University of South Carolina Libraries
Jtoapsi and |acts. - ? The National Democratic executive committee met in Washington last Thursday for the purpose appointing a time and place for holding the next National Demo cratic convention. After discussion, June 21 was selected as the day. Milwaukee, St. Paul, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Detroit, San Francisco, and several other cities were put in nomination for the honor of entertaining the convention. Chicago, though not a candate, was selected on the fifteenth ballot. A few other matters of no special importance were arranged, and the committee adjourned. ? Senator Plumb died a millionaire, but he was just as green as any other youth about business matters, if the story an old friend in Kansas tells about him is true. The future senator had saved up $100 and had it on deposit in a local bank. He wanted to use the money, and one day asked the president of the bank for it. He told Plumb to sign a check. The young man looked up and said, "Eh ?" '"Make out a check for the amount and sign it," replied the banker. "No, siree!" said the statesman in embryo, "no, siree, I dont put my name on paper unless I keep! the paper. I gave you my money without taking your receipt and I want it on the same terms." And it took considerable arguing to persuade him that it was the customary thing to make checks for money. ? The ceremonies attending the dedication of the exposition buildings, October 11, 12, and 13, 1892, are to be very elaborate and impressive. The committee having the matter in hand will devote $300,000 to that purpose. It is expected that the president of the United States and his cabinet, many of the senators and congressmen and goverernore of the States, numerous representatives of foreign governments, and 10,000 militia and several thousand regulars will be present. A dedication ode and marches, written for the occasion, will be rendered with full choral and orchestral accompaniments. Patriotic and other music, a dedicatory oration, a pageant of symbolical floats, representing the "Procession of the Centuries," and magnificent displays of fireworks will be among the chief features of the programe. ? The city, of Chicago, with the greatest body of pure fresh water in the world at her very door, is seriously threatened by a water famine. Indeed, all of the inconveniences of such a famine have already been felt. On last Thursday, on account of the extreme cold and the piling up of vast walls of ice for several miles out from the lake shore, the supply of water which great pumps force to all parts of the city was cut off, and within a few hours the business of the slaughter houses, stockyards and manufactories where steam is used was cut off. There was no steam for heating purposes and such families as were not early risers were unable even to get enough water to make their morning coffee. All over the city fires were banked under the steam boilers to prevent explosions. Finally, with the help of explosives, the ice was partly cleared away from the inlets to the pumps and the great city was enabled to resume its wonted activity. ? Ex-President Grover Cleveland is spending a few days at Orange Island, New Iberia, La., the winter residence of Joe Jefferson, the actor. The plantation is beautifully situated on the Saddle river. The house is one mannre romndplpd and lllXUfiOUS VI VUC V1U HIWIV* wry A V?MVW*VW ??? ly furnished by the actor. Its conservatories abound in tropical fruits and flowers. Artificial ponds teem with trout and black bass. Lake Simonette near by affords the finest fishing, while one has to step but a few yards from Jefferson's fireside to find wild fowl in abundance. Luxuriant groves containing thousands of trees of the mandarin and Brazilian varieties, surround the house. Fully one hundred pecan and the same number of orange trees yield succulent crops yearly. In the pastures are the finest specimens of Holsteins, while in the stables are a number of the fleetest roadsters in the South. The apartment of which Mr. Jefferson is the proudest, and in which he hopes to entertain Mr. Cleveland, is the Japanese room. It is of marvellous beauty, and visitors come from miles about to gaze upon the gorgeous furnishings^ The actor is said to have invited a number of distinguished Southerners to meet the ex-president at Orange Island. ?A recent census bulletin on the States of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia, shows gratifying progress at the South. In ten years the population has increased from 15,257,293 to 18,319,714, or 28.7 per cent. The increase of the colored population was but 16.1 percent., while that of the white was 22.9. This shows that the whites are gaining on the colored race, and that the negro domination is a mirage. The material advance has been very marked. From 1880 to 1890 railway mileage increaseu from 15,572 to 43,432, and the gross earnings of the roads from $47,484,975 to $154,682,773. The number of factories has grown from 34,565 to 77,013, and the value of their products from $315,924,794 to $806,024,500. The number of cotton mills is now 399 against 161 in 1880. During the same period assessed wealth increased 79.4 per cent., banking capital 359.3 per cent., bank deposits 229.8 per cent., and deposits in savings banks 115.2 per cent. In the period of 1880-90 the mineral output has increased from $7,143,750 to $58,079,157 or 433 per cent. State and county indebtedness have both decreased, and per capita taxation is lower. School revenues have increased 213 per cent., or from $5,067,081 to $16,862,117. ?A dispatch from Silver City, New Mexi co, to the New York Herald, tells a remarkable story of animal jealousy. Some years ago a young Mexican named Juan Lopez caught a mountain lion and raised it as a pet. He had the animal completely under subjugation and as docile as a house cat. The lion is now four years old and has always been accustomed to sleep at the foot of the Mexican's bed. In day time it followed Lopez around like a dog, and was a splendid animal to hunt large game. Recently Lopez married a pretty young girl and brought her home to his cabin. The wife was terribly afraid of the lion and insisted that it should not sleep in the house. Lopez accordingly drove it out, and a very noticeable change at once took place in the animal's disposition. It lay outside all night sullenly growling. The wife became still more uneasy and insisted that Lopez dispose of the brute. He agreed to do so, and in a day or two went to town for the purpose of trying to sell it, leaving it at home with his wife. When he returned at night he found the remains of his wife lying in the floor literally torn to pieces by the teeth and claws of the lion. The animal then fled to the mountains and has not since been seen. The young husband refused to be comforted. His grief was so great that he became violently insane, and has be confined to prevent him from taking his own life. ? The following story is from a recent issue of the Fort Worth, Texas, Gazette: "A. J. Mercer, living near Burden, Kos., has a patch of corn which is the rarest ever grown. The patch is small, but the corn is a kind that has never been seen in this country before. Last spring Mercer opened a mound on his farm, and in it found a lot of corn, along \yith certain prehistoric relics, showing that the corn had been put in there ages ago. It was in a sealed jar, and was about a peck in quantity. He gave away about half of it to his neigbors and others who heard of it and wanted a few grains for a curiosity. When planting time came he thought it would be good idea to plant some of it, and prepared a patch of ground near his house aud planted about two quarts of the seed. It came up and thrived well under the cultivation