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Scraps and .facts. ? Although there has not yet occurred anything like a general uprising of the Chinese, there is no doubt of the fact that the Chinese are as much excited as in the Boxer days. There is good reason to fear that if the Japanese win another substantial victory the Chinese will join forces with them against the Russians. ? The weekly crop report of the bureau of agriculture, issued last Tuesday, is as follows as the same relates to cotton: Cotton continues backward and has made slow growth during the past week throughout the cotton belt, low night temperature being generally reported as detrimental. Improved stands are reported in portions of the central and eastern districts, but ir regular stands are the rule. Chopping continues and the fields are mostly well cultivated. Lice are very extensively reported from the central and eastern districts, and the boll weevils continue to increase in the southwestern and central cotton counties of Texas. ? Washington correspondence of the News and Courier: To many of the president's political visitors, during the past few days, explanations have been given at the White House to justify the designation of Mr. Cortelyou. The veteran politicians do not like it and they have not hesitated to so express themselves to the president. The latter, however, is not willing to concede that any mistake has been made. On the contrary, he is entirely satisfied that a wiser selection could not have been made and he says he is entirely prepared to abide the consequences. So confident is the president that he will succeed himself that he may abandon the idea of making a campaign tour and refrain from taking part in the spell-binding performances. ? "God never made a white man. In the beginning all men were black, but In their wanderings on the earth many of them became bleached. In their unnatural pallor, these bleached men now look with contempt and indifference, often with prejudice and hate, upon their brothers, the negroes, who nave reiaineu me uuiui uvu &&?<= them." So Rev. H. M. Turner senior bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal church in an address at the annual conference at Chicago said recently. Many negroes were present and applauded wildly. The bishop continued: "What the negoes need is more education. We should write books of our own poems, and scientific treatises of our own, In harmony with our color and race. Don't learn songs like "Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow," a song I would not tolerate to be sung in my presence. I don't want to be misunderstood and will say to the white men, whose race at the same time is the meanest and best I ever saw, that wherever our race tries to rise, as a rule, he will help us." ? Cleveland Plaindealer: A man who walked with a decided limp moved around the sale ring at the blue ribbon sale at Glenville yesterday afternoon watching all the horses sold, but paying particular attention to the trotting teams, of which a number were sold late in the afternoon. After sizing all the consignments up he finally bid in a pair at $370 and then made his way to the cashier's office to pay for them. After giving his name and address he asked the cashier to wait for a moment until he secured the money. The cashier expected to see him fish out a checkbook and then go chasing for some one to identify him, as he was a stranger to the people in the sales office. But this man carried his bank right with him, and after asking the cashier to excuse him for a moment, walked over to a chair and sat down, then calmly rolled up his trousers leg to the knee and carefully unscrewed a wooden leg and much to the wonder merit of the onlookers, extracted a large roll of bills from a hidden cavity in the artificial walking instrument, and after screwing on the leg again walked up and paid the $370 as though getting the money out of his wooden leg was an everyday occurrence. ? Columbia State, Wednesday: The Rev. Samuel Phillips Yerner has secured the African pigmies the government sent him for in the interest of the St. Louis exposition, and the news from him contradicts the report published in a number of papers several weeks ago to the effect that he had probably been killed in his search for them. The announcement of the success of the expedition comes by cable from him in Africa and was wired here to Mrs. Verner yesterday by the chief of the anthropological department of the exposition which he is serving. Mr. Verner cabled from Brazzaville, in the Congo Free State. The pigmies were secured about 1,000 miles in the interior of the Dark Continent, on the Kasai river, one of the large branches of the Congo. Mr. Verner will require about six weeks to reach St. Louis with his captives. He will come by Antwerp and London to New YorK. The missionary will bring about twenty-five of these pigmies to this country, accompanied by enough paraphernalia gathered in their country to make a complete exhibit of their home life. These are specimens of the lowest order of the human species and will doubtless attract much attention at the big show. ? Col. W. G. Martin, a prominent Texan, visiting in New York gave out the following statement to the press a few days ago: "We are in hopes