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- > - . ~ - - "-* * ' "^ZmTilmrnkZltfo t m AX6iCBUBU*<> ?? '* : A JOLLY JAUXTT I The Annuai Excursion of the State , Press Association. A CALL ON THE PRESIDENT, j Borne of the Things They Saw in i Washington and Some of the - Things that Happened to Them on the Way. The Frenchman who wondered why j the Americans did not make their scr- j vants attend to their pleasures for ! them, was probably blind in both eyes j and had a vacant spot where his stray matter was supposed to be. Sight-seeiug and pleasure-seeking can always be made enjoyable, especially so in a land where the people are the servants of the people. When pleasure is the sole object in view; when everything has been arranged beforehand; when a well assorted and congenial party is "on a trip,'" an epidemic of toothache could not successfully combat the purposes in view The recent excursion of the South j Carolina State Press Association was an | occasion-wherein were met all of the i above described conditions. Pleasant and congenial were the companions of this pleasant trip and a good time was i what thev had. Thev simplv did as cney pieuseu?me luunja capcvicmj and, as a rule, they pleased to do sensible things, the?especially! The members of the party were President E. II. ! Anil; vice-president, AY. I*. Jacobs; secretary, C. C. Langston; M. B. McSweeney, F. Melchers, J. M. Knight. A. S. Hydrick, Jr., E. A. Jasque. G. u v. W \nllf>v. T. C. ! Robinson, J. T. Bigham, E. C. Haynesworth, R. H. Sweeney, H. A. Richey, T. J. Brew, G. P. Brown, A. (jr. Kolloek, Master Miles MeSweeney, John Gasque and J. E. Xorment. The lady members of the party?most pleasant, j attractive and not so very hard to man- j age either?wercMesdamcs E. H. Aull, V 11 VftnrxT "R T-f Su-oonnv. E. ! * - J-'- il/UU^) ^ .. _ W. Nolley, J. T. Bigham and T. C. Robinson and Misses Lucy R. Hoyt. Mary S. Newman, Minnie Montgomery. May Russell, Dean, Olio Patton, Lucile Melchers, Nannie Montgomery, * Etta Hydrick, May Russell and Leila Russell. The journey has already been outlined in the News and Courier, so only special details will here be menaoned. __ Of course Washington -was tne most interesting as well as the most important place which we visited. Wherever we went Sags were waving. The wind that bioweth where it listeth seemed to have an especially patriotic tendency to wave the Stars and Stripes?America's own breezes waving America's own flag. Red, white and blue could not be lost sight of. These colors were seen on belts and the belts .were worn where ' patriotic American eyes love o wander. They were seen on scarfs and cravats, waists, shirts, bills or fare, pencils? everywhere. I even saw a celestial's | laundry sign -which read ;;0n Wah," and gave him credit for the prevailing spirit. Soldiers were numerous, "soldiers and sailors/' too. Twenty-five thousand teachers were here, and they came from all sections of our country. They did not understand the art of comoining business and pleasure. The faces of many recalled the Frenchman's remark which I have previously referred to. And while starvation was at Havana, while death and destruction were at Santiago, whiie consternation ^ and anarchy almost reigned at >iactna, only the reverse of them were seen at our nation's Capital. WASHINGTON LANDMARKS?OLD AND NEW. As one approaches Washington the same old land marks greet the eye of those to whom the scene is at all familiar. The massive and towering dome of the Capitol rises above the greats-ray o-AViUyv Vim 1(3 VYU.X10 K/J. tuv VlV^umvuv ings, all telling of our earlier growth. Then typical of a later day, the clear cut and heavenward reaching marble point of the Washington monument speaks again of enlarged growth and of a people's growing recognition of their. own greatness. And now, amid these grand older landmarks which so well befitted their day and time, and which grow onlv more impressive with the ? i i/L i.. years, is seen tne grander growtn 01 ?r day. From afar the golden, glittering head of the library of Congress gives forth its rays of gleaming beauty and of splendor. Superbly magnificent in its conception, gorgeously beautiful in the finish of every detail, as delicately artistic as it is noble in its stately grandeur, it is at once the flower and the fruit of that from whence and for which it came, that which is of no greater promise in any country?the intellectual life and development of a powerful young nation. And still arc other landmarks becoming visible. The new home of the famous Corcoran Art Gallery?the white marble palace dedi cated to art alone, is as well worthy of the treasnres it holds as it is of the spirit which it reveals. This building has that crowing grace of architecture, perfect sympathy of proportions. And the artists whose treasures it holds were no truer votories of their calling than were those who planned this ideal structure, those who polished its corners, who sculptured and chiseled its delicate beauties and whose hand and braia gave such finish to such a pure, white marble home for art. # It?y? nofinn'c Cifv nAftllliarlv embodies and emphasizes the principles for which it stands, and. like American institutions generally, is truly all American. These institutions come from , the people, they stand for the people. \ Washington, in its own concentrative power, speaks of the strength of its builders and makers; its growing granduer typifies the increasing and stately life of a nation which is surely destined for fame immortal; its independence? blood-stained from the beginning, but blood-stained in the cause of humanity and of freedom?is emphasized more than ever today and this independence, like all its other glories, comes back to and radiates from American men and women. It stands the national embodiment of the sentiment of. by and for the people. And with the noble Potomac on one side, with glorious Mount Vernon and with equally glorious but sad Arlington, standing sentinel-like on the adjacent heights, it has all now to bind a people together. Tin? PRESIDENT S RECEPTION AND OTHER THINGS. There was much to be seen at Washington and our party saw much. All of the public buildings were visited, so were Mount Vernon and Arlington. h'~ Washington monument and the navy I yard, all points of interest, the churches, and the ladies were perfectly satis J 1 J.