Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, December 09, 1904, Image 1

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X^SUBD SfBKX'WBBKI^ - ? - ?^ l. x. grist's sons, PuMi?hen. } % Jfamiig fltirsjagtr: ^or the jpromalton of the political, Sociat, Agricultural and Comaurcial Interests of the Jeople. {18gHviNc^ ESTABLISHED 1855^ YORKVILLE, 8. C., FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1904. . _ N~Q. 99. ^1 LITTLE I A ROMANCE OF TH GREAT LORD HAWKE" \ CYRUS TOW> Mk AUkor of "Comaodor* Paul Ion**,' of tb* S CI "x Oopyrisbt, m,kfRi| CHAPTER XXV. DE VITRE PAY8 FOR HIS LIFE AND HONOR. CC A TTEND Monsieur de Ker /\ saint, Jean-Renaud," said the marquis to the old retainer, who had been an interested spectator of the whole transaction, as the count stepped ?>>? Dn? Viafnrs althar thf? IU IUO UUUI . UUV ^vwav v??wv- ?- sailor or the servant had passed through the entrance, the marquis' steward appeared in the way. "Pardon this intrusion, Monsieur le 'Marquis," he said in great agitation, "but there is something which monsieur should know. There is a straner?a spy, perhaps, somewhere in the chateau! One of the servants told me that he saw a woman, or some one, in the armory during the dinner listening; and others have said that one cloaked and hooded Bitted along the ball and came up these stairs after the dinner. I thought monsieur would not wish any one to knew what passed at the table and I ventured to come here." "And you did well, Basile," answered the marquis. "A cloaked figure, a woman, then. What sort of a cloak?" "One like mademoiselle the countess' foster sister wears," answered the man slowly. "What, Josette!" exclaimed the marquis. "De Kersaint, stay a moment "I?1 aid luyseu, bit. "Were you In the armory listening?" "I?yes?sir. Oh, men Dleu, mon Dieu!" She sank on her knees on the floor, covered her face with her hands, and burst into tears. "Will Monlsieur le Marquis pardon me?" said Basile insistently. "The person, a man. perhaps, was seen with Madame Josette." "Ah, so!" cried the marquis, turning fiercely to the prostrate woman. "You have lied to me, then?" "Yes, monsieur," she sobbed. "Who was it? Speak, you fool!" But the girl only shook her head and sobbed and wailed at his feet The marquis could get nothing further from her. "Curse these women!" he exclaimed in deep disgust "Where did they go, Basile?" "They came up this stair, monsieur." "Have you men outside the door?" "Yes, Monsieur le Marquis." "Bid them search every chamber in this corridor. Now, Mademoiselle Anne," he said, turning to the countess, "perhaps you can help us. Know you aught of this strange visitor? Has anyone been here?" Anne's tongue clave to the roof of her mouth, her knees trembled beneath her, her heart stopped its breathing in <v terror, but she could not lie, even to save her lover. She looked at the marquis In silence. "There is no one In the other rooms. Monsieur le Marquis." said the steward as the men reported to him. "Ha! He must be here. then. Anne, tell me?Why are you silent? What Is It child?" her grandfather bent over her. "Speak! I will have an answer! Did any one come here? is there any one here now? By heaven, these women exasperate me beyond endurance! 'Jean-Renaud. you were here when I came in. How long had you been here?" "But a few momenta, Monsieur le Marquis." "Did any one come In while you ^ were here?" "No, monsieur." "Too hare been a faithful servant, for 50 years, you would not lie to me. ^ I ask you again, did anyone come while ' you were here?" "No. monsieur." "Your pardon, de Chabot," interl rupted the Comte de Kersaint, "let k me ask another question. Jean-ReL naud, was there any one here besides mademoiselle and her maid when you came In?" The Breton looked stubbornly at the tailor. France]6 E DAYS WHEN "THE WAS KING OF THE SEA ISEND BRADY * "Reuben James," "For tlie Freedom > *," etc. pplotoa 4 Co., Now York. "You are not my master, Monsieur de Kersaint," he answered. "Answer his question, Jean-Kenaud," said the masiiuis sharply. The old man stared at the two gentlemen in silence. "Answer it to me, then." , The lips of the old servant remained sealed. "You dog!" shouted the marquis furiously. "How dare you disobey my orders! And to what end? Your si "8PEAK, WOMAN!" until *|e look Into this. Come hither, woman!" he cried to the affrighted maid. "Know you augbt of this?" The girl was almost paralyzed with terror as she slowly stumbled nearer him. As for Anne, she sank back in her chair as if stricken. Was Grafton about to be discovered, then? For% tunately, no one noticed her at the time. Josette stopped before her master, white with fear, dumb with apprehension. "Answer me!" cried the marquis. "Speak! Ha! what is this?" he exclaimed. stepping across the room and picking up the cloak from a chair where Grafton had thrown It "Was this It?" "I Judge so, Monsieur le Marquis," answered Basile. "Speak, woman!" thundered the old man. "Whose cloak is this?" "Mine sir," faltered the girl. "And who wore It to-night?" lence proves that some one was uere. Wbo was it? Speak, I command you! On your allegiance, by your faith, by the duty you owe me, I charge you. I wish to know who was here. I will know it! Ten thousand devils!" he roared, exasperated beyond measure at the man's stubborn silence. "Will you speak, or not? As God hears me, if you do not answer immediately, I shall pass my sword through you!" "That is as monsieur pleases," answered Jean-Renaud sturdily. "Monsieur is a gentleman, and I am only a Breton peasant, but I have my ideas of honor, too. Serving monsieur and his son for 50 yean; in this house, how could it be otherwise? And my honor bids me be silent Monsieur may kill me, I am his man, my life is his, but monsieur can not make me speak!" | Furious with rage the marquis shortened his arm and drew back his sword. "Strike not, de Chabot!" cried de Kersalnt Interposing, laying his hand upon the other's arm. "What need? 