given it. The ears came well. It has now about harvested. The ears were about six inches long and grains were close together, standing up with sharp points. The grains arc small, being about one fourth the size of the ordinary grain of corn. Mercer thinks that this must undoubtedly be the original corn of this country from which the present has sprung through long and high cultivation. What is remarkable about it is that the mound from which it was taken has every evidence of being very old, for trees were growing on it that could not be less than 200 years old. The relics found with the corn are similar to those found in the mounds of Illinois and Ohio, and this mound must have been coexistent with these, which are believed to be over 1,000 years old. Mercer has sent samples of his corn to friends in the East and to the government officials at Washington." ? Catarino Garza, the Mexican revolutionist, is still engaging the attention of the Mexican and the United States authorities along the border of the Rio Grande. He seems to be as nimble as the Irishman's flea. When the troops put their fingers on him he I is not there. So far he has taken care not to commit any depredations in the United States calculated to render his band liable to this government for violation of other than the neutrality laws. He is giving th>; Mexi- J cans considerable trouble, however, and in addition to sending out a large body of troops to effect his capture, the Mexican government has offered big rewards for his head. In pursuit of Garza the United States forces are said to be practically useless unjtil spring. The country in which Garza is operating is as bare as a billiard table, and the soldiers are unable to force their way through the brush. A body of fifty Texas rangers, under command ofW. H. Marbry, adjutant general of the State, left San Diego for Garza's trail last Sunday. Each of the rangers was furnished with 200 rounds of ammunition, and they were confident that they would get their man before returning. Garza, however, has large numbers of friends among the Texas ranchmen along the border, and it is believed that they will effectually hide him from the rangers. $hc (frwjttitw. YORKVILLE, S. C ~ WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21,1892. ? In this issue is a communication under the heading of a "Definite Plan" that will be read with interest by the farmers of York county. The author is a substantial farmer living just on this side of the North Carolina line. We are not authorized to give his name, but can assure our readers that he believes every word that he writes, and all that he says is born of successful experience. Those who are in a condition to do so, and we are sorry to admit that there are great many who are not, will profit by imitating his "plan." ? Thomas A. Edison, the inventor, says it would be an easy matter to whip Chili. He says he can devise a steam fire engine which will throw a stream of water so highly charged with electricity that the mowing down of whole ranks of the enemy would be a matter of fine fun. Maybe Mr. Edison knows what he is talking about, but owing to the superior range of the ordinary rifle over that of the fire-engine, we would prefer that in the mowing down process he shall hold the nozzle of his electric squirt-gun arrangement himself. ? We really don't think there is any probability of a war with Chili. Such a .thing might have been possible weeks ago, just after the outrage on the Baltimore's sailors for instance, but the danger is now, in our opinion, about over. There has been so much talk about the matter, that we are sure neither side can fail to see how much is to be lost and how little is to be gained by their coming to blows over an ordinary street row. Even if the grievance was of sufficient importance to warrant hostilities, we consider that there is no longer any occasion for alarm. There has been too much talk. People who talk a great deal don t fight much. ? Senators Stanford, of California, and Peffer, of Kansas, are working on a bill seeking to lend the farmers money on farm mortgages at 2 per cent, interest. The bill provides that the money shall be loaned on the credit of the government and loaned to the farmers in amounts equal to one-half the value the lauds that they can pledge as security. The bill provides for the loan of something like $100,000,000, and seeks to increase the present circulation of the country by that amount, the idea being to relend the money to new applicants as fast as it is paid in by those to whom it was first loaned. The scheme, so far, has not ruet with any favor in the senate. ? The following letter from Captain J. Colton Lynes, formerly of the King's Mountain Military School, Yorkville, but now principal of the Georgia Military academy at Millegeville, was received by President Harrison last week. It is dated January 19. "Mr. President: This being the birthday of the late General Robert Lee, and as I had the honor of following his lead for four years, having been promoted for gallantry on the field, I take pleasure in offering my services to the gove ament on this noted birthday, and trust that in this act will nnnwomola fonf fiof. fho AmPfl- I VUU V* 111 VUV iUVV V ViMV vuv can flag is that of a reunited country, with but one heart throbbing for a common cause, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant." The Captain's offer is made in anticipation of war with Chili, but it is not stated that his services will be accepted by the president. ERSKINE #C0LLEGE. The destruction of Erskine college at Due West by fire last Friday morning, is a severe calamity to the Associate Beformed Presbyterian denomination. The building itself was a plain structure of no great money value, but the magnificent library of nearly 2,000 volumes, which the authorities of the college have been accumulating for the past fifty years, will be exceedingly difficult to replace. However, as already announced by the esteemed president, Dr. W. M. Grier, the work of the college will be in nowise interfered with. There are on the ground several buildings that are admirably adapted for temporary quarters, and with probably some little inconvenience to the faculty and students, the exercises of the institution can go on without interruption until other arrangements are completed. A contract for the remodeling of the old college has just been awarded to a Washington architect. The recent disaster will of course necessitate a change in the plans as well as in the contract, but it is not likely that the additional outlay necessitated by the fire will be very considerable. At any rate, while it is admitted that Erkskine has received a serious blow, no one need think for a moment that the old college will experience even an appreciable backset. Erskine college is the oldest denominational educational institution in the State, and its origin can be traced back to 1834, or perhaps more properly to 1825. It has always been a settled rule with the Associate Reformed Presbyterians to allow no one to preach until he has been through a classical course and studied theology under a competent instructor for several years. In order that these requirements could be complied with, it became necessary to establish the proper institutions early in the beginning of the present century. Two or three private classical schools, one of them being Ebenezer academy in this county, were at different times taken under the patronage of synod, and at length a ministerial school was established at Due West. An extension of the field of this school was decided on in 1839, the name was changed to Erskine, and after considerable effort a charter was secured from the legislature in 1850. From 1850 up to the breaking out of the war the affairs of the