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X5SUXSD 8BKZ-WBEKL7. l *. grist s sons, pnbiishen. ] $ jfamilg Jemspper: ^for th< promotion o?th<Jolititpljtopt, IjrijuItaiiaT and Commmiat Jnterests of the |M|fo. _ _ _ _ _ [TBR* n?ncim"ee' established 1885. YORKVILLE, S. C., TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1905. ISTQ. 23. tikworu ...? By Will I? [Oopywrlght, 1900, by A. 1 CHAPTER XVI. It was about six o'clock that afternoon when the sheriff pot Ronald down * at home. Dave had ridden close behind the buggy all the way. Now and then, when passing some acquaintance on the road or in a distant field, he would wave his slouched hat and give a yell that would have done credit to the lungs of a savage. When they arrived at home he fastened the bridle reins tc a post and sprang over the fence into the yard. Old Fanshaw sat nodd'ag, half asleep, on the porch in a spot where the last rays of the slanting sunlight were falling; he was well wrapped up In a ragged greatcoat and wore a cap, the flaps of which covered his ears. "Ron's come cleerl** Dave shouted to him, and seeing his sister at the smallpaned window, he yelled the same words in h*p "I know better," grunted Fanshaw, who, being short-sighted, had not noted the arrival of the buggy. "Come cleer the devil!" "Well, thar he is out xhar with Ratcliff," Dave assure^ him. "Ax the sheriff, if you think I'm a-lyin\" With a hand on either side of hit chair, the old man got to his feet. His legs shook at the knees, and he put his band on the railing. Then he saw Ronald approaching, and be stood still, his features working strangely. "What's this I beer?" he stammered, his few remaining teeth showing bev. tween his tobacco-stained lips. "It was proved that he killed himself accidentally with his own revolver," our hero informed him. "Huh, it is jest some lawyer's trick!" growled the man, who had not felt enough interest in the matter to attend the trial, and he tottered down the steps calling in a sort of human bark to Uatcliff, who was driving away. He was bent on getting a confirmation of the story from some one outside of his family. Ronald passed into the house and went up to his room. His heart, despite bis recent triumph, was beginning to feel heavy again. No sooner was he assured of freedom than dire thoughts of Evelyn came flocking to bis wearied brain. He was free. It was true, but she had, no doubt, brought her father's wrath down upon her head. He stood at a window watchiog the sunlight climb up the side of a rugged cliff a mile toward the east. He heard the shrill! voice of Ann Josephine out near the corn house. "Oh, ma!" she was calling, "Ron's come cleer?Ron's come cleer!" Our hero could see his mother's rotund figure as she emerged from the corn house and waddled towards the hog-pen, her apron filled with apples. "Ain't you jokin', Josie?" she asked, ana ner son wonaerea ai aer exprcssionless face. "No, the sheriff has jest now fetched 'im home." "Well, I feel easier," sighed the old j woman. "I'm glad thar ain't goin' to be no bangin' amongst us. The Lord ' knows we've had mighty nigh ever"thlng else to happen to us. Ever since yore gran'pa was put in jail, I have looked for yore pa or one o' the boys, to?" Ronald turned from the window; his heart was very heavy. He was thinking of Evelyn again, and the gulf between him and her. Ah, bow he loved her! He crossed the room and stood at another window from which he could see the roof of Carnleigh. "I am to blame," he sighed, "sadly blame; what right had I to allow* bfr first to pity, thei) to love me, yvhett } Jiave nothing Jo offer?nothing, apsplutely nothing, $nd she evervtbipg tp give?" The colonel peached home later than Ronald. Night was beginning tp fall, and the big lamp at the top of the carriage-drive threw" its rays f?r down the tree-bordered avenge as he drove Ihrpggh the big wrought drop gate, The lamps in the hftU and (Irawipg-ropm, gnder their varicolored shades, cast a beautiful glow OP the veranda, As he entered the ball he fancied he saw Evelyn flit owt at the door at the end.' which opened ipto the conservatory, v He was assured of this when he hud gope into the library, where there was no other light than was made by the huge wood fire, which flamed and crackled op the brazen dog-irons, for he came from the conservatory by another door, bringing his smoklng-Jacket and slippers; be knew that she had had them ready, for she had not had time to go to his room for them. His heart sorely smote him as he kissed her ^ white face and noted the dark hollows under her eyes?eyes wh ieb absorbed the red firelight like diamonds. At any rate he had good news for her, but the thought