-L _ .1 - i; ,.X' gea wueu me ucii^iusiu also added. On Saturday afternoon we were accorded the honor of a private reception at the White House by President McKinlev. As has been previously stated the circumstances were very gracious on j the part- ?f President Me Kin ley. and j fr i c\v\v member of the party thoroughly sin I .^Ju-'-rolyrtpi'i'i'ciuh'fl' iir; cd!iri'i; r.-t j tion wlii :h bad been -given us. I'resi ' dent McKinloy'.s manner was that of j the natural, perfect gentleman, and his line face easily showed siirns of severe mental strains. Mrs. Virginia DuRant Young, the talented author, was a member of our party, of .course, and she had an interesting looking little package at this reception, which naturally attract ed attention. When she was presented I to President Mckinley she handed him j this package, requesting tliat it begiven j to M rs. McKinley, with her conipli-j incuts. The J Resident courteously j j bowed and thanked Mrs. Young as he took the package. Interest then centered?"among the ladies especially'"? upon the unknown contents of the mysterious package. No one could learn; not even in this newspaper and feminine aggregation.. Later Mrs. Young, at my urgent request, confided to me the fact l.O/l SVIt'Strt * %f \l'/\ hni' liOCt liiUL liau givvu \n iiv? WCV volumes, embodying her highest thoughts. t<> the highest lady in the land." THE NATIONAL LIBRARY. The splendor and magnificence of the Library of Congress are simply beyond description. \\"e were fortunate in seef ing this brilliantly lighted at night, when 14.000 visitors did not make too I much of a crowd. The building has no ! superior of its kind in this world and cost over $6,000,000. It covers eight acres of ground and is superbly magnificent, There is no dazzling glare and blindness, no sense of confusion and shapeless immensity. A thinking person is awed and silenced by this nobly magnificent work of man. Stately and grand it stands, perfectly comprehensible in all of its costly finish and parts. "L1 "norf nf An A cf.n-* J U V V1 U^UUl U ^liV'VU i V \JM. pendous whole." and yet words cannot describe this proud building. My wildest boyish dreams of the wonders and beauties of Alladin's fairy palace did not approach what I here saw with mine eyes. Grand and massive in design and proportion, exquisite in its innumerable and many voiced details, as perfect in finish and taste as it is in design and workmanship, it is a golden, glittering, magnificent structure of which any American could and should be proud. Its bronze doors, ' stuccoed ceilings, mosaic floor, with pictures in mosaic on floor, ceiling and walls, paint| ings, marble floors, pillars, columns, stairways, bronze and marble'figures, I memorial names and figures, precious stones and woods, crystal splendors, golden dome, its symbols, pavilions cf arts, sciences and literature, its many and delicately sculptured beauties, its galleries of treasures, its volumes, its purposes, its future?all are alike useful and beautiful, and the unity of the gTeat and perfect whole is truly a grand tribute to the American people. THE <:INXOCENTS" SEE MANY THINGS! The National Museum had its.visitors from our party, those who had seen it before and those who had not. This building was also thronged with tiredlooking teachcrs. who seemed to have forgotten pleasure entirely. The obWf-s nf interest here are familiar to all and need nc further deseripton. *It may be well to a^.d that in the cabinet containing the souvenirs of President Grant, his name is spelled with a small first letter on the card recounting the History of his Chattanooga sword. Wherever you went in Washington special objects of interest claimed attention. Day or night, if one only sat still in a chair and looked and listened, he could see and hear things that were usual elsewhere. Any sort of looking man could be seen at any time and this was interesting?''to the ladies especially.'' There were only two sorts of ladies visible to the casual observer?the tiredi j J.-L ^ ? "L lOOKinganu me lresu-iuujviuj;. vuuwtively speaking, men know little about correct styes in dress and here you could see all sorts and descriptions of males, the apparel proclaiming the man. Collectively and constructively articulating nearly all women are adepts in the art of dressing and in a city this great difference between men and women distinctly vissible. The most distinguished looking men in Washington are not Congressmen. Senators and Cabinet officers. They are more apt to be head waiters at hotels and "waiters"' of all kinds*. Waiters for office in numbers, eagerness and anxiety head the list. Waiters for to-morrow are too numerous to count. These are ever" ;building and spoiling and building again." and their countenances betray them. Waiters for fortune are here, waiters for something new under the sun, waiters innumerable in the vast, moving throng for that one event which comes to all and which, at last, will not even disappoint these oft dismayed, but never 1 1 :i. 