University of South Carolina Libraries
- - i * * jp. MRg ISSUED SEMI-WSEKL^ l. k. okist'S sobs, FiMfakm. } ? ^amitgJemspajer: <jfsr th< Jromotion s|[tt?golitieat,J5o<|iat, JJjricuttutal and ?ontmei;rial Interests ojf the geople. {ieMsto'^^T.EriRrBc?Kra^e' ESTABLISHED 185JL YORKVILLE, S. C., TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1905. ISTO. 13. f D'ri i By IRVING Author et "Ebon Holdeo," **D ^ lOo?rr%k?,*^?7UUi CHAPTER XXV. How empty and weak are my words that try to tell of that day! I doubt If there Is in them anywhere what may suggest, even feebly, the height and depth of that experience or one ray of the light of her face. There are the words nearly as we said them; there are the sighs, the glances, the tears; but everywhere there is much missing?that fair young face and a thousand things irresistible that drift in with every tide of high feeling. Of my history there is not much more to write, aioeu some say me rest is uu- | told. I bad never such a heart of lead as went with me to my work that afternoon. What became of me 1 cared not j a straw then, for I knew my love was hopeless. D'rl met me as I got off my horse at the harbor. His keen eye saw my trouble quickly?saw near to the bottom of it j "Be n hit?" said he, bis great hand on my shoulder. "With trouble," I answered. "Torn me up a little Inside." "Thought so," he remarked soberly. "Judas Priest! ye luk es ef a shell 'ad bu'st'n yer cockpit. Ain' nuthln' '11 spile a man quicker. Sheer off a leetle an' git out o' range. An' 'member, Ray, don't never give up the ship. /- Thet air's whut Perry tol' us." I said nothing and walked away, but have always remembered his counsel, there was so much of his big heart in it The army was to move immediately, in that foolish campaign of Wilkinson that ended with disaster at Chrysler's Farm. They were making the boats, small craft with oars, of which three hundred or more would be needed to carry us. We were to go eastward on the river and join Hampden, whose corps was to march overland to Platts* -? " tRfrf. gt SSSC point oa the north shore. Word came, while I was away, that down among the islands our enemy had been mounting cannon. It looked as if oijr plan had leaked, as if, indeed, there were good chance of our being blown out of water the first day of our journey. So, before the army started, I was to take D'rl and eleven others, with rour Doais, ana so aowu to reconnoitre. We got away before sundown that day, and, as dark came, were passing , the southwest corner of Wolf island. I was leading the little fleet, and got ashore, intending to creep along - the edge and rejoin them at the foot of island. I had a cow-bell, muted with cork, and was to clang it for a signal in case of need. Well, 1 was a bit more reckless that night than ever I had been. Before I had gone twenty rods I warned them to flee and leave me. I beard a move in the brush, and was backing off, when a light flashed , on me, and 1 felt the touch of a bayonet. Then quickly I saw there was no help for me, and gave the signal, for i 1 was walled in. Well, I am not going to tell the story of my capture. My I saber could serve me well, but. heavens; , it was no magic wane such as one may i read in the story-books. 1 knew then | it would serve me best in the scabbard. There were few words and no fighting in the ceremony. I gave up, and let them bind my arms. In two hours they I had me in jail, I knew not where. In the morning they let me send a note' to Lord Ronley, who was now barely two days out of his own trouble. Ai week passed; I was to be tried for a spy, and saw clearly the end of it ell. i Suddenly, a morning when my hopes were gone, I heard the voice of his lordship in the little corridor. A keeper Came with him to the door of my cell, and opened it "The doctor," said he. 1 "Well, well, old fellow," said Ton-1 ley, clapping me on the shoulder, "you are 111, I hear." "Really, I do not wish to alarm yoiru I said, smiling, "but?but it does look serious." He asked me to show my tongue, and I did so. "Cheer up," said he, presently; "I have brought you this pill. It is an excellent remedy." He had taken from his pocket a brown pill of the size of a large pea, and sat rolling it in his palm. Had he brought me poison? "I suppose it is better than?" He shot a glance at me as if to command silence, then he put the pill in my palm. I saw it was of brown tissue rolled tightly. "Don't take it now," said be; "too soon after breakfast. Wait half an hour. A cup of water," he added, turning to the guard, who left us a moment. He leaned to my ear and whispered:? "Remember," said he, '2 is a, and / 3 is b, and so on. Be careful until the guard changes." He handed me a small watch as he was leaving. "It may be good company," he remarked. I unrolled the tissue as soon as I r was alone. It was covered with these fleures: ? 21-24-6-13-23-6 21-16-15-10-8-9-21 4-6-13-13 5-16-16-19 22-15-13-16-4-12-6-5 13-10-7-21 20-14-2 13-13 24-10-15-5-16-24 10-15 4-16-19-19-10 5-16-19 3-2-4-] 2- 21-16-24-2-13-13 8-16 1910-8-9-21 21-16 19-16-2-5 13-6-7-21 200 17-2-4-6-20 21-16 17-2-21-9 13-6-7-21 2116 19-10-23-6-19 19-10-8-9-21 21-24-6-1521-26 21-16 21-9-10-4-12-6-21. I made out the reading shortly as follows: "Twelve to-night cell door unlocked. Lift small window In corridor. Back to wall go right to road Left two hundred paces to path. Left to river. Right twenty to thicket.' Hating read the figures, I rolled the tissue firmly, and hid it In my ear. It was a day of some excitement, I remember, for that very afternoon I was condemned to death. A priest, having heard of my plight, came that evening, and offered me the good ministry of the church. The words, the face, of that simple man. filled me with a deep tenderness for all who seek in the shadows of this world with the lantern of God's mercy. Never, so long, as I live, shall an ill word of them go unrebuked in my hearing. He left me at md I T BACHELLER arrel of the Blessed Isles," Eta. I S FeMtoMsg 0ee?w4 10:30, and as be went away, my jailer banged the iron door without locking it Then I lay down there in the dark, and began to tell off the time by my heartbeats, allowing forty-five hundred to the hour, and was not far wrong. I thought much of his lordship as I waited. To him I had been of some service, but, surely, not enough to explain thij tender regard, involving, as it must have done, bribery and no small deiST?e of peril to himself. My counting over, I tried the door, which swung easily as I put my hand upon it The little corridor was dark and I could hear no sound save the snoring of a drunken soldier, committed that day of fighting, as the turnkey had told m >. I found the small window, and sliu the sash, and let my boots (all to the ground, then climbing through and dropping on them. It was a dark night, but I was not long in reaching the road and pacing my way to the path and river. His lordship and a boatman lay In the thicket waiting for me. 