'Tis certain some one is here. The silence of the maid, the acquiescence of mademoiselle, and the refusal of this old man to confirm or deny, prove it beyond a doubt There is no exit from this or the other chamber, if I | remember the castle, save by the door through which we came. The man or woman must be there. Let us search. Honor your servant for his ancient fidelity, de Chabot. He would not betray a woman. There is some one here?some one in the room of the woman I love, the woman who is this night plighted to me. Let us search. That door, yonder? What room is that?" "Monsieur," cried Anne, stepping across to the door, her face aflame, _l"tis my bed-chamber. You may not pass within it but over my body.* She had not remembered de Vltre, but she was on fire to protect Grafton. Yet it was a desperate, a hopeless situation. No matter, she would fight for him to the end?they should not harm him. "Mademoiselle, assure me op the honor of a de Rohan that there is no one there and I withdraw." She endeavored to speak, vainly moistening her dry lips, but she could not, so she stood silent and determined between him and the door behind which Grafton, his sword out, his blood up, was in readiness to make a dash for liberty. But his time was not yet. "Enough, de Kersaint," exclaimed the marquis, "yovl may not enter those sacred precincts, but I, an old man, grandfather to this wayward child, may go anywhere. Stand aside, Anne? cr " "Mercy! mercy!" cried the girl, dropping to her knees before the door. "Mere de Dieu! Help me, have pity upon me!" "Oh, he is in there, then? A moment, de Kersaint, and you shall have him before your sword," cried the marquis springing forward. Grafton thought his hour was come. But no, not yet! "Search no farther," exclaimed a sharp voice from the other side of the room, as de Vitre, pale as death, threw down the screen and revealed himself. He had heard all, divined all. Anne loved him not. He would sacrifice I Klmonlf fni? Kor fnr hor Invor nfiv ho some of the debt he owed to Grafton. "Oh, thank God, thank God!" cried Anne, rising to her feet and shrinking back against the door-frame. "Monsieur de Vitre!" the marquis called out, in great surprise. "Capt. de Vttre, by heaven, what do you here," demanded de Kersaint, springing forward threateningly. "Messieurs, I came here as the rightful betrothed of Mademoiselle Rohan, as the man who had received her troth in New France. Resolved to make one more appeal to her, I left the banquet hall to throw myself at her feet." "Did you come by the Invitation of mademoiselle?" asked de Kersaint "No, monsieur. I came unannounced." "You love this man, mademoiselle?" "Alas! no, Monsieur de Kersaint," answered Anne. "I esteem him. He sought my hand under peculiar circumstances in New France. I consented, subject to the acquiescence of Monsieur le Marquis, and when I told him of it he laughed at me." '"Twas but a boy and girl afTatr, de Kersaint, not worth mentioning," answered the marquis. "But he came here?" "Yes, yes, monsieur," cried Anne. "But without an Invitation, and, indeed, unwelCOitoe. The mystery is now over. Retire, gentlemen, I beg of you This has been too much for me." The marquis started to speak, when something caught his eye and he stopped as if petrified. Resisting his first impulse to cry out, he slipped around to the table near the screen, and covering it with Mb person remained silent, his gaze fixed in cold suspicion upon?Dig- granddaughter. As for de Kersaint, he would let him j fight his own battle; afterward he had | other plans. De Kersaint stopped and thought a moment. 1 "You came," he said at last to de Vitre, who stood pale and haggard with folded arms before him, ''without invitation?" "I have said so." "Unwelcome?" "Alas! yes." "Mademoiselle did beg him to retire," broke in Jean-Renaud. "I heard her." "And monsieur would not go away," added Josettc, who had regained her voice. "Your attentions were not pleasing to mademoiselle, then?" "No, monsieur, I fear not." "By God, sir!" cried the Frenchman in sudden passion, "you are my exec-" utive officer, my trusted subordinate, but if I were not about to sail I would challenge you so that I might pass my sword through you! As it Is, sir, you shall be dismissed the ship. I'll not sail with you, you disgrace your uniform!" In his anger and surprise de Kersaint had forgotten about the cloak and the spy, it seemed. "Monsieur," cried de Vitre, desperately, at this threat, "think a moment. I was mad with love for mademoiselle. She was my promised bride. Never had she permitted me a greater privilege than to touch my lips to her hand. No one would consider me. | I saw happiness slipping from me. Her beauty crazed me. I forgot myself. But 'tis all over now. She does I not love me. She has rejected me. Oh, monsieur, for God's sake, crush not a broken man! I ask no forgiveness, only an opportunity. We sail to-night Give me my place upon the ship. Perchance some fortunate bullet may find my heavy heart Monsieur, you were a young man once. If you love mademoiselle now, think what I have felt and find some excuse. ?Mademoiselle," he continued, turning to Anne with a meaning glance, "you will not have me, it seems. All the dreams I have