college were in a most prosperous condition. The institution was liberally endowed, and it took high rank among the foremost colleges of the South. As the result of the war the endowment was almost completely swept away, and in 1866 the college again commenced at the grouud. Since 1871 a new endowment of about $80,006 has been raised by subscriptions of members of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian church, and the college has been doing a work second to no other institution of the kind in the South. The institution is at present in a most | healthy and prosperous condition, and in | our opinion its recent disaster will scarcely ruffle the even tenor of its way. ciuliax'brutality. A complete report of the testimony taken before Judge Advocate Remy in the investigation of the Baltimore affair has been laid before the President. The investigation has developed a story of peculiar brutality on the part of the Chilians in their treatment of American sailors, and it appears that there is good ground for the strong war feeling that has been wrought up in the United States in consequence. Some fifty sailors examined before the judge advocate agree that the attacks of the mob were made in different parts of Valparaiso at the same time, and that the attacks were participated in by Chilian citizeng, police and soldiers. Dr. E. R. Stitt, formerly of Rock Hill, but now assistant surgeon on the cruiser Baltimore, gives important testimony. He says the morning after the assault he went to the San Juan hospital and examined the wounded sailors, and also the body of Riggin, which was also at that place. A ball had passed through Riggin's neck, fracturing two cervi cal vertebrae and injuring his brain. From the direction taken by the ball and the character of tissues passed through and the size and character of wounds, he judged the bullet to have been fired from a rifle. Several bruises and stab wounds were also found. The bullet wound was necessarily immediately fatal. Dr. Stitt says he made tests by firing a rifle and a pistol bullet through pieces of cloth placed against pieces of mat. The rifle bullet hole corresponded exactly to the hole in the shirt of the sailor Johnson, through which the bullet that killed Riggin passed before striking him. The pistol bullet made a hole very much smaller. Dr. White, of the Baltimore, Dr. Stitt says, agreed with him as to Riggin's death being caused by a rifle ball. Dr. Stitt also testified in regard to a great piece of heartlessness in the case of the sailor Turnbull who was stabbed twenty times. Dr. Stitt examined him the day after the stabbing, and found that none of the wounds were necessarily serious if promptly attended to. He asked two Sisters in charge to be allowed to dress Turnbull's wounds, but they refused, on the ground that they could not touch any wounds or allow Dr. itt to touch any without permission of the physician in charge. The doctor urged most seriously to be permitted to attend the Baltimore man, but his request was again refused. He says that nothing had been done for the men except the putting of a little ointment on their wounds. The condition of the men was becoming worse, and Turnbull especially was failing fast. He and Dr. White applied to Judge of Crimes Foster for permission to remove the men to the Baltimore for treatment, but their request was not granted until two days later. At the end of that time all the wounded were removed to the cruiser, but despite the efforts of the physician, Turnbull died two days later of blood poisoning, as a result of his treatment in the hospital. Dr. Stitt says positively that there was no other reason why Turnbull could not have recovered. THE CHILIAN EMBROULIO. ' There has been no abatement in the prevailing excitement over the Chilian question during the past week. The subject has occupied columns in the daily papers every day, and yesterday whole pages were devoted to it. The present status of the affair is difficult to arrive at, and judging from the matter that is being printed in the papers, a correct prediction of final consequences is rather out of the question. The Chilian government has intimated that the presence of Minister Egan at Santiago, as representative of the United States, is not at all acceptable, and it would be very much obliged to this government for Mr. Egan's recall. This the United States govommont. rnnsiders out of the Question at the present stage of the proceedings, and positively refuses to comply. Last week President Harrison sent the Chilian government an ultimatum, the terms of which it is said, are that the Chilians must withdraw their iusulting note sent to this goverment by their foreign minister, Matta, on December 13. They must also offer suitable apologies for their treatment of the Baltimore's sailors, and make satisfactory reparation. In case of refusal on the part of Chili, then diplomatic relations between the two countries are to cease. It is stated that the Chilian government, on Monday, replied to this ultimatum with an agreement to withdraw their insulting note as requested, and to submit the other matter to the arbitration of some neutral nation. If this is not satisfactory, the report goes on to say, Chili is willing to submit the whole question to the United States supreme court for settlement. Another story discredits this report and represents that when the ultimatum arrived, President Montt, of Chili, was off at a watering place in the mountains, and the United States has been requested to grant a few days time until he can get back to Santiago. President Harrison's message to congress, accompanied by the entire correspondence in the Chilian controversy, which was expected last Wednesday, was not sent in until Monday. The message reviews the whole case, from the Itata affair up to date, and asks that congress back up the demands made in the ultimatum. The message will probably occupy the attention of congress for the rest of the week, and its final settlement will depend altogether on circumstances. In the meantime, preparations for war are being pushed with the greatest energy. There is no longer any doubt that at least a half a dozen of the most powerful vessels in the American navy have been ordered to Chili. Secretary Tracy has arranged to charter several large steamers belonging to corporations and private parties, to be used as transports for troops and for carrying coal for war vessels, in case hostilities should break out. These vessels are now lying idle at Philadelphia and San Francisco at the expense of the government. It is un derstood that the vessels are at the service of the government whenever they shall be needed. In view of existing circumstances, the only conclusion that can be arrived at is that there may be war, and their may not be. There arc several important steps to be taken before war would either be advisable or excusable. If a settlement can be arrived at in no other way, one side or the other will probably ask that the difliculty be submitted for arbitration, and if this done, there is little doubt but that a satisfactory solution will be reached. ? Correspondence of the Augusta Chronicle : "Cplonel W. J. Talbert, the [ate Alliance lecturer and present superintendent of the penitentiary, will run for congress against George I). Tillman in the second South Carolina district. That Colonel Talbert will run is settled. He tells his friends so. It comes to me through the best authority straight from Colonel Talbert's lips. 