Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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lewis m. grist, proprietor, j ^n $nbepenbent Jfamilg ftetospaper: Jfffr % promotion of f|e political, Social, Agricultural anb Commercial Interests of t|e Sontj). TERMS--$2.50 A YEAR, IN ADVANCE. "VOL. 26. YOEKVILLE, S. O., THURSDAY, JA.3STITARY 8, 188Q. NO. 2. JU Original Jdotn. Written for the Yorkville Enquirer. THE THREAD OF FATE. BY VICTOR VERNON. CHAPTER III. The shrouded form of the late master of the household lay in an apartment adjoining Mrs. Thorndale's. This had been appropriated te his use during his illness, and here his remains were waiting to be coffined and borne away. The window sashes were partly raised, and a deathly chill pervaded the room, as the night air, stealing in, flapped the long ...UWo on/1 ctiprwi the crhnatlv looting WUIl-C UliUUO ?UU ObA?*v\a V?.v w-- J 0 drapery of the bed. Like a spirit of gloom, whose sombre aspect and stealthy movements befitted well the ' nature of the. scene, Charity entered, closing and locking the door behiud her. She held a candle, which she shaded with her band to prevent its being extinguished by the draught; but finding the current of air still too strong, she took down a large old fashioned glass shade which stood upon a shelf, and placed the light beneath it on a table near the bed. Then deliberately turning down the sheet that had been drawn over the face of the corpse, she folded her arms and scanned its features long and immovably. "There you lie, John Thorndale," she said, aloud, at last, in a slow, cold tone. "There you lie, white and stark, and can know never a thing of what i9 going on. And it's been my hand which Bas dressed you in your shroud, and done everything else for you, which your poor, feeble wife hadn't the strength to see after. That's as it should be. Who but me should have waited on you and tended you to the last? Many a time I've wanted to push her out of the way, when she was giving you medicine, or reading the Bible to you?bah! I could have prayed and preached as well?and I felt that she was in mv nlace. the place I thought onge I was going to fill. You were very wicked tp me, John; you deceived me, ^hen I believed in you and trusted you. But I never hated you ; it is her I hate?her and the boy. For you love them both and despise me. This ought to be my home, John; this house, and the farm, and everything belonging to it, should all be mine by rights. What's your wife's niece's son, that he should come in for the property, as I know he will after a while ? Didn't I overhear you two talking one night last week, and didn't you tell her about your will and what was in it? 'The boy isn't honestly born,' you said, 'but he's poor Helen Dudley's child, and she was like our daughter once, and he's a good boy and deserves it all after you're gone. While you live its yours, and when your time comes you'll feel that it's well left. But not a word did you say about me. And to think you should leave it to him, believing him to be what you did 1 You little guessed the truth ! And little does your wife guess it, and never shall. But I'll be even with you yet, perhaps; anyhow I'll leave no stone unturned. If you could speak, Johu, I'd coax you on my bended khees to tell me where you've hid that will. It must be in here, I thiuk. I've got the secretary keys, and I mean to search. She's sleeping 'most as sound as you are, now, thanks to the drugged wine. Nubody'U disturb me in my search. Everybody's in bed, but me; but how can I sleep? No, no, I've too much to do to go to sleep yet. To-morrow'll, be the reading of the will?if they can find it. They wont't find it, if I can get ahead of them. The boy's claims once set aside?and he has none except through the will?I reckon I can work out my plans. Well, it's time to go to work. I mustn't waste ray opportunities in talking, especially as you can't understand. Oh! John, why wouldn't you listen to me, when you could? Indeed, indeed, 1 would have made you a good, devoted wife!" A strange spasm crossed her hard face. With a sudden movent she bent forward, and pressed her lips to the cold forehead of ^the unconscious form. "If you had only listened to me, John ! if you had only listened to me!" she muttered brokenly, with gasping breath. But the weakness was but momentary. Hurriedly straightening herself she dashed her hand across her eyes, and replaced the covering in its former position ; then drawing a bunch of keys from her pocket advanced towards the old fashioned secretary that stood in a corner of the room, and proceeded to her nefarious undertaking. While thus engaged, it may cast some enlightenment upon her conduct to go back over a period of many years, and see in what relation she and John Thorndale hhd stood to each other in their early youth. When quit? a s^e h&d been left an orphan, and had been taken in charge by the old Mrs. Thorndbtfe, whose son was just growing up. There was a tie of blood between them, hsr" mother having been a half-aunt of Mrs.-'Thomdale's; but there had been some __^__~?diSreputable behavior in her branch of the family, and the relationship was not willingly acknowledged. Kind feeling, however, prompted generous treatment of the orphan, who found a comfortable home with her new friends. Unfortunately for her peace, a deep attachment for her cousin John sprang up in her heart, and a want of reciprocity on his part had no effect in lessening its force. He was then a careless, kindly young fellow, full of warm impulses, always ready to do a generous deed, but seldom attaching much importance to any words or acts of his own, which passed out of his mind almost as quickly as said or done. He little dreamed that to every trivial circumstance of his intercourse with his mother's charge was attached, in her estimation, a weight far greater than that which it actually possessed, and which he himself would have been the last to assign to it. To his complete astonishment, and no less to his discomfiture, she one day erabraced the opportunity, when they were alone, to confess to him that he was the object of her deepest regard, and to solicit a return of her love. "You'll think it bold and strange in me to speak so," she said, her cheeks flushed and her eyes glittering with excitement, "and maybe I've no right to do it; but when a man is starving for food he'll put out his hand to take it if it isn't offered, and John, I'm starving for your