cherished are broken and shattered. My heart is dust and fashes within me. There is left me but one desire, one hope: since I may not live and love you, I wish to die in France. I have done you some slight service, perhaps, in days gone by," he went on pleadingly, "will you not intercede for me with Monsieur de Kersaint?" "Monsieur de Kersaint," cried' the girl, touched by the plea, realizing that he had given himself up to save her and her lover, sorry for his misery, "will you not heed the request erf Monsieur de Vitre? You were ever generous, kind. Oh, monsieur, may not that which has moved you?to want?me"?she stretched out her arms toward him?"plead with you to excuse him?" "Mademoiselle," said the count, looking at her with eyes full of admiration, "I can refuse you nothing. I can not forget this, but I can forgive Monsieur de Vitre. You are excuse enough for anything. By heaven, your beauty would make any man mad! Rejoin your ship, Capt de Vitre. Perhaps there may be no more friendship between us, but at least you may do your duty." "Thank you, Monsieur de Kersaint. Monsieur le Marquis, Mademoiselle de Rohan, farewell!" "Nay, Monsieur de Vitre, I can not part from an old friend thus lightly!" exclaimed the girl, stretching out her arm. He seized her hand, dropped on his knees before her, and rested his forehead upon it. "This for life and honor," he whispered, so that none but she could hear. "Think of me sometimes. Farewell!" "Go, monsieur," she said, "and may God bless you! You have the gratitude, the eternal remembrance," she whispered, "of Anne de Rohan." "Farewell, mademoiselle," said Kersaint, approaching in his turn, "may God speed the day when I may come *-- Ha r^koKnf orrvnH_ IU claim }uu again. no uuauvt, gnwubye. En avant, de Vltre." "Jean-Renaud, attend Monsieur de Kersaint," cried the marquis again as they passed out. "Baslle, withdraw the servants and wait for me at the end of the passage-way by the staircase." CHAPTER XXVI. GRAFTON WINS AND LOSES. AS the three men and the servants left the room, with an expression of relief so great that she could not describe it, Anne sank down in the chair by the table. She thought her lover extricated at last from his precarious position. Her emotions during the last few moments, when she feared that the marquis would discover his presence, and then when de Vitre had so nobly Interfered in his behalf, had been almost more than she could bear. She forgot for the moment that the marquis bad not gone with the others. She had not remarked his suspicious sileuce, his strange movement, in the excitement of the passing moments. "Now, Modemoiselle de Rohan," he said harshly, "since this play has been played out and the actors in the little comedy have departed, will you be good enough to explain the situation? Will you tell me who it was that wore .Tosette's cloak; who listened in the armory; whom you have entertained in this room, whom you conceal in vour chamber?" "What mean you, monsieur?" she faltered, all her terror coming back again. "Monsieur de Vitre " "De Vitre is a fool," exclaimed the marquis angrily, "and yet I admire the man. He took it all upon himself like a gallant gentleman." "Monuieur de Vitre told nothing but the truth, monsieur." "Quite so," answered the marquis, with difficulty restraining himself. He was in deadly earnest, with the suppressed fury of his most dangerous moment. "Quite so. I have no doubt he told the truth. It spoke in his eyes. But did he tell it all? You answer not. But what need? Did Monsieur de Vitre leave this hat on the table? I have seen hats like that, mademoiselle, but upon English heads." "Monsieur," stammered the girl. "No more faltering!" continued the marquis, pacing back and forth before her. "He is here. A lover in your room, an Englishman, and you have Deirayea me,ueunjeu yoai noBort you " he used a harsh word from the camps. "Stand aside!" He laid his hand roughly on her arm. She struggled to bar the way, moaning faintly. The door was thrown open, the hangings dashed apart, and Grafton, sword in hand, sprang into the room. At last! "Monsieur le Marquis!" he cried, "release mademoiselle! By heaven, no man lays a hand upon her when I am by, not even though he be her father!" "Captain Grafton!" exclaimed the marquis involuntarily letting go his granddaughter's wrist and falling back in great surprise, "you here, sir?" "Why not? I love the Countess de Rohan, and, presumptuous as I may seem, I dare to affirm that she loves me as well. Indeed, sir, since the moment I held her In my arms five years ago in this very chamber at midnight, and kissed away her tears, I have loved her. The fortune of war brought me wounded to her feet in Canada, sir, and there I found I loved her still; and, what was more, I learned that she had not forgotten me. She left me behind wounded and ill, but I followed her here. Sir, I have come to claim her." "My God!" faltered the marquis, as if dazed by this sudden development of the situation, "and I trusted her to your honor!" He looked years older at that instant, his face blanched and working. Grafton pitied him. "Monsieur, I pledge you that honor that I left her as sweet and innocent a child as when I first knew her." "And yet. you came from her bed cnamDcr ercu uuw, uiu jruu &imiu uu at midDlght?" '"Twas five years since, sir." "Do you love this man, Anne?" "More than heaven Itself!" she answered, stepping to his side. "And you came to take her away, sir, like a thief in the night?" sneered the marquis, his color coming back as he mastered his surprise and regained a portion of his self-command. "We had gone, sir, a moment since," broke in Grafton ruthlessly, Irritated by the sneer, "had we not been interrupted." "Mon Dieu, 'tis impossible you can love this Englishman, Anne!" "An American, sir " "Peace! 