pierced him like a ringger to think of it as such. Despite himself, a frown gathered on his brow. She misunderstood it, and he saw her catch her breath as she held his coat for him. Neither of them spoke, though when she had knelt at his feet and her white tapering fingers trembled over their task of unlacing his shoes he felt an almost uncontrollable impulse to snatch her to his breast and sob out the awful rebellion within him. When she had v taken off his shoes she smoothed out the wrinkles in his stockings and put on his slippers, finishing her task with a little sud pat as she rose to her feet. "Ah, you vixen," he said, tremulously?"Evelyn, you are my baby!" Hp looked towards the door. "I have always given you more of my heart than 1 have to your sister, perhaps because you have given me more of yours, poor dear child!" The tears sprang into her eyes, and % she turned away quickly to a table Where she had put a cigar and a match for biro, "I have rolled It and cut the end," There was a catch in her voice as she 'scratched the match and held it to the cigar. "Thank you, baby," he said, as he puffed. _ For a moment aha stood searching his i >... ilUMST WU f. Harben. J. Kellogg Newspaper Co.] face and then, aa he did not speak,~she said: "I have waited aa long as I can, papa. It seems to me that 1 shall die if I do not know the news. Is there any hope?" He pushed out his knee and drew her down on It. He felt.that her body was rigid with expectancy. "Evelyn, you are my most helpless child. I must do my duty towards you in spite of what you feel to be right." She slid her arm round his neck, but he knew that it did not clasp him with her usual tenderness. "We can talk about that later," she said, "but I must know now what they did to him. Tell me, papal" He averted his eyes; a scowl was on his face. "Don't torture me, papa; remember I am only a woman." He raised his band till it touched her head? he essaved to draw it down against bit own, but she held herself firmly erect. "Don't torture me," she repeated, almost threateningly. "Well, 1 will not," he said. "Of course I know what you wn;it. The case was thrown out of court. It was proved that Syd Hart accidentally shot himself with his own pistol. Fanshaw was in 110 way responsible. He is at home by this time, a free man." He felt ber gasp, and then her head fell on his shoulder, all the rigidness of suspense was gone from her body; she lay like one dead. He thought she had fainted, but a moment later she stirred; the color ran into her face, and she stood up before him. THEN HER HEAD FELL ON HIS SHOULDER. "Oh, papa! oh, papa!" was all she could say, but a worid of unutterable joy lay iu her tone. His cigar had gone out;* he took a taper from a vase on the mantelpiece and lighted it at the ^ on onnlio/1 It i f\ VllC Pt CTA T mc, "O * ? ~-?? be felt bis anger returning to him. The outlook seemed so hopeless. She could never be happy without Fanshaw?she would be worse than miserable with him, after she learned the folly of her siep. No, there must be some escape, lie would think it oter again. He hud thought It over till it had become a sort of monomania with him. Perhaps some way of escape would present itself. He led her to the door and bowed silently as she turned from him to go up to her room. He went into his study and lighted a tamp on his desk, then he sat down and began to fumble some papers which one of his agents hud left for his inspection, but his mind wus clinging to Evelyn?Evelyn? Evelyn! He opened & drawer in his desk And took out a miniature framed >n gold. It held a jape strongly resembling the daughter who Jiad just quitted the room, and as he looked At it 8 flood of tender recollections rushed over him, "If you }iad pnly lived, dear Evelyn," he murmuredi ''if you were here you'd know what to do. It may be that Fanshaw could love her as I loved you, and iu that case, I may be wronging himi but oh. my angel wife, I do not know what is best!" He gazed at the face in the little frame for another minute and then be restored It to Its place and closed the drawer. CHAPTER XVII. The colonel began to* walk back and | forth iu the room. Now and then be would stray across the hall and pause In the doorway to give half an ear to Caroline, who was listlessly playing the piano. Her music had never touched him as had Evelyn's. Evelyn's 6ongs ? her lightest touch?seemed toinvite the sweetest memories to his heart. Caroline looked up and saw- him standing In the doorway. "Father," she turned on the stool. "Mr. Hardy has written asking me to marry him; he 6uys he will write to you if I encourage him to do so." Hasbrooke advanced till he stood behind her. Somehow