The Abbeville press and banner. (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, August 22, 1888, Image 4

Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page. It is also available as plain text as well as XML.

- - ' - - " -? The-Press and Banner ^-Published every Wednesday at 52 n year in advance. Wednesday, August 22,1888 Iff thin State Under the Control of Monled Corporations? We believe the laws of South Carolina permit greater cruelties to children In factories than Is allowed in any other Stale In the Union. Some time ago It was proposed to reduce the hours of labor from twelve to ten. The Bill met with favor at first, but the factory owners from every section rushed to the capltol, and after lobbying with the country delegates they voted almost solidly lor the perpeiuauon 01 u mw wuiui m <? \>>o6>uw ? the humanity and to the christian civilization of any rc?pectablo State. Children of fy tender years are forced by cruel parents and heartless corporations to work for twelve hours a day. Some time ago the Auditor of Abbovillc raised the point that the surplus money in banks should be taxed. Immediately Charleston made her boast that she would pay none of it. We learn that the bankers of Charleston have, so far, made good their threat. It will be noticed that the Commission which fixes the valuation of railroads, have twice reduced the assessed valuation on our railroads. This in the face of the fact that Increased profits are reported every month, while the improvement in the road-bed, rolling stock and depots Is apparent. Some fifty thousand dollars, more or less, were tendered by railroads and other taxpayers in bills of the Bank of the State. Although we have made diligent efTort to ascertain, we have not been able to find out if a single dollar of that money has been accounted for?except that which was accounted for by the Treasurer of Abbeville. A rich old tax-dodger In Oconee died recently, leaving a hundred thousand dollars with which to make his name Immortal. Upon enquiry 11 is learueu mut uc i>mu only on abont 85,100 of real estate?the remainder, about $100,000, was not listed on the tax books. He bad absolutely evaded tbe payment of any State, county and school taxes, and yet we learn that no determined effort is being made to bring this colossal tax-dodger up to the point, where he shall pay. Since the death of this old tax-dodger Abbeville county has thrust some of her poor white men in Jail because of their Inability to pay ' their poll tax. Do you see any difference in the treatment of the rich and the poor? Again, It Is a notorious fact, partly through the influence of Charleston, that debts secured by mortgage are seldom returned for taxation. While many a rich man's thousand dollar mortgage escapes taxation, yet every poor man's one-eyed mule Is registered in the Auditor's office for taxation. We should have men In office who have) the courage to make the rich citizens pay j their share' of the taxes, and we should have men in office who are neither afraid to) assess the property of the railroads, nor fear j to bring county treasurers to an accountability. If any member of the commission which fixes the valuation of railroads should seek renomlnatlon, then he or they should be allowed to go before the convention and justify their oonduct, or show what influence moved them to a reduction of the railroad taxes. If the Comptroller-General should seek a renomination, then let him explain what he ' mivMioflniir fh? 450-000 now Utts UUIIC ivnoiu lewiv.?B - apposed to be in the hands of various county treasurers. Let him explain why he has not had the bank surplus taxed. Let hlin also tell what he Is doing In the matter of the great old tax-dodger In Oconee. Vp-Hlll Work. It Is up-blll work, we must confess, to convince our Abbeville neighbor, the Press and Banner, of anything. Showing it the error of It* ways, and It will straightway quote you to prove that it is all right. Here is a specimen of the Press and Banner's method. After fairly and honorably quoting every word the Register said, and showed from the records, which went to show beyond all peradventure that but for the up-couutry Senators themselves the census measure would have not Jailed in the Senate, where the bill was lost the Press and Banner says, with these facts right out before Its readers in Its own columns: ' We repeat, that Charleston's Influence de? . "feated the taking of the ccnsus. This is "proven by the Jiegissci-'s own statement, that "both the Charleston Senators voted against "It; whereas, if they had voted for it, the result would have been different." The Register never stated, that "If the two Charleston Senators had voted lor the bill the result would have been different." It could not make such a statement, with the plain record belore it of the vote that stood nine teen against the bill and fifteen Tor it. r*cw, an the two Charleston Senators voted with the majority, or with the nineteen, it is plain to see tn&t if they had voted with the fifteen, the vote would have stood seventeen to seventeen?a tie. Nobody is to know in such case how the Lieutenant Governor would have voted. We have no means of knowing. It he had not voted one way or another, or if he was not in bis chair, the bill would have been lost, Just as if he had given the casting vote against the bill. But the Register did state one thing very positively, viz: that if Maxwell of Abbeville, Biemann of Oconee and Black of York had voted for the census bill instead of against it, the bill would have passed and the census would have been taken, and the reapportionment of representation would have proceeded under it as appointed by the Constitution. If these three up-county Senators alone had done what their constituents now claim they were sworn to do then, the result would have been different. For it is plain to see that the vote would have stood eighteen for the bill to sixteen against it. This ought to satisfy any reasonable mind where all the responsibility for the failure of the census bill lieth?Columbia Register. Our friend the Columbia Register is right when he says that it is up-hill work to convince us that Charleston did not defeat the taking of the census. But, notwithstanding, we are glad to hear bis side of the matter. The Charleston people are a dellgiitrui peo?' pie, for whom we would have the greatest admiration, If they had only a proper respect for country people, and if they would only show a disposition to treat them right. Charleston wrongfully holds seats in- the Legislature to which she has no earthly right, except that right which followed the defeat of the reapportionment. When Charleston wrongfully holds feats in the General Assembly for ten years, It is to be hoped the manhood and self-respect of the country delegates will promptly defeat any further attempt of Charleston to usurp the seats which do not belong to her. Tbe taking of seats In the Legislature, and In nominating conventions which are not hers, does very little to inspire public confidence In Charleston. The fact Is, we believe, tne country people should look with suspicion upon whatever originates in Charleston. We believe that Charleston politicians have very little regard for country people, further than they can use them to