the average price at 17c. This absurd
statement I will answer by giving you
figures that can be substantiated from
the files of the Chronicle and Sentinel
or the Journal of Commerce since Ist
September, 1866. ' Here they are; judge
for yourself, or you may refer back to
your last eight years’ account sales, di
vide the net proceeds by the pounds of
cotton sold, and you will see who is cor
rect :
Bales.
First September, 1866 2,151,043
First September, 1867 1,951,968
First September, 1868 2,430,893
First September, 1869 2,260,557
First September, 1870 3,203,828
First September, 1871 4,352,317
First September, 1872 2,974,351
First September, 1873 3,930,508
Total 23,205,465
Price.
First February, 1866 45c-
First February, 1867 32c.
First February, 1868 17ic.
First February, 1869 28jc.
First February, 1870 24jc.
First February, 1871 14JC-
First February, 1872 21 |c.
First February, 1873 191 c.
Average 25 44-100
An annual motley crop of $290,000,000.
Are these middle men right in their as
sertion that the fac.ors and merchants
annually advance you in money ana
provisions, which is the same, nearly
$290,000,000 a vear to grow a single
crop, and that no riShstsuding all tins
liberal assistance, you are now com
pelled to plead wtih the Government to
issue money to enable you to sell your
present crop ? There is something past
finding out, if I am mistaken in my con
victions that the statement put forward
that the cotton planter is in debt to the
approximate value of his co .ton even at
14c. per pound. I believe the state
ment is reck’essly false ab initio. I be
lieve that ruarv of the large .aruiers are
in debt; that they always have been in
debt, and that they always wall be m
debt; but that it is so of the cotton pro
ducer, as a class, my own knowledge of
how thev live, work and enjoy them
selves tells me to the contrary Be
sides. whv should the cotton producer
plead with the very Government that ex
torted from him when he was struggling
against severe odds to make cotton,
while necessity required that he should
rebuild his burnt gin houses, bay new
gins, Sac., all at fearful prices the mo
ney flowing directly to jVeic York and
Hew England, Philadelphia and Penn
sylvania ? The Government luted one
of its heavy paws off the cotton pro
dneer on tip ’B6B, be
cause “New JjManrl and I’ l nnsg/vania
demanded wMUp to tha date a. tax
exceeding gSvCr bale was levied and
collected oiA,*, ae cotton grown in the
South—sayjQ'Tdooo—ainouuting to be
tween s7s,()*ox*J and 3100,000,000. No,
fellow-citidbspi f; what cotton may be
necessary ( payyour honest debts. Use
your own j Igment in disposing of the
balance, bt let me urge you to demand
that the c< ntry pays cash as it goes,
and that tl Government resume specie
payment, ifemning its legislation so
as to gua nifx to the white man in
America l isty and justice
No mor paper money ! The South
needs gol« that she can bury iu the
earth nntifiSpfeality ceases to be at a
premium; KjLry until the white man
in the SoapSt guaranteed that negro
legislaturesgall not create negro judges
to make sifts of free-born American
citizens. . scan politicians are at a
premium ii Washington; is it to them
you are asl id to plead for an reflation
of the pap • currency of the country?
If theyißsui it, will you get the benefit
or the Wishington Star chamber?
Travel throp£jp Virginia, North Caroli
na, South Carolina and Florida, cross
into Alabama Mississippi, Arkansas and
Louisiana, tJhto the people over their
firesides, will find that there is
universal and itrnst on the part of all de
cent white eople of State and National
Governmei ; that they dare not invest
their earni ga where either the one or
the other i rtfiud them; the money is
hid, buriei yjnd will stay so until the
South hasj istice done her !
Nationalist.
THE CURRENCY WANTS OF THE
T SOUTH.
[Filin the New York Bulletin,]
From tleCotton States we have very
serious spntplaints of the scarcity of
currencyj ami the consequent embar
rasmenfm moving the cotton crop. This
outcry fosheen raised in October for
the last twijjpr three years, as a natural
result of the inadequacy of our curren
cy arranapients; but there can be
no doubt lat the hoarding of currency
consequntßupou the panic has caused
the be felt much more severe
ly than Tho reports which
tells cotton movement is
ked are, of course, over
drawn. week, 45,746 bales of cot
ton at the Southern ports,
which, ftßf true, is 42,522 bales less
than for tnftorresponding week of last
year; buj cMsidering that the crop this
year is allm one, this must be regarded
as a verJ_JS|r ratio of receipts, as it is
nearly equlJ to the arrivals of the third
week of September last year. What
ever inconveniences, therefore, may be
suffered the crop, it is clear
that, nevertheless, it does move, aud in
very fair volume.
We allude to these facts merely to
show that the blockade is not so com
plete as common rumor in mercantile
circles heie represents; readily admitting,
at the same time, that a very serious ob
struction exists, and that the effect
must be apparent in the current and
future settlement of Southern indebted
ness at this centre. The South settles
for its purchases at the East through
cotton sent for Eastern consumption and
export and through bills on Europe
made against cotton ahipments from its
own ports. The amount of cotton bills
sent here must be very light; for, in 'he
1 first place, the current low ratea of ex
change aie against the negotiation of
bills, and. in the next place, the whole
export of cotton, for tha last three
weeks, has been only 31,018 bales,
against 76,983 bales for the same time
last year. It is to be fully conceded,
therefore, that the South is in a poor
condition for providing for its current
maturing indebtedness here.