'This way," the foimer whispered, taking my arm and leading me to the mouth of a little brook, where a boat was tied, the bottom muffled with blankets. I took the stern seat, his lordship the bow, and we pushed off. The boatman, a big, husky fellow, had been rowing a long hour when we put into a cove under the high shore of an island. I could sec a moving glow back in the bushes. It swung slowly, like a pendulum of light, with a mighty flit and tumble of shadows. We tied our boat, climbed the shore, and made slowly for the light Nearlng it, his lordship whistled twice, and got answer. The lantern vras now still; it lighted the side of s soldier in high boots; and suddenly I saw it was D'ri. I caught his hand, raising it to my ttpgr- -We could not speak, either of us. He stepped aside, ~ lifting the lantern. God! there f>tood Louise. She was all in black, her head bent forward "Dear love!" I cried, grasping her hands, "why?why have you come here?" She turned her face away, and spoke slowly, her voice trembling with emotion. "To give my body to be burned," said she. I turned, lifting my arm to smite the man who had brought me there; but lo! some stronger liand had struck him, some wonder-working power of a kind that removes mountains. Lord Ronley was wiping h.s eyes. T cannot do this thing," said he, in a broken voice. "2 cannot do this thing. Take her and go." D'ri had turned a1 ay to hide his .'eelings. "Take them to you/ boat," said his lordship. "Wait a minute," said D'ri, fixing his lantern. "Judas Priest! 1 ain't got no stren'th. I'm all tore t' shoe-strings." I took her arm and we followed D'ri to the landing, Lord Ronley coming with us. "Good-by," said he, leaning to push us off. "I am a better man for knowing you. Dear girl, you have put all the evil out of me." He held a moment to the boat, taking my hand as I came by him. "Bell," said he, "henceforward may there be peace between you and me." "And between your country and mine," I answered. Ah, thank God! the war was soon over, and ever since there has been peace between the two great peoples. I rejoice that even we old men have washed our hearts of bitterness, and that the young have now more sense of brotherhood. Above all price are the words of a wise man, but silence, that is the great counsellor. In silence wisdom enters the heart and understanding puts forth her voice. In the hush of that night ride I grew to manhood; I put away childish things. I saw, or thought I saw, the two great powers of good and evil. One was love, with the power of God in it to lift up, to ennoble; the other, love's counterfeit, a cunning device of I he devil, with all his power to wreck and destroy, deceiving him that has taken it until he finds at last he has neither gold nor silver, but only base metal hanging as a millstone to his neck. At dawn we got ashore on Battle Point. We waited there, Louise and I, while D'ri went away to bring horses. The sun rose clear and warm; it was like a summer mo>aing, but stiller, for the woods had lost their songful tenantry. We took the forest road, walking slowly. Some bugler near us had begun to play the song of Yankeeland. Its phrases traveled like waves in the sea, some high-crested, movinr with a mighty rush, tilling the valleys mounting the hills, tsssing their spray aloft, flooding all the shores of silence Far and near, the trees were singing in praise of my native land. "Ramon." said Louise, looking up at me, a sweet and queenly dignity in her face, "I have come to love this | country. "And you could not have done so much for me unless y( j had loved?" She looked up at me quickly, and ^put her finger to her Hps. My tongue faltered, obeying the command. How sweet and beautiful she was then, her splendid form erect, the light of her eyes softened by long lashes! She looked down thoughtfully as she gave the bottom of her gown a shake. "Once upon a time." said she, slowly, as our eyes met again, "there was a little country that had a cruel king. And he commanded that none of all his people should speak until?until She hesitated, stirring the dead leaves with her dainty foot. "Until a great mountain had been removed and burled in the sea," she added in a low tone. "Ah, that was hard." "Especially for the ladles." she went on, sighing. "Dieu! they could only sit and hold their tongues and weep and feel very foolish. And the longer they were silent the more they had to say." "And those who broke the law?" 1 inquired. "Were condemned to silence for their lives," she answered. "Come, we are both in danger; let us go." A bit farther on we came to a log house where a veteran of the old war sat playing his bugle, and a motherly woman bade us sit awhile at the doorstep. CHAPTER XXVI. D'rl came soon with the horses, one the black thoroughbred of Louise which had brought her on this errand. We gave them free rein, beading for the chateau. Not far up the woods-pike we met M. de Lambert and the old count The former was angry, albeit he held himself in hand as became a gentleman, save that he was a bit too cool with me. "My girl, you have upeet us terribly," said the learned doctor. "I should like to be honored with your confidence." "And I with vour kindness, dear father/' said she, as tears began falling. "I am much in need of it." "She has saved my life, m'sieur," I said. "Then go to your work," said he, coolly, "and make the most of it" "Ah, sir, I had rather" "Good-by," said Louise, giving me her hand. "Au revoir," I said quickly, and wheeled my horse and rode away. The boats were ready. The army was waiting for the order, now ex* pected at any moment, to move. Gen. Brown had not been at his quarters for a day. "Judas Priest!" said D'rl, when we were alone together, "thet air gal 'd go through fire an' water fer you. "You 're mistaken," I said. "No, I hain't nuther," said he. "Ef I be, I 'm a reg*lar out-an'out fool, hand over fist" He whittled a moment thoughtfully. "Aln' no use talkin'," he added, "I can tell a hoss from a jack-rabbit any day." "Her father does not like me," I suggested. "Don't hev to," said D'ri calmly. He cut a deep slash in the stick he held, then added: "Don't make no odds ner no dlffrence one way er t other. I did n't like th' measles, but J hed to hev 'em." "He 'H never permit a marriage with me," I said. "'T ain't nec'sary," he ^a.".lQ-ad soberly. "In this 'ere country don' tek only tew t' mek a bargain. One o' the blessin's o* liberty." He squinted up at the sky, delivering his confidence in slowly measured phrases, to wit: "Wouldn't give ten cents fer no man 'at '11 give up a gal 'less he'd orter? nut fer nuthin' ner nobody." 