serve their own purposes. Tli* Military of South Carolina. While the Prest and Banner in no advocate of the military system of South Carolina, yot we think all fair minded persons will admit that the status of the soldiery In this State is incomparably better now than it ever has been. The soldierly bearing of the inuividnai soldiers and officers at Greenville and tho almost perfect drill of many of the companies could not have been anything else than a pride to every citizen who was at the Encampment. The good conduct of the soldiers when off of duty, commended them to the favorable consideration of all, while the exemplary conduct and military bearing of the officers was Inspiring to the soldiers and assuring to the public. No State In the Union has a more zealous and efficient Adjutant General than South Carolina, and as he has accomplished so much in perfecting the military science, and inspiring a military zeal In oar people, he will of course be continued in offloe. The military of the State demand It, and.the welfare of that arm of the Government demand It Col. Ecokne B. Gary Is expected Jiome from the mountains to-day. Do Yonr Own Voting. We have heard it said that more men voted their own tickets in the last election than at any previous election. This fact Is attributed partly to the lactthnt blank tickets were put in the hands of nearly every voter days before the election, and a great number or them prepared their tickcts at home, put them In their pockets went to the polls and deposted them without having their tickets supervised, altered or made out to suit to some Smart Aleck who may have been loitering about the polls and who may have thought the country voter needed his assistance in making out a ticket. We have heard some dissatisfaction expressed in the belief that trades had been made whereby the bargaining parties might adr\w tholr fvlenrl'fl illtOrOfitfl. We believe such practices to be corrupt nnd subversive of the freedom ol the ballot. We believe further that honorable candidates should refuse to enter into any such agreements. The idea of the ballot is to get the Individual opinion or wish of the voter. But if he give away his birth right in one instance, why not in all? All intelligent voters 6hould scorn to contenance any bargain or sale of his vote, and each and every voter should make out his own ticket without reference to the wishes of any of the gentlemen who may talk so freely after the election about "controlling thirty voters." Shun all propositions of men who will "vote for your man, If you will vote for his man." Vote your own ticket. Don't be "dumb driven cattle," and march to the polls, votlDg another man's ticket, but vote gour oion. Light Beginning to Dnwn on the Court. The decision ot the Supreme Court in the case of Fant against Brown, of Spartanburg, goes to show that the Supreme Court Is not all wrong on the subject of setting aside mortgages by married women. The Court held that the mortgage o*-a married woman's land to secure the purchase money of mules was good. The same Court also held where a married woman had transferred real estate to set tie a^trouble Into which her husband had fallen, that the transfer was good, but that she could not be made to pay the note which was to settle the dlflerence. ? ? The Pee Dee Index. This paper comes to us this wegk at the beginning of a new volume, and with measure of columns reduced to the standard?13 ems pica. The Index is a live, good paper, In which something to read may always be found. The change of measures was a big job, and was brought about by tbe extra exertions of the foreman, Mr. James H. Evam, who 06 a printer, has few equals in this country. Slandering Candidates. We ask the public to be slow to believe evil reports about any candidate. As a rule it may be fair to charge these reports to partisans of opposing candidates, and these reports are used as so mach stock to advance the competitor. We think all talk about any candidate In this race using whiskey to ad vauce iiIB interests may oe set uuvrii us uusolutely untrue. Card from Capt. Parks. To my friends in Abbeville County : I have spent several days since the primary election In canvassing the County, and found at each place that one of my competitors had Just preceded me. I was met with the chargo of talking against that gentleman. Unfortunately for him be spent much of his time at each place talking against me. To day I was credibly informed that this same candidate had written a letter to a gen tleman charging Capt. Mattlson, MaJ. Lltes. or myself, with circulating falsehoods on him. In so far aB that candidate may have referred to me I pronounce it a base falsehood, and J believe that the other candidates are incapable of doing him any wrong. In defending myself from the unjust and wanton effort to defeat my election I shall sacredly protect the private character of that individual and shall not invade the privacy ol his home, but shall review as briolly as possible some of the Btriking characteristic# of ills official record and have a generous public to decide who of us is most entitled to your confidence, and in whose hands you would trust with the greatest safety your county government, including the finances. My first acquaintance with tills gentleman was when he was County Treasurer under appointment of Gov. Soott. It was generally understood that his administration was llk> that of General Jackson. There was n front entrance and a back one. There was funds on band for some parties and none lot others. Consequently many innocent parties suffered much in their claims by heavy discounts. The next time I saw him was as School Commissioner in 1874. The gentleman may explain how he obtained that office. New tickets for School Commissioner were printed on the Republican side with his name on them, and they were deposited in the ballot boxes In sufficient numbers to elect this gentleman before the Republicans found out the trick. The Hon. Guffin and mv competitor alone carry In their bosoms the knowledge of how the election was carried. In 1876, when the mighty throes of revolution were shaking society from centre to circumference, my honorable competitor was calm and serene In the School Commissioner's office. When every true patriot and lover of his country was making every sacrifice to deliver our State from the "robber band" who had been preying upon the vitals of our mother State for eight long years, when every boy had donned his red slilrt.and when even the women were ready to buckle on the sword and shoulder their muskets to drive the hungry horde of thieves from our borders, my friend displayed no red shirt, his voice was as silent as the tomb, his arm was too weak to write bis name upon the Democratic roll at home until on the eve or tne election. Not long since he published a card stating that he had been Sheriff for ten years. He seems to have forgotten six years of his efficlal life, and I don't blame him for trying to forget them; but they aie like Banquo's ghost?will not down at his bidding. It therefore becomes my duty to refeesh my friend's memory of these years he had forgotten. The last eighteen years of this gentleman's life has been spent at the public crib, and the records will show that ho has received more than