University of South Carolina Libraries
notusmc SKETCH OF S. C. * GA. RAILROAD WIm. E%kl MU., w Hmi. Wu C~,m4 •ni • T«ri>\c lUto W S^d The following article, written years ago by W. 0. Chafee, appeared last week in the Aiken Journal and Review. The age of the manuscript and the an tiquity of the period with which it deals renders it unusually interesting. ■ The style is very pleasing. It was written for a certain magazine, following the publication therein of in article entitled “Ninety Miles an Hour.” Aside from that, it is of interest to Barnwell readers because of the fact that this railroad was prevented from coming through this town because of the opposition of the old landowners, who feared that the “iron horse" would kill their little slaves and turkeys! The article follows: The writer of an excellent article in your April number, “At Ninety Miles an Hour” was doubtless too much occu pied with the sensation incident upon so great a speed to give even a thought to the time when eight miles an hour was considered a good rate of speed for a railway train; yet there was such a time in the history of railroading in the United States. The railroad running from Augusta, Ga., to Charleston, S. C., chartered about 1830, as the S. C. Rv. and Canal Co., has witnessed every stage of de velopment known in railway construc tion. This road was several years in building, being opened for traffic its full length, from Charleston, S. C. to Hamburg, in the same state, on the Sa vannah river, opposite Augusta, Ga., duriag the year 1834. Its route is along the old Indian trail leading from Au gusta to Charleston. At first there was no cuts or hills on the line, the grade being maintained by a trestle work which extended its entire length. The first two locomotives, weighing two or three tons each, were built in England and brought to Charleston in charge of their first drivers, Messrs Theo Ra- worth and Joseph Haddon, both of whom, then very young men, grew old and gray in the service of the road and saw the tiny tea pot locomotives they first directed gradually evolve into the moguls of the present day Both of these veterans of the throttle have with in the past few years paid the debt of nature, leaving many friends to revere their memories. There being many very long, straight stretches of track on this road, the first cars, as an experiment, were fitted with sails designed to help the engineer if a favorable breeze happened to be blow ing from the rear; but this method of supplementary locomotion was early diaesutinued. Ths first railroad accident in America probably oocured in Charleston It being a mooted question whether or Mt a traia traveling at the rate of eight mlloa an hour could turn a curve with out leaving the track, a circular track was constructed in a vacant lot in the jflty around which a small car was drag ged Wtth all the speed which could be developed by a half dozen negroes who were hitched to the front of the car The omnipresent small boy was even then in evidence as s little "nigger” was aa^ed in state'upon the car As Hi i*vk would bare it the car flew the (Tick and alighted upon the luckless little darkey Injuring him so that he suf fered the amputation of his leg. However, after further experiment the elevation of the outer rail settled the question of safely turning a curve. There is, in the library of the State University, at Columbia, S. C., a most interesting old pamphlet containing an account of the proceedings of a meet ing held in Charleston in the latter! part of the twenties to consider the , advisability of embarking in the novel j scheme of constructing the railroad in question. The most prominent men of the State and from several other States were present. The friends of the enterprise were very sanguine and the enemies equally determined in their opposition. It was argued in favor of the enterprise that it was a new and very rapid method of trans portation, by means of which could be j attained a speed of eight miles per ! .hour continuously and it was hoped that it could soon be increased to ten miles per hour, while as a hope of the future twelve to fifteen miles per hour was suggested. At this juncture a member of the meeting arose and remarked that any set of fools who thought that they would ever travel on land for any length of time at twelve miles per hour ought to be at once committed to the State Lunatic Asylum. It was further said that rushing at the \ speed mentioned would run over the live stock and slaves of the land own ers along the line even if they them selves escaped with their lives. That smoke of the locomotives would so pollute the atmosphere that pestilence woulii overtake the unfortunate peo ple living near by. It was even as serted by a well known engineer that it would be impossible to construct bridges across streams, capable of supporting the enormous weight of trains, which at that time would have Xobably weighed lass than one Pull- uan car of the preseat day. But strange as it Mg seem one of \ the forcible srgumeats used against the scheme was that it would discourage the breeding of fast horses as people would cesse to ride in their vehicles drawn by swift horses and be take themselves to the more luxurious railway. In spite however of all opposition the road was finally bqilt and some of its most bitter opponents lived long enough to be enriched by the multitude of the merchandise it brought to the City by the Sea. A very amusing insight into the crude manner in which the road was conduct