that in the Japanese will be found a solution of the labor question in the south. Japanese capitalists have already been looking over the rice lands in Louisiana and Texas and express the intention of bringing over a number of their countrymen to engage in rice culture on an extended scale. This may have an important bearing on John W. Gates' rice trust. While with proper labor the rice industry in Texas and Louisiana is capable of indefinite development a more important field for ttye employment of the Japanese may be Ibund throughout the cotton belt. It is a matter of fact that with the present labor supply the cotton crop has pretty nearly reached its limit. What is needed is plenty of good, reliable and cheap labor. There is a demand for all of it that can be found. Our people who have talked with the prospectors hope that the Japanese are the people the south needs. They are hard workers, intelligent, know how to get the most out of the land, and current wages on the plantation seem high to them. So far as I have been able to learn there not only would be no prejudice against them, but on the contrary, they would be welcomed." Ik Ijorlttrilk ?nqmm. YORKVILLE, S. C.i FRIDAY, MAY 27,1904. The Spartanburg Journal Is joining In the prayer for the abolition of the state primary canvass. If there ever was any use for such an Institution, its use has passed. The average price received for York county's cotton crop last year could have hardly been less than 10 cents a pound and at this figure the income to the county was in the neighborhood of $1,312,050. As often a? the papers state that he has withdrawn from the race for the Democratic presidential nomination, Senator OJorman causes it to be known that he Is still In a position to serve in the event he should receive the necessary encouragement. And really it looks as if Gorman might possibly have a little chance. Senator Quay of Pennsylvania, is said to be doomed to die at an early date. He is quite old, and his ma chinery is so worn that it cannot last much longer. He fully realizes the fact himself, and is waiting the end with p'^ch patience as he can muster. The various big gun politicians of the state are watching his condition with much interest, as a number of them are hoping to be his successor. It looks now as if the only fight of consequence for a state office this year is to be over railroad commissioner. There has been some talk of opposition to State Treasurer Jennings. The two term precedent has been very well established with regard to this office; but those who hold to the infallibility of this precedent may find themselves mistaken. Mr. Jennings has given excellent satisfaction to the people of the state as a whole, and may yet prove too much for the few politicians who are gunning for his scalp and important office. We hope so. There has been a rupture of the relations between France and the Vatican, because of the recent visit of President Loubet to King Victor Immanuel in Rome. The Vatican does not recognize the kingdom of Italy any more .than it is compelled to do, and would have all other Catholic powers to assist as far as possible in the boycott. The ambassador of the Vatican to Paris has been recalled as has also the French ambassador to the Vatican. Notwithstanding the religious feelings of the French, there is a strong sentiment throughout the country against the Vatican's attempt to interfere with purely diplomatic matters. T.he newspapers in the state have had more or less to say recently as to why Senator Latimer was defeated as a delegate at large to the national convention. Mr. Latimer had no special right to be chosen as a delegate, and he didn't get enough votes to elect him. It was simply a question of choice, and the convention did not choose Mr. Latimer.?Columbia Record. The Enquirer took occasion to remark on this circumstance, merely as an incident showing the trend of events. While we would have been very much pleased to have seen Mr. Latimer chosen as one of the delegates at large, we cannot say that we are especially concerned at his defeat. However, we are not prepared to accept the explanation offered by the Record. We doubt whether it was simply a question of choice or votes. Mr. Latimer was not a delegate to the convention because he thought he would be of more service to his state and country In pushing his good roads propaganda elsewhere. He had made it known that he would be pleased to be one of the state's representatives in St. Louis and under circumstances like these it would have seemed natural for a convention of such representative South Carolinians to give him preference over self-seeking politicians on the ground. There must have been some reason for their failure to do so. ROCK HILL HAPPENINGS. Civic Improvement?Serious Case of Appendicitis?Mr. John R. London In Hopeless Condition. Correspondence of the Yorkville Enquirer. Rock Hill, May 26.?The Civic Improvement society entertained its members arid friends at an elegant reception last Tuesday night. Dr. and Mrs. T. A. Crawford's beautiful residence was most lavishly decorated for the occasion, and never looked prettier. A local orchestra furnished enlivening strains and was quite an acquisition. Dainty refreshments were served and the great crowd of guests were