'c? crusneu anu uopciess waiters avi uljivi things which never come unto them. "OVER THE BOUNDLESS SEA.;' From "Washington we went to Baltimore and saw some of the sights. Our stay here was all too short, though Druid Hill Park and other places of interest were visited. Leaving this great and growing city we boarded the steamer Atlanta, of the Baltimore, Chesapeake and Richmond Steamboat Company, and had a glorious trip on Chesapeake Bay. The day had been cloud}', but in the afternoon the restless waves changed from blue to green and then a gorgeous sunset, more wel come because so entirely unexpected, caught the waters in changing rainbow hues of pink, yellow and crimson. The officers of this splendid line left nothing undone which would contribute to our comfort, and we are especially indebted to these gentlemen. AVe had a feeling of perfect security on their boat, and if during the stormy night which followed, a "nameless longing and a vague unrest" filled other portion of the human form than that which the poet went on to describe, it was not the fault of the officers. They may have been responsi1-vlv* i/v f At? ilicf IaaL- f U1U CU UAlVllt. A\Jl JUOt 1VVIX ?.*> their regular bill of fare for dinner: Fish of almost any kind, especially including oysters served in every style, with choice selections of game. Then hot and cold beef, chickcn, tongue, ham. turkey, chops, liver and bacon, lambs' fries, ham nnd eggs, pigs'feet and crabs in every style. Then every salad known to aquatic culiniary art?and these be many and delicious?sauces, relishes, slaws, croquettes, pickles, vegetables and breads innumberable and such i.' ICUUH iillU V lUmui iUiiO tiu> v;i before. Then followed fruits of many varieties, jellies, ices, cakes, pastries, cheese, coffee, chocolate, cocoa, hot and cold tea and milk. Wine lists were available, mint juleps were 011 the face of the waters. Havana cigars and strolls on the upper deck, music*, dancing and card playing?then "pleasing dreams add slumbers light"?very light and not so pleasing to some. EDITORS IN CLOVER! 1 y 1 p _ i Ucean breezes, spiencua iare ana every comfort and attention awaited us at Old Point Comfort. We were here quyrtered at the famous llvjreia Hotel, and we arc under especial obligations to the proprietors for the best possible treatment. The bc^t rooms in the house were ours and the best of everything was at our disposal. And be it remembered. my brethren, that at the Nygeia Hotel, at Old I'niiil Comfort tin- iiest. j i ?nnA. Tl,ir ? ., MtIw.N-;.. J r> F JIIMV/V'!, * ll.- . III.I. >1.. Imtfl. ?itii<|ur in it.- attractions :in<l j exceptionally line appoint.i?i'*tits. ! *2!; ! inir rooms, office, parlors. room, pavilion and guest chambers all overlook the sea. and mosquitoes molest you not. nor do dust and heat distress your slumbers' Klectric ear lines tnke you to Newport News and Hampton. The ride here is bcautifv going through a thickly settled country, where the shadowy rrelies of green trees meet for miles almost. At Newport News we .again joined our friends tlic tcaclicrs. who were still looking tired. Tlic teachers ha<i passes into the great navy yard, and presuming upon the educational value of news]labors and not straining our consciences. we passed in with the chosen ones. Here we were courteous1)' welcomed and saw stratisre and interesting thinsrs. About a mile oft'on the the bay the Minneapolis and Katahdin ? * 1 1 .1 1.1 stood us quid amiassiieni asmeueauis which their sister ships had given to what might now be termed Spain's "submarine ' fleets. The Kearsarge, Kentucky and Illinois, all were here in various stages of completion, and the curiosity of many?"'the ladies particularly"?was gratified by inspecting there huge monsters. Some of our party secured steam launches, sailed out to the Minneapolis, were allowed to get aboard and were most politely and peacefully shown the engines of death and rlnstrofttinn. At Hampton was old St. .John's Church, its 242 years making it. so I was informed, about the third oldest church in America. Here also is the Soldiers" Home, with about 3.000 occupants, 'while the adjacent cemtery has little white head pieces tellihg where 20.000 more arc sleeping. On one corner. where two streets meet, you can stand and count forty-one bar rooms here, and this fac is explained by adding that$90.000 ])ension money is paid quarterly to the occupants of the Soldiers" Home. This money is greedily waited for by these whiskey sellers, but let us hope that most of it goes elsewhere. At Fortress Monroe some of us saw, for the first time, one of the saddest sights that can anywhere be seen. This was the landing of hundreds of our brave soldier boys who were ^ i t M - i t? i?_? i."L wounaea wnnc ngnung ior tneir country. Here our pleasant party separated, some going to Norfolk. Richmond. Virginia Beach, back to Washington and some were homeward bound. SPECIAL MENTION. President Aull and Secretary tangston are capital workers, and they need no thanks here, because these were tendered in person by every member of the Association. All of the officers were ro-elected at Greenville, and this is President Aull's fifth successive oc cupaney of this office. At Paris Moun tain he ana secretary ijangston were again presented with testimonials showing the esteem in which they are Jield by their brethren. A feature of the meeting which lias not received proper attention was the remarkable tine address of President Geo. B. Cromer, of Newberry College. 3Ir. Cromer's subject was "The Personal Pronoun, First Person Singular." and his remarks were of the highest ordor of, " mi i _ _ i? excellence, me speaicerisa man 01 scholarly thought and of graceful and forcible expression; his style is cultivated and finished. and best of all. he is manly and strong and pure. A\'e are indebted to him for an address which I have seldom heard equalled, and which was listened to with marked attention. I have been frequently and urgently requested by my brethren to make, in their behalf, some acknowledgment of the many courtesies shown the Association by "Harris, of Harris's Lithia Springs." He showed us more atten j.i . ?wi Lion mat any uuiur uiiu luuiviuuai, uuu this was done cordially and pleasantly. He has secured every association in the State to meet at his springs?medical, dental, educational?all, and by urgent invitation the South Carolina State Press