forty thousand dollars out of the pockets of the people. Last year he received twentyeight hundred and thirty dollars for dieting the Jail prisoners, together with general ana lunacy account, besides bis civil business, amounting to hundreds of dollars. Having already been Treasurer, School Commissioner, Trial Justice and Sheriff, he demands to be County Commissioner, In conclusion, I have only to say that the office of County Commissioner; pays about three hundred dollars, and to gain the office Is not a consideration when my character is assailed. In self-defense I have had to Bpeak In a manner which is as repugnant to my feelings as any man In tbo county. I desire to love ray neighbor as myself, and act upon the highest plane of honor and Christian forbearance. I know not why this competitor pursues me except it be for the purpose of diverting public attention from the very sorious charges which the grand Jury preferred against blm at the last term of court, in wntch it was shown that he had charged and drawn from the county treasury large sums of money to which he was not entitled. In becoming a candidate for County Commissioner I desire, if elected, to benefit the county by Improving her financial condition, to relleveher of debt and to reduce the county taxes. I shall, if elected, accept the office as a oaamnri /% Kq fioorl fho Knnofltr\f tha cxlv^l tu bi uol>, w wv Unv,u ?v. v..v wvmvm. w. ?mu people, and shall bring to the discharge of Its duties all the integrity, fidelity and ability with which I am endowed. Respectfully, J. T. PARKS. Looking for tlie Information. Office of Comptroller General, Columbia, S. C., August 16,1888. Mr. Hugh Wilson, Abbeville, S, V: Dear Sir.?Upon Mr. Vomer's return this A. M., my attention was called to your letter addressed to him published in the Press and Banner (the letter dearing date of the 2nd instant.) Had your letter been received it would have had a reply long since. As soou as the Information can be gotten ready Mr. Verner will write you. Under the law as It now is and has been, the county accounts are kept by the County Commissioners, and not in this office. Consequently, the only wav that the information that you desire, canbe had is by an examination of the various settlement sheets from 1876 up to 1883 or 1884. and as you can see this will take some little time. As soon as I can possibly do this and obtain the information Mr. Verner will write you. Very respectfully, WINTHROP WILLIAMS, Chief Clerk. QiieNtloii for the Farmer* Club. How many bales of cotton to the horse is It necessary for a man to make to entitle a man to be recognized as a farmer? Is a three| biile scratcner of the soli entitled to the honorary title of farmer ? We will thank some i well informed farmer to throw some light on the subject. * TEE SEVERED TAX DODGER. THE COLLEGE WHICH HE PROPOSES TO ERECT WHEREBY HIS NAME WILL BE IMMORTAL. A Few Practical SueKCHlloim Which May bo Worth .Hitch, if IIec?lc<l?All .Manual I.ubor Schools in the Past Have Been Absolute Failures?Can ( IciuHoii Change the Record ? or Will lie Eutail a Calamity ou this People? ASIIKVILLE SUIiPHUR SPRINGS, N. C., August 7,1888. Editor Press and Banner: I urn here iu this delightful climate to recuperate from the effects of the exhaustive heat of summer, but I keep informed on the progress of the political campaign, State and county, for I regard It next in Importance, since reconstruction, to that of '7(1. It is sure to result In Important changes in our public institutions of learning, as well as in economic questions. The action of the Board of Trustees of the State University last year in creating so many professorthips, and necessarily askinor frir inprpitKfl nf JvnnronriRtlon. In mv iudir meat, was a serious blow to the Citadel Academy, though brought about by the friends of the Cltedel uniting with those of the University. The "poor" State of South Carolina, olamoriDg for the needed education of her sous, cannot afford tooverstock theUniverslty with professors. The people of the State, of all classes, do not understand the necessity of employing twenty-lour professors to teach 171 students, and some of the best educated men, with whom I have conversed, consider it a serious blunder and a cause for complaint to the enemies of the University, and of higher education generally. To use a slang phrase, it was "too previous." It will be a long time before three or four hundred students will be enrolled In the institutlou, end the professors will till easy chairs at good salaries, waiting I for students to Instruct. From ray reading of the reports of the campaign, I take it as settled that the farmers are going to have a sepaj rale Agricultural college, and in a short time the people will revolt at being taxed to support so many Institutions of learning, and the result will be that some of them must go. Which? Is an important Inquiry to the respective friends of each. The University will stand as it should stand, and, in all time to come, be an honor and an increasing glory to the State in spreading the light aud blessings of higher education and culture over our State and country. It is too dear to the hearts of the great body of the people, in Its hallowed memories of the past, for any would-be reformer to lay the rude hands of a vandal upon its walls. I see no disposition in that direction at present. The "farmers" have too much common sense to sanction such an outrage. THE OLD TAX-DODGER'S COLLEGE?PROPRR VIEWS AS TO TAKING MONEY FROM THE TREASURY. Now a few words as to the "Clemson College." I yield to no man In sympathy for the farmers in their depressed condition, but I fear they make a mistake if they believe that an agricultural college will relieve them of any of their burdens, or can be established on such a scale as to be creditable to them without additional taxation. Any funds taken from other departments, to be put Into the treasury of the Agricultural college, will have fr\ Hn Kimnlpmpntfifl hv luxation to keen UDI those departments, or they will have to be abandoned. The Department of Agriculture, so well managed by the Commissioner, aud accomplishing so much for the State, should not be crippled. If the income from the 'privilege tax" be more than it needs, as some cfalm, let It be turned into the treasury. In fact all funds of the State should go Into the treasury, In the regular way, and be appropriated by the Legislature as the necessities of any of the institutions of the State may, In their wisdom, require. This way of hampering the Judgment of candidates for the Legislature by all sorts of Interrogatories, some of them frivolous, makes mere machines of members of the Legislature, and is an Insult to their intelligence and patriotism. There Is a great deal of demagoglsm, insincerity, lying and dishonesty In politics. Almost every candidate answers every question favorably to the views and wishes of the Interrogators. It Is amusing, and at the same time amazing. Captain Tillman, In his speech at Hodges, twitting them by the remark that they weru now "toeing the murk like little men." Far better to direct the attention of candidates to needed reforms In county Hnd State government?to some of the Iniquitous laws on the statute books, apparently enacted for the benefit of county