love. I know you don't consider me your equal, and in birth, perhaps, I'm _ not; but I'm educated, and I've got sense, at ""^^^east people have always said so, aud I would never disgrace you as your wife. I'll be so good, and never ask for anything you don't give me ; never, as long as you love me and let me be near you. I'll work hard and be saving, and help you to grow rich. You'll never have cause to repent your choice." Confused and almost overborne by the suddenness and unexpected nature of the appeal, it was no wonder that at first young Thorndale was struck dumb with embarrassment and surprise. It must be a sufficiently trying position for any man to find himself in, as the object of such an appeal; but one somewhat experienced in the ways of the world may find a means to extricate himself from it, whereas another less sophisticated is apt to be drawn into compliance, against his will, simply for the lack of the presence of mind to refuse. John Thorndale, with no knowledge but that gained from farm-life and association with minds as simple as his own, | found himself utterly at a disadvantage. Here was his cousin, an undoubtedly clever and handsome girl, confessing a weakness which to a certain degree was flattering to his vanity, though it did not louchjhis heart. It seemed impossible that he should marry her; yet how coald he wound her feelings by a flat rejection of her overture? He blushed crimson, hesitated and stammered, then tried to turn it off as a joke; but she was far too much in earnest to allow him to do that. Judeed, she , was terribly in earnest, as he found to his costj and before the interview was over, he had been led into saying some words which might be construed into a semi-compliance with her wish, though certainly he did not wish them to be so construed. He was thankful for an interruption, which came at last in the shape of a message from some one who wished to see him; and after that he was careful to avoid another chance of a private conversation with Charity, though she was continually on the watch to find one. After a time, Mrs. Thorndale, suspecting something of the girl's feelings, though iguorant of the extent to which they had carried her, made a pretext for sending her away on a visit, and wnn olio moUQ fTOll frt 1OQ m VVL1I1C DUC UOO gUUC aOii^> luauM^vu w *VW?M from her son the true condition of affairs. Naturally indignant at what she regarded as a betrayal of her own kindness, and unwarrantable presumption on the girl's part, she declared that she would not again receive her beneath her roof, and wrote to the person to whom she had sent her, to make arrangements that she should remain permanently in her present abode. The arrangements she desired were duly effected, and Charity, to her great but unavailing wrath, found herself thus cut off from all intercourse with the one she most cared for and most eagerly desired to see again. She wrote to her cousin Johil, but received no reply ; and not many months later,, she had the raortihcation of learning that he was engaged to be married to a young girl, an old companion of his, who had, after an absence of several years, returned with her parents to settle in his neighborhood. The marriage took place after a brief engagement. And ten years elapsed before Charity ever saw John Thorndale again. In the meau time, several changes in the family affairs occurred. Old Mrs. Thorndale died, and John succeeded to the possession of the farm. But he did not prosper, and piece by piece^e sold oti his land until only a small portion of it remained. Two or three children were born to him, but all died in infancy. And he aud his wife, thus bereaved of their own little ones, received into their hearts, as a partial substitute for what they had lost, the only child of Richard Dudley, Martha Thorndale's brother; a bright, beautiful and engaging little creature, whose mother had died at her birth. Richard Dudley was a thriving man, and helped them ou in many ways. His farm adjoined theirs, and he was able to furnish them with many comforts out of his own abundance, considering himself amply repaid by his sister's motherly care and fondness for his little Helen, whose attachment to her aunt, in return, was warm and deep. One day, as John Thorndale was riding homeward by a lonely oath, an unexpected apparition stood before him. This was none other than the figure of his cousin Charity, changed indeed, but not sufficiently so to escape recognition. Her featuffes were thin, and aged beyond her years. Her once brilliant cornpSsxion was sallow and unhealthy, her robust frame had lost its roundness and become angular and gaunt, and a general hardness and rigidity of aspect had taken the place of the really good looks she had boasted of in her youth. Stopping him with an imperious gesture, she exclaimed, without prelude? - "So you see we've met again! Don't be afraid, I am not going to ask you to marry me now. I've been married myself since I saw you last; but now my husband is dead, and I've come to ask you to give me work." "Work!" echoed John Thorndale, when he recovered from his astonishment sufficient to reply. "Yes. I'm destitute, and I want to get a servant's place somewhere?anywhere where I won't be known. Your wife never saw me; she'll not know that I'm any relation of yours. * ' i.1 U T Unlr I'm as strong as a nmir, muugu i uuu ? I so now, because I've been sick. I can do 'most auv work ; and at ray needle I can't be beat." "But," said John, to whom this idea was anything but a pleasant one, "I couldn't give you a servant's place in ray house, you know. It would not seera right. I can try and find ! employment for you somewhere else?or?" "Seera ! What docs it matter how things J seera ?" she rejoined with a harsh laugh. "As ; I said before, nobody here knows me but j yourself; and to you, also, I would rather be : a stranger than not. You treated me badly 1 enough once to be willing to make amends J i now; and the best kind of amends will be for you to do just what I ask you, since that will suit me better than anything else. If I was beneath you once, in old times, I am infinitely lower down ; quite low enough to take a servant's place." "But we can't afford to pay high wages," pleaded John. "I am poor myself, and we barely get on." "I don't want high wages. I'll work hard and be a help to your wife, and you may give me what you choose. I want the shelter of a decent home; and, moreover, I have taken a fancy to come