Association is added to this number for next year. The railroads were most obliging, the Southern Railway particularly. Wo left Greenville on the famous Southwestern limited of this road, occupying a special Pullman car. Wnfuvnlntr irnpn r>n "limi fori' I A^tUi *AA116 *fW VU vuyw again, with our own special Pullman car. The Baltimore and Ohia Road gave us transportation on their famous Cannon Ball Express, of the Royal Blue Line.". Messrs. S. II. Hard wick. A. G. Lewis, E. J. Chism and R. II. Pannill, of the various railroads and steamship lines, will accept again our sincere thanks for polite attentions. Especial nmt'f oIca Vv/*? r?o^a A"P tVlA ffnn 1X1 (j 11 11VJ 11 XUUOliaiOV w liiUUV vuv qvh uinely courteous attentions which were bestowed on our party by Mr. A. A. Brantley' a former Carolinian, now a resident of Washington. Messrs. J. A. Hoyt, A. J. S. Thomas, J. F. Richardson, A. (!r. Furman and H. J. Haynesworth,*of Greenville, were most attentive to us and gave us much pleasure by what they did, '"EDITORIAL BREVITIES." We were all sorry that our good friend Major J. T. Bacon, of the Edgefield flirt P.Vxivolinr nf South Carolina journalism, could not go with us on this trip. Vice President Osteon remained at home also, but had such a happy smile, in anticipation of the rapidly approaching ';28th of July,;' that we even congratulated him on staying at home. Miss Mary Hemphill, who read such a bright and clear paper at this meeting, disappoin ted many by not going with us. President Aull and his better half are such good '"managers" that it was secretly whispered that they should be put in charge permanently of these occasions. T x n AT,.C., ... jjieunjiiiuiu vjuvurixut assisted in upholding the reputation of the party in any emergency, and was one of the most graceful dancers at the Hygeia ball. His handsome son, Miles, cornercd him on the subject of walking canes, however. Editor A. G, Kollock did not say very much. He smoked cigars, shook liis feet and had a good time all the time. Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Bigham took things quietly: they saw everything, did not get "tired out"'and their trip was a mos: pleasant one. Mr. and Mrs. T. C. Kobinson enjoyed things also. Editor Kobinson knows how to have a good tune, and lie had it. Brother A. S. Ilydrick. Jr.. was on his first trip with us. He says his "bridal trip shall not differ much from what this was." Dr. K. A. Casque knows as much about having a tine time, in his wsy. as any man un uic anu i?:i?uuui\ nu still thinking of the things which he so much enjoyed. The Knight. (J. M..) <>f Sumter, commanding the "old !'th army corps." was a genial companion and added to his friends 011 this trip. Miss Miimic Montgomery, editor of the Marion Star. "had such a good time" that she does not know whether she will write for her paper <>r not. Let us hope that she will decide to "write nn the trio. II err Knmz Mrlrlicrs :iwl tlx- little flaxen-haired fryuleii. Lueile. were in j \Y<" arc ail alwayr drwl t" 1 See tills bl'oliior, who has been With ir i so 11?i?V: ;;'"1 wli" "'" \v*?ik is ?I* su? 11 value J to ':U!' Association. The n- v. Sidi IT. IJrowuc. our first j and only chaplain. 1 believe, was with us at ijrocnvillc. This venerable and faithful brother sets us good examples in every way. and he is loved by all of his brethren. Sccretarv C. C. Langston can certain ]y work luinl and enjoy himself hugely at the same time. He was with me when a pleasant thing occurred at the office of the Norfolk Landmark. We walked in. told the very polite young gentleman who stepped forward to meet us. that "we were wandering South Carolina newspaper men. who wanted to see some of our State jtapers." lie was very glad to accommodate us: hunted up all heeould find. gave them to us with tin* remark: "1 cannot get :i copy of the News and Courier for you. gentlemen. Our managing editor thinks more of the News and Courier than lie docs of any paper which conies to onr office, and lie always takes it home to read carefully, and to get clippings from." I introduced myself to this polite and well-informed young man. congratulated him on his power of discrimination. took what he gave me. started for my boat and for home. J. E. Normcnt. a~tii"r1llin(t story Of Trials and Tribulations of American Seamen ON TWO CAPTURED BOATS. Adrift at Sea Without Water or a Chart, and Beset by Storms. They Finally Reached Key West, Florida. The schooner Three Bells and the sloop Pilgrim, captured by the gunboat Dixie, near Manzanillo on July (j arrived at Key West, Florida Wednesday under prize crews, consisting of Lieut. S. M. Blount and Gunncrsmate J. R Ilatton, with four marines Qfich. at 4. ^ lULUi,) ill uu\Ci liuaguiuu a uiuit; ^iutesque tale of marine misadventure than was experienced by those men in" bringing their spoils to port. Both prizes were under the British flag, bound from Kingston, Ja., for Manzanillo, with food supplies. On the Three Bells was Captain E. J. Harding, an Englishman and a crew of five and three Jamaica negroes. The Pilgrim carried a Dutch captain and four seamen of the same class. Cant. Harding was much depressed over the capture and drank heavily until Lieut. Blount stopped his liquor. On the evening of July 9 Capt. Harding suddenly leaped overboard astern. The Pilgrim put out a small boat and caught him. but he struggled desperately and capsized the boat. One of the marines held up on the overturned boat and was taken on board the Pilgrim but he was dead when they reached the deck. It is thought he took a dose of laudanum before jumping in to the sea. Two smaller schooners were sighted near Key Komano. Neither of the prizes was flying a flag, but both were evidently recognized by the strangers as expected blockade runners from .Jamaica; for one of tlu sclioners put out a small boat to pi.ot them. As it approached Lieut. Blount shouted "are you Spaniards?" As one of the