officers and attorneys, and which bear heavily upon the people generally. THE WAY SMALL ESTATES ARE ABSORBED. You may very pertinently ask why It is that about one-fourth of a small Intestate estate Is absorbed by oincials in winding u up? Yes, "winding It up" Is the proper phrase to express the idea. Why Is it that It costs &83 to foreclose a mortgage of &>00? It didn't use to be so in ante-bellum days, and ought not to be so now. The machinery of county government Is too cumbersome, and requires too many officers to run It. It Is an importation from thickly settled Northern counties, and does not suit us. INCREASE POLL TAX?REDUCE TAX LEVY FOB SCHOOLS. The two-mill tax which requires one man to educate the children of his neighbor, whether he be poor or rich, should be reduced to one mill, aud the poll tax raised to two dollars. The educational fund for common schools would uot, by that, be seriously affected, and it would make a large clsiss of our people, who receive the benefit of most of the school fund aud who pay but little, pay a more reasonable share, for all of tbe poll tax goes to this fund. But many of these changes can only bo made by conssllutlonal amendments by the Legislature, or by a convention to amend the constitution. MANUAL LABOR SCHOOLS HAVE ALL C10XE DOWN. But as to the Clemson college, which, In the minds of the farmers, seems to overshadow every other publlo question in importance, and the bequest which all the candidates were so ready to accept, whether the state Is to control it or not, or whether there is to be a long litigation In the courts over the will, which, the lawyers will tell you, means a big hole In it. Let us look at manual labor schools and colleges in the light of experience. It was once a popular idea, and many such institutions have been tried in the South and In South Carolina. Where are they now? Gone down, as all such experiments will go, where students are required to work, and are paid for it. I take it that a publlo farm, run by paid officials, cannot be managed as economically and as successfully as one run by a farmer who owns it. And If most of our farmera find it hard work to make "buckle and tongue meet," bow can it be expected that a public farm can be anytblng but an expense? THE DE LA HOWE SCHOOL IS CLOSED. The Furman University undertook such a school at Wlnnsboro, but It was abandoned and the institution was moved to Greenville. You are all raminar wun ine ue L.a nowe school. Here was a large tract of land, good land, bequeathed to the Htate with ample means, by a benevolent man, for practical education of youths on a farm. No doubt in Its day it accomplished good, but it went down until the trustees found it necessary to suspend operations and to rent the land. THE COKRSBURY MANUAL LABOR SCHOOL? THE WAY THE BOYS WORKED?WHAT THEY TAUGHT THE ANIMALS ? FINAL BREAKING UP. Of the "Cokeabury Manual Labor School" I can speak more confidently. This institution was owned by the South Carolina Methodist Conference; the funds to build it were subscribed mostly by the citizens of Cokcsbury. They started out in 1837 with near 4U0 acres of fresh land, a two-story brick building with some forty rooms for the students, a mess hall and kitchen, stables, horses, oxen, cows, hogs, and not owing one dollar. It was a popular idea, and was patronized not only by Methodist farmers, but by those of other denominations, and of no religious denomination. The students were required to work in the farm three hours a day, at ten cents per hour, placed to the credit of board and tuition account. Tlieflrtt year's operations brought the institution in debt,and the hours for work by students were reduced to two, and afterwards to one. Dr. Thos. It. Gary, a most estimable citizen and good business man, was treasurer, and being a man of means, he paid all bills as presented, whether there were any funds in the treasury or not. At the end of the third year, I think, he made a settlement with the Board of Trustees, which met only once a year, and it was found that the school was in debt about $3,000. This was a stunner to the trustees, and the result was they discontinued the work of students, sold land to pay the Indebtedness, but continued the farm by hired labor; and after years of struggle all Mm mo(!k and all the land, except seven acres and the school building, have been sold. Hoys are boys In all ages, and they are lust tlie same to-day as tlicy were then, what did they learn then? I heard onestudent,a member of the Legislature in after years, say that working In that farm gave him such a distance to work that he lmd never liked It since. He certainly did not Work. Mr. Hodues was the farmer,and he was a good oue and always attentive, but the boys would get ahead of him sometimes. In planting corn they would drop a handful in a hill, and the boy following with the plow would cover It up. so It was not discovered until It came up. There was a student by the name of Hogg, from the lower Sart of the State. The students,some twentyve or thirty, some with hoes and some with plows, were at work when one of the boys cried out. "Mr. Hodges, there is a Hogg In the field." "well, run him out." Plows and hoes were abandonod and ofl the boys started In a chase after Mr. Hogg, and ran him all over the field, ho of course enjoying the sport. They taught the ox teams the habit of running a?yay whenever they got to a hill, and they neyer failed to do It. to the studonts' delight. These arc not encouraging precedents, but they are facts all t he same, can't eat your cake, and iiave it, tooths mississippi jiummito?an asyi.itm for DEAD failures AT practicai. lit'rtlNESS. Mr. Tillman said, In Ills speech at Hodges, if _ - v : ?? ???? ???? I understood him correctly, that Gen. 8. I). I Lee, President of the Mississippi AgriculturalJ College, had written to him that 890,000 would put up tlio college nnd farm buildings all ready for beginning operations. Will anything be left of the money bequest? And yet slump orators talk about interest from the Clemson fund to help pay expenses. The great beacon light of encouragement held up by Mr. Tillman is this same Mississippi college. Very properly I can close these rambling remarks by a quotation from the Chickmaw (Alix/t.) Messenger, published near enough to the Mississippi college for the editor to inform himself correctly: "in the report of the Trustees and President of the college, made to the Legislature for the years 1S86-7, we find an inventory of the college property appraised November 15th and ICth, 18S7. Said Inventory contains the following items: College buildings 5101,050 00 College lands 47,712 50 Farm buildings 10,195 00 Mnlcine a total of. 8158,857 50 "Is the college a kucccss? "Well, that depends entirely upon what constitutes success. If the expenditure of more than S400,()00 of hard earned tax money, collected from the masses of thepeople?about $176,000 of which has been paid as salaries to officers, faculty and employees, not one of whom ever proved himself a successful farmer?to graduate about fifty or sixty young men, whose parents were, in the moBt Instances, able to send them to Yale or Harvard, is a success, then our 'Tombstone Industry' is a wonderful success. "If in fifty sciontiflc farmer graduates, technically tralnod