back to this old place. Will you let me come or not? John Thorndale, you surely can't refuse!" "Well, I don't want to refuse," said John, reluctantly; "but I'm afraid you won't like it." * I "That's my affair; not yours. Just give me a line to your wife, and I'll go on ahead of you and present myself right off. I shan't forget my place. She II never find out, through me, that we have met before." "Then how can I recommend you ?" asked John. . + "0 well, just say I applied to you,aud you think I'll answer, and advise her to try me. How long you hesitate! I tell you I won't make trouble for you," she finished, with an j impatient gesture. John hesitated no more. He gave her the note to his wife, and when j half an hour later he entered his own door, he found the new domestic already installed at her post, gravely cutting out some work from which she never raised her eyes as he approached. Mrs. Thorndale, who never questioned his will, bad taken her without any difficulty on his recommendation, and it was not long before she told him in confidence that Charity seemed a most useful, industrious body, capable of doiug almost ev erything, though Bhe was a little still and queer in her ways. The misgivings which the master of the house had felt upon first entering into this arrangement, proved themselves to be without foundation, as far as any unpleasant results of Charity's introduction into the household were concerned. She came but seldom in his way, never spoke to him unless first addressed by him, and when she did have occasion to do so, always used the formal and respectful tone, which the difference in their positions seemed to demand. In fact, shealways called him her master, a deferential term which the other domestics were not prone to employ. For some time it annoyed him, and he would have liked, if he could, to lessen the distance which she insisted on placing between them, for the sake of old times. But by degrees he grew so accustomed to her manner that he ceased to find it strange, and, in time, almost forgot that any relation but that of master and servant had ever existed betweeD them. She made herself extremely useful, took the chief burden of the household off Mrs. Thorndale's shoulders, and was content with very moderate wages. She never assimilated with the other servants, but kept almost entirely to herself, leading a solitary and taciturn life, and was, altogether regarded as a sort of odd ity, not agreeable enough to be the object of a very warm regard, but universally acknowledged to be exceedingly clever, and a very valuable addition to the domestic menage. There was one member of the family who cordially disliked her, and that one was Helen Dudley. The older she grew, thestronger became her antipathy to the grave, silent woman, whose cold eyes seemed to fix her with their stony gaze. From some secret cause, perhaps impossible to define, this antipathy was felt, in an equal degree, by Charity towards her. She looked with disfavor upon the bright, happy young being whom every one else loved and admired, and seemed to take exception at her cheerful mirth and sunny ways, as though they cast reproach upon her own austere and gloomy habits/ and disposition. A . deep jealousy of John Thorndale's affection for this girl gnawed at her heart, exceeding even that which she felt in regard to his love for his wife ;flnd this one baleful passion alone was sufficient to work upon her, in a manner that would lead her to take almost any opportunity which might offer itself to gratify her malice and hatred, and gain some sort of revenge for her own real or supposed wrongs. There came a time at last when Helen, beautiful idolized Helen, rashly threw aside all the blessings of home love and domestic ties, and yielded to the importunities of a stranger to leave, in secret, the roof, hallowed by purity and peace, which had sheltered her since the innocent days of her childhood until now. Broken-hearted at her desertion, and crushed by the whispers which reached him of disgrace, Richard Dudley, unable to trace out her betrayer or discover her true fate, sank beneath the cruel blow, and in six months after her disappearance was Jaid in his grave. He left his sister and her husband the heritage of his farm and all its belongings, in trust for his child, should she ever return with a clear reputation, and to be disposed of by them both, or either of them which should survive the other, as one or both of them might .see fit, provided she should never come back or be heard of in their life-time. Or, provided the story of her shame should be confirmed, in which case he relied upon them to do all for her that their own great love and pity for her should suggest, or that he, her own father, might have done. The contents of this will were known to only one person out-side of the family?an old lawyer who had been a tried friend and adviser, and in whose keeping Farmer Thorndale had himself placed "it, begging him, as a personal favor, to continue its custodian. And now, Helen had long since come home, and was dead, and her child, with a stain upon his unknown name, had grown up into boyhood in her old place, at her father's fireside, and in the hearts of the uncle and aunt who had loved her with a parental love; and Farmer Thorndale, in his turn, had been gathered into the land where the secrets of this life should be secrets to him no more, leaving the orphan boy to the mysterious decrees of Fate. Was this Fate symbolized by the drear and forbidding form of his mother's enemy, who stood now, in the presence of the dead, seeking for that which should enable her to rob him of his rights? [to be continued.] The Origin of Dixie.?A writer in the Baltimore Gazette inquires about the origin of the word "Dixie," and the editor replies as follows: , Some years ago, long before the war, a very musical family by the name of Dixie lived j in Worcester, Mass. Oue of the brothers, i Walston Dixie, we believe, decided to apply his talents in the negro minstrelsy line, and soon the famous Dixie minstrels were known from one end of the country to the other. This same founder of the troupe wrote the celebrated song "Dixie's Land," which attained .such popularity. It was verily the land for him, as he found in the Southern States the germs of the quaiot negro songs which he brushed up and placed in his programme. The South adopted the song and hence allowed this gifted minstrel of Massachusetts to give that section