he had little Inclination to touch this one of his daughters. "Well," he asked, "have you thought it over?" Caroline turned a page cf her musicbook leisurely. "I like him as well as I ever liked anybody," she said, slowly. "You knowhe is well off; he has a nice home?the Hardj-s are good people. I have always wanted to live in Charleston." "Then write him it is all right," returned Hasbrooke, wearily, and they went in to supper. Evelyn came down a moment later. Her father wondered at the transformation in her. In her evening dress, she looked like a flower which had never been touched by storm. After they had left the table she followed him to the door of his study. I but he coldly begged to be left alone, and asked her to send James to bim. The servant found him at his desk. "I want you to bear a message for ne, James," he said. "I want to have a !private talk with Mr. Ronald Fanshaw. So over to his house and present my wmpllmenta, and ask him if he will lo me the honor of calling on me this venlng If he has no previous engagement. You remember my exact words, lames?" The servant repented tbem. "That will do, and when he comes ihow him into this room, and see that we are not disturbed." ; "Thank you, sub." About eight o'clock Ronald rode up to Curnleigk and turned his horse over to a waiting groom. At the foot of the steps he was met by James, who, in a low, guarded voice, invited him into his master's study. As he passed the window of the drawing-room the young roan had a flashlight view of Evelyn as she sat reading'at the center table under a tall lamp with a pink shade. He had never seen her countenance so radiantly aglow. The though* took possession of his brain that it was due to his release from prison, and that idea was infinitely sweet to him after what he bad been forced to endure. As he entered, the colonel's study, from the walls of which family portraits leaned downward in deep, oldfashioned gilt frames, a casual observer would have taken him for a man of the world rather than a man whose life experiences were bounded by the limits of a single county. "First of all," said the colonel, as he extended his hand, stiffly, "I must congratulate you upon your escape from that disagreeable affair. I was rejoiced at the outcome." TOnnnlri thnnkpft him. surnrlsed at his own calmness; the warm memory of Evelyn's face, as he had just seen it, inspired him with strange, unexpected confidence in himself. The chair he had been given was quite near H:?sbrooke's, and as the colonel continued to speak he leaned his head on his hand, his elbow resting on his desk. This posture threw his face somewhat into the shadow. "I may as well come directly to the point, Mr. Fanshaw," in a forced, tense tone. "To be frank, I find myself completely in your power, and, since it must be so, it is a comfort to be in the power of a fearless man, and one who would, I am confident, despise to take unfair advantage of me." "I am sure I do not understand," faltered the visitor, in surprise. The old man twisted himself round in bis chair; the lamplight brought his strong features out in minute lineaiity against the wall behind him. "You have me, Mr. Fanshaw, as completely In your power as if I lay at your feet and you held a saber against my heart. My daughter has withheld nothing from me. Be her judgment good or ill, she loves you as she loves her life. She believed you have been greatlywronged?always misunderstood?and tha- has intensified her love. At first I was inclined to blame you for taking unfair advantage of her experience in [ worldly matters, but I am now forced to admit that you have done nothing I should not have done had the woman been as attractive personally as my daughter. I know you must care for her, Fanshaw, and that Ls why I have sent for you to unbosom myself." The speaker's words had been grow iug more and more indistinct, until they finally died in the still room. RonaJd knew that he was expected to reply, but he could gather nothing befitting the moment from the mass of thoughts and emotions that seethed in his heart. At this point a bar of soft, rippling notes came from the piano, and they were caught up by a sweet, well-trained voice singing a happy song. The old man held up his hand. "You see how she feels, Fanshaw," he said, huskily; "since your arrest she has looked more dead than alive. I was seriously afraid she would not survive. Rut you see how she is now; I told her the news just before supper, and she almost fainted with joy. That is why I sent for you; lam unable alont to fight a love like hers. You and I must decide on what to do?between us!" "Between us," repeated Ronald, still in the dark as