'Tis all one. This officer, this enemy of France, this commoner!" "Yes," murmured the girl. "You love him more than family, than country, than rank, than fetation, than honor?" "More than all the world, monsieur." "And you were here alone with him at midnight in this tower? He kissed you?" "Yes, monsieur, but I was only a child." "You nursed him in sickness in Canada?" "Yes, monsieur." "Were you about to fly with him this evening, as he says?" "Yes." "And he came from your bed-chamber! Oh, mon Dieu, mon Dieu!" screamed the old man, passion, despair, wounded pride, quenched ambition, frantic rage in his voice. "The deep dishonor of it! This from my granddaughter, this from a child of my ancient house! An innocence gone, a reputation blasted, a character compromised!" ' ' "S'death, sir!" burst out Grafton. "Speak you thus to your own? Uhe is as pure as an angel from heaven! As I live, were you not her grandsire, and an old man, I'd strike you down!" "Ana l tnougnt ner, ragea me oia man, contemptuously disregarding him, "like Caesar's wife, above suspicion. Monsieur, you have betrayed my trust, you have violated my sacred hospitality, you have compromised my grandchild in the eyes of the world, you have well-nigh ruined my house. You belong to a race I have loathed and hated. This old arm, withered as you see, has used up its strength in striking blows upon your people. I would fain have your life, monsieur," he continued sternly. "Nay, I shall hare it presently; but before you die you must cover your actions before God and man, with the sanction, the poor sanction of your dishonorable name." "Monsieur," cried Grafton in amazement, "what mean you?" "Grandfather," interrupted Anne, "I am innocent of everything except loving Monsieur Grafton. That I cannot help. I swear to you that I am?as I was?when you first took me in your arms?except for love." "By heaven, sir," exclaimed Grafton, "are you mad? Can you not see?" "Silence!" said the old man. "Therer must be a wedding here to-night Things are permitted a husband which are denied a lover?wedlock covers all. Mademoiselle de Rohan, you must marry this man." "'Tis the dearest wish of my heart, sir," cried Anne. "Monsieur le Marquis," said Philip, bewildered, "what mean you? Do ycm consent to my suit, then? Heavens! 'Tis impossible!" "Consent? No, monsieur, I demand of you, nay, I order, I command you, if there is a vestige of honor in you, that you marry this misguided girl, that you rehabilitate her in the eyes of the world." "The world knows nothing, and thera is nothing to know, sir." "In my eyes, then." It was a puzzling situation. Philip longed for nothing so much as to call Anne de Rohan his wife, yet apparently consenting to this ceremony he would be putting some sort of stigma upon her honor or her reputation. "I can not, monsieur, upon tWs compulsion," he faltered hesitatingly. "Philip!" cried Anne, who saw nothing of what was passing in his mind and who heard only his refusal, hia denial of her. "You refuse me? You betray my heart? Ah, that woman in the locket! Oh, mon Dieu, mon grandpere, kill me, hill me! He loves me not, I am rejected!" She nearly fainted with the shock and the agony of the moment "Monsieur," said the old marquis his eyes gleaming with anger and determination, "will you marry this girl? Think well before you refuse, sir. The hand of a de Rohan has been offered twice to no one before. Say No, and I kill her before your eyes, and you shall follow her to death. We may wash out the stain upon our honor in blood, perhaps, if not in marriage." "Enough!" cried Philip, thinking swiftly to be and. putting everything else aside. "I take her gladly, Joyfully, thankfully; not from any Ihreat of yours, old man, but because I love her, and by giving her ray name I will have the right to protect her from further Insult even from you." "Without, there!" called the marquis, stepping to the hall. "Ask Monseigneur the Archbishop of "Vannes to come hither instantly. He hns not yet "WITHOUT, THERE!" left the castle. Speak to your prospective wife, monsieur, if you will while we wait I can promise you no further opportunities after you are married," continued the old man, turning to the door. It was the one touch of human kind ness tie Qaa exniDiiea in ujw wuuic interview. "Why did you hesitate, Philip?" whispered the girl reproachfully, aa she looked fondly at him. "You refused me. You almost broke my heart To lose you now would kill me." "Only because I seemed to be putting a stigma upon you by consenting," he said softly In reply. "Your grandfather thinks that your houor?forgive my saying It?demands our marriage." "What matter his thoughts? We know." "Yes, and I was a fool. You will be my wife, my own, In one moment You can go away with me with a clear conscience then. And when you are mine let me see the man who will dare question aught!" "0 Philip, I am so happy! 