of the country a new name, which will always stick. Many songs were adopted and sectionali'zed in this way. Our own " Yankee Doodle" was writ ten by an Englishman, as a satire, but our ancestors picked it right up and gave it a home. V ?. fig. 6.' KING'S MOUNTAIN CENTENNIAL ! Meeting of the Committees last Thursday. The Celebration an Assured Success. Agreeably to adjournment of the meeting held at King's Mountain on the 25th of last July, the executive and other committees of the King's Mountain Centennial Association held a meeting in the Court House in Yorkville on Thursday last, the 1st instant. ^? ?11 iL ? ^n?vkmifAAn ?TTAHA rnnrnoonfnrl neariy an uie uuiuiuikm ncic ibjiiuivuwu in the meeting, and all who were present entered with zeal upon the work of making the celebration a success. North Carolina and Georgia were represented in the meeting, the former State by Capt. W. T. R. Bell, and the latter by Major W. J. Houston, each of whom report their respective States as fully alive to the importance of the celebration ; and if we may judge thesentiment in those States by the zeal and enthusiasm of the gentlemen who represented them lust Friday, there will be nothing wanting on their part to make the centennial an occasion worthy the deeds to be commemorated. It is also gratifying to' learn from Major Houston, who is connected with the Atlanta and Charlotte Air-Line Railroad, that this powerful and influential corporation will do all iu its power, not in the matter of transportation alone, but in various other ways, to further the object. As will be seen from the proceedings, the Railroad Company has already ordered a magnificent United States flag, which it will erect on the Pinnacle of King's Mountain, free of expense to the Association, en the 21st of February next? which occurs on Saturday?and will be intended as a celebration of Washington's birth-day?and on the day of the centennial, the flag will be delivered as a present to the Association. In addition to the valuable aid of the Air-Line Railroad Company, Major Houston brings the most gratifying assurances, from all sections he has visited, of the success that is promised, while as will be seen from Capt. Bell's remarks, that gentleman also makes a glowing report from his State and Virginia. The meeting was called to order by Col. A. Coward, Chairman of the Executive Comiff oftor WVHPVI lUlbbCC) aiwi ii M?vm Capt. W. T. R. Bell, Secretary, called the roll of' the several committees appointed at the meeting held at King's'Mountain Station on the 25th of July last. After the calling of the roll of committees, the Secretary read the proceedings of the meeting of the 25th of July, which, by a vote of the members present, were confirmed. Col. Coward then addressed the meeting. He had hoped for a larger attendance than was then present, though he was glad to believe that the absence of several members of the different committees did not diminish the zeal of those present, and that the meeting was attended by a sufficient number to give permanent character to the work undertaken. As chairman of the executive committee, he stated that he had thought it best for that committee to defer action until a later day, and hence he would report that, for this reason, that committee had as yet perfected nothing to the accomplishment of the end in view. He thought that this, as well as the other committees, should have time to digest their plans, and he had looked forward to this meeting as the proper time for taking steps to perfect the plans for the proposed centennial celebration. He then read the following letter from Senator B. C. Yancey, member of the Georgia Legislature: Atlanta, Ga., August 27,1879. Col. A. Coward, Chairman Executive Committee King'a Mountain Associaion: My Dear Sir: Your letter has been received, announcing that I am honored by the King's Mountain Associaton formed to arrange for the centenial celebration of the great victorjr of American troops over the British Army, by being placed on the Finanofl Committee for my State. Permit me to express my appreciation of the honor conferred upon me. I trust that it will be in my power to attend the celebration. As the Legislature of Georgia is in session, and as I am a member, it may seem to you and others outside of the State, to be an opportunity for Georgia to lead off in making a suitable appropriation towards providing for a celebration ot an important Revolutionary victory, which contributed to the defeat of England's armies on our shores. But it is my mortitication to have to say to you and the committee, that our constitution, adopted in 1877, forbids the raising of any money for any purpose whatever, save the following: "For the support of the State Government and the public institutions ; for educational purposes, in instructing children in the elementary branches of an English education only ; to pay the interest on the public debt; to pay the principal of the public debt; to suppress insurrection; to repel invasion and defend the State in time of war ; to supply the soldiers who lost a limb or limbs in the military service of the Confederate States with substantial artificial limbs during life." You will see that our people are inhibited from any liberality, through the Legislature, toward any object?however meritorious?outside of the obiects specified in the constitution. 1 am thinking of what method may be best to raise funds by individual subscription. But you may conceive how doubtful will be the prospect of raising money by such means. I shall be happy to be advised by you of any proceedings, from "time to time, of our committee. After the adjournment of the Legislature, my address will be Athens, Ga. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, Ben. C. Yancey. In this connection, Col. Coward stated that the idea of requesting State aid from the States most directly interested in the success of the celebration, had been communicated to Senator Yancey, with what result, so far as Georgia was concerned, he had just road. He also stated that Senator NVitherspoon, 0/ this county, member, of the South Carolina Legislature, had been requested to bring the subject before that body at its recent session. Mr. Witherspoon then asked leave to interrupt the chairman, and proceeded to explain, as to the -propriety of asking aid from the State at the present time. He said he felt'as deep interest in the success of the celebration ...... ori^ rid mod tKp snbipcf. t.n several no any uiiC| auu nw??w? ...w members from the adjoining counties, all of whom were enthusiastic upon the subject; yet in view of the debt with which the Sthte is burdened, and the impoverished condition of our people by reason of the misrule which had saddled much of that indebtedness upon them, he, and those whom he consulted, doubted the propriety of bringing the question before the Legislature, feeling that tit would be disastrous to do so. Col. Coward resuming, then said that as the Legislature of North Carolina had not been in session since the inauguration of this movement, the matter had not been brought before the legislative body of that State ; infl, from the fate which had befallen i t in Georgia and South Carolina?so far as public aid by the States was concerned?it was easy to see. that no assistance need be expected from that source. These appeals had been made that the celebration might assume the proportions of a National affair; but it is now evident that action must be spontaneous; that we must discard all hope of State aid and make it emphatically a^work of the people. He suggested that several of the committees appointed at the last meeting, should be increased by the appointment of persons who live near the ground, and closed his remarks by paying a beautiful tribute to the memory of the venerable Daniel G. Stinson, member | of the committee on historical records, whose j death occurred siuce the formation of the Association. He then read the following additional correspondence, received since the meeting of 2oth July: Hopkwell, S. Cm Dec. 28, 1879. Col. A. Coward, Chairman: My Dear Sir: I deom it appropriate that I should stato to you that circumstances, at this time, prohibit my absence from home, and while my best wishes and fervent sympathy attend your approaching King's Mountain meeting, yet not being able to be present, I would beg to'do myself the honor to ask you to bo iny proxy, in the event of any important motion, which, in your opinion, should need the support of my vote. Private advices from some of ray lady Iriends encourage the hope that I their efforts?and that means success?wiil be di rected in due time to the proposed monument, | and through you I would suggest that a committee of five lie appointed, charged with the honor of submitting the request to Henry W. Longfellow, that he prepare the inscription for said monument. Surely, if Alfred Tennyson were called on to write the epitaph for Poe's tomb, then the touch of genius should write for the heroes of the Past their epitaph, which itself would be? "Monumcmuiu a:rc pcrcnnlua." ) The more in this matter wo enter into details, the bigger things will look ; and the bigger things look, the more this important enterprise will smack of success. With this little suggestion, I close, knowing that inexperience should not forecast in matters where Wisdom shall soon hold her peace. I am yours very truly, W. Waddy Thomson. Atlanta, Ga., August 17, 1879. Col. A. Coward, Dear Sir: Yours of the 14th to hand. Many thanks for the Yorkville Enquirkr, containing a history of tho battle of King's Mountain, by Rev. Robert Lathan. I spoke to Hon. B. C. Yancey in relation to bringing the matter of the centennial celebration boiore the Georgia Legislature. He was quite willing to do so, but told me that the last constitutional convention had placed a prohibition upon the Legislature, preventing that body from making any appropriation of that character. I hope this will not dampen the ardor of other persons or other States. I have recently seen Mr. Stephens, Gen. Gordon, Gov. Colquitt, Col. Howell and Mr. Yancey, and they promise co operation. Yours truly, James S. Lawton. Capt. W. T. R. Bell, of the executive comj mittee, then reported, verbally, that as a member of that committee, he had conferred with Gen. Johnstone Jones, Adjutant-General of North Carolina, and that Gen. Jones had told him that he was ready to promote, as far as was in his power, the object of the celebration. He said at the proper time he would order an encampment of the State guard at King's Mountain, and he thought he could Secure the attendence of forty companies. Gen. Jones also expressed the opinio# that the United States Government would aid the cause by furnishing camp equippage. He thought the Government would loan 1000 tents, or more if necessary, for the purpose. It was Gen. Jones' intention "to be present at the meeting to day, but was prevented by ; reason of an accidental wound he received several weeks ago. i Capt. Bell, also stated that while in Nor- j -?-11- XT*. AMmtviAn Ua flio rvonnla nf ItUK, Y i ttO L OU 111 IUU , uv? ivuuu wuv w w? that city alive to the importance of the cele- < bration, and feeling a deep interest in its success. The editors of the papers in that city? , among them the poet, J. Barron Hope?ex- : pressed their determination to visit the cele- , bration, and in the meantime offered the use ( of their columns to further the object. He al- i so said that the military organizations of that < city will attend in a body. Capt. J. M. Ivy, treasurer of the executive : committee, reported that he had done noth- j ing as yet; that he was awaiting instructions, , and was ready to do his full part in furthering the object. He would also say that in his 1 section the people are fully alive to the im- i portance of the celebration, and so far as his i information extends, there is a general inter- | est felt in it throughout the State. Senator Witherspoon stated, on behalf cf Governor Simpson, that he felt sure that official would do all in his power to aid the ' success of the celebration. , Maj. W. J. Houston, chairman of the com- ( mittee on transportation, submitted the'following report: Circulars bearing date December 4tb, request- . ing rates to visitors attending the centennial celebration of the battle of King's Mountain, haye been addressed to the following named roads: Atlanta and Charlotte Air-Line; Atlanta and West Point; Georgia; South Carolina; Chesapeake and Ohio; Richmond, Fredricksburg and Potomac ; Petersburg; Richmond and Danville; Charlotte, Columbia and Augusta ; Chester and Lenoir ; Savannah and Charleston ; North Eas- < tern ; Atlantic Coast Line Railways; Carolina i Central; Raleigh and Augusta; Port Royal; j Atlantic, Tennessee and Ohio; Atlantic, Mississippi ; North East (Georgia;) Central Georgia; i Spartanburg, Union and Columbia; Spartanburg and Asheville; Western and Atlantic; East