men with a proud gesture, answered ''Me Espagnoi" the Stars and Stripes broke from the fore of Three Bells, whereupon both occupants of the small boat cried in dismay "Americanos, Caram': win S*/\A inf A flirt Ci-il UUj auu |7JUIij^V/U XIX W l/iiv, ITlfVVUUl or not they reached the shore is an open question. Lieut. Blount and his men went on in and captured the nearest .schooner, which proved to he the Conception. The other ran off into shoal water and escaped. The Conception was well loaded with fish, wine and Dther provisions. They took her in tow} and then began a chapter, of misfortunes. Violent tropical squalls burst upon' them the same day and continued almost. inp.fissant.lv until last nisrht. Thev had no charts aboard, and only a map of the world torn from a 25 cent guide book to help them as they floundered about in the seas?three little* vessels, none much bigger than a cat boat. They were compelled finally to abandon the Conception. The little boats staggered along until "Wednesday, when a storm of unnsual violence fell on them off Cape Antonio. U nable to make any progress, and ? nlrMAff Am Anf n 1 TT +A ^Alinl aiuiuat xij iu xuuuder, they lay there all day. But this was trival to what followed. Late in the afternoon, as they bumped helplessly about thcsea, a body of Spanish riflemen on shore opened fire. Just before nightfall 15 of the Spanish riflemen pushed off in a small boat toward the Three Bells, and drew as close as 300 or 400 yards, pouring a vicious fire at the schooner s men. The bullets whistled all around, riddling the sails, and some going clear through the schooner and sloop. One bullet passed through the cabin within two feet of Lieut. Blount. Fortunately for the storm-bound i.i .1 n ? i i i_ men. nignt arove tne opaniaras oacs. to the shore, and early next morning the wind changed and carried the two prizes on. Taking chances on their course being the right one, they sailed when, as a final blow, their water gave out off Rebecca shoal. The sight of a strange schooner flying an American flag restored their lost courage. She was the four-masted It. M. Hopkins, from Baltimore for New Orleans, with coal, and had been delayed by head winds. She cave the nrize crews a bar rcl of water, sonic tobacco and a chart, and set them straight, weary and weather worn they drew into Key West harbor after the worst fortnight any of the crew had ever experienced. Died for His Gold. When Yousouf. 'The Terrible Turk,' was drowned in the wreck of La Bourgognc, he had strapped about his waist a belt containing $9,000 in gold coin. Yousouf was a slave to mone3r, and it was this vice that cost him his life. He was a strong swimmer, and without the handicap of forty pounds of gold to weight him down could have readily escaped from the wreck. But he was afraid somebody would rob him of some of the wealth he had earned by defeating American wrestlers, and insisted upon carrying it about with him day and night. To Go to Haiwai. If any young man in South Carolina wants to take a nice trip on the Pacific ocean at I'ncle Sam's expense he had better enlist in the Second rejriment at once, and then he'll probably have the chance. One of the held offices <>f the regiment said Wednesday thai he had received information from Washington, which he considered trustworthy, that the Second South Carolina red men t. which is now being formed would be as soon as it is completed, sent to the Hawaiian islands as a part of (Jen. M. (\ Butler's forces. - 7 ~. .. '. I . i v. crop Conditions. i Regular Weekly Weather' S.iid ; Crop Bulletin issued. WHAT CROPS ARE DOING. What the Observers ail Over the State Report to Headquarters. The Information Consolidated. The Crops in Good Fix. The following is the weekly bulletin of the condition of the weather and crops of the State, issued last week by Observer Ifciucr: There was a fine temperature range during the past week, which began with unusually low temperatures for the second decade of July, with minimum temperatures ranging from 50 to CO degrees on the mornings of the 12th and 13th over a large portion of the State. The cool weather lasted but little lougcr than one day and by the end of the week extremely hot weather agaiu prevailed with a maximum of 100 degrees on the 10th at Travis. 'rii i ine mean tumperature ior me wcck was 71), and the normal for the same period is about 82 degrees. RAINFALL. There was a continuation of the rainy weather of the previous week, lasting until Thursday, the 14th, after which only a few scattered, light showers occurred. The rainfall for the week was heaviest over the southeastern and extreme western counties, with limited localities in other portions of the State where the rainfall was also excessive. The following heavy measurements in inches and hundredths were reported: Charleston 3.98. St. Georges 3. (JO, Spencer 6.50. Loopers5.90, Govan-4.68 Poverty Hill 4.75, Salters 3.25, Alcolu 5.00, Jeffries Creek. 4.35. White Hall 4.50, Longshore 4.41, Beaufort 4.25, Sandy Flat 4.25, Gillisonville 3.84, \ Valhalla 2.85. The week's average rainfall for the i Mlt J ? ,.l, ...k : 1 + 1* ^ ? r.mvr 1 CUIC<J wiiso.w iiiLiiUSj >>11111; tiu; jiuiiiiai for the same period is approximately 1.32. CLOUDINESS. WIND. Generally cloudy weather prevailed with some sunshine during the latter portion. The estimated percentage of bright sunshine for the State was 37 per cent, of the possible, which is un'usually low for the season. A few violent wind storms occurred but they were local in their character, and did but little damage over the limited areas where they occurred. mvnTTmv AP PPAPC: Over a large portion of the State, crop conditions made marked improvement during the week under the influence of the copious rainfall of this and the previous week, and the generally favorable temperature. The cool weather had no appreciable influence except to slightly check the' rapid growtli of vegetation. It