1 was called out of bed at cockcrow in the morning. The baroness and a footman were at the door. "Ah, my captain, there is trouble," she whispered. "M. de Lambert has taken bis daughters. They are going back to Paris, bag and baggage. Left in the evening." "By what road?" "The turnpike militaire." 'Thanks, and good morning," I said. "I shall overhaul them." I called D'rl, and bade him feed the horses quickly. I went to see Gen. Brown, but he and Wilkinson were on the latter's gig, half a mile out in the harbor. I scribbled a note to the farmer-general, and, leaving it, ran to the stables. Our horses were soon ready, and D'ri and I were off a bit ifter daylight, urging up hill and down it a swift gallop, and making the forest ring with hoof-beats. Far beyond the chateau we slackened pace and went along leisurely. Soon we passed the town where they had put up overnight, and could see the tracks of horse and coach-wheel. D'ri got off and examined them presently. "Purty fresh," he remarked. "Can't be more 'n five mild er so further on." We rode awhile in silence. "How ye goin't' tackle 'em?" he inquired presently. "Going to stop them somehow," said i, "and get a little Information." "An' mebbe a gal?" he suggested. "Maybe a gal." "Don' care s' long as ye dew th' talkin'. I can rassle er fight, but my talk in a rumpus ain' fit fer no woman t' hear, thet's sart'in." We overtook the coach at a village, near ten o'clock. D'ri rushed on ahead of them, wheeling with drawn sabre. The driver pulled rein, stopping quickly. M. de Lambert was on the seat beside him. I came alongside. "Robbers!" said M. de Lambert "What do you mean?" The young ladles and Brovel were loo'ing out of the door, Louise pale rnd troubled. "No harm to any. m'sieur," I an wered. "Put up your pistol." I opened the coach door. M. de Lambert, hissing with anger, leaped 'o the road. I knew he would shoot me, and was making ready to close with him, when I heard a rustle of silk, and saw Louise between us, her tall form erect, her eyes forceful and commanding. She stepped quickly to her father. "Let me have It!" said she, taking the pistol from bis hand. She flung it above the heads 01 some viuage iuik who had gathered near us. ' Why do you stop us?" she whispered, turning to me. "So you may choose between him and me," I answered. "Then I leave all for you," said she, coming quickly to my side. The villagers began to cheer, and old D'ri flung his hat In the air, shouting, "Hurrah fer 'ove an' freedom!" "An* the U.iited States of Amerlky," some one added. "She Is my daughter," said M. de Lambert, with anger, as he came up to me. "I may command her, and I shall seek the aid of the law as soon as I find a magistrate." "But see that you find him before we find a minister," I said. "The dominie! Here he is," said some one near us. "Marry them," said another. "It Is Capt. Bell of the army, a brave and honorable man." Does not true love, wherever seen, spread Its own quality and prosper by the sympathy it commands? Louise turned to the good man, taking his hand. "Come," said she, "there is no time to lose." The minister came to our help. He could not resist her appeal, so sweetly spoken. There, under an elm by the wayside, with some score of witnesses, Including Louison and the young Comte de Brovel, who came out of the coach and stood near, he made us man and wife. We were never so happy as when we stood there hand In hand, that sunny morning, and heard the prayer for God's blessing, and felt a mighty uplift in our hearts. As to my sweetheart, there was never such a glow In her cheeks, such a light In her large eyes, such a grace hi her figure. "Dear sister," said Louison, kissing her, " I wish I were as happy." "And yeu shall be as soon as you get to Paris," said the young count. "Oh, dear, I can hardly wait!" said the merry-hearted girl, looking proudly at her new lover. "I admire your pluck, my young man," said M. de Lambert, as we shook handa "You Americans are a great people. I surrender; I am not going to be foolish. Turn your horses," said he, motioning to the driver. "We shall go back at once." I helped Louise Into the coach with her sister and the Comte de Brovel. D'rl and I rode on behind them, the village folk cheering and waving their hats. "Ye done it skillful," said D'ri, smiling. "Whut'd I tell ye?" I made no answer, being too full of happiness at the moment "Tell ye one thing, Ray," he went on soberly: "ef a boy an' a gal loves one 'nother, an' he has any grit in Mm, can't nuthin' keep 'em apart long." He straightened the mane of his horse, and then added: "Ner they can't nuthin' conquer 'em." Soon after two o'clock we turned in at the chateau. We were a merry company at luncheon, the doctor drinking our health and happiness with sublime resignation. But I had to hurry back?that was the worst of it all. Louise walked with me to the big gate, where were D'rl and the horses. We stopped a moment on the way. "Again?" she whispered, her sweet face on my shoulder. "Yes, and as often as you like. No more now?there Is D'rL Remember, sweetheart, I shall look and pray for you day and night." CHAPTER XXVII. Sooner or later all things come to -aa_jnd, including wars and histories? a God's m^rcy!?and even the lives of such lucky men as I. All things, did I Bay? Well, what wonder, for am I not writing of youth and far delights with a hand trembling of infirmity? All things save one, I meant to say, and that is love, the immortal vine, with its root in the green earth, that weathers every storm, and "groweth not old," and climbs to paradise; and who eats of its fruit has in him ever a thought of Heaven?a hope immortal as' Itself. This book of my life ends on a bright morning in the summer of '17, at the new home of James Donatianus Le Ray, Comte de Chaumont, the chateau having burned the year before. President Monroe is coming on the woods-pike, and veterans are drawn up in line to meet him. Here are men who fought at Chippewa and Lundy's Lane and Lake Erie and Chrysler's Farm, and here are some old chaps who fought long before at Plattsburg and Ticonderoga. Joseph Bonaparte, the ex-klng of Spain, so like his mighty brother at St. Helena, is