Tennessee and Virginia; Western North Carolina; Greenville and Columbia ; Washington City and Virginia Midland, and many other transportation i;~no omKranod in thfl torritorv south of Washing ton City, east of the Blue Ridge, and along the Atlantic coast to Savannah, Ga. These circulars are issued this early, with the view of forming a basis for lines extending into Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, where a large number of our old and esteemed citizens have emigrated, and will, no doubt, with proper facilities, return in large numbers to participate in the celebration of an event having so many pleasant associations of the past. Sufficient time has not elapsed to receive replies from the various lines addressed on the subject; but we feel authorized, from those already received, in saying that nothing will be lacking in this branch of the service to make it a success. Respectfully submitted. W. J. Houston, Chm. W. A. Mauney. Maj. Houston also read the following com-' munication on behalf of the Atlanta and Charlotte Air-Line Railroad: As a representative of the passenger department of the Atlanta and Charlotte Air-Line Railroad, I respectfully state, for the information of all present, that the President, General Managers ana Board of Directors enter heartily into the matter as a question of National interest, and have instructed me to purchase a first-class American flag, which is now under construction in Philadelphia, and will be made of the best bunting, measuring 20 by 36 feet, with all the necessary appliances for elevating at will. Capt. I. Y. Sage, the chief engineer of the road, has been instructed to erect, on the Pinnacle of King's Mountain, a pole of sufficient height and* capacity for floating the flag. Wo hope, with the assistance proffered by Capt. W. T. R. Bell, principal of King's Mountain High School, R. H. Garrett, Esq., W. A. Mauney, Esq., and other citizens of King's Mountain, to have the pole standing prior to the 22nd of February next, and as this is a day appropriate to an occasion of the kind, it is hoped that a committee will be appointed to Secure orators and arrange preliminaries for casting the flag to the breeze that day. Trains will be run by the Atlanta and Charlotte Air-Line and Chester and Lenoir Railroads, a Ai? ?foioo in oonnmmnrlafii all Hfl. at ICUUtcu lawn, iu siring to participate in tho ceremonies. W. J. Houston, G. P. T. Agt. Maj. Houston stated that it is desirable to reduce the rates on the different roads to at least 11 cent per mile each way, and he said the Air-Line Road would take passengers at a lower rate than any other line. As one incentive to make the rates as low as possible, he said that there are now many persons in distant States who emigrated from this section, who would now be glad to return if the proper facilities were afforded. Within the past year, by reason of railroad combinations, a man could leave Yorkville and go to Texas for 825, while he could not return immediately over the same route for less than 850 or 860. Many of these are desirous to return 1 and visit their native land, if they had the means. It is hoped that this occasion will afford many an opportunity to do so, and see a country now prospering, and better in every j respect than the country of their adoption ; , and if our present prosperity, which has been brought about within the past few years, and < since the emigration of these citizens, should < induce any of them to remain, so much better , will it be. I At the conclusion of Maj. Houston's remarks in connection with his report, the chair expressed much gratification at the i report, and on motion of Capt. Bell, by I unanimous vote, it was received. . On motion of Maj. Houston, the following 1 names were added to the committee on trans- 1 portation : J. R. Ogden, G. P. A. G., Teon., i Va. and G Railroad; Col. Henry Fink, M. i T., Atlanta, Mississippi and Ohio Railroad; i A. Pope, G. P. A., Atlantic Coast line; E. H. Smith, Central Railroad; J. R. McMurdo, Ricjpnond and Danville Railroad; D. Cardwell, A. G. P. A., C. C. and A. Railroad ; B. W. Wrenn, A. R. R,; D. C. Allen, G. P. A., S. C. R. R. James Mason, Chester and Lenoir Railroad. The committee on ways and means had no report to make at the present meeting. Capt. Bell took occasion to express thanks to the management of the Air-Line Railroad, for the interest they manifest in the success of the celebration, and for the offer of the United States flag, which they propose to float from the Pinnacle of King's Mountain; and moved that a committee of five be appointed by the chair, to receive the flag, select and invite orators, and make all preliminary arrangements for its erection on Saturday, the 2l8t of February next, instead of the 22ud, which day occurs on Sunday. The motion carried, whereupon the chair appointed the following committee: Capt. W. T. R. Bell, Dr. A. P. Campbell, Dr. B. F. Dixon, W. A. Mauney, R. H. Garrett. Major] Houston stated that he would pro cure one or more pieces of artillery, to be used in firing salutes on that day, and moved that Capt. Bell be requested to take charge of the ordnance on its arrival at the grounds, and superintend the management of the guns. Carried. Hon. I. D. Witherspoon moved that when this meeting adjourn to the 21st of February, at King's Mountain Station, that the secretary be requested to urge the attendance of the members of the various committees, and that they come prepared to report progress* Carried. Rev. Robert Lathan, from the committee on historical records, reported that he had written a sketch of the battle of Kings Mountain, which is now in print; that he is engaged in preparing sketches of prominent actors in the battle, some of which are completed and others well under way. He stated that the sketches would appear in the columns of the Yorkville Enquirer before being put in durable, book form, in order that any inaccuracies which might occur, could be corrected and the sketches be made as truthful as possible, with the resources at hand from which to write them. He felt assured that the committee would perform their task in due time. The committee on monument, through A. E. Hutchison, Esq., reported as follows: Yonr committee on monument, would report, that since their apopintment, they have given the subject that consideration they could spare from other duties, and would state, at the outset, that the "more they reflect on it the larger it grows, and the more