What tiie South at present pre-emi
nently needs is currency. The planters
may send their cotton to the market, and
it may be sold, aud such a movement is
evidently going on to a considerable ex
tent; but the planter cannot at once get
tho money proceeds without an enlarged
supply of currency; and unless the
planter receives his money, not only
must picking be hindered, but the store
keepers will be unable to meet their
payments to the jobbers, and the job
bers consequently will bo unable to pay
at the North.
It thus becomes a question of much
immediate importance—what is the pros
pect of the South procuringun early sup
ply of currency ? To us it does not appear
discouraging. The general scarcity of
greenbacks is due to the fact that they
command a premium and are therefore
hoarded. Tae premium, however, is
fast disappe&ring, and has now fallen to
about one-quarter per cent.—a consid
eration which barely compensates lor the
loss of interest on hoarding them. Evi
dently, therefore, we are on the eve of
the return of a large amount of currency
from private hoards. At the same time,
the expiration of the thirty days’ notice
of withdre*al which the savings banks
have required from their depositors is
close at hand ; Sifter which those insti
tutions will find that their depositors do
not want their money, when they will
part with their currency, either in the
purchase of securities, or in loans, or
by depositing a portion of their balances
iu bank. Again, at nearly every West
ern centre, exchanges are turning in favor
of New York, and the express companies
are already bringing liberal amounts of
currency from Chicago aud Cincinnati,
with the prospect of larger amounts
coming witliip a few days.
These concurrent movements cannot
fail to give odr banks, within a few days,
an augmented supply of currency ; and
a3 the importations of European gold
will add about $10,000,000 to the specie
reserves, the, banks are quite able to
show a strong; condition of their reserves
earlier than is generally expected, espe
cially considering that their deposits are
at present veiy exceptionally low. When
this condition of things is realized, the
banks will lie in a position to respond
more liberally to the wants of the banks
of the South, and a steady relief in that
direction will be realized.
It will be unfortunate for that section
if it loses confidence from the present
mdney, and needlessly sacri
fices its products. It has the commodi
ties which must command money, be
cause they are indispensable to the
largest movements of commerce; aud it
needs but a little patience for the South
to see cotton assert its wonted kingly
power over the money market.
SILVER CHANGE.
Specie Payments—The Schemes to Be
Considered in Congress This Winter.
[From tie Journal of Commerco.]
Nearly every person interested in the
finances of the country will remember
the proposition of a year or a little more
ago, to start an immense bank in the city
of New York, as a bank of redemption
and clearance for country banks. This
bank was to have a capital of $5,000,000,
with Hon. Freeman Clarke as President,
and the stick was all subscribed. It
was not lolg after this was proposed
that the matter .came up in Congress,
but in a manner that has scarcely been
observed. And as the scheme that sur
rounds it will be ooe of the prominent
matters before Congress this Winter, a
description sf its purpose becomes quite
interesting. A charier could have been
obtained without goingto Congress, but,
for reasons that will appear, Hon. Free
man Clarke introduced into the House
of Representatives on the 11th of Jan
uary, 1872, bill, of which this bank
seemed a small part, and which jumped
the question of shrinkage of values to
anticipation of the di'ect fact of specie
payments. The bank was to be a banks’
bank—-a concern created by the banks,
in their interests, and a redemption
agency on the free banking basis. The I
whole theory of Mr. Clarke’s bill was to !
evade the “statute which prevents one j
bank from subscribing to the stock of j
another by having Congress authorize the )
organization of such an institution j
by the banks, with power to take
the stock in the corporate names!
of the different banking associations, in.!
stead of compelling them to do so in the j
names of their officers. This “big bank
wa3 to redeem the notes of the country
banks in legal tenders, the Government j
redeeming its legal to iders in coir, and j
no bank was to have mo o than one per
cent, interest in it. It was proposed by
Mr. Clarse that the Government should
have SIOO,OOO 000 in coin to redeem its
legal tenders with, and that, he held,
would have saved the danger of inabil
ity to meet the drain of gold, because
the banks would lock up some $100,000,-
000 of the $356,000,000 legal tender is
sue, in the reserves. The banking laws
were to apply as free as the air, and any
bank might Issue circulation as freely
as it choosed upon the regular security,
but the feature of the forced redemption
was to be the safeguard against mla
tion. Whenever a note of any bank ma
king its clearings at the redemption
ageacy, where its acco.mt must be kept
good, should be presented for redemp
tion, it should be redeemed in legal ten
ders This, it will be seen, would make
legai tenders the basis of values based
on coin tkat the Tress ary wojld back
them with, and the burden of resump
tion being thrown on tne Government,
would, it is ela’med, inspire a confidence
in the greenbacks that would make them
preferab’s to gold as a more easily
handled money. It i 3 the old Bank of
England system over again. The Bank
of England redeems its notes in coin,
and all other banks in England may re
deem their notes in the Bank of Eng
land notes. So the credit of English
banks rests upon the solvency of the
Bank of England, and the idea of the
banks here is to make the credit of the
National Banks rest upon the solvency
of tiie Government. The privilege of
the banks to issue as much or as little
circulation as is required or desired
would, it is urged, release the crops bv
expension, or contract the currency in
times when the currency wasuot wanted,
and would at all times prevent a panic.
It would also allow a double system of
discount? without too great risk. Be
tween this and the interchangeable
currency-bond proposition (both of them
intended in the direction of elas
ticity) and the expansion of greenbacks,
Congress will be occupied this Winter.