'I will not light anybody,' he is reported to have said, 'unless they fight me, but I will be in the race for congress.' The colonel has great persistency in political matters, lots of courage in a canvass and an abundance of good humor even in defeat." ? A meeting of the board of trustees of Clemson college was held at the college last week, to make arrangements lbr the protection of the buildings during the stoppage of work. ? The Carolina Guards, colored, of Columbia, passed a resolution last Friday night offering their services to the government in the event of war with Chili. MERE-MENTION. Two young people of Franklin county, Va., Miss Delia Nicholson and a young man named Pinkhard, committed suicide last week, the young lady by poison and the young man by hanging, because the young lady's parents objected to their marriage. The members of the Mississippi legislature have been polled as to their preference for president. The result was, 53 for Cleveland, 42 for Hill, 20 for a "Western man," 7 for Gorman, 1 for Boies, and 1 for Polk. It is probable that the president will appoint Attorney General Miller to the supreme court bench to succeed Justice Bradley, deceased. Millionaire John D. Rockefeller, president of the Standard Oil company, is said to be dangerously ill from, blood poisoning resulting from the puncture of his toe by a brass shoe tack. Two men, Bill Tompkins and Sylvester Kennedy, both colored, were killed at Lincolnton, Ga., last Saturday, by the explosion of the boiler of a stationary engine. A Boston dispatch says that two small children died in that city ori last Friday from drinking too freely of the contents of a flask of whisky which they found by accident. It is reported that the negroes in Washington are holding mass meetings to protest against separate iree schools, separate eating houses, and their practical exclusion from eating houses and barber shops. The Republicans of Indiana are declaring in favor of Harrison for a second term. ''Colonel" Pickett Nelson, who claimed to be the tallest man on earth, died in Baltimore last Friday of pneumonia. In life he claimed to be eight feet and one inch tall, and to weigh 387 pounds. The birthday of Robert E. Lee was celebrated in Atlanta and Richmond on Tuesday of last week. The occasion, the 19th of January, is a legal holiday in Virginia and Geo^ gia. Conflicting reports are being citr culated about the Pope of Rome. One story represents him as being seriously ill and another has it that he is enjoying his usual health. The Pope, however, is growing very old and it is not improbable that the story of his rapidly failing health is true. Sena-r tor Gorman, of Maryland, was re-elected to the United States senate on the first ballot on Tuesday of last week. The grip is creating fearful havoc in Havana. There were 531 deaths last week as against 221 during the previous week. At the present time it is said that there are 6,584 patients in the hospitals and these institutions are overcrowded. Caroline Shipp, a negro woman about twenty-two years of age, was hanged at Dallas, N. C., last Friday, for infanticide. The National Surgical Institute, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was destroyed by fire last Friday. No attempt was made to save anything but life. There were hundreds of helpless patients in the building, and most of them were rescued by heroic effort. Not less than twenty men, women and children are known to have been burned to death. The business failures occurring throughout the country for the week ending January 22, as reported by R. G. Dun & Co., number for the United States 274, and Canada 54, a total of 328 against 330 last week. Mrs. Jefferson Davis has been elected an honorary vice-president of the "United States Daughters of 1812." She accepted the honor and has been enrolled as a member. Justice Joseph P. Bradley, of the United States supreme court, died at his home in Washington last Friday morning. He was appointed to the supreme court by President Grant in March, 1870, and the chief incident of his career was his assistance in counting out Mr. Tilden :in the contest for the presidency in 1876. The round house of the New Orleans and Sou thern railroad at New Orleans was destroyed by fire last Friday. The loss was $60,000. Partly insured. It is learned on good authority that this government is trying to arrange for an international silver convention, and that negotiations to that end are now in progress with Great Britain and France. Twenty-one railway properties, with a total mileage of 3,223 miles and a capitalization of $68,000,000, were sold under foreclosure last year. Five legal hangings were reported at different points in the South last Friday ; one in Georgia, two in Virginia, one in North Carolina and oue in jUabama.'**"/Fiftjr persons were either kuled or injured by the falling in of the roof of a church at Slobodskoi, Russia, last Thursday. ~"The total visible supply of cotton fo:rthe world is 4,628,633 bales, of which 4,207,153 are Amer ican agaiust 3,482,608 and 2,951,808 respectively last year. Rome, Italy, was shaken up by an earthquake on Friday. No loss of life is reported and the damage was comparatively slight. A rnan named Hepler, j charged with the murder of a Mrs. Goodly and her son on Sunday of last week, was lynched by an armed mob at Nevada, Mo.,! last Saturday. A snow sleigh containing a pleasure party of twenty-two people was struck by a locomotive in St. Louis last Thursday. Nine of the occupants were killed outright, eleven were seriously* injured and two could not be found. Governor Boies, of Iowa, was inaugurated last Wednesday. Chas. H. Spurgeon, the great London preacher, is reported seriously ill again, and his recovery is considered a matter of grave doubt. Herbert Carter, a fourteen year old boy, the son of wealthy I parents from New York,"committed suicide at St. Augustine, Florida, last Sunday. The deed is thought to have been the result of a morbid despondency, brought about by the reading of dime novels. A dispatch from Arizona says the grip has attacked the Puma Indians in that territory, and more than 100 have died from the scourge during the past ten days. The union congregational church, a magnificent edifice at Providence, Rhode Island, was burned by a demented boy bust Sunday. The boy confessed the crime and said that, he had burned the church on account of a beating he had received at the hands of the sexton. KEEP STOCK OFFTH.E SMALL GRAIN. Rev. W. W. Ratchford Enters a Plea for the Better Observance of a Good Law. For the Yorkvllle Enquirer. Editor of the Yorkvillk Enquirer: Many claim that we can not make wheat in this part of the country. Let that be as it n?ay, one great reason why we do not make it is because we let our stock run on it all winter. Take for instance such a winter as we are now having, and it is ruinous to let stock of any kind run on small grain of any sort. Every stalk of wheat or oats on which cows tread is entirely ruined, and the fruitful properties of the soil around which they tramp are also destroyed. It is just as destructive to laud for cattle to pasture on it. in a wet state as it would be to plough it when too wet, and yet in every neighborhood we see cows and hogs running at large, and riot only so, hunters do not scruple to ride over their neighbor's land and small gruin just as if it was in accordance with law and good breeding to do so. I have just as lawful a right to ride through the king's parlor as to ride over my neighbors's farm, or to allow my stock in any way to trespass 011 the same. The one is a violation of the law as well as the other. I suppose it is claimed on all hands that the stock law is a good thing. If it is, let us not violate it, for surely a good law ought to be obeyed. And more, God's curse will fall 011 the transgressor of a righteous law. Even if there was 110 formal law, I have 110 right to injure my neighbor, either in person or property. We cry "hard times," when perhaps we have had a great deal to do in bringing about "hard times." Let us all mend our