catered in royal style. Miss Lumpkin gave two recitations at the earnest solicitation of the assemblage, and needless to state, they were given in her well known delightful style. The society is one of the most active bodies at work in the city, and it is marvelous how much it has already accomplished. It will make Rock Hill, a City Beautiful within a few years' time. The entertainment provided by the Misses Mae O'Bryan and Adeline McArthur last Monday night for the benefit of the Free Kindergarten was a delightful affair. Both artistes were at their best and the high class programme was rendered in faultless style. The attendance was not worthy of the object nor of the artistes. Mr. J. Morrow Ivy, who was operated upon for appendicitis, at the Rock Hill hospital last Monday afternoon, is progressing very favorably. This was a critical case and called for prompt attention, and the complications at one time were rather alarming. The skillful handling of this case reflects great credit upon the local staff and proves the inestimable worth of an institution of this nature. Major John R. London is very sick. He visited specialists at New York a few days ago and returned much depressed because they gave him no hope of recovery. Major London has long been a resident of the city, and ha$ always occupied a very prominent place in its affairs, socially and commercially, and his presence will be very much missed, as he is universally respected in the community. Children's Day at St. John's Methodist church passed off very successfully. A long programme was furnished for the occasion and its rendition reflected credit upon all in charge. Mr. J. D. Anderson, the superintendent, gave a talk upon character. Verbum Sap. Two new automobiles are in town. Messrs. J. T. and W. J. Roddey being the owners. Mr. W. J. Roddey has sold his machine to Dr. W. G. Ste Yens, who may be seen dally whizzing along the streets, visiting his patients. The drouth is getting to be quite serious, and unless rain comes soon, the farmers will certainly have a gloomy prospect in view. Cotton on the sandy lands seems to be doing very nicely; but upon the red lands it is, however, doing no good. A drive into the country convinces everybody of the almost unprecedented character of the dry season. The strawberry crop is practically a failure. ORGANIC UNION. Southern Presbyterians Not Eager to Join Their Northern Brethren. At the afternoon session of the Southern Presbyterian general assembly in session at Mobile, Ala., last Wednesday, the special order was on the question of the resolution submitted by the committee on bills and overtures for the appointment of a special committee to consider the telegraphic message from the Northern assembly in session at Buffalo, and this Interjected into the proceedings a discussion of the whole question of closer relations, the debate being the warmest that has yet characterized the session of the body. There was considerable excitement shown by some of the speakers, and statements made by some of them were characterized as untrue by others, and afterward modifled, with mutual explanations. Among the principal debaters this afternoon were the Rev. J. S. Lyons, of Louisville, Ky., who may be termed the leader of the forces favorable to. a closer relation with the northern church; the Rev. W. T. Palmer of New Orleans, the leader of the opposition, and the Rev. W. M. Morrison of Lexington, Va., in favor of closer relations. The Rev. J. W. Flynn of Columbia, said in substance; "There are conditions that make it the belief of some commissioners that a committee on conference should not be appointed at this time. Prominent among them are the negotiations now in progress between the Cumberland church, and the Presbyterian church | in the United States of America. It was unwise to taKe a step looaing to union with the Northern church, when that church seems about to assimilate to itself or to assimilate Itself to a body and a creed so fully and notoriously Arminian as the Cumberland. "It is probable that this union between the northern and the Cumberland church will be consummated, hence the more need of cautious waiting upon our part. "We may call the ultimate purpose by what name we choose, but the purpose is logically organic union." The Rev. J. M. Wells of Wilmington, N. C.. said: "The appointment of the committee means hurtful agitation the coming year. This is an inopportune time. The churches have been drawing close together in heart; why hasten this work and drive them further apart in heart by trying to yoke them together in body? The Northern church is considering union with the Cumberland church. Let us wait until they settle their question. Why should we enter the negotiations? Why interfere with their plans? "TTninn nn here is hanging in the I balance, if they will let us see whether the United Church wants us. If they I do not unite, then it is time to consider this. "But it is an open secret that some of the advocates of. this committee want it appointed to save the Northern J church from union with the Cumberland church. It Is trembling in the balance up yonder at Buffalo. They think that a telegram from here hinting that we would take the place of the Cumberland would prevent that union." . MERE-MENTION. The story that