plans and designs they examine, the greater the difficulty of selecting one that would do justice to the importance of tne subject and be appropriate to the time and place, and symbolize, as it were, the rugged heroism of the plain, undrilled men who fought and won the battle, beyond all doubt the turning point in the Revolutionary war. Polished marble or brass, in the opinion of the committee, would not be appropriate, either to the time, the place or the men whose heroism'it is designed to commemorate. They would, therefore, recommend one built of the stone (slate) on the ground, neatly dressed ana Jaia in cement, commencing ?i> ourmca ui ground 8 feet square, and at the height of 4 feet, decrease dimensions one foot, then a rise of 3 feet; then decrease dimensions to 6 feet square and rise 11 feet; then decrease to 5 feet square and rise 44 feet, and in recessed pannels of this square, record the names; then rise 2 feet square ana 4 feet high, making a height of 18 feet from the ground, the whole surmounted by the figure of a Revolutionary soldier 7 or 8 feet high, in costume of the period, with fiint-lock rifle and powder-horn, making total height 25 or 26 feet.. Your committee think, from the best information they can obtain on the subject, such a monument would cost $2,500 or $3,000. Respectfully submitted. A. E. Hutchison. It was moved and carried, that the report and accompanying designs and correspondence, be left in the bands of the committee, until the next meeting on the 21st of February. Mr. Lathan moved that the committee on ways and means be empowered to increase their number, by appointing persons, in every locality, to raise means for defraying the expenses of the celebration. Carried. The committee on grounds made the following report: On the 22nd of December last, we held a meeting on the grounds, and after making a survey of grounds, including the battle-field, as represented in the annexed diagram, we would suggest that the ground marked "Military Rendezvous" in pencil color, be cleared of obstructions and be prepared for military evolutions. It is an open plain, having an area of 17 acres. The ground, marked in pencil and Iajd off in lots along the road and branch, we suggest be cleard off for shanties, and leased to persons desiring the privilege to exhibit, accommodate, or vend article of merchandise or other commodities not prohibited by law. We suggest that proper steps oe taaen ior uie erection of a suitable monument to the brave men who struggled and fell In battle on the 7th of October, 1780, in defence of the liberty we now enjoy; and the point marked "M" beilfg the highest peak of the mountain, where material is inexhaustible, as the proper place for it. The present rude, unsculptured monument is represented at the intersection of the road and branch, and there stands as a monument of patriotism and pride ol private individuals at their own expense, but which is an insufficient memorial of the gallantry of the fallen braves who there sacrificed their lives in defence of liberty. Your committee, having carefully examined the grounds in reference to the accommodation of persons attending the contemplated centennial celebration, are able to say that there are pretty good roads?can be made very goodleading to and from the place. There is also plenty of water?several springs and branchesconvenient; and the ground, although somewhat rough, is sufficiently accessible for a large concourse of people who may desire to put in an appearance on that occasion. It is hoped, therefore, that no one will be deterred from attending, by apprehensions of that sort. Respectfully submitted. J. R. Logan, Jan. 1, 1880. For the committee. Mr. Lathan moved, and it was carried, that the attention of the committee on invitations and correspondence, be called to the importance of taking Steps at an early day to secure an orator for the celebration. Mf. Lathan also moved?which motion was carried?that the various committees be empowered to enlarge their numbers by appointment, by the respective chairmen, as it may be found the present number of any committee is inadequate to properly perform the labors coming before it On motion of Major Houston, the meeting adjourned, to meet at King's Mountain Station, on the Air-Line Railroad, at 10 o'clock A. M., on Saturday, February 21,1880. In his new book on "Whist," Cavendish gives an admirable method of shutting up a nuisance who is to be met with at three ta bles out of four. This is the "it you naa" partner, who after every hand informs you that "If you had done so and so, we should have made so and so." This is the remedy: "My favorite retort to him is to ask hira if he has ever heard the story of'your uncle and your aunt ?' If he has he does not want to hear it again and is silent. If he is not, and innocently falls into the trap by expressing a desire to hear it, I say in a solemn voice, 'If your aunt had been a man she would have been your uncle." S@T In an interview printed in the New York Sun, Mr. Tildeu denies the story recently set afloat to the effect that he was cognizant of negotiations to obtain the electoral vote of South Carolina in 1876 for the sum of $30,000. The statements referred to are characterized by Mr. Tilden as "simply a fabrication from beginning to end." ,? ? ?? a?" It is estimated that the entire cost of running the government of North Carolina for the two years commenced September 30, 1878, and ending September 30, 1880, will be $1,093,000, and that the receipts during the same period will be $1,100,000. It is claimed that the government of the State was never more economically administered than it is at present, JputOxseiiit grading. A GIANT MOTOR. THE DAYS OF STEAM NUMBERED?IMPENDING REVOLUTION IN THE MANNER OF RUNNING MACHINERY. Engineers, marine underwriters and others to whose knowledge the facts have come, are deeply exercised Dy recent' successes in the application of a giant motor. The power obtained from bisulphide of carbon, long known to practical chemists, but for a century vain efforts having been made to utilize it in driving machinery. Among other devices, glycerine was combined with the bisulphide with better results, but complete success was not realized or claimed until a very recent date, when a powerful and quickly generated vapor was obtained from a mixture of bisulphide of carbon and petroleum. ? In the patent taken out -by Messrs. Williams, Smith & Milligan, of Pittsburg, Pa., the nower is