passing the line. He steps proudly, in ruffles and green velvet Gondolas with liveried gondoliers, and filled with fair women, are floating on the still lake, now rich with shadow-pictures of wood and sky and rocky shore. A burst of melody rings in the great harp of the woodland. In that trumpet peal, it seems a million voices sing: Hall, Columbia, happy land! Slowly the line begins to limp along. There are wooden legs and crutches and empty sleeves in that column. D'ri goes limping in Iront, nis ngni leg gone at the knee since our last charge. Draped around him is that old battleflag of the Lawrence. I march beside him, with only this long seam across my cheek to show that I had been with him that bloody day at Chrysler's. We move slowly over a green field to the edge of the forest. There, in the cool shadow, are ladies in white, and long tables set for a feast. My dear wife, loved of all and more beautiful than ever, comes to meet us. "Sweetheart," she whispers, "I was never so proud to be your wife." "And an American," I suggest, kissing her. "And an American." she answers. A bugle sounds; the cavalcade is coming. "The President!" they cry, and we all begin cheering. He leads the escort on a black horse, a fine figure in military coat and white trousers, his cocked hat in hand, a smile lighting his face. The count receives him and speaks our welcome. President Monroe looks down the warscarred line a moment. His eyes fill with tears, and then he speaks to us. "Sons of the woodsmen," says he, concluding his remarks, "you shall live In the history of a greater land than that we now behold or dream of, and in the gratitude of generations yet unborn, long, long after we are turned to UUDli And then we all sing loudly with full hearts: O land I love!?thy aires sown With sweat and blood and shattered boneGod's grain, that ever doth lncreas; The goodly harvest of his peace. [THE END.) Mr. Hbmbkwat Known as "Buffalo Bonks."?Vice President-elect Fairbanks will be succeeded by James A. Hemenway, better known as "Buffalo Bones," because when he went to Kansas at the age of 17 he observed a lot of fertilizing material in the shape of buffalo bones scattered over the prairie and tried, with not much success, to find a market for them. Subsequently he became a sewing machine agent, but perceiving no future in the business he thought he would study law. supporting himself meanwhile, like many another distinguished American, by teaching school. , The law proved for him, as it has I proved often, a stepping stone to political success, and at the age of 30 he i entered the house of representatives. Now. at 45, "Buffalo Bones" will be a i senator.?Harper's Weekly. | M0FT1 COTTON CROWKRS A i B g Organization Adopt* Broad Constitution. CO'KRS BUSINESS UP TUB SOUTH. Fi I Text of a Paper That la of Widepread Intereat?Cotton Growers Vill Do What They Can to Benefit 'hemselves; But Will Also Seek to 'romote the Welfare of All the Cot* on Growing 8tates. 'he sub-committee of the executive 1 _ _ __ . . committee of the Southern Cotton as8? :lation which was recently organised in New Orleans, met in Atlanta last w4ek to draw up laws necessary to the government of the big organization. The work of the committee Included a general constitution and constitutions and by-laws for the state and county organizations. Those present at the sub-committee meeting were Harvle Jordan of Monticello. Oa., president of the Southern Cqtton Growers' association: John C. Gibson of Port Gibson, Miss.; J. A. Browne of Chadbourne, N. C.; E. D. Smith of Magnolia, S. C.; H. Y. Brooke of Luverne. La.; R. R. Dancy of Dallas, Tex. .This sub-committee on last Wednesday completed the constitution for the government of the general organization. It is a long paper and consequently a severe tax on our space; but in view of Its present and prospective importance, we see proper to give it In full as follows: CONSTITUTION OF THE SOUTHERN COTTON ASSOCIATION. We, the ekecutlve committee of the Southern Inter-State Cotton convention, which assembled at the city of Nsw Orleans, state of Louisiana, on the 24th day of January, A. D., 1905, by virtue of the power conferred on us by said convention, "grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work, do ordain and establish this constitution." ARTICLE I. Purposes of Organization. Section 1. The purposes of this organization are: 1st. Systematic organization to protect and develop the cotton and agricultural interests of the cotton growing states and territories. 2d. To regulate, by all legal means, cotton, corn and grain production, diversification of crops, stock-breeding frjilt growing and all such matters as ptfrtaln to agriculture in said states arid territories, or the cotton growing cduntles and parishes of same. 3d. To regulate, by all legal means cotton supply and cotton financing. 4th. To facilitate, enlarge, extend and systematize cotton marketing, using every available means to secure broader and more extensive markets, and to limit production to demand at remunerative nrlcM 5th To reduce to a minimum alJ expenses of handling and transporting cotton and its products, from the ?tee It loaves the held until It reaches the consumer. 6th. To promote, stimulate and seek more varied uses for raw and manufactured cotton. 7th. To encourage, aid and secure building and operation of cotton and other manufactories, throughout the cotton growing states and territories. 8th. To bring together and In co-operation all the various cotton interests, cotton manufactories and agencies, with a view to such regulations, as will protect, stimulate and promote all. 9th. To use all agencies and means which will improve, perfect, enlarge and Increase all southern ports and the business done at each. 10th. To bring before the proper authorities and use all legal means to secure establishment of docks in commodious and available southern harbors, for ship bullllng. ?hip repairs and naval stations. 11th. To urge, encourage and advance any and ail measures, which will bring about commercial treaties between the United States. China, Japan and the entire eastern world, whereby American commerce Is extended and new fields are opened to the productions of the cotton growing states and territories. 12th. To further all measures and evolve plans to turn to the United States, Central and South American trade and for extending the use of the products of the cotton growing states and territories as well as those of the entire union to the people of those countries. 