ways and perhaps times will be better. W. W. Katciikoud. Gould, January ID, 1SD2. APOSTLES OF FINANCIAL REFORM. The Washington correspondent of The News and Courier sends his paper a report of an Alliance meeting that was held in Washington last Wednesday night. The object of the meeting was to agree upon some platform of financial reform broad enough to contain all shades of Alliance men. It was understood that all friends of the object in view were welcome, and between twenty-five and thirty persons were present. Jerry Simpson, of Kansas, and Tom Watson and Colonel Livingston, of Georgia, were the most conspicuous figures in ti e conference. The correspondent's report of the conference goes 011 as follows: Jerry Simpson took the lloor and declared that it was useless for the Alliance men to fool their time with either the Democratic or the Republican parties, and he advocated the establishment of a Third party, to act independent of the two great political parties. Jerry had about eight followers on this line, but Colonel Livingston, who is one of the strongest men in the Alliance movement, advocated another course, and there was considerable "hair pulling" between the rival factions. Colonel Livingston was attacked for participating in the Democratic caucus, but he justified his course and that of other members of the house who went into the speakership fight. Tom Watson, who was the candidate of the People's party for speaker, declared that the representatives of his party will cease to attend any further conferences held under the auspicies of the Livingston faction. A wrangle ensues at each meeting, and personal and party allusions, are made which causes ill feeling on all sides. There is such a vital difference of policy between theOcala men who do go into party caucuses and those who do not, tnai narraony scums impossible. Under the circumstances it would be wiser for those who help the Ocala demands to be independent of party caucuses to stand by themselves and fight the battle straight out. It seems that the trouble arose between Jerry Simpson and Colonel Livingston over party politics. This threw the meeting into confusion, and Mr. Everett, of Georgia, declared that the conference was a failure, and accordingly moved an adjournment, sine die, so that each member of the Alliance could act as he thought best on the floor of the house of representatives. Captain Alexander, of North Carolina, appealed to the members present to act with more harmony, and suggested that hereafter no allusion in these meetings should be made to party politics. To this proposition Mr. Wilson agreed. General confusion here ensued and there is a misunderstanding among the members whether the motion to adjourn sine die was carried or defeated. Both factions make different claims. One says there will be no further conferences, while the other faction insists that they meet again in a week from next Friday. ERSKINE COLLEGE BURNED. Building and Contenlfi a Complete Loss?No Insurance. Correspondence of the Yorkvllle Enquirer. Due West, January 22.?The main building of Erskine college was destroyed by fire at an early hour this morning. The fire was discovered at about 1.30 o'clock, and was raging fiercely in the belfry over the third floor. The whole roof was ablaze, but had not burned through the ceiling. The stair cases, however, were so completely wrapped in flames that it was dangerous if not absolutely impossible to ascend them. No adequate fire facilities being at hand, the distressed population could only look upon the destruction of their pride and idol with utter helplessness. All the furniture on the first floor was saved, but was considerably damaged in the hasty removal. The Theological library on the second floor was a complete loss. This library represented the accumulation of years, and consisted of scarcely less than 2,000 well selected volumes. At a low estimate the collection was worth $5,000. The portrait of Mrs. Ann Wallace, the Kentucky lady who in 1871 donated $15,000 to the endowment fund, and also the portrait of Mr. McMillan, were lost. The portraits hung in the library. There was no insurance either on the college building or library. The building cost originally $7,000, but its present value was not more than $5,000. The whole loss by the fire was probably not much more than $10,000. There is no possible theory as to the origin of the fire. President Grier announced this morning that the regular exercises would be resumed at once. A vacant house has been secured for use during the remainder of the session. It has been the intention of the board of trustees of the college, representing the Associate Reformed Synod of the South, to remodel the old building and to all intents and purposes erect a new one. The contract, which has already been awarded, calls for the completion of the structure this year, " * * * *1? and the contractors were iiere recently iuu*.ing over the grounds. Architect Denson, of Washington, has been telegraphed for to come at once for the purpose of perfecting new plans in conformi-1 ty with the unfortunate change in conditions, and it is hoped that the new building can be had ready for occupancy by October 1st, 1892. The building just destroyed was erected in 1843, and was the first denominational college building erected in this State. Its loss is a severe blow to our people, but in view of the extensive preparations that have already been made for increased facilities, the misfortune is not so great as it might otherwise have been. DO YOU WANT TO^BE A SOLDIER? Here is the Opportunity for the Boy Who Can Pass the Examination. The following announcement, signed by Hon. John J. Hemphill, was received at this office last Monday. It is of special interest to those boys of the Fifth congressional district who desire to go to West Point or Annapolis : There will be a competitive examination at Lancaster, S. C., Wednesday, the 10th day of February, 1892, at 10 o'clock a. m., to onlnnlinn r\f n pnitpf. fnr UCtCl U11IIV HIV Obtvvvivu v? % .v. West Point Military academy from the Fifth congressional district of South Carolina. Candidates must be actual "bona fide" residents of the Fifth district, between 17 and 22 years of age, of robust constitution, and at least five feet in height. They will be examined in rea'ding, writing, arithmetic, English grammar and geography. The successful candidate must report at Fort McPherson, Atlanta, Ga., for examination on the 1st of March, 1892, and if found to possess the requisite qualifications, will be admitted to the academy at West Point on the 15th day of June, 1892. A second or alternate candidate will be nominated at the same time as the first, provided he is willing to report at Fort McPherson and be examined as the first or regular nominee. The alternate will only go to West Point in the event that the first nominee is unsuccessful there. At the same time and place a similar examination will be held for the selection of a cadet to be appointed to the U. S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. Applicants must be actual "bona fide" residents of the district, physically strong, and between 15 and 20 years of age. The successful candidate must report at the Naval academy on the 1st of September next for examination. A second or alternate candidate will be nominated at the same time as the first, who will not be required to report for examination for admission until notified by the superintendent of the academy. Applicants for either position, on arriving at Lancaster, must report to Thurlow S. Carter, Esq., and signify in writing which of the above appointments they will compete for. No one can compete for both places. Governor Tillman and the Primary.?In the fall of 1888, Captain B. It. Tillman went through the State