uuder the supervision of a President who buys corn to run his magnificent prairie plantation, almost every year, not a dozen were ever guilty of degrading (?) themselves by engaging in practical agriculture after they left the college, then, as a training school to learn boys 'how not to do it,' the A. & M. is a remarkable Ruccess. "Ifan Investment made by the State of $77,739.80, as shown by the report for the years 1886-7, and the receipts from the sale of stock, beef, cattle, butter and farm products amounted to only $9,874.35 for two years, while the expenditures, Including students, labor and salary of Professor of Agriculture, reached the neat little sum of 323,263.69, could be considered a paying investment, then, Indeed, is the system of'intensive farming' practiced at onr A. & M. C.a phenomenal success. "The truth is, the Mississippi industrial schools are gigantic frauds and humbugs, drawing their support from funds that ought to be appropriated in aid of the free public schools; competing with private educational institutions of high grade all over the State; burdensome to the tax-paying masses, not one of a thousand of whom have the means to in41 /* a?*anh!nflr thom cur U1U cxpunse luciucim iu at?uuius , and beneficial mainly to the gentlemen who receive handsome salaries and that class of people who are perfectly able financially to take care of themselves. "With this conviction clinging to us, after long years of study, observation and Investigation, we advise those communities not already cursed with so-called industrial schools to renounce the luxury before the iniquitous system is fastened upon them, for they are practically rich men's schools operated at the producer's expense." I have nothing to gain by this communication, for I think it is unpopular, but I for one will raise ray warning voice to the farmers belore they take an elephant on their hands. F. A. CONNOR. A NUT FOR 8TATE HOUSE OFFICIALS TO CRACK. lender-Valuation or Railroad Property?Andltor Jones Makes Strong Points as to the Present Assessment or Railroads. Editor Press and Banner: Some of your readors wish to be Informed why the assessment upon the railroad property In this county Is so much lower in proportion than it is upon other property, and what good reason there Is why the assessment upon railroads has been reduced. We do not know whether that information can be furnished by the Comproller-General or the Railroad Board of Equalization but W0 WOlim HKe to rmve iu u ib uvu uo uuuamcu. It is well known that the visible property of citizens, both real and personal, in this county Is assessed at nearly or quite its fall market value. This is right. The Constitution, Art. I., Sec. 36, says: "All property subject to taxation shall be taxed In proportion to its value." Art. II., Sec. 33, provides: "All taxes upon property, real or personal, shall be laid upon the actual value of the property taxed " &c. How stands It with the railroads? For the years 1SS1,1KS2 and 1883 the property of the Columbia and Greenville Railroad was assessed for taxation at 81,771,870. In our humble opinion that assessment was entirely too low. The Comptroller-General's reports show that the net earnings of that corporation for those three years, alter paying all expenses, lases included, were 86-12,681, an annual average of 8214,210,or, In other words, a net income of 8 per cent, on 82,677,62*. Even if we allow a net Income of 10 per cent., the property of that corporation was worth 82,142.100. In the face of these facts, in 188-1 the Railroad Board of Equalization reduced the assessment upon the property of that corporation to 81,313,600, a rfductlon of S-1^7,770, where It has remained ever since. The reduction in this county was 8115,000. How stands the account since that time? The Comptroller-General's reports show that the net earnings of that railroad for the years ltfS4, li>S5 and 1886 were 8801,208, an annual average of 8207,069. This would be 8 per cent, on 83,338,3A2, or 10 per cent, on 82.670,690. Anolher fact to be considered is that the funded interest bearing debt of that corporation, secured by bonds and mortgage, Is 83,OOO.AOO, exclusive of preferred stock 81,000,000, and common stock $1,000,000. In other words, that company has gone into market and conditionally sold its property for at least 83,000,000, and yet the Railroad Board of EqualI# In jm lata than lAiltlutr naj iu so nut vu v?|vw,aw shrewd capitalists aro willing to pay for It and have actually advanced upon It. The Railroad Hoard of Equalization have this year also reduced the assessment upon so much of the Port Royal and Western Carolina Railroad as lies in this county 867.000. Why Is this? Can any one give a good reason why the property of private citizens should be assessed at Its full value and the property of foreign corporations at less than half its value? We should like to know. Respectfully, A. W. JONES, Auditor Abbeville County. WnHliiiiKton Oomp. Washington, D. C.. August 10, 1888. I had tho pleasure lately of making a visit to the Nation's Capitol and of seeing the legislators at work. It was an extremely hot day, ho the members seemed to be In an effort to see how much of their clothing decency would allow them to dispense with. Dressed in their seersuckers of spotted, ring streaked, and striped, they did not Impress one as being a very August assembly. Big fat Tom Reed, of Maine, the leader of the Re Cubllcans sat near the rear, pautlng and lowinsr, as If ho wanted more air but onniiiit'i. pet It. A ereat many of the Demo cjats have no more love for him than the devil has for holy water; for, whenever he gets a chance, he sits down on them," He is shrewd, quick to make a point, and full of sarcasm. It is said the Democrats will try the same game on him that the Republicans have been trying of late years. Their plan has been to concentrate their efforts and endeavor to defeat the leaders of the Democrats, letting tho others alone. In this way, they defeated Morrison; came near keeping Carlisle at home; and now, It is said, will try it on Mills. But he has discovered it In time, and says they cannot succeed for bis constituents are not for sale. Reed's majority was very small and possibly be can be defeated, for as to whether a "Down-Easter" is for sale or not, depends entirely 011 the amount of money with which you have to buy. Just across the centre-aisle from Reed, sat Congressmen Hemphill and Cothran, exhibiting a degree of olittm cum dignitaie that was quite refreshing and In happy contrast with some of the other Democrats. Mr. Hemphill is chairman of the District committee which makes him not ohly a conspicuous member, but also the subject of many compliments by the local press for his efforts In behalf of District improvements. This beiDg Judge Cothran's first term, he has not yet had the opportunities of fully revealing that ability and parliamentary knowledge which accorapll?b so much in Congress and which ho possesses. He has made a good impression and will en* ter upon his second term with bright prospects. Mr. Breckinridge, of Kentucky, is only serving Ills second term, yet he is one of the most prominent,active, and influential members in the house. Near him sits Major Martin, of Texas, who may be regarded as a superannuated