13th. To formulate | a policy, prepare plans-and Ret ready for the Rreat opportunities which will come to the cotton growing states and territories with the openlnR of the Isthmian canal. 14th To effectuate and make operative closer business relations between cotton manufacturers and cotton producers, and dealers In manufactured cotton, whereby neither shall have their business Interests jeopardized by sudden and unreasonable depression in prices or by unnatural and entirely speculative advances In value of raw material. Neither of which are based on supply and demand. 15th. To mature plans and methods for securing accurate statistics from ginneries, private and public, from manufactories of cotton, so as to furnish correct Information as to annual consumption, from farmers, so as to know general acreage, devoted, from year to year, to any specific agricultural product In the cotton growing states and territories; and for securing such other statistics as may be of value to the general purposes of this organization. 16th. To prepare and furnish to each glnner. under ?anctlon of law. a uniform system of eln books, for use by all gins, private and public, as will get accurate Information from all such gins, of cotton ?dnned, from month to month, during ginning season, with actual weight of each bale, so that such weights may be aggregated, divided by five hundred. and the number of bales given by states and counties and territories, on the fixed basis of five hundred nounds each. 17th. To use every nroper effort to secure adequate conotltuiional legislation to put Into force and effect, where necessary, the methods and plans adopted by this organization. ARTICLE II. No Exercise of Power or Performance of Duty to Be Violative of Federal, State or Territorial Lawe. Section 2. No power given and no duty provided In article 1 of this constitution shall be so exercised or performed, as to be violative of the constitution of the United States, of any cotton growing state, or the laws of the United States, or any of said states and territories. ARTICLE III. Organization la Non-Political. Section 3. This organization and all of Its associates, under Its system of state and county and sub-civil division organizations, are and shall be nonpolitical. They shall not co-operate with any political party, nor in any manner use their organizations, or membership to aid any political maI chinery, policy or combine, but shall exercise and perform all powers and duties herein provided as a non-partisan agricultural and commercial organization, designed alone to further the purposes recited in article 1 of this constitution by and through its system of organizations, strictly in accordance with law, and by suggestion, presentation of plans and proposed legislation, to such law-making bodies, as, from time to time, becomes necessary, without reference to parties or party policy. Should any officer of this association publicly announce himself as a candidate for any political, state or county office, such announcement shall Immediately vacate his position as an officer, and no person offering for, or holding any of the above named political offices, shall be eligible to any position in this association. ARTICLE IV. Distributions of Powers. Section 4. The powers of this organization shall be distributed as follows: First, there shall be, In each cotton growing state and territory, a central organization, known as : (a) The Alabama organization, (b) The Arkansas organization, (c) The Florida organization, (d) The Georgia organization. (e) The Louisiana organization. (f) The Mississippi organization. (g) The Missouri organization, (h) The North Carolina organization. (1) The South Carolina organization. (J) The Tennessee organization, (k) The Texas organization. (1) The Virginia organization, (m) The Kentucky organization, (n) The Oklahoma Territorial organization, (o) The Indian Territory organization. All of said or gHiiizanuns iu ue lumpuocu ui icpicsentatives, chosen in each cotton grow" in? county or parish, there being not less than one representative from each of said counties or parishes, and as many more, not exceeding three from each, as any of said states or territoI ries may determine for itself. All of said organizations, however, being subordinate to the Southern Cotton asso| elation. Second. There shall be in each cotton county or parish, in each cotton growing Rtate or territory, an organization to be known as the county or parish organization, and which shall bear the name of the county, or parish In which organized. It shall be composed of not less than two rep-esentatlves, from each civil sub-division of same, or of such other number, not exceeding five, as may be determined In each of said counties or parishes. All said organizations, however, shall be subordinate to said state or territorial organization and to the Southern Cotton association. Third. There shall be In each cotton growing civil sub-division of each cotton growing county or parish, in each cotton growing state or territory a sub-organization, to be known by the name or number of each of the civil sub-dlvisions, in which organized. All said suborganizations, however, shall be subordinate to said county or parish, said organizations, and to the Southern Cbtton association. The membership of each shall be as provided in their respective constitutions. Section 5. There shall be one supreme organization, known as the Southern Cotton association. It shall meet annually on the third Tuesday in January, and at such place as it shall letermlne. It shall have power to adjourn Its meeting or meetings to any 'ate It elects. It" may be called in extra session by its president or by its executive committee. In absence of the president, when deemed advisable. Sec. 6. Each and all of said organizations above named shall have constituMons, which shall be uniform and subordinate to this. Such constitutions shall be the ones prepared and adopthv the executive committee of the Southern Inter-State Cotton convention. named by its resolutions adopted *t New Orleans, state of Louisiana, on the 26th day of January, A. D. 1905. Said resolutions are hereby made an appendix to this constitution. Said constitution may be changed or amended as in each provided. All of said organizations shall have by-laws, which shall be prepared by said executive committee, but which may be changed, amended and altered to suit each of said organizations at the will of each. ARTICLE V. The Southern Cotton Association. Sec. 7. This association shall be composed of representatives from the following named states and territories on the following basis, to wit: (a) The state of Alabama. 