'Tig like life from death. I thought you lost, and now " The archbishop at that moment appeared in the doorway attended by Jean-Renaud. "You sent for me, my dear marquis?" he said blandly, but in great surprise. "I did, monselgneur." "And for what purpose, pray?" "I want you to solemnize a marriage, that of my granddaughter and this? this?gentleman." "What, monsieur!" "And now, too!" "But, Monsieur le Marquis, did you not say she was betrothed to the Count ae KereamiT "Monselgneur," answered the marquis haughtily, "here is a strange mischance. I can not tell the tale, but the honor of my house requires a marriage, now and instantly, between this young and the Countess Anne de Rohan. I Jest not, monselgneur. Morbleu! do I look like a man who trifles? You have known me of old, most reverend sir, I mean what I say. The marriage must take place!" "But Monsieur de Kersaint?" "God help him when he knows the truth!" said the marquis. "Will you proceed, monselgneur?" "The young man is of our faith?" "No, monselgneur," answered Grafton. "I am a Protestant" "But you can dispense with that yourself, monselgneur," interrupted the marquis promptly. "I tell you nothing shall prevent this." "If the young man consents to Will you bring up the children of this union, should any be'born to you, in the faith of the Holy Roman Catholic church, monsieur?" asked the prelate. "I will, so help me God," answered Philip promptly. "There will be no children." interrupted the marquis grimly. "Wiil you now proceed?" "But we lack an altar, vestments, lights, attendants, witnesses, marquis?" "No altar is needed here, and as for witnesses, I am one, Josette is another, and if you want a third, here is JeanRenaud?people upon whom I can rely." "Mademoiselle," said the perplexed archbishop, turning to Anne, "do you wish to marry this man?" "Yes, monselgneur." "Do you love him?" "With all my heart." "And you, monsieur?" he continued, looking at Grafton. "My love and desire, most reverend sir, more than match her own, yet I must say, I protest that this hasty marriage implies no doubt upon the honor of the lady who takes my name." "Hell and furies!" cried the marquis Inconsistently, "who dares to imply such a thing! Monselgneur, will you proceed, or shall I kill this man before your eyes?" TO BE CONTINUED. LIVING UP TO CHRISTIANITY. More Genuine Christianity the Need of the World Today. It Is more and not less Christianity that the world needs as between peoples and between people, in diplomacy, In public and private business, In all affairs of the state, the family, and the Individual. Unselfish kindness helpfulness, courtesy, gentlemanllness, honorable dealings among men?these are all practical versions of the Golden Rule and genuine products of the sermon on the mount. In the secret soul there are apprehensions and appreciations of the hidden truth, the deep humanity, of even the dogmas which are so often spoken of, nowadays, with scornful and superior criticism by those who have not studied their philosophical significance or felt their meaning In spiritual experience. The doctrine of atonement, by so many deemed outworn?how many souls It has helped to cast off an impairing and degrading past, some encumbering sin of the Inherited flesh! How many. In dashing aside the shell of form and tradition, despoil themselves of some Inner treasure, fit and needful for the spirit's food. More and not less, of genuine Christianity Is the need of this world. Every Intelligent religion may have something to Impart to those born to Christianity: but those so born and the nations thus cradled, will arrive at nobler destinies In the Increasing endeavor to follow the spirit of the teachings of the world's one inimitable prophet. ?Editorial in the Century. DOWN WITH THE DISPENSARY Baptist Convention Denounces State Whisky Business. THE BRICE BILL IS ENDORSED. State of 8outh Carolina Waa Deceived Into the Liquor Business and the People Must Now Fight For Their Civilization?God Fearing Citizens Urged to Persevere In Their Efforts Until the Last Dispensary Has Been Abolished. . The temperance report adopted by the State . Baptist convention at its recent session In Chester, makes interesting reading. The full text of it follows: The supreme issue with our South Carolina people today Is the maintenance of law as against lawlessness. In this struggle to maintain the majesty of the law, the best moral elements In every community find themselves allied with those that are on principle opposed to the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors. There has been for many years a strong under-current of Prohibition sentiment In the commonwealth. When this sentiment had triumphantly vindicated Itself at the polls by a demand for the abolition of the liquor saloon, a measure was proposed so plausible that it won the advocacy of many of the most consistent ana active temperance men In the state. That measure was the dispensary system. Some of the seeming merits that won for It favor among the advocates of total abstinence were as follows: 1. The closing of every liquor saloon In South Carolina. 2. The state's assuming control of the harmful' traffic with a view to restricting- It within the narrowest possible limits. 3. The establishment of state dispensaries where there had been liquor saloons, and elsewhere only when demanded by a majority vote of the people. 4. The restriction of dispensary sales to daytime, and to sealed packages not to be opened on the premises. 