Any one who lias fo 1 lowed the drift of
debate and committee action in Con
gress cannot fail to have noticed that
the theory of free and unlimited banking
grows stronger and stronger each year,
the difference between its devotees be
ing as to the restrictions and limitations.
The $54,000,000 act of ISTO was the first
practical step in this direction. A bold
policy, tinged with a careful desire to
avo’d violence to trade,will be the ruling
topic of debate in Congress this Winter,
and the “big bank,” being nearer in
tangible form to the much talked of
ce itral redeeming agency proposition
than anything so far brought before
Congress, may be made the basis of
much financial legislation. The arrivals
of gold from Europe seem to have
broken the ice. Men are walking about
New York with pockets full of silver
regularly taken in change. Astonished
conductors of street cars receive silver
quarters, ten and five cent pieces for
fares. Silver does rot now command a
premium over legal ter der if one wants to
sell silver, but if one wants to buy it—well,
somebody must have a profit. The
President speaks of specie payments.
The creditor class, and merchants hav
ing goods on hand are never prepared
for if, but Congress will undoubtedly,
for the first time of late years, seriously
consider the subject this Winter, and
the great bubble called “shrinkage of
values” may be pricked.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF AMERICAN
BANKING.
The Washington correspondent of the
Chicago lYibune indulges in the follow
ing reminiscences, which will be found
readable in this juncture:
Currency in America began with to
bacco, corn, wampum, etc., all recogn
ized by different colonial courts. In 1615
Virginia adopted the Spanish silver
coinage for currency, and soon after a
mint was set up in Massachusetts. Pa
per money was first issued iu Massa
chusetts in 1690 and South Carolina
created a bank in 1702. Pennsylvania
issued paper money in 1723, but Vir
ginia never did prior to the war of inde
pendence.
TIIE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD.
Then came the Continental money in
May, 1785, which did not depreciate up
to the issue of $9,000,000, aud was well
maintained until the subsidence of the
triumph over Burgoyne’s capture. At
last the whole $200,000,000 was worth in
silver only $2,500,000. In 1781 Con
gress offered to give new money for the
old, at the rate of one dollar for forty,
and then both sunk in one day to noth
ing. In 1781—the war still going on—
Congress chartered the Bank of North
America, .which began the following
year, and declared dividends of from 12
to 16 per cent, per annum. Pennsyl
vania repealed the charter of this bank,
but it refused to close up, claiming a
national paternity. The General Con
stitution than came into play, forbid
ding any State to coin money, emit bills
of credit, make anything but gold and
Silver coin a tender in payment of debts,
or pas3 any law impairing the obliga
tion of contracts. This left unsaid the
right or want of right of Congress to
establish a national bank, although
Judge Story maintains the right. Ham
ilton at once drew up a plan of such a
bank, and the Cabinet divided upon it,
but it was approved by Wsshington,
and the bank went into being in 1791,
with a capital of $10,000,000 —one-fifth
Government subscription. It was a
success, and paid 8 per cent-, dividends,
and its stock—partly held in Europe—
ro e se above par. In 1811 a Madisiouian
Congress refused to renew its charter.
TIIE SUSPENSION OF 1814
In 1814, the Pall of the year, the
American State banks suspended for the
same reason as at present—to close up
before they should be drained and bank
rupt. The Middle States, which had
subscribed to the war loans most libe
rally, led the panic, as now, for they
had contributed $36,000,000 out of $41,-
000,000. Government taxes were, of »<:-
cessity, receivable in State currency;
Treasury notea or bills of exchequer,
bearing interest, were, therefore, issued
for a time, but a second Bank of the
United States became imperative. It
was created in 1816, and began business
the following year withs3s,ooo,ooo capi
tal—one-fifth Government subscription,
ns before. This bank, by importing
$7,000,000 of specie, lifted the State
banks to their feet, and resumption was
general throughout the Union.
THE MIDDLE PERIOD.
With the exception of commercial
difficulties in 1819, everything went on
smoothly until 1832, when a re-eliarter
of the United States Bank was vetoed
by Congress, followed by the removal of
the Government deposits (more than
$11,000,000) iu 1833. The charter ran
out in 1836; but anew charter was ob
tained by a device from the State of
Pennsylvania. At that date there were
about six hundred banks in the country,
with $230,000,000 capital, a circulation
of $103,000,000 and $45,000,000 specie.
One hundred and sixty-five banks had
failed in all between 1811 aud 1830.
The facility of our system of banking
had its advocate* in England—among
them Lord Althorp; but the joint stock
banks of that kingdom being of unlimit
ed liability, and covered by the private
property of every shareholder, were pre
ferred by Parliament. It was not until
1856 that the English joint stock com
pany was “ limited” in individual lia
bility, and even now a director or offi
cial of any “limited” company engaged
in banking, insurance, etc., who pub
lishes fraudulent accounts or false ad
vertisements, is liable criminally and for
damages! The removal of deposits led
to their transfer to certain selected banks
as depositories. The “ specie circular”
of Gen. Jackson being rescinded by
Congress, all kinds of bank notes be
came receivable for the pubb'c dues and
lands, making a vast surplus of paper
truck, which for safe keeping was dis
tributed among the States.
THE SUSPENSION OF 1837.