ten stokers were killed in the recent explosion on the battleship Orel at Cronstadt Is emphatically denied by a St. Petersburg dispatch The South Atlantic and Mexican Gulf railroad is organizing at Savannah with a capital of $3,000,000 Senator Simmons of North Carolina says the delegation from North Carolina will be made up of uninstructed Parker men An advance of 5 cents a hundred on all grades of sugar has just been announced Mayor McClellan of New York is being talked of as the logical compromise candidate in the event of the failure of Judge Parker to get the nomination A company of EngllcUmon Viqvo n pnnpasslnn for the development of cotton raising in the Soudan, are at Tuskegee, Ala, looking for experts among the pupils of Booker Washington. As to Italian Labor.?The News and Courier is of the opinion that our immigration law is not mandatory as to the nationality of the immigrants the commissioner shall endeavor to bring into the state, but that it is simply advisory. This seems to be the correct view, and it certainly is the common-sense view of the matter, for it cannot be believed that the legislators intended that any desirable class should be debarred, no matter what might be the nationality. Recently the commissioner received a request that he induce a colony of Italian farm laborers to come to the state, but that officer held that he could not act, because the law provided that only immigrants from England, Ireland, Scotland or from Northern Europe should be sought for. The Italian farm laborer is being used to a large extent in some states to supplant the negro, and in many respects he is the only white laborer that can compete with the negro. These laborers are asserted to be thrifty men and good, peaceable citizens, and <f that is true, there is no good reason why the commissioner should be prohibited from bringing them in. Negro labor is getting scarcer every year, and the supply available from Italy seems to be abundant and can be easily obtained, from all reports.?The Columbia Record. LOCAL AFFAIRS. ? .?? s NEW ADVERTISEMENTS. b John E. Carroll, Supt. Education?An- p nounces that the annual county b summer school will open on June 8. T Announcements, with further Information, will be Issued next week. s! J. Q. Wray?Is offering Superb cloth- fi Ing of the latest spring fashions at a reduced prices that will Interest the buyers of clothing. He also offers n men's dress straw hats at 25 per s' cent reduction. Strauss-Smith Co.?Say that the Anger of style points to the Reed shoes for ladies as being the leader. They have a complete line of these shoes, ti both in regular and Oxford styles. S( They also have cheaper shoes if you .. want them. Foushee Cash Store?Makes a special offer of about 3,000 yards of em- e broidery and insertions to match, at c 6c, 8c and 10c a yard. a - ? * \ O. I'M. Jonnson <_ll TJClIiei lumioiu*;, tu announced as a candidate for the of- * flee of county supervisor, subject to a the action of the Democratic party in p the primary election. II First National Bank?Tells you how p large bank accounts are built, and a invites you to begin making deposits "5 with it, where your funds will be f safe. n Riddle & Carroll?Give a list of the c many good things they have to of- n fer to tempt the inner man. o Yorkville Buggy Company?Is prepar- 1) ed to supply you with binders, mow- t ers, rakes, harrows, wagons, buggies, 1 etc., at the right prices. t D. F. Willis?Says his laundry service p is giving the best possible satisfac- o tion. He invites your patronage for t his barberlng establishment. o Jas. M. Starr & Co.?Tell of the de- a licious carbonated beverages and ice ii J creams and sherbets that they are c now serving to their customers. They especially emphasize the purl- li ty of their beverages and tell you to o telephone your orders to No. 36. li They also call attention to their com- a plete stock of drugs, chemicals, pro- a priet^ry and patent medicines. c . c YORKVILLE COMMERCIAL CLUB. { The annual meeting of the Yorkville t Commercial club was held in the par- t lors of that organization last Tuesday jj night. a The principal object of the meeting li was to elect officers for the ensuing r year, and the result of this election y was the unanimous selection of all the t old officers as follows: . , 1 President?W. B. Moore; vice presi- g dent, Major James F. Hart; secretary r and treasurer?W. I. Wltherspoon. a Board of governors?W. B. Moore, ? Major James F. Hart, J. B. Bowen, J. f R. Lindsay. M. C. Willis, R. C. Alleln, John A. Latta, W. D. Grist, J. S. Brlce, * J. P. White, Paul T. McNeel. a A resolution was adopted providing for regular business meetings of the club on Tuesday night after the first Monday of each month. CHANGES OF SCHEDULE. There are to be some changes of schedule on the Southern road on Sunday, May 29. The Enquirer has not been furnished with exact figures { yet, but is able to give them approxi- * mately. Train No. 113, which now arrives , at Yorkville at 4.29 p. m., will hereafter ^ arrive at about 3.30 p. m. c Train No. 114, which has been arriving at Yorkville at 8.11 a. m., will * leave Blacksburg at 8.45 a. m., instead of 6.50 a. m., as formerly, and pass f Yorkville at "Shout 9.50 a. m., reaching Rock Hill at 10.15 a. m. Train No. 135 will leave Rock Hill