3. (b) The state of Arkansas, 2. (c) The state of Florida. 1. (d) The state of Georgia, 3. (e) The state of Louisiana, 3. (f) The state of Mississippi, 3. (g) The state of Missouri, 1. (h) The state of North Carolina. 2. (I) The state of South Carolina, 2. (J) The state of Tennessee, 1. (k) The state of Texas, 5. (1) The state of Virginia, 1. (m) The state of Kentucky, 1. (n) Oklahoma, 1. (o) The Indian Territory. 1. Said representatives shall be elected for the first time by the respective state and territorial organizations named in section 4. at the meeting of same to be held on the 21st of February, A. D. 1905. Said state and territorial organizations to meet for the first time and at any other times at such places as may be named in the constitution of each, or at such places as they respectively fix under the powers given each in its constitution. Said state and territorial organizations shall annually, as provided in their constitution, elect their respectlve representatives in said Southern Cotton association. Those elected for the above named first time 'hall hold office until their successors are elected and qualified. Sec. 8. Said Southern Cotton association shall at its annual meeting elect the following officers, to wit: A oresident, a vice president, a secretary, a treasurer, and such other officers as it deems necessary and proper for the discharge of business, who shall hold office for one year, or until their successors are elected and qualify. Said officers may be removed, for cause, by said Southern Cotton association. Said association shall have power to make the terms of office of Afflooro lAnoar Hll* nflt PYPPPd - Ing three years. If It should Increase said term of office, as last aforesaid, 'hen said provision herein contained, as to dates of election, shall be made to conform, so as to have said officers elected In accordance with such change of terms of office. Said association shall have full power and authority over all of said officers when In session: and may order reports whenever It deems proper from any of its officers, or committees. Sec. 9. Said Southern Cotton association may, from time to time, change the representation of any of said states or territories, provided each shall always have one representative. No change of basis, or representation, shall be made except on aggregate production in each state or territory. ARTICLE VI. Sec. 10. Realizing that seasons must always be considered in figuring acreage and production from any given acreage, and that a small acreage, unler favorable weather conditions, may produce a large crop, and a large acreage, under unfavorable weather conditions, may vield a small crop, power Is expressly conferred on the Southern Cotton association to formulate plans accumulate capital, so as to control and take care of any annual surplus, and prevent violent, sudden and' unreasonable fluctuations, and so as to regulate the marketing of such surplus to secure remunerative prices. ARTICLE VII. Powers of the Southern Cotton Association. Sec. 11. The powers of said association shall be as follows: First They shall cover and embrace each and every matter, specially named, In ?1 thin oAnaHtntlnn with iur ailHIC I <11 in in vvnoi.i....... ? Isdlctlon vested In this association to adopt measures, regulations, plans and proceedings, necessary to compass the said purposes, such plans, regulations and measures to be so adapted as not to be violative of state, territorial or Federal laws. Second. It shall have power to raise revenue, as named in article 2 of this constitution. Third. It shall have power to revise, regulate, direct and formulate plans for the state or territorial organizations, provided It may adopt such plans, regulations and measures as said state or territorial organizations may have already put Into operation. Fourth. It shall have the power to have prepared a uniform set of ginning books and request the department of agriculture at Washington to adopt the same and require the use of them by all gtnners In the several cotton growing states and territories. Fifth. It shall also prepare and present to the legislatures of said states and territories, through the proper committees of same, from time to time, such bills as will put Into force and operation adequate constitutional legislation In furtherance of the general purposes of this association, so far as procuring, through state legislation, systematic plans ard methods of gathering statistics for information of the membership of thiis association and the general public can be properly done. Sixth. It shall have power to originate, change, amend and annull any of its by-laws. 7th. It shall have all powers incidental to and necessary for putting In force and giving effect to the various purposes of Its organization. Eighth. It shall fix by by-laws or otherwise the various bonds to be given by Its various officers, and to add to or change their duties from time to time as experience shall suggest or make necessary. Ninth. It shall determine, by by-laws or other means or order, the condition of all official bonds. It shall fix the pay of its own members. Tenth. It shall be the Judges of the qualifications of its own members. Eleventh. It shall name the various committees, standing md others, and prescribe the duties of each. Twelfth. It shall determine and fl* lt? nivn rules nf nrocedure. and shall adopt such parliamentary rules as it deems necessary for despatch of business. Thirteenth. It shall appoint at its first and each subsequent annual meeting a committee on rules, which committee shall report a syti em of rules at earliest possible date. Fourteenth. It shall have power to fix the number of its members necessary to constitute a quorum, provided such number shall not be less than ten. Fifteenth. With the concurrence of two-thirds of its members present and voting it may expel any member for lisorderly conduct, intemperance or contumacious absence from its meet'ngs; provided, sickness, public duties or good cause shall be accepted as sufficient explanation for absence from any meeting. Sixteenth. When any vacancy occurs such vacancy shall be "ertifled by the president to the president of the state organization, who shall at once fill said vacancy by an appointment which shall hold good until the state organization shall meet and fill such vacancy. Seventeenth. Tt shall keep a minute book or books, in which all of its proceedings, at any meeting, shall be entered by its secretary or his deputy, such minutes to be approved by it Eighteenth. It shall provide all stationery, when in session, for use of its various officers. Nln<f eenth. All appropriations of moivyy shall be made under some order, bylaw, or resolution adopted by it, and not otherwise. Twentieth. It shall have full and general control over every Interest of this organization, and ?hall make and adopt such rules, regulations and measures as it finds advisable in the furtherance and attainment of the purposes of this organization. ARTICLE VIII. Revenue. Sec. 12. The means necessary for 'he purposes of this organization, shall be raised by the same, as follows: 1st. One-fourth of all dues and other funds, no matter from what source, collected by and through the sub-organizations. In each cotton growing county or parish, or by any of the officers of same, or by any of its committees, shall be paid into the treasury of this association. 