May 10, 1837, specie payments were
suspended over the country generally,
and Now York city was garrisoned with
militia. Shinplasters, tokens and de
preciated bills of exchange were now the
currency; tbo Government was threat
ened with a Treasury deficit, and Van
Bnren had to call Congress in session
five days after the suspension. He op
posed the re-charter of a national bank,
and recommended a perpetual dissolu
tion of the connection between the Fede
ral Government and any bank of issue,
even as a depositor. Caleb Cushing led
off against the message. Clay, Web
ster, Bayard, Quincy Adams, Fillmore,
Dick Biddle, Wise, etc., followed. Van
Buren was defended by Silas Wriglit,
Calhoun, Buchanan, Benton, Bob Walk
er, etc. The President prevailed. Treas
ury notes were issued to provide for a
deficiency, Caleb Cushing—that young,
or old, lawyer of Babylon—touched the
issue of the day thus on the retention of
an installment of money due rotten
States :
“The American Government,” said
Caleb, “is not to exert itself for the relief
of the American people ! Very well. If
this be your policy, I, as representing
the people, will not exert myself for the
relief of your Administration.”
Benton says this waa “chicanery.”
THE INDEPENDENT ThHAfIUBT.
In January, 1838, the Treasury was
bankrupt ; but this stopped the distri
bution of surplus to the States, led to
bank resumption, and founded the Inde
pendent Treasury. Biddle’s “Pennsyl
vania Legislature Bank of the United
States” meantime madp use of its dead
circulation as assets, and claimed nearly
820,000,000 circulation ; which conduct
Congress stopped by eevere enactment.
The banks of New York resumed May
10, 1838. August 12, following, all
the banka resumed, including Biddle’s
bank, which kept its stock meantime up
to a premium of sl2 per share. October,
9, Biddle’s bank followed him into re
tirement, carrying with it nearly all the
banks of nearly half the Union. Yet, as
late as Jaruarv, 1840, this chimera re
turned its assets as 874,000,000, and its
liabilities at only $37,000,000. It sold
ficticious bills in Europe, and thus ran
more honest banks hard for specie, and
professed to be solvent long after it re
pealed the Independent Treasury bill,
and was about providing for a third na
tional bank, when Tyler’s defection ar
rested it. The Whigs forthwith repu
diated Tyler. Caleb was the champion
of a board of exchequer, with a nation- i
al currency of paper money; and the j
proposition died before it was born.
ANTE-BELLUM INSURANCE.
Details of the Richmond Case.
[From the Richmond Whig.]
In the United States Circuit Court
yesterdav the ease of Augustus Han
cock ard wife, of Chesterfield county,
V s. the New York Life Insurance Com
pany, was tried, Judge Bond giving the
fol'owing instructions :
“If the jury fiud from the evidence
that the defendant, the New York Life
Insurance Company, did insure the life
of Augustus Hancock for the term of
his natural life and for the benefit of
Sarah A. Hancock, as set out in the
policy of insurance offered by the plain
tiffin evidence; and if the jury find that
tire said Sarah A. Hancock complied
with the terms of the said policy of in
surance on her part to be performed by
the payment of the annual premium of
8142 75 to the agent of the said com
pany until the said agency was with
drawn by the company because of the
outbreak of hostilities; and if the jury
find that within a reasonable time after
the close of hostilities and the re-estab
li-iiment of the company’s agency at
Richmond, the plaintiffs offered to pay
the premiums fallen due during the war,
but that the company refused to receive
such premiums unless the said Hancock
would submit to a medical examination
for anew policy, aud wholly refused to
be bound by said contract of life insur
ance, then the plaintiffs are entitled to
recover such damages as they may find
from the evidence in the cause. The
plaintiffs have suffered by reason of the
defendant’s breach of contract.”
The jury returned a verdict for plain
tiffs in the amount of $1,371.
THANKSGIVING.
Thursday, November 27, Appointed
by the President.
Washington, October 14. —The fol
lowing is just made public:
A Proclamation by the President of the
United States of America :
The approaching close of another year
brings with it the occasion for renewed
thanksgiving and acknowledgment to
the Almighty Ruler of the Universe of
the unnumbered mercies which He has
bestowed upon us. Abundant harvests
have been among the rewards of indus
try. With local exceptions, health has
been among the blessings enjoyed.—
Tranquility at homo and peace with
other nations have prevailed. Frugal
industry is regaining its merited recog
nition and its merited rewards. Gradu
ally, but under the Providence of God
surely, as we trust, the nation is re
covering from the lingering results of a
dreadful civil strife. For these and all
the other mercies vouchsafed, it becomes
us as a people to return heartfelt and
grateful acknowledgments, aud, with
our thanksgiving, we may unite prayers
so the cessation of local and temporary
suffering,
I therefore recommend that on Thurs
day, the 27th day of November next, the
people meet iu their respective places
of worship to make their acknowledg
ments to Almighty God for His boun
ties and His protection, and to offer to
Him prayers for their continuance.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set
my hand, and causod the seal of the
United States to be affixed. Done at
the City of Washington, this 14th day
of October, in the year of our Lord
1873, and of the Independence of the
United States the ninety-seventh.
[Signed] U. S. Grant.
By the President—
Hamilton Fisn, Secretary of State.
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
Condition of tlio Crop.
Washington, October 17. —The aver
age condition of cotton in the first week
of October, as compared with October
reports of 1871, aud 1872 stands as much
higher than that of the former year as
it falls below the record of the latter.