at 6 a. m., instead 5.30 a. m., as for- ^ merly and pass Yorkville at about 6.30 ^ a. m. a Train No. 136 will continue on the same schedule as now, passing York- ^ r% minntOQ hofnrO Ifl n 1T1. I The advantages of the changes will be better mall and passenger connections at Rock Hill and Blacksburg. YORK'S COTTON PRODUCTION. r According to the reports from ginners collected by the department of commerce and labor, York county produced 28,106 bales of cotton in 1903. t The report of the cotton ginned in t the United States in 1903, as compiled by the department of labor is Just out. f It gives detailed statistics of cotton production by counties from 1899 to 1903, inclusive, and is an Interesting ^ document. The figures for York j county by years are as follows; 1899 23,910 1900 27,134 8 1901 22,156 c 1902 30,744 s 1903 28,106 t The foregoing figures relate to commercial bales of all weights. Reduced to an average of 500 pounds, the total number of bales was 26,251. v According to the figures of the census bureau, York ranks eighth in the c list of South Carolina counties pro ducing the largest quantity of cotton. Orangeburg comes first with 46,954 s bales, Anderson next with 43,557 bales, j Marlboro next with 37,300 bales, Spartanburg with 35,580 bales, Marion with 33,426, Laurens with 30,962, New- (j berry 27,579. Of the counties immediately sur- j rounding, Cherokee is credited with t 9,247 bales, Lancaster with 17.252, and Chester with 18,252. i NOTE AND COMMENT. < The reporter is assured that there is still more or less moonshining in the t northwestern part of the county. The t moonshiners are provided with plants ? that are easily portable and they do not remain long in one place. ' The drought that has been prevail- t ing throughout most of York county ' during the past few weeks is becoming distressing in its effects. The farm 1 crons are in need of rain and gardens * generally are suffering. A good rain c about now would be very acceptable. t It is claimed by railroad men that g the trade of the Southern between li Blacksburg and Camden is now in bet- 1 ter condition than at any time since j. the building of the road. This is no c doubt true, as an immense amount of a work has been done on this division ^ during the past year. 1 Cattle raising holds out a greater g promise for profit in this country just J now than at any time since the war. j Beef cattle are worth from twice to h three times what they were a few d years ago and there is no trouble | about finding a market at any time. ( People with a knowledge of the busi- v ness who have money to invest, will J do well to investigate the situation. j. Speaking of butter making the other v day, Mr. R. G. Ratchford stated a fact a that will be of rather surprising inter- ^ est to a large number of domestic c butter makers. He said that contrary s > the prevailing idea, August and eptember are the best butter months, oth as to weight and quality. Many i eople think April and May are the 1 est months but this is a mistake. ' 'here is a better flow of milk in the j pring, but the butter is soft and In- i ?rior, even with the cows on dry feed, large amount of which is absolutely i ecessary at all times for the best re- 1 ults. SECURING IMMIGRANTS. Mr. M. V. Richards, land and indusrfal agent of the Southern railway has ent The Enquirer the following from Washington, under date of May 20: You are undoubtedly deeply Intersted in the matter of building up your ommunity and In Increasing both the ^ricultural and industrial output, 'ou are aware that the Southern railway Is also interested in such work a will add to the growth and pros>erity of each community reached by lS system. One of the best ways to romote this work is to secure as large n immigration movement as possible. rou will agree with me that there are ew sections of the South which do ot need Immigration and none which an not offer advantages and opportuiltles to the homeseeker in the way f low-priced, productive farming inds. Immigration is to be secured hrough proper advertising and effort, 'he land and industrial department of he Southern railway takes every oplortunity to advertise the advantages f the territory it reaches and also of he whole south. It desires \to coiperate with you and your people in .11 efforts which can be put forth to nduce a good class of farmers to ocupy your available lands. One of the best methods of securng immigration is through people from ther sections and other counties who tave already settled in the south md have learned of the advantages md opportunities offered in their ommunities. There is scarcely a ounty in the whole south in which are lot located at least a few farmers and tusiness men from some sections of he northern states. Naturally all hese persons have many friends and icquaintances in their old homes who ire interested in knowing something iKnuf nnmmnnlHoa In whlr?h thPV lave located and who would be glad to eceive Information concerning these ections. If such persons located In rour community will furnish us with he names of the parties In their old lomes we shall be glad to send them nformatlon about your section. We hould like to have as large a list as tosslble. We stand ready to send out my amount of printed matter necesary to reach the friends and