The Abbeville press and banner. (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, February 06, 1889, Image 4
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The Press and Banner.
ABBEVILLE, S.C.
Wednesday, Feb. 6,1889.
The Way a Proud Old State Evaded
Her Liability on llouds.
One A. D. Williams of New York, was the
owner of Blue Ridge Railroad Bonds, the
payment of which was guaranteed by the
Ktate. We are not familiar with the exact
facts, but it seems that the Legislature of the
State Issued a new obligation which Williams
and others holding Blue Ridge Railroad
Bonds, were required to exchange for their
bonds. The Courts afterwards decided that
the new obligation which was substituted for
the Blue Ridge Bonds, was issued contrary to
law and unconstitutional, and that the State
was not bound to pay it, and thus it was the
great and proud State of South Carolina settled
half million of her indebtedness. From
the following, taken from the Register, it will
be seen that the State holds fast to the bonds
which she secured in a manner which it
seems to us does not commend to the favorable
opinions of honest men :
Sheriff Bowan, acting as Depuly United
States Marshal, yesterday morning served on
8tate Trearurer Bamberg notice of the suit
against him of Amos D. Williams of New
York, with a copy of the summons and complaint
of the plaintiff in this action, mention
of which has previously been made in The
Register.
The defendant Is summoned to make an
swer to the complaint, being allowed twenty
days from the date of service in which to llle
the same.
The copy of the document lodged in the
Sheriff's office, and on which acceptance ol
service has been endorsed, reads follows:
United States of America. Soutii Carolina
District?Fourth Circuit.
Aaron D. Williams, Plaintiff, against Isaac S.
Bamberg, Defendant.?In the Circuit
Court.?Complaint.
The plaintiff above named, complaining,
alleges:
I. That he Is a citizen and resident of the
8tate of New York, and the defendant, Isaac
8. Bamberg, Is a citizen and resident of the
State of South Carolina.
II. That the plaintiff is the owner, and entitled
to the immediate possession of 417
bonds, each of the denomination of one thousand
dollars, made by the Blue Ridge Kail
road Company, payable to bearer, with interest
coupons attached thereto, guaranteed by
the State of South Carolina, whereon is due
and payable to bearer thereof the sum of one
thousand dollars each, together with the
mount due by the coupons thereon, said
bonds being unmbered 06 follows: From No.
OM Wn 5S7 Knfh inolncivn oiifl frnm Vn
821 to 601, both inclusive, and from No. 757 to
No. 1,000, both inclusive, said bonds being oi
the value of eight hundred thousand dollars
? III. That the said defendant, Isaac S. Bamberg,
is in possession of the said bonds ana
wrongfully withholds them from the said
plaintiff. The plaintiff has demanded the delivery
of the said bonds and coupons to him
by the said Isacc S. Bamberg, defendant
above named, with which demand the said
Isaac 8. Bamberg has refused to comply.
IV. That the plaintiff has been damaged
by the said wrongful detention of said bonds
by the defendant, one hundred thousand dollars.
Wherefore, the plaintiff demands judgment
against the defendant, Isaac S. Bamberg, as
follows:
1. For the Immediate possession of the said
fonr hundred and seventeen bonds, with cou
pons attached thereto, if such delivery can be
bad.
2. For the sum of eight hundred thousand
' dollars, the value thereof, if such delivery
ean not be had.
3. For one hundred thousand dollars damages
for the wrongful detention thereof, together
with the costs of the nctlon.
W. S. Monteith. Plaintiff's Attorney.
The copy left with the State Treasurer
varies from the foregoing In containing liveparagraphs
or allegations instead of four, thtadditional
one being marked "IV," and read
v lng as follows:
"IV. The plaintiff isnotawar=of the cause
<C ! of said refusal, but he is informed and be
lieves that the said Isaac S. Bamberg, being
elected Treasurer of the State of South Carolina
and being Inducted into said office, casually
found the snld bonds in the vault of the
treasury of said State, and he pretends that
said bonds are the property of some person
other than the plaintiff, which pretense the
plaintiff charges to be untrue."
The paragraph marked IV in the Sheriff's
copy )s then marked 'V" in the one left with
tbe Slate Treasurer.
This is peculiar, but this is not the only peculiarity
or variation in the matter.
On January 26tb, six days before, the plaintiff's
attorney sought to secure service on the
State Tjeasurer by sending him a copy c>i
summons and complaint by a boy. In thr
copy then served the paragraph above quoted,
containing allegations against the State
Treasurer was omitted; and the officials who
have examined it state that it varies in other
particulars from the last copy served.
This mixing of matters will doubtless be
called to tbe attorney's attention later on.
"Who was Responsible for Andersoug?...
villc ?"
Ex-President Jefferson Davis has written an
article for the North American Review,
which will appear In the next number, entitled:
"Who was to Blaine for AndersonvllleT"?
Charleston Sun.
Until Mr. Davis or some one else can ac:
count for the excessive mortality among tbe
sick of Andersonvllle, it would be well to let
y the subject rest. If Mr. Davis can explain
why the death rate in the LaGrange hospitals
lor Confederates was only about one-fifth
of the death rate at tbe Andersonvllle prisoners,
he may throw some light on the subject.
While no one can believe that the North
was blameless in the refusal to exchange pris,
ouers, yet It is useless to hold out any idea
that the sick prisoners of war were as carefully
cared for, as were our own sick soldiers.
The supply of medicines was limited, and our
" people were chafing under the injustice or
wrong inflicted upon them by the refusal to
exchange nrlsoners. As a matter of fact, we
did not have as much food, clothing nnd medi
. lclnes iik our own people needed, und It Is idle
in Mr. Davis or any one else to say that our
officers treated Northern prisoners as well as
they treated our own soldiers. It was
not human nature to take the medicine, food,
and clothing from our own sick men, to <:ive
it to the prisoners of war whom we were compelled
to take care of, and who should have
been at home.
We think all discussion about the Andersonvllle
prison, and who burnt Columbia,
might very well be allowed to have a rest, as
far as this side ot the house is concerned.
The Way to Dlwpofte of
The grand jury In Atlanta last week touch,
ed on the subject of beggars. That Jury recommended
thai promiscuous begging in the
county should be stopped, ss beggars have become
an eye-sore and a nuisance to citizens
and an annoyance to visitors. The body
thinks all worthy persons making application
should be sent to the alms house, and all
others treated as vagrants.
We do not know whether the grand Jury
bad reference to persons who beg for churches,
or for neighbors whose barus have been
> burnt, or persons whose horse may have been
starved to death, but there is a great mistake
in giving to beggars under the idea that all
that is given to them properly comes under
the head of "charity." If a stranger or neighbor
by some accident or misfortune is hungry
oi "!ck, ana has neither shelter nor money, 11
Is our bounden duty to feed him, and other*
wise relieve his pressing necessities, but there
Is no charily in contributing money to give
an abled bodied man property, or to encourage
rapscallions in idleness and vagrancy.