with Governor Itichardson making campaign speeches. At that time he was very anxious for a State primary, as his speeches will show. At Hodges, the first campaign meeting, he said : "He hoped the time was near when the people would demand the right of voting in a State primary for every oflicer they wished." At Chester, July 30, 1888, a special to the Charleston World says: "He spoke strongly in favor of a primary election for State officers, and said the politicians were determined to defeat the will of the people." Who are the politicians now ? It is useless to multiply instances ; everyi body knows that the. burden of Captain Tillman's song was: "Give us a primary." Now what does Governor Tillman say V? Newberry Observer. A Call to Democrats.?The following call, dated January 21 and signed Calvin S. Brice, chairman, and Simon 1'. Sheerin, secrc: tary, has been issued by the National Demo; cratie Executive committee: I "The National Democratic committee, at ! a meeting held this day, in the city of Washjington, I). C., has appointed Tuesday, the 21st day of June, 181)2, as the time, and the j city of Chicago as' the place, for holding the National Democratic convention. Each State is entitled to representation therein ! equal to double the representation to which |it is entitled in the electoral college, and each territory and the District of Columbia ' shall have two delegates. "All Democratic conservative citizens of the United States, irrespective of past political association and diUcrcnces, who can unite with us in the efforts for pure, economical and constitutional government, are cordially invited to join us in sending delegates to the convention." LOCAL AFFAIRS. i INDEX TO NEW ADVERTISEMENTS. 8 T. M. Dobson, Manager?Dobson's Racket. [See 1 Fourth Page.] Prof. Boldy 4 Co?At the Opera House Thurs- , day night, January 28. Meek McElwee, Clover, S. C.?Mule Stolen. 1 Agnes Moore?Heinz's Pickles. , Mrs. Zoraida Inman?Music Lessons. Jos. F. Wallace, Chairman of Board of Trus- ( tees?Ten Dollars Reward. p W. H. McCorkle, Probate Judge?CitationElijah Hardin Applicant for Letters of ] Administration on 'tho estate of W. R. ( Love, Deceased. M. A H. C. Strauss?Don't Lose this Opportu- t nity. ( A. Springs Withers, Intendant?An Ordinance, Fixing the Day of Election of Intendant i and Wardens for the Year 1892. j THE PENSION BOARD. The York county pension board held an i adjourned meeting in the office of the clerk j of the court last Saturday. Captain R. H. j Glenn was still too unwell to he out, and i the business of the hoard was conducted by < the other two members, Dr. J. R. Bratton j and Mr. Jos. F. Wallace. There were six j applications for pensions as follows: A. 1 Dale, Yvm. arown, jr. \j. luuumug, ^muco j McLain, Mrs. H. C. Lilley and Mrs. Mary } E. Clinton. After receiving these applica- , tions the board adjourned to hold another ( meeting on next Saturday. j ATTACKED BY THE GRIP. Have you had the grip? If you haven't we hope you may never have it. The En- < quirer stafFhas been wrestling with it for the i past three weeks, and it?the grip we mean, I is just beginning to let go. Four of us were | down at one time and for a while it looked as if the rest would have to give up the 1 fight. There is one down yet, but the indi- < cations are that he will come around all < right in a few days more. We have never i poked any fun at the grip or done anything < that it could take offense at, yet it has treat- < ed us shamefully. However, we are not < complaining. Just let it stay away, and we 1 will take what we have already gotten with- I out asking for more. We know when we . have had enough. 1 ALMOST A WRECK. The south bound Three C's freight train narrowly escaped a serious smash up last i Monday morning. Just after leaving the Yorkville depot, one of the trucks under a ' box car jumped the track. This was followed by others, and the train ran about six 1 hundred feet before it could be stopped. The trainmen and two or three of the half dozen passengers aboard jumped out of the ?L nn nno UIDQ hlirf. The UUUj UUt 1U1 tuunicijr uv vuv ff .. crossties were torn up for a distance of about six hundred feet, and the whole train had a remarkably close shave from being "ditched." The material train was telegraphed for, and soon arriving on the spot, the freight was again sent on its way before the arrival of the passenger. As the result of the recent rains and a strange economy in not renew! ing rotten cross-ties, the railroad seems to be getting in rather a dangerous conditio!}. DEATH OF JOHN J. EVANS. Mr. John J. Evans, a well-known citizen of York township, formerly of Yorkville, died at his home five miles northwest of this place on Tuesday evening of last week of pneumonia. Mr. Evans was born in Halifax county, Va., in March, 1812, and at the time of his death lacked only about two months of being 80 years of age. He came to South Carolina and located in Yorkville in 1842. A few years later he married Miss Jane Dennis, of this place, and remained in Yorkville until January, 1877, when he sold his home, the present residence of C. E. Spencer, Esq., and moved to the country, locating on the farm where he died. Mr. Evans was a tailor by trade, and followed that calling for thirty-five years in the town of Yorkville. He used to tell his friends that when a boy in Raleigh, N. C., he worked as an apprentice on the same bench with Ex-President Andrew Johnson. Mr. Evans leaves a wife, three sons and three daughters. MISCARRIED MAILS. With all the painstaking care that is exercised at this office in making up The Enquirer's mails, it is a source of no little annoyance whenever a paper should happen to miscarry. Last week we were over whelmed with a flood of complaints irom Guthriesville, McConnellsville and Lowrysville, by mail and telegraph. "No Enquirers have arrived at this office. What is the matter ?" said a telegram from Lowrysville Wednesday evening, and next day letters and postal cards from the other offices brought similiar intelligence with the same perplexing question. Immediate investigation developed the fact that there was sickness in the family of Mr. J. T. Grist, the always reliable postal clerk, and there was a new man on in his place. The new man was uufamiliar with the route and put off the packages of papers for the respective offices named above at the wrong places. We trust that the mistakes have all been finally corrected and that all subscribers, after so long a time, have gotten their papers. STOCKHOLDERS' MEETING. The stockholders of the Loan and Savings Bank of Yorkville, held their annual meeting on last Thursday night, and elected directors for the ensuing year as follows: Jas. M. Starr, M. C. Willis, W. H. Herndon, W. B. Wylie, W. G. White, Jno. M. Hope, B. N. Moore, W. B. McCaw, G. W. S. Hart. The board, is the same as last year with the exception of J. R. Lindsay, resigned, and T. B. McClain, declined re-election. These vacancies were filled by the election of Messrs. W. B. Wylie and B. N. Moore. At a meeting of the above named directors " - ' " - i.L_ .1 J held after the stock holders' meeung, me uiu executive officers we re-elected as follows: G. W. S. Hart, president; W. H. Herndon, vice-president; Jas. A. Watson, cashier; and W. B. MeCaw, solicitor. The report of the president to the stockholders showed a small percentage of profits as the result of the business of the bank for the pust year. No dividend was declared, however. CHURCH'NOTICES. Episcopal?Sunday-school at 10.30 a. m. Presbyterian?Rev. T. R. Engligh, D. D., pastor. Prayer-meeting tomorrow afternoon at 4 o'clock. Services next Sunday at 11 o'clock a. m. and 7 o'clock p. m. Sundayschool at 3 o'clock p. m. Trinity Methodist Episcopal?Rev. R. E. Stackhouse, pastor. Prayer-meeting this evening at 