acquainances of the settlers from this and rom other countries. These names will help us In our rork and through them we will be tble to help you and your community. THE SUMMER SCHOOL. The York County Summer school or teachers will be held In Yorkville his year as usual, and by reference 0 the advertisement in another colimn it will be noted that It will be ipened on Wednesday, June 8, The notice the teachers are getting s short: but that Is not the fault of Superintendent of Education Carroll, >r of the county board of education. Phe responsibility lies with Mr. MarIn the state superintendent of educalon. It is only within the past few lays that Mr. Martin has agreed to >ermit a county summer school In fork. The trouble seems to have been a ear on the part of Mr. Martin that 1 summer school for this county would nterfere with the attendance on the itate school at Winthrop, and this is 4a Ka 4Ua ?*aoaan tit V> *r t Vi ore ICIIOCU IU UC LUC 1 CUOV1I t?uj ?**v* ? las been so much delay in arriving it a definite decision. However, while the state superintenlent has been undecided, the county uperintendent and board have been luite determined. They know it to be l fact that their schools heretofore tave been among the best that have >een held in the state, and they have lot been willing to deprive the teachers of the advantages offered. Notwithstanding the late date at vhich an understanding has been eached and the short notice to the eachers, a good attendance seems to ?e already assured. A large number f teachers have indicated their desire or the holding of the school as usual ind have promised to attend. The understanding is that Prof. J. V. Thomson will be principal and 3rof Hand of Chester will be his asitstant. There has been no definite lelection of a conductor of the primary iepartment; but the county board will iee to It that it gets the best talent o be had. ABOUT PEOPLE. Mr. M. S. Witherspoon of Lancaster, vas in Yorkvllle Wednesday. Rev. W. C. Ewart will spend hisi va:atlon in Washington and other northirn cities. Mrs. John G. White of Chester, ipent one aay tnis weeK wilii ur. aim drs. M. W. White. Miss Emma Kennedy, who for seviral months has been teaching at Harleeville, returned home Saturday. Mr. Paul N. Moore went to Charlotte 'esterday to attend a house party at he residence of Mr. B. D. Springs. Miss Hattle Crenshaw of Carlisle, s in Yorkville on a visit to relatives ind friends, the guest of the Misses Jist. Mr. and Mrs. John Lindsay of Gasonia, were down this week to attend he Mitchell-Sherrer wedding near Sharon. Congressman Flnley went to Washington this morning on department usiness. He expects to be gone about our or five days. Mr. J. A. Tate closed his school in ''ort Mill last Friday and will spend he next two months in furthering his andidacy for clerk of the court. Miss Amelia Kennedy, who has been eachlng at Abbeville, returned home Sntnrriav to snend the summer with ler parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Kenledy. Davidson college has conferred the lonorary degree of doctor of divinity in Rev. W. G. Neville of Yorkville, ,nd the news will no doubt be received vith much gratification by the many riends of that excellent gentleman. !*hat the honor is worthily bestowed :oes without saying. There are few nore thorough scholars in Bethel presytery, or in the South Carolina synod or that matter, and in seeking to lonor such a man Davidson secures ouble honor for herself. Union special to News and Courier: lajor J. F. Hart, himself a gallant ,'onfederate soldier, will address the eterans of this county, on June 3, in he opera house, the occasion being efferson Davis's Memorial Day. Maj. lart is a native of Union county and .ent to the South Carolina Military cademy from Union. His life has een spent in York, however, and his islt will be a pleasant one to his old omrades-in-arms, as well as to the urvlving friends of his boyhood. WITHIN THE TOWN. ? Bank deposits continue to hold up nicely there being within the neighborhood of 1175,000 in the local banks. The record still holds above the average of any previous year probably since the war. And the accommodations offered by the local banks are all that any reasonable man could ask for. ? There is much local complaint about a scarcity of water in the wells and in the streams. Wells generally are failing and all the streams within the town and vicinity are about as low as have ever been known at this season of the year. The York Cotton mills are running in daily fear that their water supply will soon become inadequate to the demands of day and night operation. ? The trustees of the Graded school are asking for a three mill levy for school purposes. It Is understood thai the present 2-mill levy is not sufficient to pay the expenses of the school ever as now conducted, and that the Increase is absolutely necessary from ? business standpoint. There is som? opposition to the proposed increase but so far as The Enquirer ha* information this opposition is not disposed to be especially aggressive. Th< general opinion is that the trustees ar< doing the best they can for the peopli and they would not ask for additions funds except in case of necessity. ? Mrs. S. M. McNeel entertained th< local chapter of the D. A. R. Tuesday afternoon In honor of