New Plau for Filling Mutl Holes.
p;; DuriDg a recent drive in the country, we
found several mud holes in the road. In
v nearly every Instance there was an abundance
of rocks lying loose on top of the
ground within two hundred yards of the hole
where they were so much needed. There is
uothing better than small rocks for Ailing
mud holes, and it seems strange to us that
road workers have not thought of this before
now. If the mud holes are lllled up with lit.
tie rocks all trouble at these places would be
ended. We don't expect to apply for a patent
right for this mode of treating mud holes.
Road workers are welcome to adopt the plan.
Two very pleasant germans have taken
place within the last week. Misses ICuddle
aud Saldee Calbonn gave one on Wednesday
night, enjoyed by all. Miss Parker's entertainment
last night at Seal's Hall, given to
her cousin. Miss Winter, of Montgomery, will
lonir l>e remembered by the yomiii people of
Abbeville.
.
Ife;
?MM??miMiiMinrtaM?^M>aiiaatai
Railroad Talk.
It is now said that both the Cumberlaiiil
Gap and the G. C. & X. roads are to be built.
The magnates of " old Tuinblln" had a meeting
in Xew York recently. President Bowen
gave up his position to some one else, and it
is now rumored that this great Iron highway
[ is to be finished to Abbeville within a year's
time.
Rumor alsonssertspositivc by thatGen. Hoke
will at an early day put a great force of hands
at work on the C., G. & N. road this side of
Chester.
We wish it distinctly understood that we
publish these rumors, without in any way
vouching for the correctness of any of them.
We have lost all faith in railroad talk. We
will believe these roads will be built when we
have occular demonstration of progress, and
not before. If either of the roads should
come nobody will rejoice more than we will,
but at present railroad stock is a long way below
par. "Hope deferred makelh the heart
sick." We will therefore not tire our readers
with promisesofan early completion of either
road. We will for the present, ride on the
road which our father's built, or take a conveyance
from one of the staaies.
A Taking Cake.
Brother Holmes, of the Barnwell reople, is
responsible for the following:
&hk Scooi'ed Him Quick.?a Barnwell
young lady was asked a few evening ago by
a curious gentleman for a rccipe for making
pound cake. She promptly responded thai
she always put in hers a dozen egus, a pound
of sugar, same of flour, some essence of lemon
and a pint of whiskey. They are engnged.
ALL SORTS FROM LOWNDESVILLE.
A nolnyod Inciter ami a Xcw Letter
Business Firms Busy ? Visitors ?
An Old Citizen Back to His Birth
Place?Mnn.v Iten.s of Interest.
Lowxdrsvillk, Jan. 28th, 1SS9.
Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Huckabcc of Pelzer have
been visiting In this community for the past
week or two.
Mr. J. M. Moscley went to Greenville C. H.,
last Friday on a visit to the family of his sonin-law
Capt. W. R. White.
Prof. J. F. Harper began the exercises of his
school in this place on last Monday, with u
better opening and more flattering prospect*
than last year.
Mrs. \V. S. Martin and children, after quite
a visit to relatives at Kingstree, returned to
this place last Thursday week ago.
Misses Ada and Florence Brownlee after
spending a week at their aunt's, Mrs. Jane
Baker, returned to their Anderson home last
week.
Mrs. W. F. Kennedy has been quite sick lor
the past two weeks. We are glad to report
that she is some better at this writing.
Last week Rev. W. S. Martin traded some
County rights to his "Horse Detacher" for a
good mule, which he soon sold for a good
price.
The planters are now, between showers,
pushing ahead sowing oats. This crop now
ranks among the most important.
Col. NV. Jas. Lomax who has been quite feeble
for sometime, is again on rising ground
and bids f?ir to icgain his wonted health.
Rev. W. S. Martin and Mr. J. B. Franks
went to Greenwood last Thursday week ago
to attend a meeting of the Stewards of this;
Presiding Elder District.
A short time back a gentleman of Elbert
County, Ga., passed through this section on
the hunt of his thirteen year old daughter,
who had been kidnapped a few days before.
Many of the fowls above here are strangely
affected. "lis said tb jlr ailment is rheumatism.
Mr. Edward McDavid of Due West is nowclerking
in the Stove and Tin House of his
brother-ic-law, Mr. E. R. Horton.
mr t linker has made several changes in
his dwelling inside and out, which adds greatly
to its convenience and outside appearance.
Mr. W. M. Baker has bought and moved to
the place lately owned by Mr. J. J. Moseley,
near the old time double brioges.
A few days since Mr. Jas. M. Baker while in
the woods having some timbers got out, had
the misfortune to have his foot cut with an
axe in the hands of a careless darkey.
Mrs. S. S. Baker returned from her visit to
her daughter at Vassar, Georgia, Mrs. Minnie
Lunday, last Thursday week ago.
The roads are now very bad in many places.
If the present road law Is enforced such complaints
will soon cease.
During the past few weeks several very Important
mercantile changes have taken place
in our town. Messrs. T. Baker Son dissolved
copartnership, and Messrs. J. M. Baker, K
H. Mathews and J. 0. Chambers, three enterprising
and energetic young men formed a
new firm, and will conduct a business to meet
the wants of a general public, in the new
brick store on the corner of Main and Bell
Streets.
Mr. J. B. Franks will very soon move his
drugs into the other adjoining brick store,
and Mr. T. Baker will continue to do business
in the store now occupied by Mr. Franks.
Messrs. McConnell & Baker dissolved by
mutual consent. Mr. \V. M. Baker will now
devote his whole time to his wagon and buggy
making.
Messrs. McConnell and I. II. McCalla have
entered into partnership, and will constantly
keep 011 hand at the old stand of Messrs. T.
Baker & Son, on the right side of Main Street
going up, a large and varied stock oi general
merchandise.
Mr. P. L. Slur key occupies the old stand of
Mr. K. H. Mathews, where he keeps well supplied
with good goods.
Mr. J. M. Latimer, another new firm has
opened out quite on expensive ui guuun
near the Depot.
Last, but by no moans least, come the "old
reliables" Messrs. Sberard & LeBoy, and Allen
ACooley. These two firms will continue
as lormerly to defy competition as to quality
of goods and prices.
In the week before last's Medium, among
tbe locals from tills place was an item which
surprised many of us 110 little, i. e. "Messrs.
Allen & Cooley do principally a truck business."
That is misleading, or Webster was
mistuken in his definition of the word
"truck." 1. e. barter, exchange of goods. The
above firm, like all others in country towns,
do in part at least, a "truck" business, but not
"principally." They keep on hand a large
stock of goods, and sell as uiany as any other
merchant here.
Last Tuesday there were four stout, ablebodied
men, claiming to be Frenchmen, in
charge of two large bears ou our streets.
Some of the bystanders raised fifty cents,
which paid for the unusual spectacle of a bear
and man wrestle. Bears and men were well
trained. TROUPE.
LOWNDESVIU-E, Feb. 4th, 1889.