to what was expected of him. llasbrooke's face under the ordeal be-> fore him took on the color of ashes, and as he began to speak again he pioked the nap from the sleeve of his coat with the mecbanloal action of a dying man. "Perhaps, Mr, Fanshaw, it may be as well to begin by our admitting that my sooial training has been different from yours, In my cradle I Imbibed certain conventional ideas of the duty of a man of my name to his stock. From your standpoint, doubtless, I am wrong? from mine, right, I am coming to the point, and I trust you will pardon me for being painfully plain. Fanshaw, as far back as my family records run?and we have volumes of them, sir?we have never found the line tainted with dishonor." Hasbrooke paused, taking a full breath. It was evident to Ronald that the climax waa near, but he made no comment. The room was very still; outside of it could be heard only Evelyn's sweet, ringing notes. A vague, unaccountable despair had seized on the young man's heart. He knew not what was coming, but whatever it was would not be pleasant. "You see, Fanshaw," the colonel seemed to pull himself up to his task with extra effort, "if my daughter must marry and bring children into the world, I should naturally desire the alliance to be with a man against whose family there had neveT been a charge of ?dlshflncitv!" Ronald breathed hard. The last word hnd fallen like a powerful weight which crushed out the last bit of hope he had ever had of fighting the world's difficulties. "I think I understand, Col. Hasbrooke," he heard his words jarring against the sweet floating sounds of Evelyn's voice, which was rising like u happy prayer to heaven. The colonel leaned forward almost in an attitude of pity. "Don't understand me to say, Mr. Fanshaw," he said, "that I should demand a pedigree with my daughter's husband, for 1 think there are good people who have not kept up their family records, but if i knew?actually knew of dishonesty in a family, that, sir, I should try to save my child from as i would from hereditary consumption or insanity. 1 had a dear friend, Mr. Fanshaw, in Virginia, who belonged to one of the best families? distantly related to the Carnleighs. He had a beautiful daughter who fell in love with a self-made man, whose grandfather had been accused of dishonest dealings. My friend reluctantly gave his consent, but the only issue of that marriage, Mr. Fanshaw, was # son who became an outlaw and brok^ the hearts of both his parents. Pa^ don me, sir, but 1 started out to V plain, and remember, we are consult ing about the welfare of one we both love. Mr. Fanshaw, my father's brother, who lived in East Tennessee^ was the judge who sentenced youj grandfather, Abraham Fanshaw, to prison for 20 years for theft. I knoW nothing of your father's life In Xen~ nessee, but It pains me to say that I detected him five years ago loading a wagon with wheat from one of my barns. He confessed his guilt and threw himself on my mercy, and I did not, thinking of his family and his olcj age, prosecute him." Haabrooke paused; he was not looks ing at Ronald, who had covered hia face with both his hands and sat aif still as a statue. "God forgive me if I have given yotl needless pain," said the colonel. "4 would not have spoken if I could hava seen any other way of making miawful fears clear to you. Fanshaw, If these things were "not true of yoiil people and you had not a dollar 17 your name, I should, seeing how my daughter loves you, turn over to you and her all the property which is to go to her at my death. As God is my judge, I wish I could end it all by giving her to you, but I cannotl I simply cannot!" Ronald rose to his feet; he reeled a little as he reached for his hat, which lay on the desk. "I have really never hoped to win her," he said, unsteadily. "You are T? V* ?A K. D,llJran X X |? UUj^Ub UCTC4 IV Vt. VU11U?VH of mine shall never live to curse the world 1 I Bee my duty to her?to you. May God have mercy on me!" The music had ceased; there was a light step outside and Evelyn suddenly opened the door, pausing on the threshold with nn exclamation of surprise. "I did not know?" here she broke off as her eyes fell to studying her lover's agonized face. "Papa." she asked, coming forward and standing between the two men, "what does this mean?" The old man collected his senses slowly. "Daughter," he said, after an awkward pause, "I have sent for Mr. Fanshaw to consult with him in regard to the welfare of you both, and together ?after talking it all over?we have come to & mutual agreement that the idea of marriage between you?ever, at any time?would be unwise?is not to be thought of." Evelyn fastened a questioning, half