2d. All sums collected by any county organization, in any state or territory, and all sums collected by any parish organization, in any stale or territory, no matter from what source, shall be divided in half, one or wnicn naives snail oe reuuneu uy iald county organization for its oryn uses, and the other -shall be sent at once to the treasurer of the stale organization. Upon receipt of it the treasurer of said state organlz&tltni shall, at once, remit one-half of the sum so received to the treasurer of his association, said state organization retaining the remaining half for its own uses and purposes. ? 3d. Each state or territorial organization shall turn over to the treasurer of this organization, one-half of all other sums of money, which It may collect, through Its organisation, officers, or committees, or which may be donated to It by any person or corporation, no matter from what source derived. 4th. This association shall, by Its committees or by its officers, raise revenue from any and all sources iit may" elect, and by whatever plans It may adopt, whether by donation, subscription. or contribution. 5 th. Said organizations. In the various counties, or parishes, aforesaid. or In the said civil sub-dlvlslctis of same, shall never be asked for lues, or assessment, beyond the maximum sums fixed In their respective constitutions. ARTICLE IX. Co-opv ration of Other Organizations Asked. Sec. 13. As the purposes setfoi-th in Article 1 of this constitution extend to and affect every Interest In oil of the cotton growing states and territories, as well as tena 10 un general welfare and wellbelng of every Industry and business interest <n each; and as some of its purpoies extend to interests beyond said states and territories, therefore, each and every commercial organization in any of said states or territories, engaged in growing, manufacturing or handling cotton, and each and every banker, the southern press, merchant, gtnner, compressman, warehouseman, oil mill man, landowner, landlord, teacher, professional man, capitalist, cotton exporter and railroad company are urged to co-operate with this organization in effecting its purposes; also he entire southern press, cotton exchanges, boards of trade, commercial exchanges, as well as state, county and town or city organizations, no ratter where situated or located, in ?ald cotton growing states and texrltorles, are urged to co-operate with this organization and its subordinate organizations to the attainment of Its nurposes, which tend to the good of all. This organization, and its officers shall adopt and suggest as well as bring into operation all available and proper means to bring all of said organizations, persons and corporations Into hearty sympathy and earnest co-operation with It. ARTICLE X. Manufactories?Their Establishment. Section 14. This organization shall adopt plans, measures, and ways for effecting the following purposes, to" A A'? L..11 AM/4 AOtohll ah - Wli: rirsi, uie uuiiumg auu ment of cotton manufactories and other manufactories, no matter what kind' in the cottpn growing states and territories. Second, the co-operation of ill cotton manufactories, no matter where located, to bring about closer relations and direct business dealings between them and the producers of cotton, so as to prevent ruinous fluctuations in the cotton markets; and to secure cheaper transportation of raw and manufactured cotton. Third, to adopt such plans and measures as will contribute to more stable values, and as will bring the loom and the cotton producer Into full understanding. ARTICLE XI. Section 15. The president shall have the following powers and perform the following duties to wit: First, he shall preside at all meetings of this association. Second, he shall appoint ail committees, provided for by the said association; and shall receive their reports when this association is not In session, and take such action thereon as he deems for best interest of same. Third, he shall, temporarily, for good and sufficient cause, remove or suspend said secretary, treasurer and subordinate officer, when this organization Is not in session, subject, however, to an appeal to this association. When it is in session he shall submit the causes of complaint to this association, for its action. Fourth, he shall have supervision and control of all of the officers of this association, when the same is not In session. Fifth, he shall demand reports from the treasurer, whenever he desires such shall have the same audited, from time to time, shall count the money in treasury, from time to time, and make report to this association, at any mei;ing T of same, of the condition of the finances of the association; and shall submit recommendations and suggestions to this association, which he .thinks advisable, touching its finances and other interests. 