Mr. E. J. Belott went to Abbeville C. H., on
last Monday.
Last Monday and Tuesday were extremely
cold days. (This for the readers of the Press
and Banner beyond the County and State
i limits.)
Rev. Jf. (7. Fennel of Monterey was in town
one day last week on business.
Mrs. M C. Parker returned to her former
home at Mt.Carinel a few days ago,from a visit
of some lencth.
Mrs. Jas. M. Baker is now visiting her relatives
and friends in Augusta, Ga.
Mr. W. H. Martin has been quite sick at the
home of his son, Rev. W. S. Martin, is now
Improving.
Mr. Clarence Harper left here by Railroad
last Tuesday lor Spartanburg, where he wen t
to enter Woflbrd College.
Miss Leila Grogan of Klberton who is visiting
the family of Mrs. H. H. Harper and Miss
Minnie Lee Harper, spent last 1uesuny iiigui
and Wednesday with Miss Willie LeRoy.
Mrs. M. A. liaundrant of Atlanta, Ga., is
now visiting tlie family of her son-in-law,
Mr. J. O. Chambers.
Messrs. D. K. Cooley and A. L. Latimer's
horses a few days ago while running and
playing, "played goat" too strong?butted
their heads together and thereby the nose of
Mr. Cooley's horse was broken. It is now getting
along first rate.
There w as a donkey party at Mrs. O. R. Norton's
last Wednesday night, which was well
attended and enjoyed by ail.
Messrs. linker, Mathews and Chambers have
Just completed a commodious warehouse near
the Depot.
Tlie venerable Mr. James Groves, ninetytwo
years of age, who was born and reared
near this place, a long time resident of Alabama
is now hereon a visit. Me is still hale
and hearty.
| l>r. H. A. Henry has lately become possessor
by purchase of the lirooks house and lot. A
line horse and a town house arc "kinder" prelusive
ot a change in a young man. from a
bachelor to a Item-diet. Don't you think so?
Master Marvin Martin gave a birthday candy-pulling
to a few of his young friends on
last .Saturday.
A cotton seed oil mill is the latest contemplated
addition to the many advantages already
possessed by our town. It is now being
talked up, and steps will soon be taken for its
establishment.
Mrs, Alice Marcliant of firaniteville has
been in our county sometime visiting. She is
now in this community.
Misses Sallie and Mamie Raskin of Monterey
are now visiting their sister, Mrs. W. G.
Johnson.
The great United States postal machinery
between this point and Abbeville C. H., by
Rail Road via McCormick and Greenwood
6eems to have been somewhat deranged for
! sometime. Letters mailed hero early Monday
morning frequently do not reach Abbeville
till Tuesdav evening, and sometimes
not till Wednesday, when they ought to
reach there Monday evening. I do uot preI
tend to conjecture where the fault is, but there
is fault somewhere, even all the same.
TKOUPE.
Judging from the number of Kentucky
mules sold here every season we should
think a good mule colt or t wo on every farm
would be a good thine. The enlarging of the
pasture fence and sowing plenty of oats wo
think would do a good thing uUo on the farm.
' ?JfewOerry IlcrulU unU New*.
?, " ' ; ' " ' -,i;iVr' )r " Ym i'
WHAT DOES IT MEAN ?
MANY LAWYERS AND THE CIRCUIT JUDGE
ARE STRIVING TO INTERPRET
R. C. GORDON'S WILL.
An Immense F.slnte to be Agtportoineil
out to Lucky Lawyers anil Fortunate
Legatees ? Read the Will
Yourself, an<l See if You can Tell
Hliore the Properly mi sin 10 uu.
Tho most important case tried at the recent
term of court was the case of Jane L. Gordon
administratrix, &c., plaintiff against Mary
Watt Gordon and others. This was an action
brought for the purpose of construing the will
of Robert C. Gordon, deceased, which Is as
follows:
Tub State of South Carolina.
In the name of God. Amen!!!
I, Robert C. Gordon, of the District of Abbeville
and State aforesaid, being weak in
body, but of sound and disposing mind,
memory, and understanding, and being desirous
of disposing of the property and estate
with which God hath blessed me, do make
this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking
all wills by me heretofore made:
1. My will Is that all my Just debts be
paid.
2. My will and desire is, and 1 so order and
direct, that my wife Rebecca be handsomely
supported and maintained during her natural
life, and I charge my Executors specially
to see that this provision be faithfully carried
out.
3. I give and bequeath unto my daughter
Rosa Ann, wife of James McCord, for her
sole and separate use, not in any way subject
to the control of her husband, for and during
her natural life, and at her death to her children,
the sum of One Thousand Dollars, and
the entire debt due tome from the said James
McCord, which is now in suit, to be paid to
the said Rosa Ann, or any person whom she
may choose to actas trustee for her.
4. I give and bequeath to my son Ezekiel
Kvans Gordon Five Hundred Dollars.
5. I give and bequeath unto my daughter
Rebecca Eveline, wife of Leroy C. Wilson,
I the entire debt now due to me from her bus|
band, secured by mortgage on his land, and
the sum of Eight Hundred Dollars to be paid
to aer by my Executors, to be for her use during
her natural life, and at her death to be divided
equally between hor children which
she may leave at the time of herdeath.
6. I give and bequeath to my grand daughter
Jane Watt Wilson, Five Hundred Dollars,
to be paid for her schooling as It may be needed,
if so much be necessary, but if so much be
not needed for schooling, then all not expended
in schooling, with interest thereon, be
paid to her when she comes ol age or marI
rioc
7. I give, devise, and bequeath untomyiwo
sons, James and Robert Thomas^all my land
and real estate, to them and their heirs, but
If either of my said sons should die without
Issue living at the time of his death, then I
nive his part of the lands to the survivor, and
if the survivorshould die without leaving issue
at the time of his death, then, that, I give
the same to my other children, subject to the
same limitations as Is provided as to the bequests
to them respectively.
It is distinctly understood, and I so order
and direct, that the said lands shall be a home
for my wlfo aud single daughters for and
during their lives, or 60 long as they may
choose to live thereon.
8. I give and bequeath unto my four children
In equal shares, to wit: James Gardon,
Robert Thomas Gordon, Mary Watt Gordon,
and Jane Kllza Gordon, all my negroes, stock
of every klr.d, plantation tools, the balance
of my money on hand, bonds, notes, and all
the rest and residue of my estate of every description
for and during their natural lives,
with remainder to such child or children as
either of them should leaving living at the
time of his or her death respectively as to his
or her share, and if either of my said tour
children should dte without leaving issue
living at the time of his or her death, then
his or her share to go to the survivors, and If
the last survivor should die without leaving
Issue living at the time of his or her death,
then J give the estate and property hereby
given to them, to my other children herein
named, share and share alike, subject to the
same limitations as Is provided In the bequests
given to them respectively.
9. I do hereby appoint my two sons James
and Robert Thomas Gordon executors of this
my last will and testament.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set
my band and seal, this 18 Jan'y, 1852.