cow-boy. He has long black locks of hair, a long loose coat, and a black slouch but. I11 which he puts a cabbage leaf on hot days. He says it keeps his bead cool. Senator Ingalls, the President of the Senate, was attired I11 a black alpaca, buttoned up closely, and looked very much like a Catholic priest^ jli. a. A Sll^lit Difference. Florence Times. in his acooant of the meeting here as it appeared in the 2'imes last week, the reporter said "there were gathered some 850 people." The editor of tiie Timmonsville Parmer's fr iend said : "There were in ull from 1,500 to J,000 people present?not about 200 as has been stated by the daily press." In noticing .Senator Edwards' appearance, the reporter for the Times said: "Col. Edwards was noxt Introduced, and the people were evidently not very anxious to hear him, for ihey scattered when ho came to tne front, and the cry was made for Tillman." The editor of the friend said; f'H:s [Col. Edwnrds'l very appearanco awakened a lively enthusiasm, anil the moment he arose a burst of applauso issued from the audience." There is quite a difference in the two ac( mints, to he sure, but the reporter for the Times is willing to leave Judgment on which is correct with those who were present. LIGHT FROM LOWNDESVILLB. j A Thousand Personal Paragraph* Make One Good Letter. LowNDESVrLLE, Aug. 20th, 1888. The excessive hot weather of the past week y or two would lead one at least to hope that the heated term in well nigh over. 1 Itain Is now bndly needed, cotton Is shedding badly and Js opening right along in | Rome parts of our township. Some of our planters are now very busy ' pulling fodder. 1 Judge J. R. LeRoy and wife left on last Mon- ( day by private conveyance for a few weeks mountain trip. Mrs. A. P. Smith of Mt. Oarmel spent several days of last week with her daughter Mrs. ] P. L. Sturkev. Mrs. J. J. Baker and Miss Eva Baker of An derson are now the guests of Mr. T. Baker. 1 Rev. W. R. Buchanan of Cokesbury spent last Tuesday anil Thursday nights with Judge . J. J. Moseley. Mrs. J. A. Reld of near Abbeville attended I the Catherine of the Democratic hosts here on i the 4th, and has spent the Intervening time with relatives and friends here. Mr. H. L. Huckabee and wife of Pelzer were ' at our honse during the past week. I Mr. P. L. Sturkey attended the United , States court last week at Greenville C. H. as a Juror. ' Capt. W. A. Wofford is now In charge of the j train upon the Savannah Valley Rail Road. Mrs. Wm. KUllngsworth of Antrevllle hns Just returned home from a visit to her dangh- j ter Mrs. W. F. Seawright. Mrs. J. M. Latimer has suffered a good deal during the past few weeks with erysipelas. Mr. Jerry Martin of Laurens is with his cousin Rev. W. S. Martin on a visit of a few days. Mr. Charles Baker and Miss Louise Calhoun of Latimer were on our streets on last Wednesday. ( Mrs. Minnie Lundry of Lasar Ga. Is now on a visit to her father Mr. S. S Baker. Mr. W. G. Watsou of Anderson County ?aveour town a short call 011 last Wednesay. Mr. J. M. Moseley and Mrs. J. T. Barnes left 1 last Saturday to see the daughter of the one, and the sister of the other, Mrs. W. R. White of Greenville. Rev. A. J. Cauthen held a quarterly meeting at Bell's Chapel last Saturday week ago and day following. Since then up to Friday evening a meeting has been carried on at that place which was quite a success. Mr. E. H. Mathews Intending soon to move Into the new brick store of T. Baker & Son, on right side of Main Street going up, is now selline his goods low down. Messrs. J. M. and J. Latimer have Just re- 1 ceived a lot of coffins which they will have on nolo nnni* f hn ouiu UCU1 bllG 1/C^Ub* There was quite an unusual sight for tble season upon our streets a few days ago, which was a load of shucks. Mr. John Craft Just across Savannah River owns a mule that Is something of a wonder as to bla trotting ability. 'Tls said that it can easily make a mile under three minutes, which is good mule time. Someofthe knowing gosslpers foretell a marriage or two In town as soon as it gets cool enough. Big preparations arc already being made here for tno fall und winter trade?new stores are being built, and additional clerks employed, &c. The colored people have had services every day and night at their church at old Smyrna for the past eight or ten days. A few days since Prof. W. H. Hix, our weather prophet was in town, and when questioned said that we would have wind and rain before Sunday night. We had enough of both to verify the prediction, but not near enough rain to satisfy the demand. A large number of colored people met at their University on Saturday and~beld a festival to raise funds to finish paying for their church, with what success I ain not informed, but alas! alas! with the usual finale of nearly all gatherings of the race, a little hair pulling and gouging. Prof. Hlx on his late visit to this place learned our folks a ilttle concerning chicken anatomy that they did not know before, 1. e., that there Is a hole running from a chicken's mouth to Its eye. and he proved It by pushing a feather through it. Yesterday our churches were opened for the following services. Methodist Sunday-school in the morning, young men's prayer meeting in the evening and preaching at night. Presbyterian Sunday-school and preaching in the forenoon. \fr T U CfAnlre 1.AO AntaUswl Art. xui.u. li. 1 tiiimo uoo uuiouvu uuiuiuk on* other large kiln of brick, which will be at once utilized in building two stores on the cornor of Main and Bell streets for Messrs. T. Baker & Sou. Mr. Jas. M. Baker is contrasting his lot on Church Street so as to give a good sidewalk, which will be quite an accommodation to pedestrians. Mrs. Jno. Harden 1s now and has been for the past week in a very critical condition. Some of tbe candidates are still at work. It would have saved an Immense deal of worry and work if all like some had agreed not to canvas during this heat. TROUPE. ^ ? SHOT AND SHELL FROM THE OLD FOET. Good Rains?Good Preaching;?Good Brick?Uood Railroad New*?PerNonnlci?What Voters Ought to Do oil the 81*t?Base Ball. Ninety-Six, S. C., Aug. 21st, 1888. Our community was refreshed by a line rain on last Sunday. Crops are generally good, and peace and good humor prevails In tbe Ninety-Six land. A great many of our people went over to Souls Chappell in Newberry last Sunday to hear tbe Kev. Thomas Leltcb. We understand that tbe crowd was immense. A great many people have taken their families, and provisions and bedding, and are occupying the vacant houses in close proximity. It will doubtless bo one of the largest meetings ever held in that vicinity. Our enterprising young friend Mr. R. G. Johnson is starting a brlcK yard. He thinks of burning a million or less. Building is on the boom at Ninety-Six, and there is a great demand lor all kinds of building material. Col. J. P. Phillips, one of the directors of the G. K. and Western Rail Road has returned from a meeting of the stockholders, held at Knoxvill* on tbe 14th Inst, His report is very encouraging. Col. Phillips is a business man and will not take things for granted, and he says from close investigation be is satisfied that tbe enterprise is in a healthy condition. The contractors are men of means and ccrtalnly by October 1889 the road will be finished from