7.30 o'clock. Services next Sunday at 11 a. m. and 7.30 p. m. Sundayschool at 3 o'clock p. in. Associate Reformed Presbyterian?Rev. J. C. Galloway, pastor. Tirzah?Services next Sunday at 11.30 o'clock a. m. Yorkville? Sunday-school at 3.30 o'clock p. m. Services Sunday evening at 7 o'clock. Baptist?Rev. Robert G. Patrick, pastor. Union?A sermon to the children next Sunday at 11 a. m. Sunday-school at 10 a. m. Yorkville?Prayer-meeting tomorrow evening at 7.15 o'clock. Services Sunday evening at 7.15 o'clock. Sunday-school at 10 a. m. AS TO THE USE OF GUANO. There has been considerable discussion and speculation during the past few weeks as to the quantity of guano that is likely to be used by the farmers this year. In view of the very unsatisfactory results attending the use of commercial fertilizers last year, the prevailing opinion seems to be that there will be a general reduction in the quantity used for the coming crop. The question, however, is rather a puzzling one. While all of our best farmers seem to be thoroughly satisfied as to the beneficial results of a good commercial fertilizer, only a comparatively few seem to have any positive opinion as to how much may be used with profit. This is a question that can only he settled by practical experience, and as this is not a good year for experimenting, it is those who have lot already settled the question to their own latisfaction who are most in doubt as to how nuch to use. Up to the present time there has not been i single car load of guano received in Yorkrille, or to the best of our knowledge, at my point in the county. This fact, howevsr, is not especially significant. The busy leason for the guano trade has not opened pet, and probably will not until the middle >r last of February. Mr. J. H. Riddle, of he firm of Riddle & Carroll, the largest lealers in Yorkville, was asked yesterday jvhat he thought of the probable sales of guano this year. He gave it as his opinion that the sales ivould be a great deal lighter than usual :his season?probably not more than half as great as last year. The quantity used last pear, however, was extraordinarily large, and sven if it should be reduced by half, the aggregate will not compare unfavorably with former years. Mr. Riddle's firm has not sought its supply of guano yet, but has ilready received quite a number of orders, ind, excepting last year, will handle nearly is much guano as usual. It is safe to presume that the business of other firms will be in proportion. CHESTER COTTON MILL BURNED. The following note was received at iniB 5ffice at about eight o'clock yesterday morning from Mr. H. H. Beard, the accommodating manager of the Western Union Telegraph office at this place: "Editor of The Enquirer : I have just learned from the Western Union manager at Chester, that the Chester cotton mill was lestroyed by fire at 1.45 o'clock this morning. The fire was first discovered in the 3ye room of the factory, but was beyond control before the fire department arrived Dn the scene. The factory was entirely destroyed. The total loss is estimated at $230,)00, and the insurance is said to be $151,000. As the result of the fire, 250 operatives are thrown out of employment. another account. The following was received from our Chester correspondent by yesterday afternoon's Narrow Gauge mail: The mills of the Chester Manufacturing company were burned this morning at two o'clock. Loss about $275,000; insurance, $150,000. Two hundred and fifty hands, or thereabouts, are thrown out of employment. It is the worst blow Chester has experienced in years. A negro church near by caught fire and was completly destroyed. Loss, about $1,000. No insurance. LOCAL LACONICS. ? The South Carolina Colored M. E. con-1 ference closed its annual session at Oronornkllrnr nn fhp Iftth instant. T. J. Clark ? ? was assigned to the church at Yorkville and G. F. Miller to the Yorkville circuit. ? Mrs. Zoraida Inman announces that she will give instructions in music to a limited number of pupils. Her accomplishments as a performer on the piano and her ability as a teacher, are too well known by the people of Yorkville and vicinity to require any comment. ? Mr. T. M. Dobson, manager of Dob-! son's Racket, has found it desirable to occupy more space in The Enquirer in telling his weekly story "of the best goods at the lowest prices." Mr. Dobson's ad-| vertisements are read with peculiar interest by a large number of our subscribers, and we have no doubt but that they will appreciate his increase of space. See his double column announcement on the fourth page. ? Attention is called to the advertisement in another column of an entertainment to be given by Professor Boldy at the opera house to morrow night. The entertainment consists of magic and sleight of hand. Referring to it, the Lancaster Review of last week says: "Professor Boldy's performance here last Thursday night was a highly entertaining and successful one. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, the audience was large and all present thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment." ? Some little excitement was caused in Yorkville last Monday evening by an alarm of fire. It was soon developed that the alarm eminated from the guard house. Policeman O'Farrell was the first person to reach the spot, and he found that a colored prisoner confined for being drunk, had started a fire on the wooden floor of the building. The fire had been communicated to the grass outside, and had it been given time might have burned up the guard house, together with the prisoner. As it was, no harm was done beyond the burning of a few cheap blankets. less than two cents a pound. Mr. C. Henry Smith, who lives five and a half miles south-west of Yorkville, was in The Enquirer office yesterday. Speaking of raising hogs, he said that he killed five last December that in the aggregate netted 1,100 pounds, and the total cost was not more than $16.00. This is only a little less than a cent and a half a pound. Of course we were interested in the statement, and as the matter is of very great importance just now, we took occasion to obtain from Mr. Smith full particulars as to how he managed. In answer to a number of questions, he told the story from the beginning. "I commenced with a sow and five pigs about the first of March, 1890. Tho pigs ran with the sow until after corn was up about knee high, and then I turned them into the corn-field to make their own living." "Did they not root up the corn ?" Mr. Smith was asked. "No," he replied, "they were not large enough to do much rooting when I turned them in, and before they were able to do any damage, the corn had gotten out of the way. If they show any disposition to root up the corn, it is my practice to cut a notch in their nose so as to make it sore, and they quit." "What do they live on during this time ?" "Grass and weeds that grow among the corn. They always find plenty to cat?" "And how long do you let them stay in the corn ?" "That depends somewhat on circumstances. If the wind should happen to blow the corn down after it gets hard, I have to take the pigs out of the field and put them in a pasture; but unless the corn is knocked down by the wind, the pigs are not apt to do it any damage. I always plant cow peas in the corn, and these furnish the pigs with all the food they require. "After the corn is gathered, I let tne pigs continue to run on the peas, and when these are exhausted I put them into a pasture where they can get plenty of moss. The moss lasts until about the first of March, and then I put the pigs into a clover patch, and also usually provide them with an acre or two of rye. This keeps them going until I can turn them on the wheat and oats stubble along about August. "Now, last year, I had about an acre and a