Signed, scaled, published and acknowledged
in the presence of us who have hereunto
^signed onr names as witnesses
thereto in ine prenenw m
ROBERT C. GORDON, (L. S.I
Andrew Winn,
charles denpy.
Tnos. C. Perrin.
Robert C. Gordon died in January, 1852.
This Will was admitted to probate before
Frederick \V. Selleck. Ordinary Abbeville
District, 28th January, 1852.
The personal property consisted of 80 negroes,
and ?20,000 worth of notos, bonds, etc.
The real estate consisted of 2,091 acres, valued
at. SIC, 841.
In 1S58, under an order of the Court, all the
property was partitioned as follows, to wit;
To Robt. T. Gordon :
Real estate 818,600.86
Personalty .'.? 7,531.00?S26,211.80
To James Gordon:
Real estate S 18,809.90
Personalty 8,612.00?827,421.90
To Mary Walt Gordon :
Personalty $18,543.09
To Jane E. Gordon:
Personalty 818.667.09
$90,845.14
And these legatees went Into possession ot
their separate shares.of the property under
the limitation provided by the will ofthelr
father Robert 0. Gordon.
The two unmarried daughters of the testator
still liveattheold homestead, where their
brother Robert Thomas Gordon lived with
them until the day of his death.
James Gordon died several years ago, leaving
two children. They Inherited their father's
share in their own right.
This will was made in 1852, just a day or so
before the death of the testator. Mrs. Kirkwood,
one of the daughters of t he testator,was
left nothing under the will, and an action was
brought by herself and her husband to test
I th? validity of the will on the ground that,
the testator being in extremis was mentally
incapable at the time of making a will. As
an evidence of such Incapacity on the part of
the testator it was shown that he was physically
very weak and also that his mind was
not clear owing to the low state of his health,
and that he did die within the space of two or
three days atter the will was executed. Proof
was also adduced to show that Mrs. Klrkwood
was her father's favorite daughter, which fact
was freely admitted, and as she was not mentioned
in the will it was claimed that this was
a strong presumption of his mental weakness.
After beniR hotly contested the case went to
the Supreme Court, where it was decided that
the will was valid. Then, in a suit between
James Gordon, Robt. T. Gordon and the two
Misses Gordon, the property was divided or
partitioned, and James and Robt. T. Gordon
had the laud set off to them in equal shares
under the will, and the personal property was
divided between the two sons and the two
daughters Jane Eliza and Mary Watt Gordon
?James Gordon then died leaving two children
who are.'partles to the presentsult. Robi.
T. Gordon survived his brother James many
years, and then died leaving no issue. The
two Misses Gordon are still living, and unmarried.
They live at the old homestead.
The death of Robert T. Gordon without issue
brouuht about the contingency which rendered
it necessary that, this action should be
brought In order to construe the will of Robt.
C. (Gordon, deceased, and ascertain his In|
tentlons as to what should become of the
property in case 01 mu ucnm >>1 mo ,-ui >jVinson
without Issue?as all tho parties to this
suit claimed either the whole or a portion of
the property?covered by the will. The two
sections which causes this controversy are
the seventh and eighth clauses of the will.
Under these sections the children of James
Gordon cluim the entire property.
One of James Gordon's children, Mrs. Georgia
Miller is represented by Messrs. E. B.
Gary, W. C. Miller and J. P. K. Bryan, the
two last named attorneys being members of
the Charleston bar. The other child of James
?Evans Gordon?is represented by Messrs.
Benet d: Cason. Their interest being the same
of course tiicse five attorneys contended for
the same construction of the will, with the
exception of Mr. Gary, who while he agreed
with the others as to the construction of the
eighth clause of the will differed from theiu
as to the seventh clause.
The point In the case as the gentlemen contended
was that under the seventh and eighth
clauses it was the intention of the testator to
provide for his two sons James and Robert
Thomas Gordon, and to keep the property together,
nnd hence that the rule of cross-remainders
held good in this case and should
govern, and in order to sustain their view of
I the (rase theyj Insisted that the word "survior"
in both clauses should be construed so
as to read "other." They each addressed
themselves In learned and exhaustive arguments
with citations of authority, both English
and American, to this point. In addition
to this point argued oy all, Mr. Gary contend*
ni-nwc.rnmsilnilprs (111!
I'UlUaUUCUUtliluu v..
not apply as to the seventh clause, but did
apply as"to the eighth clause. He earnestly
insisted that under the seventh clause the
children of James Gordon should tako under
the will as issue or heirs the part of the property
that went to R. T. Gordon in the partition
of his fathers estate. These fivo gentlemen
made very strong and able arguments in
support of their position.
Messrs. Graydon <fc Graydon represented
the interest, of the Kirk wood children, and
they took an entirely different view of the
case from that insisted upon by the attorneys
for the children to James Gordon. Both of
the Messrs. Graydon made strong arguments
in presenting their views of the Court.
They contended that under the will there
were no remainders at all upon which to base
across remainder, as both James and It. T.
Gordon took estates in fee simplo. That
upon James Gordon's death his children took
his share freed from all limitations. That
James could have no Interest in th? share of
R. T. Gordon's unless he had survived him,
and as Thomns Gordon survived James the
estate of R. T. Gondon became ukaulUto ial
":r'y C r
; /" - s
him. That 11. Gordon having died without
making any disposition of the property it
was Intestate and must bo divided among his
heirs at law under the statute of distributions.
That James Gordon's children could
not get the property. Messrs. Graydon .?
Graydon cited numerous authorities which
they claimed sustained their views as to the
proper construction of the will.
Messrs.DoRrnhl it Bradley represented the
Interest cf Mrs. Wilson and Airs. McCord's
branch of the family. They took altogether j
a different view from I'iat ?-eld by tho attor-l
neys for the children <";f J-tines Gordon, and
also differed with tin* attorneys (or the Klrk-j
woods, except upon one poi:>t. which wa< as to
cross-remainders. The position of Messrs.
DoBruhl & Bradley, who both made arguments,
was that there were no ctoss-remuinders
in this case.
That It. T. Gordon took under his father's
will an estate in fee, defeasible upon his dying
without Issue. That James Gordon's children
could not take the property under the will or
otherwise as Ja.nes Gordon did not survive
It. T. Gordon and his rlsrht to take depended
upon his survivorship or out-living his broth
erTliomns. xnai me wuru sU>nw.
not to be construed as "other," but In its literal
and natural sense as the longest liver. That
as R. T. Gordon's estate was an estate in fee,
defeasible, the doctrine of cross-remainders
could not apply, as there is no such a tiling as
a cross-remainder when the estate was In fee
simple. That James Gordon's right to K. T.