Greenville to Knoxvllle. It Is more than probable that the Augusta end will be finisher! sooner. We see by the Tribune that Mr. L. M. Moore has concluded to move to Greenwood. We are sorry to give up Mr. Moore and congratulate Greenwood. Mr. W. L. Anderson, Jr., R. O. Johnson and Hlrara M. Johnson have returned from the Cincinnati Exposition. They are well pleased with their trip and feel repaid for the outlay. Mrs. W. C. Griffin of Bradleys Is visltlngher cousin Mrs. W. Y. Sherrard. Her old friends were delighted to see her, as she, as well as her husband were always popular in NinetySix. Mrs. Leltch the wife of the evangelist who spent several days in town last weelc, left last Saturday for her home in Charleston. The Rev. H. C. Smart is carrying on a protracted meeting at Siloam near Ninety-Six. It 1b being well attended and much Interest is manifested. We think the farmers have slept over their rights, if they have any idea of nominating any other tlclcet than the present State ticket at the convention in September. Of course they can do what they please as they will be in the majority. But the nomination of a ticket made up of other persons than the nrpspnt. state officers would smack of Inde pendentlsm, and we are not Inclined to think that the white people of the State are quite ready for any tuiug of that kind yet. We are utterly unable to see how Col. McGowan lost a single vote In Abbeville County on the 10th, outside of the relatives of the other candidates, and we do hope that on the 81st our sheet will be dear and that a unanimous vote will be cast for the noble son of Abbeville. Miss Lutie Bozeman who has been on a visit to friends in Anderson has returned. Mr. J. H. Rice, Jr., was quite successful at the shooting match in Columbia last week. Our nine played a game of base ball with the Coronaca nine last week. They came home delighted with the treatment tney received at the hands of the Coronaca people, and will always remember the day with pleasure. It is the purpose of the Ninety-Six nine to get up a picnic soon and Invite the young gentlemen of Coronaca down. Mrs. L. M. Fouche and little ones are at Wllliamston for the summer, whllo Mr. Fouche is on the road soliciting trade for a first class shoe house. [ Mrs. W. B. Utsey of St. George's is at her father's Col. T. C. Lipscomb's for a short stay. | We trust every voter in Ninety-Six township will turn out on the 31st. It Is your duty and you owe it to McGowan and Moore, so don't let any thing stand In the way of your voting. The Itev. Mr. Stradinar preached a fine sermon in the Methodist church last Sunday. EAST END. I'onirremninii C'othrnn'n Work. Pickens Sentinel. I Renrflsfintatlve Cothran secured an amend- 1 ment to the general deficiency bill, providing 825,<xx) for the reimbursement of county sheriffs in various States who have provided j food for United States prisoners confided to j their care. Of this amount S3,000 will be divided among the sherlfl's of South Carolina at Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, Pickens, i Oconee, and Anderson, and such other points as como within the soopc of the amendment. < Judge Cothran has been industriously at work on this subjeot for some time past, requiring numerous visits to the department of 1 Justice and the Treasury Department. The j necessary information only reached him last Thursday, and, after explaining the situation to the House, unanimous consent was ac- ] corded him to introduce his amendment, i which was promptly adopted. 1 extracts from Lowndesville Advertiser A Card. This is to iuform our readers that vitli this issue of the Advertieer our connection with it ceases. Our connection with this paper has jeen very pleasant, and we have enleavored to write what we believe, and jo agitate subjects and vindicate principles which lie at the very foundation >f social life, and individual tharacter. the views we have expressed have seen our own, and as a matter of love md duty, we have expressed them freely. With the kindest wishes for the success of the Advertiser we retire from the editorial chair, commending its proprietor, Mr. J. M. Baker, to the confidence of the people, believing as we do that nothing could contribute more to the prosperity of Lowndesville than a weekly newspaper, well supported by the people, and run upon a, high plane of thought, and morals. Mr. Baker has certainly displayed a public spirit in this enterprise, and we hope the good impress of the paper will be lasting. \V. Smith Martin. With this issue of the Advertiser, Rev. W. Smith Martin retires from the editorial chair. Mr. Martin is a vigorous and fearless writer, and his ready pen will be missed in these columns. In assuming control of the editorial Rolumusitis with the hope that we may be ablo to give more of our time to the Advertiser than we have given heretofore. We shall endeavor to keep up the moral standard of the paper, and give our readers the latest news of i fr.ViCk Hoi* I We feel grateful for the support the Advertiser has received from its many friends and readers, and with their assistance in the future we hope to make it a better paper. Very respectfully, Jas. M. Baker. m m Greenwood, S. C., Aug. 11,1888. Editor LowndesviUe Advertiser: The election passed off quietly yesterday, and over three hundred votes cast. We were pleased to see the good feeling prevailing, notwithstanding the earnestness with which some of the voters worked for their candidates. The Female College of this place begins its next session on 3rd September, and the Male High School soon thereafter. The.prospects of both are flattering, and several families are making arrangements to move into town for the purpose of educating their children. Mr. Strother, of Chappells, is now erecting a large ten room dwelling for himself, and four or five other dwellings for the purpose of renting. The C. & G. R. R. reception room is nearly completed. While it is small, yet it is very neat and attractive in appearance. Recent rains have greatly revived crops. Cotton prospects flattering for an average yield. More Anon. Quite a number of the young peo pie here attended the lawn party given by Miss,. Louise Calhoun at Latimer on l^st Thursday night. Among those who were present were Messrs. J. J. Johnson, J. F. Harper, W. L. Lennedy, C. T. Baker, G. 8. Bruce and J. M. Huckabee. The ladies that attended were Misses Emmie Bruce and Annie Barnes. The party all unite in saying the occasion was a very enjoyable one. The Charleston World has published the letters written by Capt. B. R. Tillman to the Ne^8 and Courier and which Capt. F. W. Dawson refused to publish on account of the offensive language in them. Friday week August 31st is election day. Let every man turn out and vote. It is highly important that * we have a full vote, so let no man in Abbeville county remain at home on the 31st. "Troupe," of the Press and Banner was rather terse in his reply to "Observer," and he wants it understood that he made no such a grave misrepresentation as charged against him. Mr. W. L. Kennedy returned last week from Hartwell, Ga., where he spent a week very pleasantly attending the camp meeting, which was very largely attended. Mrs. W. F. Kennedy and Mrs. Jas. H. Carlisle, of Atlanta, made a flying trip to Calhoun's Mills last