5. The establishment of a state constabulary to prevent illegal traffic in liquors. But the real Inducement that brought many temperance people Into acquiescence, was the prospect of securing practical Prohibition by keeping the dispensary at a safe distance from their own communities. The best people everywhere have regarded the presence of a dispensary as a menace and curse to the neighborhood. So strongly has this sentiment Impressed Itself, that any suggestion to Introduce a dispensary where It does not exist, has been received with horror and alarm. The deadliest blow that has been struck at moral freedom was aimed by that clause In the statute law which says that a dispensary when once established, can never be removed until the heavens fall, unless It falls to pay I financially. This places the sober and law-abiding element at the mercy of the lawless and the inebriate. We file the following claims against the present management of the dispensary system: 1. It has not only failed to steadily decrease the sales of spirituous 11(quors In the state, but it has awakened the suspicion that it was trying In various ways to Increase them. This suspicion Js strengthened by the recent refusal of the management to remove dispensaries where an overwhelming public sentiment has dernanrtoH aitnh ?mnv?l It is also strengthened by charges recently made in leading, daily papers of South Carolina?which charges have not yet been denied?namely: That there was thought of placing dispensary liquors when desired, in large grocery establishments, to be sold by them as agencies for the benefit of the state. Such an act would reverse the wheels of progress and would put us back, in practice, to the nineteenth century, when almost every grocery had its whisky barrel. This suspicion is further strengthened by the locating of so-called beer dispensaries in many places?establishments which persons high in authority have characterized as illegal. 2. Our second claim is that many advocates of the dispensary have sought to strengthen its grasp upon the masses of the people by large appropriations from its revenues for the maintenance of the public schools?an attempt to secure popular support for an Institution that cannot stand upon its own merits. With strong arms and trustful hearts, we do not need this blood money to help us educate the children whom God has given us. 3. We claim that many recent dispensary advocates have sought to discourage the appeal to local option by enacting a law which withholds the special school fund from counties that vote out dispensaries?a virtual bid for votes to keep whisky in the counties where it is now sold, with a view to reducing taxes. The heroic independence of Cherokee county challenges our admiration. By a decisive vote of four to one, it has closed its three dispensaries, and has relinquished nine and one half thousand dollars' profits from them in defence of a great principle, standing ready to assume the additional taxation for the maintenance' of its "chools. Let this noble example be fol | lowed by county after county from the mountains to the seaboard, till every legalized place for the sale of intoxicating liquors shall have been closed by the will of a sober and God-fearing people. With this object in view, we, as a convention, heartily endorse the Temperance Law and Order League of South Carolina, and bid it God speed In its important work. We put ourselves on record as strongly favoring and urging such legislation as will give to every county and community in the state, the unqualified right of voting out local dispensaries. Nothing less than prohibition of the liquor traffic, whether conducted by Individual or by the state, will satisfy the rising Christian sentiment of our people. But this is not enough. We must not use intoxicants ourselves. It is of the utmost importance that our own membership should throw their personal Influence in the right direction. The so-called moderate use of intoxicating beverages by Christian people is answerable for much of the drunkenness In the land. We should not touch the unclean thing. We, therefore, also heartily commend the noble efforts of the Women's Christian Temperance Workers to inculcate total-abstinence sentiment among the children of the state. With charity for all and malice toward none, we resolve to stand, both by precept and example, for the great principle of total abstinence as the only safe one for "a Christian. We would solemnly emphasize the importance of so Instructing our children as to make the rising generation uncompromising foes to the use of intoxicating liquors. With such a sentiment widely spread, it will not be difficult to keep the dread evil of drinking away from our homes and our communities, without such a moral sentiment, all the laws that may be enacted will fail to redeem us as a people from the curse of drink. How often one hears the expression "She Just got married because she wanted to nave Mrs. put on ner lomostone." Now, this seems a very natural statement to the average listener, ' but as a matter of fact there are few tombstones in any part of the world that have Mrs. on them, says the Philadelphia Record. Certainly there are none in Philadelphia, as very recent interviews with grave diggers and sextons have demonstrated, so the woman who intends plunging into matrimony with the idea that she is going to be known as Mrs. Jackson or Mrs. Blankson after death had better hesitate before she takes any desperate step. Even after death a married woman is only considered part of her husband's property, for out of several hundred tombstones investigated none had the appellation Mrs., while every one had "Sarah, wife of," or "Jane, wife of." THE CHADWICK 8EN8ATION. Banker Beckwith Tries to Tell How He Was Duped. Seated in the office of the U. 8. district attorney in Cinca- nati, Ohio, last Monday afternoon. President C. T. Beckwith, of the failed 0111x608* National Bank, of Oberlin, made a confession regarding the bank's transactions with Mrs. Cassie L. Chad wick Mr. Beckwith said: 1 "I am either an awful dupe or a terrible fool. I guess there is no doubt about my being a