ed even after it has Jbeen in operation for considerably more than a decade, is furnished by the reports of the South Carolina Supreme Court. An action was brought in the Circuit court Against the railway company by a master to recover the value of a slave who had been run over on the track and killed, as it was alleged, through the negligence of the servants of the company. (It seems strange that this case should be the leading one in South Carolina on the neligent killing of stock.) The Court awarded to the own er the value of the slave. The supreme court in reviewing the case reversed the judgement of the lower court because, as they said, it appedear from the evidence that the slave had gone to sleep on the track in weeds and grass that were so high that an en gineer could not see him, no matter how carefully he might have been looking out in front of his locomotive. It would be hard to imagine the hor ror of a railroad traveler of the present day if he could behold a track so over grown that a man could play hide and seek with the engineer. A conductor now in the employ of this road who has been in its service since 1862 told the writer that shortly after he began to run, the train on its way to Charleston crawled up to a sta tion where a prominent South Carolin ian and his bride were setting out on a CLEMSON COLLEGE EXTENSION WORK C. C. Newman T«IU How to CukiToto Strawborrio* Successfully. Clemson College, May 2.—Straw berries thrive best on sandy or sandy loam soil, but can be grown to perfect ion on almost any type of well drained, fertile soil. Before setting the plants, the land should be thoroughly plowed and harrowed until in perfect condi tion. A fertilizer analyzing 6 per cent phosphoric acid, 4 per cent nitrogen, and 8 per cenj potash should be*applied in the row at the rate of from 500 to 600 lbs. per acre. This should be mix ed with the soil by running one furrow with a plow. If the plants are to be cultivated with the plow the rows should be 3 feet apart and the plant set 18 inches apart in the row. The straw berry is a surface feeder and therefore should be cultivated shallow to prevent injuring the roots of the plant. For best results strawberries should be cultivated in single crowns, that is the runners should not be allowed to form along the row. As soon as they, appear they should be removed. This may be done either with the hoe or the hand. When the runners are allowed to form the old plant is weakened to some extent which will lessen the crop of fruit the foliowing year. If the run ners are allowed to form all along the row, a larger number of berries will be produced, but the quantity will not be increased nor will the quality of the berries be as good as when grown in a gingle crown. A strawberry bed should be renewed after the third year. It is, therefore, advisable to plant a strawberry bed every year to take the place of the old one that is discarded. In the early Spring the old beds should he fertilized. This is done by scattering the wedding tour. There was however! fertilizer broadcast hetwetn ^ rows great commotion and tribulation in t h t . | and then cult,vatin ^ shaIlow ln ordt>r wedding party. For some unforseen | ,0 lrH ' or » K)ra,e ,ht ‘ fert,llzt ‘ r w,,h ,h, ‘ reason the negro driving the wagon'* 011 The plants should then he mulch load of trunks had not arrived, and in those days it was decidedly a serious matter for travelers to be separated from their baggage The obliging con ductor whose years of service I ma\ say have but added to his affability Capt Gilbert was appealed to to know how long he could hold the train Con I suiting his schedules, as there was then no telegraph line, he replied that he could not possibly hold the train longer than one hour and a quarter The pas sengen had to content themselves as beat they could, the trainmen drowsed away an hour and a quarter while Cnele Sam s mail waited complaisant)) upon the inscrutable movement! of a nigger and a mule traveling m the night, who finally failing to appear, all aboard was sonnded and the train puffed reluctant ly away in the direction of Charieoton. The winter tourist now ruahes la an elegant train over a portion of this old road on hia way to aunny Florida littlr thinking that he is upon what was once the longest railway in the world aad that his palatial surroundings are hot the evolutions of ideals triad on the self aame line three quarters u# a century ago. Mis* Mane Richardson has returned to Barnwell after a pleasant visit to Miss Simsie McMichael m Orangeburg the fertilizer soil Th ed either with straw or pine needles The mulch will serve two purposes, it will greatly benefit the plants bv keeping the soil moist and prevent m- jur\ during drouth It will also keep the berries ( lean and free from sand and dirt After the crop of fruit is harvested, the plants should be cultivated clean throughout, all runners being rem ned except those that may be needed for planting a new bed next fall The following varieties are rocom mended for general planting —Excel sior. \jAy Thompson snd tiaveland The Hiveiand is #pistillate variety and therefore should be planted near the Ijidy Thompson or Excelsior which are both perfect fkrwsrmg varieties If the Haveland b planted to itself, it will not be productive as it does not produce pollen. The Excelsior is an exceedingly early berry of good quality aad is reconaarnded for local markets and home aae. The lAdy Thompson b probably the beat general purpose berry It cloady follows the L Excelsior and bears abundantly, the plants being extremely vvorwus The Hasreland is a large, late berry but is sated only for home use «r local mar kets as the bemes are too soft to stand shippuig. There are a great many other vane- Fuel Troubles cire Over when you use a New Perfection Oil Cook Stove. Just lift the tank from the cradle and fill — your New Perfection is ready for the day. You don’t have to waif for the fire to kindle. No coal or ashes to carry; no soot, smoke or dirt; no blackened ceilings. New Pfcr/£ctfon Oil Cook-stove % . '!