week, where they went on a visit to Mr. J. H. Latimer's family. Mr. H. C. Bardin, one of the handsomest men on the road was in town last week, representing the famous flour mills of Capt. J. M. Berry, of Augusta, Ga. Messrs. D. L. Barnes and H. A. Tennant have bought the Prather lot, will erect a nice livery and feed stable on it. Mr. J. D. Reeves has the contract to build it. Mr. E. E. Horton and family, of YVilliamston, S. C., arrived here last Thursday from Hartwell, Ga., and spent several days with his son Mr. E. R. Horton. Mrs. J. G. Harden has been quite sick for the past week, but at this writing is considered some better, and it is to be hoped that she may recover. Mrs. J. J. Baker. Miss Eva Baker and Miss Helen Ettie Baker, of Anderson, spent several days last week at Mr. T. Baker's. The Congressional race in the second district is growing wanner, but will soon be settled. There is no lack of good material. Mr. D. L. Donnald, of Piedmont, S. 0., spent several days in our city last week, the guest of his brother Mr. J. Q. Donnald. Misses Annie and Lucy Gibert. Mrs. J. H. Reld, and Misses Sallie and Mamie Baskin, have been visiting at Capt. W.G.Johnson's. Mr. T. N. Baker, after an absence of seven years in Texas, returned last Saturday to his old home to remain for several weeks. Mr. J. F. Clinksoales, of Monterey, was iu town last week, and reports that the crops in his section need rain. Mr. McLees of Greenwood was in town Saturday, meeting with the people and looking after his interests here. Mr. J. M. Broadwem,, of Moffattsville, was in town Saturday, and reports the crops good in his section. Mrs. Tempy Burdett has succeeded in getting a pension, and it was right thnt she should have it. ? ? ? ? *rwl/"\ f/\i? I ARRANGEMENTS lire ui'iuy utauo ivi | i singing school, and Prof. J. H. Harbin will be employed to conduct it. Mrs. A. D. Morrow, of the Fork, iias been visiting friends in Anderson ;ounty for the past week or more. Mr W. F. Wrioiit, after an illness of some duration, has recovered md is able to be out again. The case of J. L. Simpson vs. J. G. harden was not tried last Saturday, jut was postponed. Mr. P. B. Allen, of Starr, is down on d visit to his sister Mis. J. G. Harden, who is quite ill. The negroes took possession of West End last Saturday and literally held the "Fort." Mr. J. H. Martin, of Laurens, is here on a visit to Rev. W. S. Martin and family. Mr. W. 0. .Sherard, of MoflTatsville, was in town laat Tuesday on business. ? _ Mr. S. C. Baker, of Anderson, spent Sunday in town with hi* relatives. Miss Annie Barnes is at the Moseley Hotel, spending some time. Mr. J. F. C. DuPre was in town last week on business. Mr. J. J. Moseley has had the misfortune to lose a valuable mule. Dr. Frank DuPre was in town last week, cn ro/uie to Anderson. Capt. J. T. Parks was in town last Saturday. Mr. Charles Baker, of Augusta, < Ga., was in town for a short while last week. Rev. W. S. Martin preached last Saturday at Bell's Chapel to a large congregation. While the tendency of European government is to a reduction of the army and consequent reduction of cost, and the well being of the masses, the senate of the United States Is intent upon increaseng the cost of war preparation. Senator Hawley's amendment to the appropriation bill to expend $5,000,000, for steel guns was passed; also $750, 000 to start a gun factory at Watervliet, arsenal New York. Geo. W. Childs long since forbade all reference to Col. Ingersoll or even mention of his name in the Ledger. The Presbyterian Banner thinks that if the other journals of the country, secular and religious, had pursued a similar policy the Colonel would have disappeared from notice years ago. We think so too. The colored people of Maryland are conoiaaocaie jrair at x>amuiure vu? first feven days of October, and more than oOO applications for space have already been applied for. The American says the exhibition will be a surprise to the public. The colored people of Maryland have advanced more substantially than their contemporaries of any other State. In Baltimore alon6 they pay taxes on between two and three million dollars' worth of property. Professional base ball has had its day in the smaller towns. Saltpeter wont save it. People have become disgusted with it and are giving it the goby. No good results are obtained from it and those who financially back the players are kept in constant hot water over the actions of the dead beats to whom they pay large salaries for doing nothing. The edict has gone forth that professional base ball will soon follow the skating rink. It has been rather a favorate "fling" at religion and religious training lately to assert that a large number of the criminals found in the State prisons were once Sabbath-school scholars. We notice that Major McGlaaghry, warden of the State Penitentiary of Illinois, in a late address stamped , this assertion as false. He said that / statements to this effect "are not at all reliable, and probabty very few criminals have really been in the Sunday1 scholia."?Presbyterian. The expression "dark horse," now - in such general political use, first occurred in Lord Beaconssfield's'^Young ' Duke." Her# is the parapraph: ; "The first favorite was never heard of, the second favorite was never seen after the distance post, all the ten-toones were in the rear, and a dark ' horse which had never been thought | of rushed past the grand stand in sweeping triumph." The W. M. S. of the Louisiana Con, ference reports as follows; Number of adult auxiliaries, 30; juvenile and iinnnjr nonnla'o onniuMpfi 12 ? fntil SUX J'UUUg J^Wj^/AV UVVIVV^VW} J iliaries, 42; adult members, 821 ;juvrnile, 454; total membership, 1,275; subscribers to Woman's Missionary Advocate, 163; life members, 6; ' scholarships, 1; increase over last year, auxiliaries, 17; members, 535. Gov. Richardson has borrowed $50,000 at 6 per cent, from the Charleston banks with which to pay pension claims. The $50,000 appropriated by the Legislature has lill been paid out since April 1st. At this rate it will take nearly one hundred and fifty thousand dollars annually to pay the pension claims.?Florence Times. The Supreme Court of Justice in Spain has dismissed the appeal of two Protestants sentenced to imprisonment for refusing to salute the host iu the public streets ; but has ordered to trial certain Roman Catholics who entered a Protestaut chapel with their hats on, and after insulting the pastor, threw the Bible on the floor and trod upon it. A fresh instance of Papal infallibility is just reported. Lasserre's translation of the Gospels into French was emphatically approved by the Pope in I December, lbSU. me very same jruyc in December, 1887, put this book in the Index Expurgatoria as one proscribed to all the faithful. On which of these two occasions was the Pope infallible For the last seven months 28,352 more imigrants landed at Castle Garden than in the corresponding months of last year. The July arrivals were 28,690, or 1,246 more than in July, 1887. ' Gen. John Bkatton lias withdrawn from the Congressional race in the Second District, which leaves the race between Maj. D. R. Duncan and \V. H. Perry. Hon. Leroy F. Youmans has been, retained by the Lees to conduct the suits that will be brought to break ths Clemson will.