Gordon's share of the property under his
father's will depended upon his survivorship, |
hence the children of .lames could not take.|
That Mrs. Wilson's and Mrs. NcG'ortL's right to
take the property under the will did not depend
upon their surviving James or Robt. T.1
Gordon, but only upon their surviving their
father Roht. C. Gordon, the testator, and that
they take under the clause "other children,
&c.." a life estate with a reinander to their
children, contiugentonly upon R. T. Gordon,
the survivor of the two sons, dying without
Issue, and transmissible. Tljat the law of accrued
interest did not apply In tills case, and
whatever the Misses Gordon take bv right ot
survivorship In the personal properly under
the eighth clause of the will passes at. the
death of the survivor of them without issue
over to the children of the Wilson and MeCord
branches of the family of R. C. Gordon
under the limitations of the will. They also
contended that the will, taken as a whole,
shows that the testator's intention was that
his grand children should only take that part
of his property to which their parents were
entitled under the will. Messrs. DeBruhl &
Hradley each made strong and forcible arguments
In which they cited numerous authorities
sustaining the positions which they hold.
Messrs. Parker & Mr Go wan represented the
Interest'of the two Misses Gordon. Mr. W.
H. Parker made the only speech in the Interest
of the old ladles and he held the same
views as Messrs. DeBruhl & Bradley as to the
proper construction of the will of R. C. Gordon
with the exception that Mr. Parker in his
able and admirable argument contended
strenuously that the principle of accrued Interest
did apply and that whatever the Misses
Gordon by;virture of their survivorship will
not go over to the children of Mrs. McCord
and Mrs. Wilson, but vests in the survivor of
the Misses Gordon absolutely. Mr. Parker
made a clear and logical argument and sus
tnined his points with citations 01 auiuuiuiu
which he Insisted were sound and correct.
The Judge after listening to ten arguments,
patiently, took the papers in the case, together
with the notes of the arguments of the different
counsel and will file his decree
at some future time. This case certainly
showed tli.<t there are more ways than one of
looking at thesame thing, and the decree of
the Judge will be awaited with great interest.
BRIM FULL OF GOOD THINGS.
Ruilrontl Talk --- Pleasant Notice of
our New County Officers?The Colleges
--- Visitors? Ntu<leuts?New*,
papers.
Dite West, S. C., Feb. 4th, 1880.
Miss Steel, of Kentucy, is visiting Mrs.Auna
Brlce.
Dr. Grier left Friday for Charleston to make
a set address.
Dr. Lindsay went over to Laurens Saturday
to preach for Rev. Frierson who is laid up al
present with cancer of the liver.
Mrs. Lou Brownlee left Anderson, where
she had been staying for a week with her son,
Mr. S. D. Brownlee, for Decatur, Alabama to
visit the Rev. Lawrence Brownlee, who is
pastor of a nourishing church at Decatur.
Rev. \V. L. Pressly preached one of his verybest
sermons on Thursday, the day of prayer
for colleges, from the subject: "Children are
arrows iu the hand of a mighty man."
Judge Martin, of Donalds is just having
completed a neat residence. Capt. Wren has
the Job which is a guarantee of It being well
Miss Jennie Mcllwaln is In charge of the
school at the Hook this year and Is doing her
best to advance her scholars and please the
patrons.
Mr. M. B. Cllnkscalea and Mr. Newton McAdams
sold 50 hales cotton last week at 0
cents all round.
Mr. w. T. Vermillion, <if Donalds, one of
Doiialdsville's best and Mauchest citizens was
in Due West Friday .-hopping. He culled In
and paid us his i-ubscrlptlou to the I*ress and
Banner. Mr. Vermillion appreciates a good
paper and knowns where to get it.
Miss Ola Davis, of Due West, and Mr.
Bramlet, of Laurens, are to bo married this
week. We extend in advance the good
wishes of the l*rees and Banner and of this
local especially.
Mr. E. W. Brown, of Anderson, brought
down her charming daughter, Miss Marrie to
| college last week. Mrs. Brown Is a splendid
looking lady. Her husband Mr. E. W. Brown
is one of the llrst business rmcn of Anderson
and a gentleman of line attainments. He is
the head of the pushing Arm, Brown & fions,
of Anderson.
| The veteran editor of the Press and Banner,
with over-coat and beaver dropped down on
Due West last last week and spent the night
here. We put our premises at his disposal for
the night, but he and the local editor of the
Associate Reformed PrvsbyteHun, had important
business to discuss and our Invitation
was declined. Mr. Wilson Is always welcome.
Mr. James Agnew is lying at the point of
death with the chances against his recovery.
Mr. Harvey and Mr. M. B. Cllnkscales have
Just bought car load of fertilize from the AnH..rKon
factory and are negotiating foranotber
cur.
Our worthy frieud Mr. W. 1^. Miller, of
Abbeville is to give a lecture at the Female
College by special invitation ou the 11th of
February. This lecture is one of a series that
are being delivered there much to the enjoymeut
of the public. l)r. Wlderuan and Dr.
Lindsay have each delivered one this season.
We expect something good from our friend.
"What has become of the lecturers In Krsklne?
It seems that even the "question box''
ain't stir them up.
Dr. J. L. Miller has been sicht slek. We are
glad to say he is better.
Mr. Samuel Reid who is the efficient a;rent
at Cook's Station on the Savanuah Valley
railroad spent Saturday and Sabbath in Due
| West. Mr. Reld is looking exceedingly well,
and expect "looking" for a girl, too.
Due West has a case of freshing recently?a
relic of barbarism.
Miss Nannie Lathau has 45 scholars in her
school in Laurens county.
The Missionary Society meets Thursday
night.
The Misses Shirley had a run-away scrape
in going home from college Friday. The
horse became frightened, ran against a tree
nnd turned the bugsy ou top of the ladies aud
knocked one insensible for a while.
Mr. W. L. Miller is up to see his sick father
Dr. J. L. Miller.
Itseeinsthat the C. & G. railroad is on a
. .. .
boom again. Aiiuciauiuutcwi^vi on/vnhoiders
iu New York, which Judge Cothran
attended, a new President was elected and It
was decided to push the road. A majority of
the stockholders now live In New York.
We dropped in the Clerk's office on Sale Day
on business and found Judge Moore "installed"
and at his desk busy as a bee, but very
accommodating. Wo were glad to see that
Mr. Manu was up and looking so well and
filling the Sheriff's office like a man. We
found School Commissioner McLecs occupying
one of the new moms that have been added
to the Court House and busy getting up his
trustees. The courteous Master, Mr. Kiugli
occupies the new room Just opposite. Business
called us into the Auditor's and Probate's
offices. Judge Lyon and Col. Jones are
Just as efficient anil obliging ns public officers
can well be. The County Commissioners were
busy giving out tools and impiiments to do
road work. They intend to put the roads in
good fix. The office of Treasurer, we were
not in?were glad we had settled with him,
but he is always courteous and gives a warm
greeting to his friends.
We compliments Abbeville and all her citizens
for the handsome manner in which she
carries out the Prohibition law without any
ill-leeling. The law is obeyed and Abbeville is
as dry as "a powder horn, * as far ns our observation
goes on two Sale Days. This is as
complimentary to those once engaged in this
business as to the Prohibitionists themselves.