undoubtedly largely prevented scalding. Corn and provision crops of all kinds were favorably affected, except on bottoms that were overflowed, or flooded low lands. Crops suffered on sandy soils from an excess of moisture; and it is from sections where light sandy soil predominates, that most of the adverse reports were received. Crops were injured to some extent by the rains washing lands in Newberry, Chesterfield, Pickens and Charleston counties, and by too much water on poorly drained bottoms in Bamberg, Hampton and Orangeburg counties, while in Kershaw, York, and to a less f AW A /~vP flirt UAWjiiu in uiiii;! wuiamjuu wi witu smaller streams overflowed their banks, doing slight damage. Field work was practically suspended owing to the wet, soggy condition of the soil, in some countics, but elsewhere laying by made rapid progress and is nearly finished. While some fields of corn are grassy, and were laid by in that condition, and others were too nearly ripe to be much benefitted by the recent favorable weather, the crop as a whole is now fairly promising, and in some counties is an extra fine one. Upland corn has gcnarally improved during the week, but bottoms were too wet and corn on many such lands is turning yellow and is, in places, "firing." Fodder stripping has begun in a small way. Laying by is practically completed. June planting doing well. Cotton made rapid growth during the week, and put on "weed" very fast. It is reported growing too much to weed in places and not fruiting proportionately. As a rule, the plants are well fruit ed, although recently shedding foofreelv. Manv reports were received, notinsr injury from excess of rain. This is more particularly true on sandy soils, where also rust has developed to a considerable extent. For nearly two weeks the ground has been too wet to plough or hoe and over the entire State iields arc becoming grassy, to the injury of the crop, as it will require cultivation deep enough to injure the roots of cotton, to remove the grass. In Barnwell county, on fields recently infested with lice, plants are dying to some extent. Sea Island cotton continues to make rapid and seasonable development. Tobacco curing is now general, and will be pushed as soon as the weather becomes more favorable for this work; all except a few of the reports on tobacco continue to indicate a fine crop both as to quality and size. llice made rapid growth during the week, and both upland and marsh rice were greatly benefitted by the copious ruin full nvr>r thn riftft districts. The rivers arc now Afresh" along the rice fields, where but recently they were brackish, and water in abundance is available for flooding the fields. Sweet potato slips have all been set and are making rapid growth. Cane of various kinds, peanuts, chufas, and like crops arc in excellent growing condition. Field pease arc coming up to excellent stands and doing well everywhere. Melons arc becoming quite plentiful and heavy shipments are being made. Apples are reported in poor condition; Jmany are wormy and excessive dropping is reported from ail sections. While grapes are reported plentiful, there is much complaint of rotting. Peaches are quite plentiful, and of excellent quality. Pastures have made rapid growth and afford rank grazing. Tomatoes are scarce in some locali ties. Some fall turnips have been sown. British Steamer Captured. The British steamer New Foundland, loaded with food supplies, was captured by the Mayflower on Wednesday off Cienfuegos, into which harbor she was heading. Two blank shots across her bow brought her to, and the Mayflower put a prize crew aboard her and sent her to Charleston. S. ('. The New Foundland left Halifax on July !>. WAK STAMP SUHEflULJi;. _ I Cut it Out and Paste It Up jf'oi' Handy Pweference. The following is the stamp schedule of the new Revenue Law which went into effect on July 1: Bonds, debentures and stock certificates. 5 cents for each $100. Stor-k salos. 2 conts for nach S100 nar value. Sales of produce or merchandise on exchange, 1 cent per $100 of value. Bank checks, drafts or orders for payment of money at sight or on demand, 2 cents for each $100 or fractional part thereof. Promissory notes, domestic bills of exchange, drafts or certificates of deposit drawing interest. P.O. money or.i.... > ....i * w* 1 nil .. i* .4:... * r .. ui;r>, - cuius j?ui cjwwur inictiou mereol'. Foreign bills of exchange, letters of credit, telegraph or express money orders. 4 cents per $100 or fraction thereof. Bills of lading or receipts for goods for export, 10 cents. Express company receipts, 1 cent. Surety bonds or bonds of indemity, 50 cents. Certificate of profits or interest in the property or accumulations of any uui JJUIatiuu ui pui ?100. Port warden certificates. 25 cents. All other certificates any description, 10 cents. Tonnage tux, under 300 tons, ?3; over 300 and under 000. $3; over (500. $10. Contracts or mem. of sale of real estate or other property than brokers, stock sales and on exchange. 10 cents. Deeds, etc., 50 cents per $100 of expressed consideration. rn _ i i t i i ? j.eiegrapn uispatcnes, one cent eacn. Warehouse or customhouse entry, under $100 of value. 25 cents; over ?100 and under $500, 50 cents: over $500. $1. Entry for withdrawal of goods from warehouse. 50 cents. Life insurance policies, 8 cents for each $100 or fraction thereof. On industrial weekly payment plan. 40 per cent, of first weekly premium. Fire, inland and marine insurance, casualty, fidelity and guarantee insurance, including accident, burglary, employer's liability, elevator, steam boiler, plate glass; guarantee of real estates titles or similar obligations, ? of 1 per cent, on each dollar of insurance or guaranty. Leases of real estate, not exceeding one year, 25 cents; ovei one year or not exceeding three years, 50 cents; over three years, ?1. Manifest for customhouse entry or clearance of cargo for foreign port, under 300 tons registered tonnage, $1; over3UU and under bUU. $;5; over 000. $5. Mortgages, real estate or chattel, or conditional conveyances, under $1,500, 25 cents; on each $500 above $1,500. 