The standard crop being a good normal
growth, the yearly losses from worms
and other casualties almost always re
duce the record below one hundred, and
tiie present reduction usually occurs in
September. The average this year has
fallen off from 8> to 78) since the first
week of September—a larger reduction
than usually occurs. The general aver
age in October, 1871, was 76. It was 82
in October of last year. The area was
one-eighth greater in 1872, and the
Autumn more favorable for development
and picking and the result an increase
of about one million bales. The area
of the present year was increased about
ten per oent., but a portion of the
enlargement was abandoned and the
October statitics of the crop is ma
terially reduced. The season must
he of average length and comparatively
favorable Jo” picking to ensure a crop
equal to that of last year. The State
averages are as follows: Yirginia, 90;
North Carolina, $8; South Carolina, 80;
Georgia, 82; Florida, 76; Alabam, 78;
Mississippi, 75; Louisiana, 65; Texas,
80; Arkansas, 83; Tennessee, 90; Missou
ri, 90.
Worms have continued their ravages
and made advances upon new territory
in Arkansas and North Carolina. Sever
al counties in the lattar State report the
presence of the caterpillar for the first
time.
A disastrous storm destroyed much
cotton in Florida and in adjacent States
on the 19th of September. Much stain
ed cotton is reported in the seabord
States. There is a general complaint
that the plants are already hare of
leaves, and that picking will be com
plete at an early date. In some coun
ties of the Gulf States it is claimed that
there will be an average crop notwith
standing the caterpillar and boll worm,
while in other counties a loss of one
third of the crop from worms is ex
pected .
THE MURDER RECORD.
A Lousianna Creole Killed by a Gam
bler iu a Drawing Room.
The Now Orleans papers of Wednes
day last have full details of the assassi
nation of Henry Armand, a member of
a well known Creole fau.ily, by Samuel
M. Williams, a gambler, on the previ
ous evening, at the boarding house of
Mrs. Felchart, No. 119 Royal street. —
The tragedy is thus described by the
landlady:
At about eight o’clock in the evening
I was sitting in the parlor with my
daughters. Upon the door being open
ed leading into the hall I saw Mr. Ar
mand, who was an old friend of mine,
and whom I had known for years, com
ing up. At the same time ill. Wil
liams, who boarded in the housa, was
coming down. The two taon met at the
head of the stairs, when they jostled—
Mr. Armand saying, “Get oat of my
way, will you?” and pushing Mr. Wil
liams aside, walked in, stating he had
come to pay mo a visit. Mr. Armand
boarded in the house with me
for about a year, though he left
about a month ago. Ifr. Williams has
"boarded with for over two years and
was always appearently very quiet.
About fifteen minutes after Mr. Wil
liams had gone out, aud while Mr. Ar
mand was quietly sitting talking with
us, Mr. Williams opened the door and
walked in, going up to a few feet of
us, and drawing a pistol fired at Mr.
Armand, saying at the same time, “You
insulted me, did you ?” Tkis shot struck
the wall just behind Mr. Armand, who
rose, when Williams again fired, his ball
apparently taking elect in Mr. Armand’s
temple, for he mil, lie crawling over to
the corner by the door. I acreamed for
help, when Mr. Williams again fired, Hit
ball striking the wall over Mr. Armand,
who then rose up partially, and Wil
liams fired again twice, both balls taking
effect, one in Mr. Armand’s neck and
the other in his left ear. I, with my
oldest daughter, then seized Mr. Wil
liams, who ran towards the stairway,
Mr. Armand crawling into the hall,
when he expirfed. Mr. Williams broke
from us and ran into the street, drop
ping his pistol on the stairs, when it was
picked up by someone and carried
away. To my kn iwledgo there never
had been any previous difficulty between
the men, and though they boarded in
the same house barely exchanged words.
I think, though, there may have been a
coolness between them on account, of
Xfr. A-I onprcnsed a tlinlrKc
for Mr. Williams’ profession.
Immediately after the shootiug it ap
pears Williams ran into the street, where
he was arrested by a gentleman name!
J. B. Tiißson and conveyed to the Thirl
precint station, where he was locked up
His pistol, as stated, was not fount}
having been removed by someone
1 hough that of young Armand wa|
found without a bullet di charged.
Dr. Lewis, who was passing at th«
time, immediately did everything possii
ble for the dying man, but he expired I
few seconds after liis arrival, withoul
speaking a word.
PALMETTO LEAVES.
Another colored student has been ad
mitted into the South Carolina Univiq
si tv.
The Northeastern Railroad depot
Charleston will be completed about tl
middle of next week.
There were 35 deaths in
for the week ending October lltly
whites, 7; colored, 28.
Mr. John Carwile, of Edgefield, |s
picked four good heavy bags of cotfc
from two and a half acres.
The Edgefield Sabre Club will vj|t
the State Fair at Columbia, and liol|a
tournament on the grounds.
A movement is on foot to establista
Church of Strangers in Columbia, sii
lar to that presided over by Bev. |r.
Deems in New York.
The tournament of the white coffa
nies of the Fire Department of Chals
ton has been arranged to take placfen
the first Monday in April.
The gin house of Mr. Steve Wife,
and eleven bales of cotton, were burn],
near Ridge Spring, on Friday last. Is
SI,BOO. No insurance.
The report that ex-Gov. Bonhanils
bought a farm near Staunton, Va.,|d
will remove thither soon, with his ft
ly, is without foundation.
A lad, four years old, named Wlr
Dargan, was terribly injured in Darfe
ton, last Saturday, by a ootton M,
which fell upon him, crushing his rsi r
bone and otherwise injuring liiidf
verely.
LETTER FROM BARNWELL, SOUTH
CAROLINA.
Affairs in Barnwell—The Effects of the
Panic—The Coming Fair, Races, «Scc.