II. s. o.
Abbeville'* Minerals.
Editor Press anil Iianncr :
My attention has been recently called to
the minerals of Ibis county, anu n un nun is
reported be true, then, In my opinion, our
mineral resources ought by ull means to be
developed.
The principal minerals of the county seem
to extend the entir.s length of the western
portion of our county. 'J he Dorn.gold mine
at McCormick and I lio-c on the lands o(
Messrs. Frank Anderson, and W. II. I'raugh
arc well known.
Gold is also found at other places, but none
of the known mines have been properly
worked except the l>orn mine. Recently In-1
terest is centering in another ore in this county.
This time it Is iron. Within the past
month experts have been examining the ore
found on the Norwood estate in the Flatwoods
near Hester station. The ore is pronounced
to be very line and the only question I
to be determined, it seems, is as to the quasi-j
tlty that can be found. Dr. L. T. Ilill showed i
the writer a very line specimen of ore found
on the Norwood place and any one can see it I
by calling on him.
This ore is found as stated near Hester station;
and if the Georgia, Carolina and .Northern
itailroad is ever completed it will run
right over the hind where the ore is supposed
to be located. X. i
r ri'Vn i" "' '" nil inn
UNION OF HEARTS AND HANDS.
I ?. - ? - *
What Nome of the Krettiren Have
Snitl of the Marriage of Our i'retty
Xclprhbor
[Lnurensville Herald.]
Mhh Annie, daughter of Hon. R. R. Hemp
hill, was married to Dr. O. A. Nenffer, fit the
ror-idenco of the bride's parents, at Abbeville,
on the 23d in*!.. Our congratulation* and best
wishes are extended to the happy couple.
[Newberry Herald and News.]
Miss Annie A. IJempbill, dauber of Geu.
It. It. Hemohill, of the Abbeville Medium, and
Dr. G. A. Nenffer, of Orangeburg, were married
on last Wednesday Miss Annie has tilled
acceptably the position of local editor of the
Medium for sonio time past, and we regret to
lose her from the ranks, but we wish her much
happiness in her married life.
[ilampton News nerald ]
Did yon ever bear of an editor being asked
to get married? Yet it h.is been done, for Miss
Annie, the charming daughter of GcnL Rob!.
Hemphill, and the admirable editor of the local
department of Abbeville Medium, was married
to Dr. G. A. Neuffer, of Orangeburg, last Wednesday
night. We condole with Brother
Hemphill at losing such a valuable assistant
and congratulate Dr. Nenffer on obtaining a
bride so lovely ana so popular.
[McCormick News.]
Miss Annie Hemphill, daughter of our Sonator,
Hou. 11. li. Hemphill, was married to Dr.
G. A. N?-uffor, in the Presbyterian church at
Abbeville, last Wednesday night. The Rev.
John Hemphill, nncle of the amiable bride,
performed the ceremony, assisted by Rev. J.
Lowrie Wilson. The News extends its heartiest
congratulations to tho happy couple, and hopes
the groom nil! take good care of the javvel he
has > o recently won. It is hardly necessary to
add this, for we aro sure it will be done.
[Keoweo Courier.]
Mi.<8 Annio Heiuphii!, the accomplished
daughter of Senator ft. ft. Hemphill, of Abbevilla,
was married on Wednesday evening, 23d
instant, to Dr. G. A. Neuffer, of Oraogeburg.
For seme time Miss Hempbill has been local
editor of the Abbeville Medium, which position
she filled with Bignal ability and success.
While wo lose Miss Annie lrom the editorial
fraternity, we are cousoled with the thought
that Gen. Hemphill has plonty more charming
daughters to take her place ou the Medium.
We extend to the young couple our best wishes
for their future happiness aud prosperity.
fftock Hill HcraldJ.
Miss Annie Hemphill, the talonted and accomplished
local editor of the Abbeville Medium,
was happily married Wednesday night of
last week to Dr. G. A. Nenffer, formerly of
Orangeburg. Miss Annie was one of the bent
'locals" in the State, and, indeed, possesses all
the ability necessary to run a newspaper successfully.
While her father, Heuator It. It.
Hemphill], was absent in Columbia during the
recent session of the Legislature, Miss Annie
had entire charge of the Medium and it is but
truth to say that no weekly in the Htate was hotter
managed. The Herald joins the newspaper
press of the State i i regretting her relinquishment
of journalism and in wishing that hortelf
and husband may always be as happy as now
and that good luck may attend them all their
days.
["Amicus" in A ft. Presbyterian.]
On last Wednesday evening at half past
eiebl o'clock an interesting social event oc
curred at Abbeville. It wan" the marriage of
Dr. G. A. Nenffer and Miss Annie Hemphill.
The ceremony took place in the Presbyterian
church and was performed by llev. John Hemphill,
assisted by Rev. J. Lowrie Wilson, D. D.
It was the first marriage in tho new church and
is therefore of historic importance. The large
and beautiful building was brilliantly lighted
up and all available room occupied. The bridal
party came in by one aisle and passed out another,
keeping step to a splendidly extcuted
wedding march rendered by Mrs. Knox. There
were sixteen attendants and the young ladies
with their pink and blue costumes alternating J
were very much admired. After the exercises
at tho church were over, the specially invited
guests repaired to the house of Gen. Robert R.
Hemphill, where h. tiplendid supper was served.
The many and beautiful presents whioh the
bride and groom received from friends at home
and abroad was an ovidence of the high estimate
placed upon the young couple. Miss Annie
is the eldest daughter of Gen. Hemphill,
and is a granddaughter of Rev. Wm. R. Hemphill,
D. D., who was so long and well known as
an accomplished correspond, nt of your paper.
She herself has beon for koiuo time tho local
editor of the Medium, and bur contributions
showed her ability and skill, Hbe was beautifnl
in person, sociable i? disposition, with a
pleasant smile and a kind word for everyone.
it! <1 rtro/lnnfrt ??f Him OllAl'luiitOU
*?. .o ...
Medical College anfl brought witU him to this
place tine testimonials, He stands well in his
profusion and in hold in Ligh esteem, not only
by bin medical bretboreu. bat by the public
generally. The young couple have gono to
Orangeburg and will make tliat place their home.
VYe part with both of them with groat regret.
ABBEVILLE'S BOOMING ATLANTA.
Mercantile and Socio 1 Life in and
Around (ho City?Old Friend Welcomed
Back ? A Good Teacher
Takes Charge of the High School
?Other Items.
Greenwood, s. C.. Feb. 4.18*9.
After a Beige of slop and mud and water we
are having good went her again.
Farmer* are making big preparations for
another crop.
Miss Huttie Swygcrt is visiting In Columbia.
Miss Maggie Williams, our efficient assistant
postmistress, who lias been visiting
friends and relatives in Anderson, is expected
home soon.