$ W ■ Note the new 4-bumer New Perfection—the most complete cooking device on the market, with indicator on font, cabinet top, etc. Smaller stoves with 1, 2 or J burners. See your dealer, or write for full particulars to STANDARD OIL COMPANY Washington, D. C (New Jersey) Charlotte, N. C Richmond, Va. BALTIMORE Charleston, N. G. Norfolk, Va. Charleston, S. C. r—* nf ~ THE OLAR PHARMACY IS fifty five miautes from Bdtawell, and there comes a satisfaction from making thb store YOUR HEADQUARTERS as >%• get the BEST We take pride ia the fact that anly the purest drugs, of correct medicinal valinr are compound ed in our prescription departnaeat. Personal attention, comforts, and facilitlea, make this DRUG STORE a “HOME” STORE. A modern SODA- Fount dbpe«sing-the aaastappetiane drinks awaits you. Your order by mail will will be sent by Parcel Post PROMPTLY. There is satisfaction in being pleased. ::: ".ua □t ~ Pure and Fresh candy for ‘your sweetheart” THE OLAR PHARMACY, OLAR, S. C tifs of straw bern»*s that are very fine 1 • and well adapted to our conditions, but 1 < the ones mentioned abovt; ha\e given ) best results in our trial plots Winthrop Coll«fe SCHOLARSHIP and ENTRANCE EXAMINATION The examination for the award of va cant scholarships m Winthrop College and for the admission of new students will t>e held at the County Court House on Friday. July 4. at 9 a. m Applicants must be not less than sixteen yean of age When srhotarshipa are vacant after July 4 they will be awarded to those making the highest average a this examination, provided they meet the conditions governing the award. Apphrants for Scnotarahtpa should write to President Johnsoa before the exam ination for Scholarship examination Manks. Scholarships are worth 1100 and free tmflon The next session will open September 17, 1913. For further infor- mafhm and catalogue, address Pres D B Johnson, Rock Hill, S. C RUB-MY-TISMV WtU core your RkenRuatiam Neuralgia, Headaches, Cramps, Co fir. Sprains, Bruises, Cuts aind Bonn, Old Sores, Stags of Insects Etc. Aatiaeptic AaoJyae, used in ternally and externafty. Price 25c If You Looking -11 — 1 1 1 M—H ' ‘ II—II ■ - ’ii—ir- — ti ■ -i I HAVE A OAR LOAD FOR SAI.E The only Succe—ful Cultivator for Com and Cotton One man and two mules can plow ten acres of Cotton in one day. Make it give satisfaction before pay ment. For prices etc. apply to W. H. UGHTSEY, or J. L OSWALD, Brunson, S. G Allendale, S. G For durability com bined with style in Children's Slippers we can supply you. Buster Brown and Godman arc the leading makes of Children's footwear. A va riety of styles to select from. Barefoot Sandals, 50c to $ 1.00 White Canvas Strap Slippers, all sizes, : ; 75c to $1.25 Some “close-outs'’ in good, serviceable Slippers at about half price. Lemon Bros. SEMI US TOUR JOB YORK Turn Over a New Ledf To those who have not been customers of Hi!l Top Stables in the pa^t. we say, “Turn over a new leaf and resolve that hereatter you will buy your horses and mules at the place where the square deal is the watch word.” ^jl am selling more and better Horses, Mules, Buggies, Carriages, Wagons, Whips, etc than ever before, and still have on hand quite a number of fresh stock — the cream of the Western markets—that I want you to see. With the New Year I am in a bettor position than ever before to supply your needs and my long experience makes me the best ptvnared dealer in this section to Supply your e.ery want in this line Buggies, Wagons, Harness My stock of High Grade Buggies, Wagons, Harness, Whips, I .ap Robes, etc. was never better, and haung used careful judgment in buying, I am enabled to offer you exception al values. Come and see me. I know I cm please you in both price and quality. Charlie Brown, Barnwell, S. C. HUSBAND RESCUED DESPAIRING WIFE After Four Tears of Discouraging Conditions, Mrs. Bollock Gave Up in Despair. Hasbaad Came to Rescne. Catron, Ky.—In an interesting letter from this place, Mrs. Bettie Bullock writes as follows: “1 suffered for four years, with womanly troubles, and during this time, I could only sit up for a little while, and could not walk anywhere at all. At times, I would have severe pains in my left side. The doctor was csOed In, and his treat ment relieved me tor a while, but I was soon confined to my bed again. After to do me any good. I had gotten so weak I could not stand, and I gave up in despair. At last, my husband got me a bottle of Cardui, the woman’s tonic, amt l com menced taking it From the very first dose, I could tell it was helping me. I can now walk two miles without its tiring me, and am doing all my work.** j If you are all run down from womanly troubles, don’t give up in despair. Try Cardui, the woman’s tonic. It has helped more than a million women, in its 50 yean of continuous success, and should surely help you, too. Your druggist has sold Cardui tor years. He knows what it wU do. Ask him. He wffl recom mend it. Begin taking Cardui today. ( Write te: i C*.. J --p* Ajviyr,