25 cents. Same rate on assignments or transfes of original pledge. Passage tickets to foreign ports, costing $30 or under, $1; over $30 and under $00, $3; over $60, $5. Power of attorney or proxy to vote stock, 10 cents. Power of attorney to sell real estate, collect rents, dividends, etc., 25 cents. Notice of protest by notary, 25 cents. Warehouse receipts for goods held in v.ki;,. ?i < >' yuwiiu ui j/i i > uvt; >V41ICIIUUAC ui jam, ? <j cents. Proprietary medicinces and preparations, perfumery, cosmetics, paste,etc., in packets, bottles, boxes or other inclosure, retailng at 5 cents or under, 1-8 of 1 cent; over 5> cents and not over 10 cents, 1-4 of 1 cent: over 10 cents and not exceeding 15 cents, 3-8 of 1 cent; over 15 and not over 25 ccnts, 5-8 of 1 cent. For each additional 25 cts. of value, 5-8 of 1 cent. Chewing gum, for each box or package containing not more titan ?1 of retail value, 4 cents; for each additional Sparkling or other bottled wines, pints or less, 1 cent. More than pint, 2 cents. Seats or berths in palace or sleeping cars, 1 cent each. All revenue stamps should be canceled by the user by writing his initials and the date across the face of the stamp. FINAL CALL FOE EOLLS. The State Historian Wants Certain Confederate Army Records. We publish the following with pleasure and hope the records will soon be forthcoming: I ask the use of your columns to Hiake a nnai call ior the following Confederate x'c^lls, not yet reported to this office: FIELD AND STAFF. First regiment, regulars, and Ninth and Twenty-third regiments infantry, First regiment cavalry. COMPANY ROLLS, INFANTRY. Co. A, Fourth regiment. Cos. B and C, Eleventh regiment. Co. K, Fourteenth regiment. Co. H, Fourteenth regiment. Cos. D, C and G, Twentieth regimnnf Co. G-. Twenty-fourth regiment. Cos. E, H. and K, Twenty-seventh regiment. COMPANY ROLLS. CAVALRY. Co. H, First regiment. Co. K, Second regiment. Cos. D and E. Sixth regiment. COMPANY ROLLS, ARTILLERY. Co. B, First regiment regulars. Cos. A, B and G, Second regiment volunteers. There are now about 500 rolls in all that I have succeeded in gathering up. locf T <iconnin/l ftwuivsvs vvwuv/i laoCj ? JL aoou.ixi.vvt. charge of this business, I have used every means at my command to complete this work. It is my desire to report to the next general assembly that not one Confederate roll is missing. This full record is due to the gallant men who served in the armies of the Confederacy from South Carolina. The undersigned calls urgently for the missing rolls. The duty resting upon the surviving nnil mr>n nf niatin<r nn ord called for is too plain for appealing words. No argument is necessary. October 1st is the period fixed for the closing of this work, which has been so long pending. John Y. Thomas. Found Dead. A white tramp died near Dillon last week. It seems that he was seen there on Wednesday L>y the section torcman. but thinking lie was only waiting for a train gave him no thought or attention. On Saturday it was discovered that he was dead, and the coroner was at once notified and repaired to the scene, where a jury was empaneled, and upon investigation it was decided that lie cauie to his death from natural causes. There was on his person more than a dollar in cash and a good revolver, but no letter, eard or token by which to identify him. And he lies buried in the edge of I'ee JJee unknown to tins community. He was about thirty years of age. -ryr .'liVr nr^n'T ir^aart 4 STEAMER BURNED. How the Eagle Pluckily Destroyed the Big Spanish. A FINt AUAIL1AKY UKUIStKi Lost Vessel Carried Big Guns, but Did Not Attempt to Use Them. Peopie Aboard Were All Saved by a River '" Steamer. The Spauish Trans-Atlantic San Domingo, of 5.500 tons, was totally destroyed by the little auxiliary gunboat Kairlti on .July 12. off Cane Francis. This intelligence was brought to Key West Wedudesday by the Nashville, whieh came up after the attack and found the Spanish ship burned and smashed on the reefs. The affair offers a striking commentary on the difference between American and Spanish spirit. The San Domingo had two 5-inch guns mounted and loaded, her magazines were open and it only remained to train her guns and lire them to blow the Eacle out of the sea. But the latter, with her comparatively feeble battery of 6-pounders, steamed to within two miles of the enemy and pounded shot after shot into her until she turned and, in a desper clli; a llc in yc t v auiv tuu miiiun channel, grounded on the reef without having tried to return the American tire. Seventy shots were fired by the Eagle and nearly all took effect. When the Spanish ship went ashore a river steamer came out and took off her, officers and crew. Then the Eagle sent a crew to board her, and there were shouts of surprise when the big guns were discovered. She also carried in her hold two 12-inch guns. The cargo was largely of grain and food supplies. Fifty head of cattle were penned on tne decks, one nad been drawing 24 feet of water and went aground in 20. The Eagle's men decided that she was too far gone to be floated and, after shooting the cattle, they set fire to her and watcHed her destruction. The same steamer again ran out to try to get off some of the cargo, but was baffled by the flames. The San T\ " 1 J 1> _ . 