distrustful gaze on her lover. "Do you think it would be better for you to give me up?" were her words, each delivered after a little incredulous halt. "You see, Ronald, I have never known whether I could be a help to you. If you should want me, I would be ready to stand by you through trouble, adversity?everything that might come; but you are the man; you know best, and if' (her eyes went darting from one rigid face to the other) "if?" she made another beginning, but broke down and put her handkerchief to her eyea Her breast heaved high. Hasbrooke nodded despairingly to Ronald and the latter took the hint. "Circumstances beyond our control make it advisable that we should separate," he aaid, automatically. She uncovered her face, disclosing no trace of tears." ""Am I to be told about the?the circumstances?" lucjr vuuuci u uutj aij acn, aukwered Ronald, with another glance at her father. "I would rather not apeak of them." "Very well, then," ahe drew heraelf up erect. "I may at well Bay goodby." Aa ahe gave him* her hand the eyea of her father flashed with aubtle pride, but the next moment he had another glimpse of her inmoat soul. "Remember, Ronald," she said, "that I shall never kneel down without praying for you. Remember that 1 shall never love another man aa long as I live!" He bowed low; he tried to Bay something, but the ball in his throat rose and choked him. He heard the door close and knew she was gone. "THET CONCERN ^ONLT MYSELF." SAID RONALD. Like nn automaton, Hasbrooke moved forward and laid his two hands on the shoulders of the crushed young man. "It has ended better than 1 could have hoped." he declared. "Bear up. Many things are within your grasp, but my child was not for you. She's not for me, either, Fanshaw" (sighing) "she'll never be the same again ?neverl" CHAPTER XVIII. The next month was December. Christinas day was made known to the Fanshaws chietiy by the firework* which were discharged by the negroes on the Hasbrooke estate. The dawn came in with a great tooting of horns, i.oats.wr ni nlfl nans. the discharge of guns, Ihe bursting of inflated hog bladders. There was to be a cakewalk in the barn, a dance, a barbecued ox, a glorious feast, a Christmas tree. The Fanshaws were not going to indulge even in an extra dinner. Ronald had remembered his hands by presents of money, but they were going to spend it in town. Something, however, did happen to mark the day as an eventful one. Old Jade Fansbaw was brought home in Rud Tarbell's dump cart, on a pile of wheat 6traw, covered by an old quilt. This occurred about 12 o'clock in the day. Ronald remembered that it took place just as the dinner bell rang at Carnleigh. Bud Tarbell told the little group in the front yard that Jade "wasn't dead an' they needn't be skeerd." He explained that he waa driving along a mountain road looking for sticks of lightwood when he saw Fanshaw walking ahead of him as sound as a dollar as far as he waa able to see. He looked away for a minute and then he saw Fanshaw down on hiB all-fours, crawling along with head down like a grazing cow. "At fust I was afeerd of 'im, fur h? wis actin' mighty curia," observed Tarbell, "but terrectly his knee j'ints seemed to flicker an' he come down kerplunk in the mud on his stomach. Then I drive up an' put 'im in my cart." Mrs. Fanshaw was aJways a calm woman; she went out at the gate, waddled up to the cart, and shook the human heap on the straw. "Looky heer, what's a-ailin' of you, Jade?" she asked, seeing his eyes open. Fanshaw sat up slowly, but he looked like a man with only a shadow of a soul in him; his eyes glared in ghastly sockets and their whites had turned red. As he looked round at the group he seemed to recognize them, but a shifting look of terror was in his glance. He began to work his lips, to the edge of which his stubbly beard grew, but only unintelligible sounds issued. "Wia inn mm 4a no ro I M nnm "'"5 wv vvui men ted hit wife; "look how that aide it d rawed down to his neck. I declare he's got a wad o' tobacco twixt his jaws clamped thar as tight as a cider press. Jade, spit that thar truck out I Spit it out, I tell you!" And as he paid no heed to her commands. she thrust her forefinger between his almost toothless gums aa if hs were a child and pried out the brown mass. "Well!" she said, resignedly, "we'll have to git '1m in the house, Bud will want his cart. Come, you .boys" (to Ronald and David) "help lift 'im out." Dave sprang into the cart, and Ronald was about to do the same, when Fanshaw's distended eyes fell on him. The old man raised his hands aa if to ward off a blow and cried in words now easily understood: "Take 'lm away; he wants to kill