Barnwslt., S. C., October 15, 1873.
Editors Chronicle <(- Sentinel :
It lias been some time since 1 last
wrote von, but have intentionally de
layed that I might give you an account
of the workings of the great
CRISIS IN BARNWELL.
_ Our planters, it seems, are inclined to
follow the advice of Col. D. Wyatt
Aiken, and hold to the last their cotton,
expecting thereby to obtain a fabulous
price for the staple the ensuing Spring.
Os course there are a few exceptions
among the more intellectual class, who
differ with Col. Aiken as to his advice,
and who are shipping their eotton as
fast as possible. And then, again, there
are those who are necessarily compelled
to forward their products to market, in
order to meet their obligations to their
factors ; but, as a goneral thing, those
who can are determined to withhold
from market what eotton it was their
good fortune to make, that in the Spring
they may “command 25 or 30 cents”
for it, as they readily believe can easily
be done.
THE NOVEMBER FAIR.
The annual county Fair will com
mence here on the 24th of noxt month,
and a gala time is anticipated. Great
preparations are being made by the
Agricultural and Mechanical Society to
make the exhibition a perfect success,
aud have, in consequence, offered many
and very valuable premiums in order to
induce our “brawny sons” of the field
to exhibit specimens of the various pro
ducts that during the past year they
succeeded in courting from “mother
earth;” and also, to induce our “fair
country women” to produce specimens
of their skill, ingenuity and ability
in the way oi plain aud fancy
needle work, cookery, &c. , for which
they are so famous. In short, for every
article of mechanism aud art there is
some premium offered, and it is reason
ably expected that a multitude of peo
ple will visit this fifth annual Fair of
the Agricultural and Mechanical Asso
ciation of Barnwell, which continues
from the 24th to the 26th, inclusive,
when the
TENTH ANNUAL It \CIS MEETING
Os the Sherwood Jockey Club will com
mence, lasting three days, at which it is
expected there will be the finest racing
South of Baltimore sitico the war.
Among tlio horses that will take part in
the contests may be found the following
far-famed racers, to-wit: From Col. T.
G. Bacon’s stable, the famous “ Frauk
Hampton” and “ Ned Brace,” and somo
two and three year old colts by the
celebrated imported stallions Leaming
ton and Australian. From Messrs.
Fludd & Cash’s stable, “ Girl of My
Heart,” “ Prussian,” “ Rutledge” and
“Frosty.” Mr. T. H. Wood, of Augusta,
who ran “ Jim Hinton” at our last meet
ing, is also expected to return with that
good horse and some others. General
M. C. Butler is also expected to be here
with some fine Kentucky colts, which are
now in training for the Columbia races ;
and lastly, but not least, our townsman,
Mr. Alfred Aldrich, will “be there,”
with his ever willing “Bill Stoney,” who
struggled so fiercely, but iu vain, to re
tain the laurels of the Sherwood course
at our meeting last Fall, which for three
or four years previous he had enjoyed.
“Sim Barker,” also, who is well known
in our county,will “not be lacking,” you
bet. There are many others expected to
“put iu an appearance,” but for fear of
disappointing any of your readers we
will mention no more; but with tlio
above named animals, all who desire to
witness fine racing, and will honor Sher
wood and swell the crowd with their
presence, wo guarantee will not bo dis
pointed. During the week there is also
to boa
BALLOON ASCENSION,
A sight which will startle many a gray
haired sire of this section, and give them
thought for study for many a long year ;
aud wlieu the “little fair ones” (and big
ones, too) catch a glimpse of the Texas
giant that is to honor us with the light
of his countenance on this festive occa
sion, thore will bo many a knee quake
and rosy check turned to ashy paleness
at the sight of this modern Goliah.
And, then, to crown the week’s hilarity,
and put a twelve months’ quietus to our
annual festivities, there is to be a
GRAND BALL AND TOURNAMENT
Given by the Sherwood Club.
"For thee, youug warrior, wolcomo! —thou hast
yet
Some tasks to learn, some frailties to forget,
Ere tho whito war-plume o’er thy brow can
wavo.”
The prizes to be contended for at
the tournament aro various, con
sisting of handsome saddles, bridles,
plated spurs, and numerous other arti
cles. The hall is to he “the affair
of the season,” and the club have suc
ceeded in engaging one of the finest
string and cornet bands in the country,
while the supper will be the most tempt
ing ever placed before our people. The
whole is to be truly a grand affair, and
to one and all we say “ Como ! wel
come ! and for ODce put to test the
boasted hospitality of old Carolina’s
sons ;” for there remains yet a few
whoso inborn spirit of chivalry has not
been blunted by the tyrannical sway of
Radicalism. Come one—come all!
Virgil.
GEORGIA ITEMS.
Atlanta is filled with “show people.”
But a slight increase iu the Savannah
eotton receipts.
Cotton receipts are still good in Rome,
but sales are limited.
Bibb county is determined not to be
behindhand at the Fair.
Anew hook and ladder company is to
be organized in Savannah.
A boat will soon be launched at Resaca,
to ply in the Oostanaula river.
All the railroads terminating in Macon
will run special trains to the Fair.
The Mayor of Norcross is on the jury
of the United States Court, iu Atlanta.
Columbus has contributed $1,701 50
to the Memphis and Shreveport suf
ferers.
A prematurely born white child was
found in a cigar box in Columbus, Wed
nesday.
Covington is complaining because some
one persists in removing the dippers
from the town pumps.