1 J J -L/omingo Durneu ior mree uays aitu was left a charred and mishappen wreck. She -was one of the best steamers of'the enemy and had been used as an auxiliary cruiser. According to the San Domingo's papers she was bound from Vera Cruz, Mexico, for New York via Savannah, but of course being a regular Spanish liner, the mention of New Yofk in her manifest is a palpable sufterfuge, the intention having been to gain some Cuban port and to put the guns and provisions in the hands of the beieauguered Spaniards. With the Montevideo she slipped out of Habana harbor and got away about a month ago when the blockade had been weakened by utilizing the ships of the station as convoys for troopships to Santiago. Notice to watch for her had been scut to all ships of the squadron and no vessel could have escaped the fate which befell her Garcia is Mad. General Garcia has written a letfcer to General Shafter in which he declares that he is disgusted at his treatment at the hands of the Americans and will consequently withdraw his own forces to the hills, being no longer willing to submit to the indignities to which he has been subjected. Among other things, Gen. Garcia complains of is the failure of the American commander to officially notify him of the surrender of the Spanish forces under General Toral. He is also incensed at the fact that he was not invited to be present at the ceremony attending the formal capitulation of Santiago. Another grievance is the action of Gen. Shafter in retaining the Spanish civil authorities in the administration of. Santiago. For these reasons he deciares: he will no longer co-operate with the Amprin.in fnraos but will flftt indft pendently as he clid before the American troops landed in Cuba. , To Transport Toral's Army. Arrangements are practically concluded by the government for the transportation of the Spanish prisoners at Santiago - from Cuba to Spain. The contract was awarded to the Spanish Trans-Atlantique Company, represented "by J. M. Ceballos & Co., of New York. The company agrees to carry the prisoners from Cuban ports to Spain at the rate of $20 for each enlisted man and $55 for each commissioned officer, subsistence to be furnished by the company on the army ration basis, as provided for in the government's advertisement for bids. The award provides that. all the Spanish must be transported by August 10. itiot in rono meo. A special dispatch from St. Thomas reports that a serious riot occurred at Mayaguese, Porto Bico, Sunday, resuiting in the killing of nine persons and wounding many others. The Spanish residents of the place attacked the natives, whom they accused of being American sympathizers and intending to aid the invading army of the United States. Cotton Smiling Machinery. We are hatdling the latest ico prove! AIR DISTRIBUTING AND AIR FEEDING SYSTEM FOR ELEVATING. CLEANING AND GINNING COTTON. Oar f-ygtem haddies cotten entirely by the Air Process and in connection wita tur double box revolving press with steam tramper the cost of ginning cm ion does .not exeted 20 cents per bale. 1 m u?vemeDt in sample of cotton io storm year- $5 to $10 per bale. In averag seasons frorr ?1 tc $2. Efi<rinpj? Tinili>ps (tins Thrpxhpr* Grist Mills. Saw Mills, Bri.-.a Mills and Fittings always in stock reau^ ror immediate sbioment. W. u. GIBBtt- & CO iN'e^r Union Depot, rol-.mbia S C. S. 0. AiPn's LiddeH Cn? N. 0. MUGS. ALCOHOL TOBACCO. why no I1 Afte7 repeated failures Til K tr^ing so-called ctires Tr m' V J V V aDd cneap cures' le -* - UDUKU at O Li K ? TIIE KEELEY INSTITUTE, GREENVILLE ?OUm CAROLINA. (The only Keeley Insiituie in the Stale ) ^tumu4HQouea ara& T I A TTnidt-ar>*? O ntvir? la increased ten-fold kv cood \lu?tic. M:i& the aiott of life by procuring a good PfASO OE OKGAl< ? \ Music has a refining influence, and keep* your children at home. v;*.REMEMBER fl 5Tou.only inregt omce ^ ^.uie-amo, pro* <? ' ea you ?ei?ct ? gooa iastru!*??n* - H I CHALLENGE J? Anyhouae ia A-awris*. to Sj*t my price*. qaalityaad rw?poa<ibihi.y ooaai>ioro<i. j TERM. m A To those nat prip^p-ji w oj; I ?il ffire rea?oa*bie tine * *U/it lt<f?riucj Warranty, jjj I folly guarantee my Itutrumenn cold <*i represented. jH DON'T FAIL 3 To write for price? and terras. aa<t for ilias Irated catalogue*. YOURS FOR PI A N > ? V' * N *> f>^4 *. NTS M A MALrv?,. " " "M- > 1CAA W A T~W QrFT?T2!U,fP J IWW? HLfHi.l UJLXHUU OWVBIA. * !*;. 8BgpgKS8BSg^8gBgB^3B53BSBBHi { l?f From Maker Direct to Purchaser. ^ ' fll ^ ? m ? A Good i X*. sk *?r%A /as I Mathusbek 1 | ^?5 Is always Good, always Reliable. always Satisfactory, always Last- 1256 3BS lng. You take no chances in bay* 3DR * ?3 * ?w It costs somewhat more than a wS JSEj" cheap, poor piano, bat is mach the 2SS jswt cheapen In the end. SB j?SSj No other High Grade Piano sold so fijg sSH reasonable. Factory prices to retail aBB /g? buyers. Easy paymerts. Wrftena. /jgj| |?. LUODEM ft BATES, flBg SA-?MUMlK.??^sa4.XewTorkClt7' Address; D. A. FRESSLEY, Agent, jM Columbia, S. C. ^ is??""Mi I HILTON'S B LiKffi K >ii rt{? WVW n| KlDJNtfYS, Mite oann- Impart* f^B: * Jl jjEE te**SlHm?ujr k><) r*?^u>^?;r u-B ;?.-<? ur^;?.'3, b I ? Owit jJ B :utMlf%Tta>? K> %co tt'.if- rtiu !i V K i*rtiv?nla Jxou CHea. ()o r rr Bp,' ^ ^B fctlti?oummw \?jt> 'Hj ti" Bi ? * KSj n?:y? wiciUD 'fbxrxy tniaates -if *? n SB r<*itevinx iCaoe IM tt>- B n ted tr>>u> du,y 4?; ,f ? < SH i?i5' ivsuoVWfl. ?.J .vvOUilC' bk ir?Kit)W*. Lfc WUfcil-'v 4l)lr' S3 - ?- J?* K | 4 i-J w *ad v !'Ht *?'JKKAV DRUG CO, '0, 1 . Saw Mills. J If you need a saw miil? *ny siw. ?nt? me before baying elsewhere I h*T? the moat complete line of ?ill* yf *uy dealer or manufacturer in tb? 6o?mj Corn Mills. Very highest grade Stone-, at unusual- A 1 v low prices. Wood-Working A Machinery. Planers, Moulders, Ed^er, Re-Saw* Band Saw*. Laths, etc. n ^ - 1 d nugmes auu r>. Boilers, Talb.itt nod Lidd*>l. Engl-i^tirg Hice Kul'er, in su?cfc, ck d?liT<ry, lor pnces. V. r. B\DH vM, y<326 M?>n Q r er. . * ;? -. s, o. Take Care of >i a Your Property. Save money by keeping your Gins in thorough repair. You get better results please the public J and save your M OWN TIME ANT* T.\ RAT? ~ Fourteen years practical experience in the ELLIOTT GIN SHOPS at Winnsboro, S. C., is a guarantee of good work. Send your gius at cnce to the undersigned, W. J. ELLIOTT, \ COLUMBIA, S. 0. Located adjacent to the Tozer Engine Work. July27 :.m M - $