me!" Ronald paused, but Fanshaw's terror did not abate. He got to his feet quickly and springing from the cart he ran. hlB knees knocking together, across the road towards the woods. "Stop 'im, he's try in* to kill mel He wants me to tell 'im who he is, an' .Whar t'other is buried!" A remarkable change came over Mrs. Fanshaw; she turned quickly to Ronald, and with an uneasy smirk, 6aid: "Don't you go nigh 'im, Ron; he's fclean out'n his senses, an' thar ain't ho tellin' what quar notion might strike. hw% ** i\m. ] Ronald stood wondering, as Tarbell and Dave ran after the old. man. They caught him by his arms and began to half carry, half drag him towards the house. But Fanshaw's distended eyes were still fixed on Ronald in affright and be struggled and fought his captors like a wild man. "I'm not agoin' to have Mm put me in jail," he snorted. "He's dene reported it to Reddin', an' together they are agoin' to have me swing for what I never done!" < . Again Mrs. Fansbaw faced Bonald; this time she stood between him and bis father. A frightened look of cunDing lay in her heavy-browed eyes. Mlf I was you, Ron," she said, burriedJy, "I'd go upstairs; he's tack a quar notion somehow that you are ag'in 'im, an' I wouldn't aggravate 'im." Glad of an excuse to get away from the harrowing scene our hero went up (o his room. Presently he heard the clatter of bob-nailed boots on the porch. The old man, now pacified, was being led like a dumb animal to bis room. Then all was quiet below. The silence lasted till he heard Dave's voice outside speaking through a broken windowpane to his mother. "I'm a-goin' to ride fur s doctor," he was saying. The floor complained of its burden as Mrs. Fansbaw went out on the porch. "Well," she replied, "you might as well.l reckon; but 1 wouldn't git Sloan; he'll charge two prices, an' dun us to death. It hain't nothin' but a stroke nohow, an' his drugs nor nobody else's can reach it. It's jest a questiou o' time. Dr. Wade will do as well as anybody." Later in the afternoon Ronald had eoine down and .was sitting before the fire in the living room. The man bad falleu asleep, watched by Bud Tarbell. who had sent his cart home and offered his services according to the cuBtom among neighbors in that vicinity. Mrs. Fanshuw came in aud began to look for a bottle of liniment on the mantel* piece. "Dr. Wade's jest gone off," she told Ronald, "he says it's the second stroke he's had, an' that the next one will carry 'im off as sure as preachin'. If 1 was you I wouldn't go nigh 'im, Ron, It's best to humor pussons like he is." Our hero made no reply. Dave came from the sick room and stood on the stone hearth warming his toes at the flames. Mrs. Fanshaw had found the bottle for which she was searching, and turned to go. "He won't last long," she said to Dave; "seems to me 1 heerd yore pa say he left off payin' on his life insurance." "Two yeer ago he did," said David, despondently. "I had put good money of my own into that, thinkin' if he died the insurance would help us buy a farm of our own out west, whar Uncle Joe says they are so cheap, but in that hard-time season when all the crops was burnt pa let it lapse, an'it's gone to the devil." "It's jest our usual luck," grumbled the old woman; "some 'n would 'a'happened to a-kept all that money from reachin' us anyhow. We never was born under a good star." Ronald looked up. "You needn't let that bother you, mother," he said, softly. "The insurance policy is all right; I attended to it." The sudden change in Mrs. Fanshaw was not alone due to gratified surprise. riunuiu liJUUgm lie uau u?iu .ivu uv. look at him quite so strangely. She started to say something, which seemed to have rushed impulsively to her tongue, and then she shook her shoulders, closed her lips tightly and left the room. Dave laughed. "She certainly acts peculiar to-day," he said. "Dang it, pa does, too, as for that matter. I wish you could a heerd 'im rant about you jest now. He thinks you've got old Reddln' an' twenty other lawyers on his track about some'n." To this observation our hero made no response. [TO BE CONCLUDED]. X#' It is slow work getting rich In grace at a penny a week. The men who have lifted the | world have never been too great to touch It with their hands. !W Some people never pray "forgive us our debts," egcept when the offering is being taken. ittiscrUancous Srndinn. DIVERSIFICATION THE THING. Harvis Jordan Tails tha Farmers How to Raduca Cotton Acreage. It Is generally believed that the signing of thousands of pledges to reduce cotton acreage this year will result in the diversification of crops, something that has been needed In the south for many years. With