8ixth, he shall call thin association in extra session, whenever he thinks it necessary so to do. Seventh, he shall have general supervision over all state organisations, may demand reports from any or all of same, shall make such suggestions and recommendations to them as he may deem advisable. Shall look after thorough organization of each state and county organisation. Shall appoint state or general organisers, fix pay for same, such pay to continue In force until fixed by 'this association. Eighth, he shall sign all warrants on the treasurer of this association, the same to be countersigned, by the secretary of same; and he shall see to It that no money is withdrawn from the treasury, except in pursuance of some bylaw, constitutional provision, or order or resolution of this association. Ninth, he shall see th .t every officer, of whom a bond is r? quired, gives a good and sufficient bond; and that it Is placed and kept In a safe place. Tenth, he shall be ex->fficio chairman of all committees, and shall see that all matters ordered by them are put In operation, or are done aa directed. Eleventh, he shall do and perform all other tilings, not herein specially particularised. which may be required of him, by the by-laws, <-r by any order or resolution of this association, or which is required by this constitution. Twelfth, he shall study the interests of this asKociation and do everything In his power to attain ltii purposes, guiding hlrrself by Its spirit and purposes. He sha!l call to his airl the vice president or such other aid as he deems advisable, and assign 1o him or them whatever duties the general Interests of this association demand, or which conduce to Its rreneral well-being and advantage. He shall, also, keep In close touch with every state and territorial organisation. VICE-PRESJTOENT. Sec. 16. The duties of the vice president shall be as follows, to wit: L To preside at all meetings of this association In the absence of the president 2. He shall become president in the event of the death, resignation or removal of the president 3. When acting as president he shall be clothed with all and singular, the powers and duties of the president 4. He shall perform all duties required of him by the president or by this association or by tiie constitution of this association. S. He shall have his office at such places as this association shall determine from time tr time; and he shall be active and diligent In organisation work, or other Ininterests of this association and subordinate organlsatlona SECRETARY. Sec. 17. The secretary shall do and perform Che following duties and he clothed with the following powers, to wit: 1. He shall he the custodian of the following: Ail documents of this association, all public records of same, the minutes of sune, its seal, all receipts and pay warrant books, the auditors' books, all i jports, all stationery and postage stamps used In his office or ffequired t;> be sent to any state or territorial organisation, and of all other matters aikl things which this association shall require to be sent to him or to be placed In his keeping. 2. Under direction from the president or vice president, when acting as president, he shall conduct all correspondence referred to him by said officers. 3. He rhall appoint his ?~ this unctitlnn UWII CUNliDUUIUl TW Iivil VM.U -w ball authorise the employment of assistant*. the salary of such assistants to b? fixed by this issociatlon. He shall file and keep all bonds given by ? any of the officers of this association, the same to be kept In a safe place. 4. He shall give bond In such sura as shall be fixed, from time to time, by this association, conditioned as provided In the by-laws of this association. Hie bond shall be kept In & safe place by the president of this association. He shall enter in the auditor's book all reports and accounts rendered by the treasurer, and shall file and keep in a safe place all reports, statements and vouchers a<:companylng any report, no matter by vhom made. S. He shall countersign all pay warrants drawn of the treasurer and affix the seal of this association to same. He shall follow the regulations prescribed In the by-laws of this association in Issuing receipt warrants for payment of money Into the treasury of this association. 8. He shall keep the minutes of this association at all meetings of same. 7. He shall do and perform all other things which may be required of lilm by this association, and not herein specifically enumerated, whether the same be required in its bylaws or in orders of resolutions adopt- v ed by it He shall elso do anything required of him by the president or the vice president, when acting as president In conformity with the purposes of this association. TREASURER. Sec. 18. The treasurer shall safely keep and account for all the runas or this association which shall come into | his possession. He shall give bond in such sum and conditioned as provided in the by-laws of this association. He shall leport condition of the treasury as often as required by the president, or thin association, aid shall lay before this association at every meeting of sane a full statement respecting the finances of this association, which reportu shall be delivered to and filed by the secretary of this association. When required by the president or a committee of this association he shall present his books to be audited, and the money in his possession shall be counted from time to r.Irae by the president and by any ccmmlttee of this association appointed for such purpose. SUB-ORDINATE OFFICERS. Sec. 19. The association may, from time to time, create such subordinate office as- it may deem best, and shall order how the same shall be chosen and whether the same shall be bonded and, if so, in what sums. SALARIES. Sec. 20. This association shall, from time to time, fix the salaries of all Its officers and prescribe the bonds each shall give. Until otherwise fixed by this association the salaries of the president, vice president, secretary and treasurer shall remain as fixed by the executive committee at New Orleans, state of Louisiana, on the 27th day of January, A. D., 1905. Provided, that salaries so fixed shal not be chang?>d during their term of office. BY-LAWS. Sec. 21. The by-laws adopted and attached hereto shali remain and be the by-laws of this association until changed, amended or re-drafted by this association. ARTICLE XII. Sec. 22. As from time to time, it may be advisable to hold a convention of the cotton growing states and territories all allied business or professional interests, for Interchange of views, discussion of policy, or consideration of important measures or questions, power is given to the president to call such convention annually at such time and place, as, In hin discretion, may be advisable. Lord Strathcona's Luncheon.?The statement Imputed to Lord Strathcona, who Is in his eighty-fifth year, that he has not taken luncheon for sixtv vears. Is substantially correct. "That does not mean that I have never taken a midday meal," says he. "But as a rule I have only two meals a day?breakfast and dinner. Of course, If there Is any one whom I particularly wish to meet, I am prepared to take luncheon with him. "I should not recommend every man to dispense with his luncheon. Everything depends on an individual. Some may be better with, some without luncheon.?London Dispatch. *" 'a