half of sorghum. I found that this helped wonderfully. I just cut up a few stalks for each pig with a hoe, twice a day, and I found that it was the best feed in the world. They eat it ravenously, and it puts them in splendid trim. Besides, it is so cheap that the cost is scarcely worth considering. An acre and a half did not cost me more than $2, and yet it furnished an abundance of food for the pigs for about a month or six weeks." "Well, after your sorghum cune was out, what then?" "I then turned them into the pasture to feed on the moss again until about the first of Decemlier, when I put them into a close pen with a pine pole floor. From the first of December to the 25th, I fed the hogs 25 bushels of corn, worth, at the market price, GO cents a bushel, or a total of $15.00. I killed the first hog on December 10, and the last on December 23. The five netted 1,100 pounds, or an average of 220 pounds each. Not counting the trouble, which I consider rather a pleasure, the whole cost of raising the five hogs was not more than $16.00. "During all the time, from start to finish, excepting after they were put in the pen, the only corn that was given to those five hogs was rotten waste that would not be eaten by horses or mules. "I am satisfied that by this plan, which by the way is capable of improvement, anybody can raise all the meat that is required ou a well regulated farm at a cost not exceeding two cents a pound." ABOUT PEOPLE. Col. F. Gardner is in town. Miss Alice Stewart is visiting at McConnellsville. Mr. W. B. Steele, Jr., returned to Rock Hill on Monday. Mr. \V. E. Ferguson, of Atlanta, Ga., is in Yorkville. Mr. Frel Mobley, of Rock Hill, was in Yorkville yesterday. Mr. S. M. McNeel is out again after a two weeks' siege of grip. Mr. T. W. Clawson was confined to bis bed two davs last week with grip. Dr. James M. Lowry has been confined to his bed for several weeks with a severe attack of grip. Mr. Quay Williford, of Winnsboro, spent a few days in Yorkville last week. Mrs. T. K. Cunningham, of Lancaster, is the guest of Mrs. A. Spring Withers. Miss Mary Crawford, of McConnellsville, is visiting Dr. Kuykendal's family*/ Messrs. Elias and Kelly Inman spent Monday in Yorkville, the guests of Mrs. Brooks Inman. Mrs. S. W. Guy, of Lowrysville, made a short visit to her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J'. W. P. Hope, last week. Mrs. John Arlington, of Charlotte, N. C., who has been visiting Mrs. W. B. Moore, returned home on Sunday. Mrs. John F. Jones, Mrs. A. Tripp, and a half a dozen other ladies from Blacksburg, were in Yorkville shopping last Monday. Mr. E. M. Bailes, the obliging mail carrier who carries the mail between Yorkville and Gould, is down with a very severe attack of the grip. School Commissioner Cansler left last Monday on a tour of inspection of the schools of Fort Mill township. He expects to be in Yorkville again next Saturday. Messrs. W. B. Capers and Charles H. Henry, traveling agents of The News and Courier and The Greenville News, respectively, are in Yorkville in the interest of their papers. Mr. and Mrs. A. Hammond, of Baltimore, arrived in Yorkville last week. Mr. Hammond is the popular representative of the Darby Manufacturing company, of Baltimore. Mrs. Hammond will remain in Yorkville during the winter and will board with Mrs. T. 8. Jefferys. MARRIAGE LAST WEDNESDAY. The marriage of Miss Fannie Robertson, of Yorkville, to Mr. H. F. Robertson, of Broad Run, Va., last Wednesday aiiernoou, was a brilliant affair. The ceremony took place in the Church of the Good Shepherd, and was witnessed by as many friends and acquaintances of the bride as could get inside of the building. The church was handsomely decorated with evergreens and flowers, hanging in graceful wreathes and festoons, and presented an appearance in every way conforming to the spirit of the happy occasion. Conspicuous among the decorations was a beautiful wedding bell, constructed of gilded ivy leaves and suspended over the hymeneal altar. The bridal party entered the church shortly after 1 o'clock, and keeping time to the. sweet strains of Mendelssohn's Wedding March, beautifully rendered by Mrs. T. S. Bratton, moved down the aisle in the following order: Messrs. J. F. Hart and Paul G. McCorkle, ushers, Misses Daisy Gist, Daisy Hart, Maud Metts and Cora Kuykendal, intimate friends of the bride. Next came the family, followed by Miss Jennie Hart, maid of honor, on the arm of Mr. W. F. Robertson, brother of the bride, and last, the bride and groom. | The different members of the party took up their respective positions around the altar, and the bride and groom were confronted by Rev. Theo. D. Bratton, rector of the Episcopal church at Spartanburg, who, in an exceptionally pretty and impressive ceremony, made the happy young couple one. The bride wore a stylish street costume of brown Bedford cord trimmed in brown ostrich feather trimming and irridescent nail heads. Hat and gloves to match. The costumes of the respective bridesmaids were exceptionally pretty. Immediately after the ceremony, Mr. and ! Mrs. Robertson left on the Three C's train. I After spending a few weeks visiting various Northern cities, they will make their home at Broad Run, Va., where Mr Robertson is conducting an extensive mercantile business. MUST RAISE IT CHEAPER. Mr. L? IV. vv llUUUlSj WUUOC puiswuiw 40 Fodder, six miles north-east of Yorkville, is probably one of the best all-round farmers in York county. He is one of those men who started at the bottom, took things as they came, went through hard times and flush times, and has managed not only to hold his own, but to constantly gain on the world around him. He is one of those men, who having seen "hard times," knows what they are, and is not dismayed when he sees them again. He was in Yorkville last Saturday, and a representative of The Enquirer took occasion to have a short talk with him. "What are you people going to do about raising cotton this year?" Mr Williams was asked. . .. "Just like we have always been doing," he replied, "except we are going to reduce the acreage and try to raise it cheaper." "So you are not going to give it up yet." "Of course not," he replied. "How can wp 9 What else can we raise ? If a man owes money, or wants money, he has to raise cotton. There is nothing else that he can get any money out of." "Well, is there any money in cotton at 6} or 7 cents?" "Mighty little, if any, but we've just got to cut our expenses down to fit it. That is all we can do. Where I have been working about 18 acres to the horse, I am coming down to 12, and instead of guano, I am going into acid and home-made manures. I think that is the best thing under the circumstances." There is sense in every word that Mr. Williams says. No new fangled theories or untried experiments are recommended. Every suggestion comes from practical experience, and we suspect that his views are ; concurred in by most common sense farmers. During the course of the conversation Mr. Williams took occasion to remark that more wheat and oats than usual was sown last fall, and the ground on which the small grain is sown is generally better prepared than usual. To Help the Redemption.?State Treasurer Bates has had printed for distribution a large number of copies of the act providing for the redemption of the Brown Consols which mature in 1893. These will be distributed broadcast. The commercial centres will be well supplied with them. Hitherto only a comparatively small amount of the Brown Consols have been redeemed because they bear interest at G per cent, and are convertible into 4 per cent, bonds. Most people i prefer holding a (5 per cent, bond until it matures, to have it exchanged for a 4 per cent, bond, even if the difference in interest is paid in a lump.?Columbia Register.