Mrs. H. W Richardson of Columbia, the state re gent of the D. A. R. Mrs. Rlchardsoi lias been the guest of Mrs. R. M Bratton of Brattonsville, for severa days, and came to Yorkvllle on Tues day on the invitation of the King*! Mountain Chapter D. A. R to maki them an address. In her address shi outlined the origin and growth of th< organization in the state, and assurei her hearers of the distinct success witl which the movement is everywher meeting. At the conclusion of Mre Richardson's talk, refreshments con sisting of a salad course, and Ice were served. Those present wer Mrs. H. W. Richardson, Mrs. D. E Flnley, Mrs. A. V. Snell, Mrs. R. J Herndon, Mrs. C. G. Parish, Mrs. E M. Bratton, Mrs. Mason Bratton, Mrs G. H. O'Leary, Mrs. W. Adlckes **?? rxr n vro t V Alntnr Misses Bessie Barron, Daisy Gist, Rutl Cofleld of Spartanburg, Hulda McNe? and Daisy Gist. ? The large audience assembled a the Graded school auditorium las night to witness the closing exercise of the Yorkvllle Graded school, test! fled to the deep interest that the citl zens generally feel for the institutior The auditorium had been tasteful!; decorated, and at the hour appointei for the opening of the exercises, ther were no vacant seats and not mucl standing room. The exercises wer opened with a short prayer by Re^ Dr. W. G. Neville, and a piano solo b; Miss Lyl Parish, after which the su perintendent of the school, Mr. H. A C. Walker, announced the first num ber on the programme?"A Dream"John Esten Cooke, delivered by Mi Glenn Allison. Mr. Allison rendered the old soldier's reminiscent dream li a very appropriate manner, and elicit ed generous applause from the audi ence. Miss Mary L. Dobson then rea* an original paper on "Woman's Con trlbutlon to the World's Literature. This essay was a resume of th achievements of literary women in th past, and brought out the influenc that women exert over modern liter ature. Miss Dobson's paper was ful of thought, clothed In beautiful lan guage. After Miss Lyl Parish's rendl tlon of Tobanl's "Hearts and Flowers, Mr. Walker announced Mr. Keen Dobson, who in a graceful, self-pos sessed manner delivered Dewey's ora tlon on "Freedom and Patriotism. Miss Marian Logan's essay on "Th South's Progress," was an able, well prepared sketch of the development o the south along Industrial and agricul tural lines. Mr. Brlce McCaw's ren dering of Frank Hopklnson Smith' humorous dialect story, "The One legged Goose," elicited much prais from the older persons present, an screams of laughter from the chlldrer Miss Mary Walker's essay on "Wo man's Part in the World's Work," wa a concise, suggestive outline of an in exhaustible theme, and showed a grea deal of thought and comprehensive en thuslasm on the part of the wrltei Mr. D. Wyatt Neville delivered the las number on the programme, Henry TV Grady's "Scene on the Battlefield. This oration was well chosen and de livered by Mr. Neville with approprl ate feeling and emphasis. After an other piano selection by Miss Parist Mr. Walker announced that Major Jas F. Hart, who was to have delivered th diplomas to the graduates, was unabl to be present, and that Mr. Wither Adlckes, secretary of the board o trustees, had consented to deliver th diplomas. In a few well chosen word Mr. Adlckes presented the seven grad Mioaoa Mnrlnn Loeran. Mar Dobson and Mary Walker, and Messrs D. Wyatt Neville, Keene Dobsor Glenn Allison and Brice McCaw witl the rolls of parchment which testiflei to their satisfactory work In th Yorkvllle Graded schools, and severe< their connection as students with 11 This closed the exercises, and the au dlence was dismissed after Mr. Wal ker's announcement of President Sny der's address this evening. LOCAL LACONICS. Wo Will Send The Enquirer From now until January 1st, 1905 for $1.16. The Berraheba Varmint. Most of the people out in the Beer sheba neighborhood have about decid ed that the "varmint" is a myth ant that the mysterious tracks that created so much excitement were made bj men with boards strapped to their feet The excitement has pretty well subsided except among the negroes, some of whom claim to have seen the creature. There is no clue yet as to the identity of the party or parties responsible for the hoax; but it is said that there are some individuals in the neighborhood who are disposed tc make a show of fight at the slightesl insinuation of suspicion. Twenty-Five Years at Hopewell. Chester special of Wednesday to the Charlotte Observer: The twentyi fifth anniversary of the pastorate of Rev. John A. White, at the historic A. R. P. church of Hopewell, this county, was celebrated today. A great crowd was present, many from town. After singing:, Rev. C. G. Brown led in prayer. Hon. T. C. Strong welcomed the visitors. Dr. R. G. Miller addressed the pastor, and Rev. J. P. Marlon the congregation. Rev. J. A. White, the > pastor, responded in an eloquent and feeling address. Dr. J. S. Moffatt grave a sketch of the former pastors. Hon. i J. K. Henry spoke on the history of i Hopewell. Rev. C. E. McDonald adi dressed the young people. Many writ. ten messages were read, and visiting ! ministers and descendants of pastors I responded to calls. The speeches were all of a high order. Tears ran from I the eyes of strong men as the fidelity and labors of their fathers were