fool. I know I have done wrong, and although crushed to the earth myself I do not propose to be made a scrapegoat to shield the sins of others. The truth is that others also must be called to the bar to answer for their part In this terrible affair, and one of these whose answer must be had is Mrs. Cassie L. Chad wick." The banker spoke in broken sentences and tears were streaming from his eyes. His acquaintance with Mrs. Chadwick began three years ago. The attorneys for Herbert D. Newton, the Brooklyne, Mass., banker, have stated that their client loaned Mrs. Chadwick money only after a note signed "Andrew Carnegie" had been endorsed by the president and cashier of a national bank. The men who endorsed the note were President Beckwith and Cashier Spear of the Citizens' National bank, of Oberlin, O. Relating this matter, Banker Beckwith continued his story of the bank's transactions with Mrs. Chadwick as follows: "Yes, we endorsed the note in addition to one other note for $500,000, but never for the purpose for which they were used." "Do you mean to say that there aie two $500,000 notes in addition to the note for $250,000?" was asked Mr. Beckwith. "Yes, notes aggregating $1,250,000" "It has not been generally understood that there were two notes for $600,000," was suggested. "I know it, I know It, but the notes ?*?? tK? aoma " an Iri Mr. Beck with. "One of them is in the hand* of the receiver and the other Ougtt to be in the hands of Mrs. ChadwicJi. If she ha* disposed of it -she has don# something which she swore she would not do. So please make it plain that a solemn oath was taken that the notes which bear our endorsement were never to be used by Mrs. Chadwick for the purpose of raising money and she knew it." "Mr. Beckwlth, to correct any wrong Impression would it not be wise for you to state how Mrs. Chadwick Induced you to place your signature upon the notes?" "My God, I would like to if I thought It would make it clear. To tell the story would be to tell the taie of torture and transactions covering a period of over one year. I cannot tell the story before I go on the witness stand. I must seek advice." "Did you have the slightest suspicion that the notes carrying the name of Andrew Carnegie were not genuine r "In heaven's name, how could we have had suspicion? Mrs. Chadwick swore to both of us and one or more witnesses that she personally saw Mr. Carnegie sign his name to the notes she placed before us. But we said that we must be sure. How are we to know? The answer came In less than two days when a New York attorney appeared In Oberlln who said he was the attorney of Mr. Carnegie?his spsUa vnnahiu) fnr the correctness of the claims made by Mrs. Chadwick. In every way we attempted to make certain that we were engaged In a legitimate business transaction." "How about the attest held by Ira Reynolds; did you see him?" Mr Beckwith was asked. "Yes, many times, and what did we understand? We understood by every) word that everything was all right and that genuine securities were locked up In the vaults of the Wade Park Bank. I don't know how. Why don't somebody find out; that is the question; why don't somebody find out?" "Just now I can see back to the first time I came to know Mrs. Chadwick in a business way. It was something over a year ago that I learned that W. S. Fay and Henry Wurst, of Elyrla, had had some dealings with Mrs. Chadwick. They were known as shrewd business men. I began to inquire, for as a business man I wanted to exert every effort to turn an honest dollar. I guess my Inquiries reached the ears of Mrs. Chadwick. At any rate, she came to Oberlin, and it was there the thing began. I began looking for legitimate business. Mrs Chadwick? Well, you must Judge for yourself. A second interview and I made a small loan. It was promptly met. In addition we secured considerable splendid business. Frem thereon the story leads into a maze, the end of which I wish to God could now see." Moaning aloud and stopping to mop the sweat from his brow the countenance of the banker suddenly lighted up. "Man, do you think that woman may have' executed the name of Andrew Carnegie upon these notes? She may have done so, but if so she is gifted with far more than ordinary cunning. How could we suspect anything wrong. She would sign statements almost without reading them. And through it all she appeared almost like a child. "I remember one statement she signed particularly. It was a statement to the effect that no person had any claim upon the securities she claimed to possess. We wanted a written statement. " 'Anything to make you perfectly assured,' she said as she signed the paper." New York, December 5.?Dr. Leroy S. Chadwick, has cabled a lawyer in New York telling him to call upon him for any settlement that may be needed for the pressing claims against his wife. OUR P08TAL AFFAIR8. Rural Delivery Has Knocked Out 5,587 - Postofflces. Extension of the rural free delivery service baa resulted in an increase, of 1,126 In the number of postofflces discontinued during the fiscal year ended June 20, 1904, according to the annual report of J. L. Brlstow, fourth assistant postmaster general, made public yesterday. During the year there were 2,648 postofflces established and 6,687 discontinued. There was a decrease of 168 In the number of offices established. The principal cause of the Increase in discontinuances has been the extension of the rural free delivery ser vice, ine wuii numoer 01 discontinuance!; was 1,760 postofflcee, with saving In salaries of postmasters aggregating 6171,111. At the close of the fiscal