Miss Anna Hill will leave Thursday for a
visit with relatives In Greenville.
Miss Laura Johnson left not long since for a
j trip to New York, where she will purchase
her spring stocK 01 miuincry gouu?.
Mr. T. C. Duncan, of Union, was In tlio city
not long since.
On Wednesday lust tlio liouse of Mr. Stalnaker,
the section master on the C. & G. It. K.
was discovered to be 011 fire. Crowds immediately
rushed to the spot but to no avail.
The house and. almost the entire conteuts,
were destroyed. No 0110 was at home at the
time. The tire originated between the ceiling
and root and all efforts proved futile to arrest
Its progress.
Mrs. J. H. Youngblood, of Bradley, passed
through en route lor Due West, where she
will visit friends and relatives.
Mr. and Mrs. J. K. Durst are visiting in
Georgia.
Grcrnwood is "being over-run with theatrical
companies. The Minnie Lee female minstrels
on Friday night. Granvllle-Warner I
company Saturday ami Monday nights.
The young people of our town enjoyed a
niec dance at Kiley's Hotel Friday night.
Music by the Italian String Jiand.
Mrs. J. W. Payne arrived in the city Saturday.
Iler many friends welcome her back.
Mr. Payne is expected Thursday and we learn
will clerk at J. IC. Durst & Co. Mr. and Mrs.
Payne are well known here and their l'rienus
will be dulightcd to have them with us again.
Miss Mary McGhee, who is tcaching bchool
near High Point, came homo Friday night
| and was present at the dance at Riley's Hotel.
I'l'OI. I). weno opeueu m:uuiii uvi yj v.
February last. The outlook is good for a full
school.
Dr. Barratt, who was formerly in the drug
business and was also a practicing pliyslsiun
al tl.'s place, is now visiting friends here.
Rev. W. T. Matthews of the Presbyterian
churrn, Mr. C. W. Crews of the Baptist and
Mr. W. F. ('al ter of the Methodist constituted j
a committee to wait on the evangelist, licv. |
Mr. Pearson, and invite him to hold a revival j
meeting here, but owing to his previous eii-l
gagerrients lie could not come.
lion. J. X. King was in the city Thursday.
Mr, W. It. Bulloek.of Abbeville, came down
Saturday on a visit to friends and relatives ?t
this place. lie returned Monday.
Mr. J. M. Jordan, of Bradley, was in the
place on Saturday Inst.
The new house of Mr. John Barksdale is being
rapidly erected and will be :i beautiful residence.
Excuse me, Mr. Editor?home I
mean.
We have just heard that burglars broke into
the (,'. it C>. depot and stole four sacks of
Hour. Have not learned the particulors.
PEMBROKE.
[Arc llacliolorx Jn Dimmer of Iteiiifj
I.yiX-llflt.
ISnrnnxU J'roplc. |
The Abbeville Pi 0.1.1 tnul Jlumirr suggests
[ thai .Iiulu'e Lynch should vary the moiijolony |
iof his performances by hanging a few, jury)
commissioners oil' hand.
l.rothi'i* Wilson's recommendation! i* a
rather brash one. If such work hefJi'"?!iln>ro[
is no tolling where it. may slop. Itmlsltt not,
end limit a couple or so editors hadj been I
strung up. Ami we are ni'raid that tlie edi-j
tors ol' tiui J'rcss anil Ilanucr und the iPrnpIc i
would ho elected the first victims fiv the:
married hrethreti. It's an unplcasain.* sidled
lo think about, so stop your loolijiiuicss, I
I .collier Wilson, and preach about soitfcthltig j
else. / I
i
i
I
I
FROM OUR SAMOAN CORRESPONDENT. s
{<<Tiiir.ii Firm?-Oppression of the Nn- !
live* ? Rebellion ... Lawful Kins >
Reported?Rebel* Leil in Rattle by
n German Consul?Where Lies the
ISIr.inc ? 1
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia,
Dec. 20, 1SS8. |
Dear Neighbor:
The first thing that attracted my attention
when I went ashore in Apia,
Sanioan Islands, for the first time,
(November S, 18S8,) was a basket in
which were the heads of three of Tarnasese's
warriors. A horrible sight,
indeed, to meet one's eyes immediately
upon entering a foreign country.
Of course I had heard of the Samoan
war, for it was on account of it that
the Xlpaic, was sent to Apia to protect
American property in the Samoan Islands.
In 1850 the "Deutsche Haudels and
Plantagen Gesellschaft" was established
in Apia. This long named concern
was and is a German company for
trading, planting, and the acquiring of
lands. Without burdening your readers
with lengthy details of intervening
events, I will pass over a period of
thirty-five years, during which time
the "German Firm," as the trading
company is called, prospered greatly
in all the branches of their business,
especially in the acquiring of Samoau
lands ; and during which period, also,
the native kingdom suffered frequent
internal disturbances, and, occasionally,
small wars.
In 18S5 we find the German firm in
possession of more than half the lauds
of Upolu Island, on which Apsa (the
capital of Samoa) is situated. Malietoa,
Mataafa, ("Mataafa" is a title of
courtesy meaning greatest chief) is
King, and his distant kinsman, Tamasese,
is Vice-King. At this time
the natives had become dissatisfied
with the German firm for alleged sharp
practices in securing the vast tracts of
land in their possession ; and some
lawless ones, becoming exasperated at
seeing their splendid estates in other
hands, and being reduced from their
former independent condition, committed
frequent depredations upon the
property of the firm, whereupon the
ii _ t* i i J. _ ii
manager tnereoi compnimeu iu me
King, and demanded redress. Malietoa
being convinced that the methods
of the firm had been dishonest, and
that they were in illegal possession of
the lands, took no active measures in
the case.
The German Consul was appealed
to, and through his influence a squadron
of the German Navy was sent to
i Apia to aid him in securing the desirod
protection (?) of German rights in
Samoa. In the meantime, the firm
had gained the ear of the Vice-King,
Tamasese, and through him had succeeded
in arousing a spirit of discontent
among the natives. Upon the arrival
of the German men-of-war Malietoa
was notified that he must either
grant the satisfaction demanded by
the German firm, or abdicate in favor
of Tamasese. But .the sturdy old man
denied that "satisfaction" was due the
firm, and refused to abdicate. The
German Consul then proceeded, with
an armed force of German sailors to
the Samoan government house, hauled
down Malietoa's llag, and naci tne
King ejected from the grounds. Immediately
thereafter he ran up a new
Hag, proclaimed it Tamasese's standard,
and declared Tamasese King of
Samoa. ,
Malietoa, being a man opposed to
war and desiring not to get his country
into a conflict with so powerful a
nation as Germany, went quietly to
another part of Apia and re-established
his government, relying upon his
old followers to recognize him as the
only lawful King. Immediately after
re-establishing himself, he made a formal
protest to the German government
against the outrageous and illegal
mauuer in which he had been
treated by its representatives in Samoa.