ret counted. The singing of Psalms was t a prominent feature. The whole affair i was a genuine love feast. A table In the gTove was the most magnificent the i reporter has ever seen. The Immense i crowd scarcely made an Impression on , it. Visitors came from several couni ties and states. Rev. John Mills Blg ham, on behalf of the congregation, i presented the pastor with a splendid ; gold locket. Mr. White could hardly i control his feelings In his touching 1 response. Rock Hill's Ugliest Man. i Contributed to the Rock Hill Her[ aid: The regular monthly smoker of * the Commercial club was held Monday evening and abounded in Interest, as 1 much was said and done for the good of the organization besides the great 1 amount of fun the large number of members present seemed to get out of 3 the evening. After discussing various e matters of Importance the club dee elded it to be the sense of the meeting e that Rock Hill have a celebration this * summer, the same to last two days if 1 possible and to Include besides features e of entertainment, meetings for the bet' terment of roads and In the interest of " farmers and horse and cattle raisers. 8 An effort will be made to have the e Clemson representatives come here lm' mediately after the adjournment of the r> institute. In the ugliness contest a - srreat amount or enuiusiasm wtm ' ohown, a regular court being held, with : Judge, Jury and legal talent to repre'? sent both the indicted members and h the club. Mr. A. Priedhelm was unanimously chosen Judge and. his rulings were eminently fair and logical. The I Jurors were Messrs. T. L. Johnson, foreman, Henry Massey, John O'Neal, 8 Walter Moore and R. E. Sadler. The ~ prisoners, or candidates for the honor " of being the ugliest man in the club, ' Messrs. Walter Dunlap, E. B. QUI and y P. D. .Barron . occupied the prisoners' d box. Mr. Dunlap was represented by e Mr. I. Blumberg, Mr. Gill by Mr. Herk bert Dunlap, and Mr. Barron by Mr. e J. Edgar Poag. Messrs. W. J. Roddey, ' J. G. Anderson and W. S. Lee, Jr., repy resented the club, while Mr. L B. Dun" lap acted as clerk of the court and as slstant to the Judge. The speeches " made were impassioned and forensic, ~ abounding in oratorical flights and * unusual . vistas of pleasing thought d Messrs. W. W. All and M A.* Steele. II the only witnesses produced, were " closely examined and both retired in " ignominy. It Is likely that the argud ment would be still at its height had not the Jury rebelled and the Judge Qimtnined it In its objections. Judge e Frledhelm charged the Jury most ime pressively but without avail, as withe out leaving the box the gentlemen reported that they were unable to reach 11 a decision. The body was forthwith dismissed and the decision left with " the spectators who by a rising vote taken on the installment plan placed e the laurel upon the brow of Mr. Walter Dunlap. e 80UTH CAROLINA NEWS. " Fire In Greenwood. About one half the business portion of the town of Greenwood was destroyed by fire last Wednesday morn8 Ing. The Are is believed to have originated in the kitchen of the Central 8 hotel, and Mrs. Annie Mosley, the proprietor lost her life. The total property '* loss is estimated at $133,000, and the insurance is estimated at about $75,8 000. t Fire Insurance Association. The State, Thursday: The State As\ sociatlon of Fire Insurance agents met t yesterday afternoon in the city counr. ell chamber at 4 o'clock. The attend" ance was small, probably on account - of the baseball game. President Wm. - Goldsmith, Jr., submitted his report, - which was received and ordered spread t, upon the minutes. There were several i. special agents present and among e them were two ladies. All representae tives of Are insurance companies were s accorded the privilege of the Aoor. - Doru wer# rpnfi bv several gentlemen e and the meeting proceeded to the elecs tlon of officers. The following were - elected for the ensuing year: Mr. O. y E. Johnson of Charleston, president; i. Mr. P. T. Hayne of Greenville, vice i, president; Mr. F. B. Mcintosh of Coil lumbia, secretary and treasurer. Exec3 utlve committee, Wm. Goldsmith, Jr., e of Greenville, P. T. Hayne of Green3 ville, J. B. Reeves of Charleston and _ S. M. Grist of Yorkville. Resolutions - of thanks were given to the city for - the use of the council chamber and to - the press. The place of the next meeting was left to the executive committee. Wreath For Union Soldiers. Says a Charleston dispatch of May 24: When the corner stone of the monument to the Confederate dead in Oakwood cemetery, Chicago, was laid, about six years ago, Col. Henry L. Turner, commanding the First Regi ment Illinois State troops, fired a saI lute over the graves of the Confederate soldiers, much against the will of many ' Grand Army men. Turner is himself a veteran of the Army of the Potomac and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, but he fired the salute and will ever be held in the kindliest remembrance by the survivors of the Confederate armies and the patriotic 1 women of the south. Mrs. James Con ner, widow of Brigadier James Con> ner, of Gen. Lee's army, and president of the Charleston Chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy, has sent a wreath to Chicago today beari ing the following inscription: "To Col.