Hon. T. Hardeman, of Macon, will
address the Washington County Agricul
tural Society oa the 23d.
Clay, with hi* celebrated fonr-in-hand,
will be in attendance at the Washington
County Fair next week.
Some funny individual cut off one of
the coat tails of the editor of the Geor
gia Enterprise, Thursday night.
A Macon atari proposes to enter a
combination fowl—half chicken and half
guinea—at the State Fair. Atlanta will
trot out something to beat that if pos
sible.
Mr. John G. Blitch, a former citizen
and merchant of Savannah, has deter
mined to build a large bridge across tbe
Ogeechee river at No. 6, Central Rail
road.
The military spirit is on the rampage
in Washington county. There are al
ready organized and in process of organ
ization, four companies—two of infan
try and two of cavalry.
The custom house authorities in Sa
vannah seized two hundred and twenty
firr; fcbxraß«ntJ ttno ctgwr.i, Tae.-vlay , that
were being taken off the Spanish bark
Nueva Bnenventnra. The cigars were
brought out by the sailors, who were at
tempting to smuggle them.
On Saturday last, a man, who had
been attending the United States Courts
in Atlanta, probably under indictment
for illicit distilling, left Atlanta under
eirenmstances which looked very much
like running away. He went toNorcross,
and there stole a valuable horse from a
citizen and continued his way. The
citizen soon discovered his loss and
started in pursuit. He captured his
man and returned to Norcross with the
horse. When asked what he had done
with his prisoner, his only reply was
that he bail lost him. No further infor
mation as to the disposition of the thief
could be obtained.
The Griffin News, of Thursday, says :
A gentleman from an adjoining county
was in the city on yesterday, hunting up
a, warrant, who was sadly fmm du com
bat. His mother-in-law, brothers-in
law, sisters-in-law, and some of the
children had assaulted and forced him
into a fence corner, and then and there
did unlawfully beat, wound and ill-treat
him and other w ongs then and there
did to the prosecutor to the extent of
bruising and skinning him up to a large
extent, contrary to the laws of said
State, etc. He wants to know if a whole
family, headed by the usual ferocious
mother-in-law, has the right to regulate
affairs after this style, and a Squire of
the Peace will prooeed to investigate the
matter instanter.
San Fbancjisoo, October 17. —A dis
patch from Bakersfield, Kern county,
California, gives the particulars of a
horrible affray near that place on elec
tion day. Larry Watson asked Moses
Gilman "who he had voted so-, and upon
receiving a reply, struck him on the
head with a pistol, inflicting a wound
which resulted in the death of Gilman
in a few minutes. Robert I’eppord and
others attempted to arrest Larry, when
he drew a knife and stabbed Poppord
twice, inflicting mortal wounds. I’ep
pord then got the knife away from Wat
son and stabbed him, when both fell
and died within ten minutes of each
other.
YELLOW JACK.
Letter From Rev. Hylvauus Landrum.
[From the Savannah Nows. |
The following letter from the nbove
named gentleman will bo read with gen
eral interest: Much has been telegraphed
and written concerning the scourge now
resting upon this city. The magnitude
of tho subject makes it a difficult one to
write about, especially by one who sees
its daily ravages. The experiences of
few weeks past have, in some respects,
reminded me much of the saddest times
during the war. Every hour we hear of
an w death, and every morning and
evening we look over long lists of tho
dead to see who of our friends have
passed away. We compare to-day’s
dead with yesterday’s, and eagerly in
quire for indications of some puliation
of the pestilence. Our undertakers aro
worn out, and their supply of coffins ex
hausted. They can no longer ho relied
on for regularity, but bury when they
can. The disease originated in a filthy
place in North Memphis, but now has
pervaded the wlio'e community. We
are averaging over fifty deaths per day,
with a population reduced to one-third
its usual size. Indeed, out of a popula
tion estimated at sixty thousand, it is
supposed that not more Ilian ten thous
and white persons sleep in the city.
Blocks of business houses are close!
and nearly whole streets of residences
deserted. Os course cotton comes iu,
and some business is done on orders;
hut many of the leading merchants have
left tho city. The chief activities aro
about the offices of tho Citizens’ Relief
Committee and the Howard Association
and the commissary stores. Here you
will find a crowd of all colors aud con
ditions, at all hours.
In any part of the city you will find
members of tho Howard Association,
the Masonic and Odd Fellows’ Relief
Committees making their morning and
evening rounds, furnishing nurses, rood,
fuel and medicine. Ry visiting tho
headquarters of this Association and
these Orders ono may find out the con
dition of tho sufferers in every direction.
The work is systematized, and incalcul
able good done. There are mauv nurses
from abroad, especially from New Or
leans and Mobile. When an application
for a nurse is made it is met with great
promptness. Nurses receive from five
to ten dollars a day. The disease re
quires incessant vigilance.
The Sunday Hchoo’s are suspended, or
very thinly attended. There are no
services in the churches at night, and in
but few on Sunday morning. The pas
tors have been exposed in all forms by
day and night. Two Presbyterian min
isters aud three Catholic priesto have
died. Ono Methodist minister is now
sick. One of the above, Rev. F. H.
Rowmau, was the sou of Dr. Bowman,
formerly of Greensboro, Georgia. A
singular coincidence occurred in connec
tion with Mr. Bowman’s death. At tho
very time of the interment of his body,
the ceiling o' his church fell down upon
the pews, the house being closed.