year there were 71,161 postofflcee In the United States?266 first-class, 1,204 second-class, 3,896 third-class, and 6ft,766 fourth-class. Operation of rural mall delivery and the extension of private Interests of rural telephone service have created a demand from the patrons of rural routes for the delivery of small packages or merchandise on an order to local merchants by postal card, telephone, or otherwise. The value of such packages is small, and the present rate of 1 cent per ounce, the report taya b practically prohibitive. Mr. B:*istow recommends that congress fix a rate of 3 cents per pound, or any fractional part thereof, on , packages not exceeding five pounds, mailed at the distributing postofflce of any rural free delivery route. If this special Tate were established, Mr. Br stow says. It would be a great convenience to patrons and become a source of revenue to the department. It is estimated that 8600,000 will be needed by the department to continue the establishment of rural routes as fast as they are favorably reported and approved for the remainder of the carrent fiscal year. It is likely that 1400 routes will be reported wit his the next two months, and at this, rate the appropriation available will be exhausted about January lli, 1906. An appropriation of 13,000,000 tor the establishment of new route* will be asked by the department for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1006. Of the needs for the service Mr. Bristow says: 4 "There are now In operation 28,073 routes. It Is estimated that approximately 3,000 additional route* can be established out of the appropriation nosfr available, making 30,073 which 1H11 be In operation or ordered established by January 15, 1906. To maintain service on these routes luring the fiscal year from July 1, .905, to June 30, 1906, will rerequire 131,349,000. If congress should make a supplemental appropriation of 8606,900 forttte current fiscal year, as suggest 09, additional routes can be established, bringing the number In opera tion<Jun~ 30, 1905, up to approximately ;; 32,600. In that event about |i!3,12^,000 will be required to maintain the service during the next fiscal year. Slaking a total appropriation of 321^120,000 for the maintenance and Installation of the service for the nex^ fiscal year." Appointments of postmasters for tha Ham l vsar numbered 13.812. a decrease of v 1,249 as compared with the precodinf year, due to there having beer a smaller number of expirations of oMnmlssione of presidential postmasters and. to the policy of the department In discouraging changes In fc urtl-class postmasters except for cause. Mr. Brtstpw recommends to congress that the interstate commerce law be amended so as to prohibit common carriers, to wit, telegraph ' and express companies, or any of their employes, from aiding or abetting in green goods or lottery swindles or any other scheme carried on partly by mail and partly by common carriers and which is In violation of the postal laws. The report shows that during the year 1,59J postofflces were robbed; there were sixty depredations on railway postofflces, star routes, rural free delivery routes and screen wagon service. Ttyre were 940 robberies of street and rural free delivery letter boxes. Sixty-six postal cars were burned and wrecked and 560 postofflces were burned. There were 2,397 mail pouches lost, damaged, or rifled. The above figures show a decrease in the number of postofflces and a decrease In the number of postal cars burned and wrecked, as compared with the previous year, also a decrease in the number of robberies relating to railway postofflce service, star routes, rural free delivery routes and screen wagon service, and an increase in the number of postofflces burned and the number of letter boxes robbed. This increase in the number of letter boxes robbed is due to the growth of the rural free delivery service, these boxes being placed upon the public highway and more subject t? depredation than city boxes. WITH GOOD SUPPORT. Richland t^Jatillary Stock Will Con* :inue Gilt Edged. "Numerically the Baptist denomination leads all others in South Carolina," says The News and Courier. "If the action of the Baptist state convention In Chester, composed of ministers and laymen, was representative of Baptist sentiment, 'hard limes and a heap of trouble' are Just ahead for the dispensary cohorts." The next largest denomination in this state is the Methodist, and last year both he Baptist convention and the Metho* 1st conference passed resolutions condemnatory of the dispensary, similar to the resolutions recently adopted by the Baptists at Chester. But does this augur anything ominous for the dispensary? There has not been a time since the dispensary's establishment that the two great denomination!!. could not have destroyed that Institution by throwing their influence and Votes against it, and while the responsibility is no more. theirs than it is upon the other denominations, it is theirs in an equal degree. There is a lot of difference between resolutions at state conventions and votes at t>e ballot box. Whenever the Bapltf'k?and Methodists, the Episcopalian*, Presbyterians, Lutherans and Catholics of this state want South Caralina to stop selling whisky in order to raise money to educate their child**1" they can do it, and do it very qdjt'kly at that. The fact is that the dispensary has lived upon the support of the membership of these denijailnatlons?the practical as well as tlw political support?and it is in no dirger until that support is withdrawn^--Columbia State, Tuesday. t /i t..