described as an "improvement in the motors for machinery." The method of its operation is the transmission of the chemical agents above described from the chamber of a condenser to the boiler of an ordinary noncondensing steam engine. The boiler being filled with water, heated to about 200 degrees, a pressure as high as 200 pounds per square inch is rapidly developed from the vapor thus generated, and easily controlled. As more definitely described in the letters patent, the light or volatile portion of the petroleum oil must be evaporated for the purpose ofseperating the gasoline and benzole from it prior to putting it in the boiler ; then apply the heat and charge the chamber of the condenser ; then open the valve so that the bisulphide will be forced by the pump, gradually, info the boiler; then, by contact with the previously heated petroleum oil and water, it is rapidly vaporized, forming a force or pressure proportioned to the quantity injected, and the neat applied. A tremendous energy is thus made available for purposes of navigation, for driving locomotive engines, and is equally applicable through the whole range of mechanical industries. The key tothissuccessingeneratingpower is found in the special adaptation of petroleum to the object of bringing the bisulphide into control?in this respect comparable to the success of Morse in "harnessing the lightning." Through this agency the bisulphide is held; it aids in its condensation and holds the sulphur of the bisulphide in solution; it also deodorizes the bisulphide. Thus the vapor does its work in the cylinder entirely, pure.; In the application of this chemical mixture to the steam engine, no change of screw or bolt is required, nothing; more than the addition of a condenser and pipes to connect the "exhaust" and the "escape." The contents of the boiler are returned without waste in an unending circuit, the action of the bisulphide being in , every respect the same as steam. A perfectly uniform pressure can be preserved, as it is governed4>y the pump alone; otherwise, on the amount of bisulphide injected into the boiler and not by the beat <Jf the furnace. This svstem enables the engineer, in any emergency, to obtain instantly from 100 to 200 pounds pressure, or more if desired, without any alternaion or change of the fire. A locomotive engineer, for example, when approaching a heavy grade, has but to use the pump injection ana holcj his power yntil'the ascent is made. - ' On elevated railways, the new motor could be employed with'vincalculable' advantage, at once removing all the fire; smoke and cinders and noise arising from the escape and exhaust. Merely a bolt of iron?just this and nothing more-vheated in a furnace at the end of the route, will produce all the heat needed to generate power.' Again, the new agent is^ffirmed to be absolutely non-explosive; it acts on boilers as hydraulic pressure, and cannot be made to explode. Bisulphide vaporizes at 110 degrees, saving 75 per cent of fuel com | pnrt/U WILLI 0tcaui uu Uic oauiv vug uv? It is obvious, if this claim can be supported, that bisulphide introduces a new era in ocean navigation, as fuel becomes a comparatively small item of expense, cargo space is saved and steamers are relieved of the enormous weight of coal tonage. On locomomotives, too, the change introdued is almost as radical, as tenders will be abolished; they they will be no longer a necessary appendage. The insignificant amount of 100 pounds will propel a sixteen-horse power engine; and the cost of bisulphide is now about 10 cents per pound (it can be manufactured for three cents) and it is used over and oyer, the introduction of the new giant motor must necessarily mean a sweeping revolution of a character more radical and far reaching than can well be imagined. The "new power of chemical vapor" is exhibited at No. 307 Eleventh Avenue, and according to Engineers Charles H. Haswell, Edwin L. Bracly and others, has been subjected to a thorough practical test with most promising results. Mr. Brady says "the days of steam are nearly numbered," of which more will be known very soon.?New York Commercial Bulletin. 1 ? s The Chicago Inter- Ocean has been badly sold by a colored individual calling himself John Jackson, and representing himself as a former slave of Gen. Wade Hampton. Jackson graciously submitted himself to an "interview," in which he gave a blood-curdling account of his slave days on the Hampton plantation, represented to be in South Carolina, detailing particularly how the slaves of Gen. Hampton were flogged and brutally pursued by blood-hounds. This plausible political indictment was forwarded to Senator Hampton by some humane and honest truth-seekers in the West. "You may state two facts, if you wish," Gen. Hampton replied to the writer, "in general reply to all that is here said about me. The first is that I never owned a slave named John Jackson nor ever employed 'a contraband' by that name on my 'planta-1 tion'. The second is that I never had &#lantation or any.interest in a plantation inoouth Carolina. I never planted outside of Mississippi. With these trifling corrections the in-, terview may pass for what it is worth." I?*It is reported that a British physicianmade an examination of the breath of boys who were in the habit of smoking tobacco. He examined thirty-two boys between the ages of nine and fifteen. In twenty-two of these cases he found various disorders of the circulation and digestion, palpitation of the heart, and a more or less marked taste for strong drink. Twelve were subject to bleeding at the nose and twelve a slight ulceration in the mouth. A discontinuance of the use of tobacco was soon followed by a restoration of breath and strength. An exchange says: Col. Payne, of Nashville, Tenn., who under the nom de plume, "Ariel," wrote a book just after the war to prove that the negro has no scul, has just applied for admission to the poor house of his county. Meantime the soulless negro, with his paunch full of Cincinnati bacon, is going right straight ahead, laughing and joking ana occasionally stopping in his work to cut the pigeon wing, and in a general way keeping just as far from the poor-house door as possible. V3F An Iowa husband furnished his wife $50 to buy a silk dress, but instead of so doing she put the money in the bank, let it re- / main there eighteen years, added to it whenever she could, and the other day paid oft a mortgage on the *arm. Is comment necessary ?