Both the United States and the
British governments refused to recognize
Tamase?e, anil continued to recognize
Malietoa as King.
Immediately after his usurpation,
Tamasese levied tuxes on tne ft a moans
amounting to Sl-,000, and also established
a schedule of fines for the most
trilling and imaginary misdemeanors. I
About this time (early in 1886) a C'apt,
Brandeis, of the German army came
to Apia, and was placed in Tama-j
sese's government as adviser of the
King, such appointment being made,
by the German firm.
In order to pay the taxes levied upon
them, the natives were compelled to
mortgage their lands, and as the GerI
man firm was constituted the treasur|
er of the Tamasese government, it was
required that such mortgages be given
the said firm, upon which they would
niake the advances necessary for payment
of taxes and fines. As the natives
were threatened with seizure of
their lands and with imprisonment,
should they refuse to pay taxes to Tamasese,
the majority were coerced into
this tacit recognition of the usurper.
For the years ending June 30, l"vS7 and
18SS, the anionics of taxes levied wore
$2(5,000.00 and :? 17,00!). 00 respectively,
and the fines imposed during the two
years amounted to nearly $80,000.00.
ii ii,? Ciii'iiiiiii firm
uuriug ini una iiiuu tin.
was acting as treasurer for Tamascse,
deriving two and a liaif per cent, from i
all moneys received and paid out.
Just hero occurs a piece of very line
practice on the part of the linn, for, I
when an advauco is made to a native;
(on a mortgage of his hind) the firm,
simply gives I he follow an order on
themselves, which is passed into the
government treasury and considered
as so much cash, on which the usual
per cent, is clcaiul by the enterprising
firm. Again: the'time allowed (he
native for redeeming his mortgaged
land is extremely short, allowing time
for only one crop of eocoanuts to he
gathered, ami before that time arrives
--- 1
!ome offense is charged against the fellow,
and he is forced to make a bill of
,ale of his land to the firm, thereby
sacrificing his entire estate for perhaps
not a tenth?oftentimes not a twentieth
part of its value.
Finally (early in 1888) the poor na- -j
Lives realized the infamous methods by
which they had lost their lands, and
saw that the future held no promise of
better times. Then they refused to
pay any more taxes, and rallied around
their old King, Malietoa, begging him ^
to lead thorn against their oppressors
in battle. After some hesitation he as- '
sentcd, and then set about raising an i
army. As soon, however, as his pur- t
pose became known he was forcibly ]
seized and deported to Germany. His ^
followers immediately elected another
King, conferring upon him the name
and title of the deported ruler.
.'V
Frequent skirmishes and some real
battles had occurred before the Nipaic
arrived in Samoa, nearly all resulting
favorably to the new Malietoa, who?e
army now numbers six thousand ; his
enemy, Tamasese, has an equal num- '
her of soldiers, and possesses a great
advantage in point of arms and equifment,
besides being ably supported by \
the wealthy German firm.
Ou the 29th of November the battle
of Laulii occurred, and, as I was pass- ;1
ing that point at the time, on my way
from Apia to Saluafaata where the
Nipxic was looking after American interests,
I had an opportunity of witnessing
the engagement. Tamasese
was in possession of a fort upon a bluff
promontory, which was accessible only
from the rear and by a steep pass
leading up from the waters edge. The
rear was covered by Gatling guns, so ,
that Malietoa's only chance was to try '.*
the exposed pass from the water. Under
cover of night bis men crept along
the beach, and at daybreak made a
rush for the fort. To many it was certain
death, for all growth of bush and J
trees had been cleared away by Tamasese
in order to render the pass perfectly
bare. Undaunted by the deadly fire
poured upon them, Malietoa's soldiers
struggled up the steep hillside, returning
the fire as best they could, climbing
all the while; Suddenly there
rained upon them from the fort a per
feet leaden storm, sweeping the narrow
pass with instant death: this was
the work of the Gatling gun, an in
strument capable of filing a thousand
shots per minute when worked at the
maximum speed, and which may be. ;
relied upon for half that number under
only ordinary handling. For an
instant the hosts of Malietoa seemed
demoralized,?then forward they rushed
again to face the deadly storm.
Now they had the bodies of their fallen
comrades as breastworks from
which to fire as they upward climbed.
At this terrible juncture the war canoes
(fifty-two according to my count)
of Malietoa swept around Laulii Point *
and opened nreon me ron.; mis somewhat
diverted the attention of Tamasese.from
the land forces of his enemy,
and caused him to direct his Gatling
upon the fleet. Malietoa was not slow
in taking the advantage offered, and .
succeeded in getting so close upon the
fort that the fighting soon became
hand-to-hand. Every second the firing
grew more rapid, and quickly the
roar of musketry and the whistle of
bullets was an unbroken sound of the . j
herald of death. It was an awful, yet I
a grand sight, one never to be forgotten
by him who witnessed it; war- j
riors falling upon land and sea, some
wounded, some dead.
After a stubborn resistance lasting
more than three hours, Tamasese evacuated
the fort and effected his retreat
to a position further inland, which
was, indeed, easy of accomplishment
inasmuch as Malietoa had been unable
to reach the rear of the fort and attack
the troops at that point.
It was a savage, bloody battle; the
narrow pass leading to the fort was, as
I afterwards learned, red and slippery
with the blood of the slain. The fight
was stubborn, but Malietoa's soldiers
went into itjiromising to take the fort
or die to a man, and it was largely due
to this dogged determination that they '
finally achieved th^ victory. More
than two hundred heads were taken
and many more were killed and
wounded. These may seem but trilling
figures until it is called to mind
the comparatively small forces engaged
in the conflict.
Something I have not mentioned,
niui whifh sirlfls (o the horror of the
war, is that many women are to be
found in the ranks of bolli armies. -s
They fight as bravely as the men, and
several fell in the battle of Laulii.
Thy only distinction made in favor (!)
of the women is that when one isslain,
her head is not taken.
I have not tried to describe this battle
from any mock standard of the heroic
glory of human slaughter, called,
war, for no one deplores more deeply
than I the carnage of battle; what I
have narrated is but what I witnessed
on our national thanksgiving day?the
killing of men by their fellows, oftentimes
their kinsmen, on account of a J
quarrel over the wrongs inllicted by a '
Ionian power?a no-called Christian
iiutioti. Could the honest men, the
musses of the world, see the slaughtei^??
that I saw, and know the occasion
it, it seems to me the day of universaLo^
peace would be hastened, and the-^^
world would no longer tolerate the inhumanity
and injustice of war. On
whom rests the responsibility of these
dead men's blood? Nearly a thousand j
have fallen since the war commenced : J
will any Christian nation shoulder the
blame of having caused it? or having
had the power to do so, failed to interpose
and stop the cruel slaughter?
"Oh, a thou.valid is nothing in this big
world," some one says; but even a I
sparrow does not fall, &c. The fault. I
lies between America, Cermany and*
({real lirilain ? which ? " j
S. T. BUOWNE. I
. ^1