I frequently see three or four hearses
in sight at once. The poor are carried
out piled up in wagons. Very few attend
even the funerals of the most distin
guished and the rich. Often it is diffi
cult to secure enough to move the body
from the house. Many people have a
great fear of coming near a yellow fever
subject. Some of the physicians say it
is not contagious, but the people believe
it is “catching.” In one hundred aud
fifty yards of my house is the residence
of Dr. Coleman. I entered his houso
and found him down with yellow fever ;
passing to the next room there lay his
wife and two children ; then to the next
room, and there was his sister ; ami,
finally, in another room, his eldest
daughter, all prostrated in forty hours—
six out of a family of seven. In tho dis
trict where the pestilcnee began a gen
tleman found children oil the door-steps
and asked about father and mother—
both dead. 8o it is with hundreds.
Yesterday I followed alone a young hus
band to tho grave—leaving nt tlio house
his wife and infant, both dangerously
ill with the same disease.
We have had three light frosts, and
wo trust the beginning of the end has
come. G, wo can thank God for frost!
Myself and family have thus far es
caped the disease.
Sylvanus Landrum.
October 13th, 1873.
Memphis, October 17.—There wero
thirty deaths yesterday from yellow
fever. Fathers Schultz and Leo (Catho
lic priests), vlied to-night. Five priests
and five Sisters of Mercy have died Hinco
the fever commenced. Mayor Johnson
is worse.
Memphis, October 18.—Thirty-one
deaths in tho last twenty-four hours
from yellow fever.
Montgomery, October 18.—One yel
low fever death for the past twenty-four
hourH.
THE WILKES FAIR.
The Last Day of the Exhibition.
[special correspondence chronicle
AND SENTINEL.]
Washington, Oa., October 17, 1873.
With the finishing of to-day did the
Wilkes County Fair lnivo its end. To say
that it has been a success is but to givo
expression to the general opinion. The
incidents of to-day have been entertain
ing and exciting in the highest sente.—
From morning till night there lias
been a continual call for our attention.
Races, shooting, and a tournament have
contributed vastly towards rendering
the day the most attractive of all. The
awarding of premiumstramjpired during
the day, and while the expectations of
somo of the competitors were disappoint
ed, others were much gratified at their
own success. Washington may boast of
her energy and enterprise; for if wo
may judge by the exhibition she has
just given, we may safely assort that
she goes ahead of any other town of the
same size in the State. The races be
tween mules Avere highly amusing,
while those between fast horses wore
very exciting. A great deal of money,
of course, exchanged hands.
The tournament was well arranged,
and was carried through with success.
Mr. Charles Smith was the most skillful
knight, and Mr. Geo. A. Duncan came
out second. There was no crowning of
young ladies after the contest, but the
riders quietly retired after the tourna
ment was over.
Miss A. D. Heard was awarded the
premium for the best penciling, and
Capt. James Wingfield received with the
greatest cheerfulness the fine premium
offered by Mr. (leorge Sharpe, of Atlan
ta. His was adjudged by the committee
to be the most admirable display of
farm produce. The other premiums
were numerous; indeed, too numerous
to mention.
The day was enjoyed by all who wero
on tlio ground, and we think the entire
Fair from beginning to end has been most
entertaining and instructive. We extend
our hearty thanks and congratulations to
the Wilkes County Fair Association for
the most entertaining exposition which
they have given this year, and compli
ment, them upon the taste and energy
which they, in every feature of the Fair,
displayed. Correspondent.
REV. WILLIAM J. PARKS.
[From the Atlanta Constitution.]
In every part of Georgia, the death of
this aged pastor, this faithful servant of
the Divine Master, will bo sincerely
mmirrmil, lie was esteemed by the
whole of the great church which ho
served over half of a century; and
especially in the Methodist Episcopal
Church .South will his death be deeply
regretted. He died suddenly at his
home, in Oxford, on Thusday night, at
10 o’elm k. For a long'timo he had been
in feeble health, and for nearly two
years had been nimble to walk by reason
of a partial paralysis of the limbs.
Those who attended the last commence
ment at Oxford will perhaps remember
the oheery, hopeful face of the vener
able minister as he was brought in by
some of liis friends. We regret that wo
have not fuller particulars of his long
arid useful life. He was born in Frank-
lin oouuty, where lie commenced to
preach in 1822. From that time down to
about ten years ago—when he was retired
on account of physical infirmities—ho la
bored without intermission in the Confer
ence that witnessed his first Inborn. The
church held him in high esteem almost,
from the outset of his clerical career. At
least thirty years of his ministry were
spent in the capacity of Presiding Elder;
and he appeared as a delegate in every
General Conference that li/is been held
since 1828, with the exception of ono
that occurred while lie was sick. To a
pure and blameless life, and to deep de
votion in his holy calling, he brought a
dear and welbbalanoed mind. His lead
ing characteristic was strong common
sense. He possessed great executive
talents ; and the Georgia Conference
never produced a better presiding offi
cer. We have no information of his last
moments, but the ohise of such a life as
his oould not well have been otherwise
than Feaoeful. He certainly met the
King of Terrors secure in the blessed
hopes of a sublime faith and steadfast
obedience. In the course of his long
life he was three times married, and a
wife and four children are left to mourn
his loss. His only son, Rev. H. H.
Parks, is the pustor of Trinity Church,
Savannah.
Atlanta lfoavd From,
Atlanta, Ootobcr 18.—The money or
der e'erk in the Atlanta post office has
absconded. The investigation to-day
shows a deficiency, but the amount haa
not yet been ascertained,