cotton acreage reduced the farmer must utilize his land not planted in cotton, and his land, according to ail reports, will be planted in other crops. President Harvle Jordan of the Southern Cotfbn association has written a strong article urging the diversification of crops, and for the farmers to raise their auoDlles at home. Raiting Food 8upply Crops. Mr. Jordan says: "Diversification is the keynote to successful agriculture. This not only applies to farming in the south, but to all sections of the world where agriculture is carried on. It Is one of the laws of nature, as well as an economic law, that land cannot be maintained to a high state of fertility from any system of culture that does not embrace within the methods adopted a plan of diversification. ThiB is especially true In the case of our southern lands, which have been largely depleted of their natural fertility by long course of planting and cultivating a single crop. Cotton has for many years been the dominating crop of the south, because of its money value, and the case with which it can be sold in every local market throughout the south. At the present time it is particularly Important that our people turn their attention to the production of more food supply crops and curtail the extended production of cotton. At the present price of cotton it ceases to be a profitable Industry where the growers of the staple have to depend so largely upon the purchase of supplies to maintain the operations of the farm. Unless the acreage In cotton Is largely curtailed, and the production of food supplies is largely Increased the future does not present a very bright picture for the cotton growers of the south. Within the next 30 or 90 days the determination of the southern farmers to intelligently solve | the problem which confronts them at this time will be demonstrated to the world. Whether their action will carry with It a tendency toward protection and self-preservation In the heavy curtailment of cotton acreage and an increased acreage in food supply crops, ' ~ ? rt.i.uilrtn n.lilrtK Hi q mhnla urnrlH I in O. l| UCOIIUII TVisz\,aa iiav T* iiwiv .. W. .. Is now waiting for. From the Information which Is dally coming in, shown through the columns of the public press, the action of county and parish meetings and hundreds of letters from individual farmers, it can be safely predicted at the present time that the southern farmers, for once at least, will demonstrate their ability to put Into practical operation what they know to be for their best Interest. "The reduction In the use of commercial fertilizers In the old states has already become an accomplished fact. Fertilizer factories are preparing in many Instances to shut down their plants, and the demand for guano at Interior points by farmers is les% than has ever been the case since the manufacture of commercial fertilizers has become one of the leading Industries of the south. Will Hold Cotton. "Another matter which has already assisted the cotton producing Industry of two continents is the fact that the spot holders of cotton have so far lived up to the pledges which they made three months ago not to throw their cotton upon a depressed, speculative market and sacrifice it merely to gratify the wishes of the exporters and speculators. The result of the holding movement since January 26, up to the present time, has already added $25,000,000 to the amount of cotton left In the south unsold up to that time. Tne mere fact that the cotton Is being held and not thrown upon the market with reckless disregard, has added more than $6 per bale to the prices which were offered only 30 days ago. This has been a net gain of fully $5.50 per bale to every man or firm who has refused to sell cotton, even though such cotton was stored in warehouses and money borrowed on the same. "The wisdom and sound business judgment displayed in the present holding movement has exemplified the fact beyond all question of doubt that unless our cotton Is dumped upon the markets of the country, that its price can be maintained at a value which will show a profit to the producer. Notwithstanding the fact that 9,000,000 i-ales of the crop of 1904 have been sold, and the mills generally supplied themselves for many months, we find today an enormous and ever-increasing demand for spot cotton. And even in the face of a large surplus, the price of the staple is slowly but surely advancing each day. With the present holding policy. If persisted in until after the reduction In acreage and use of commercial fertilizer has become an established fact, there can be no question that the price of the staple will Increase at least 2 cents per pound greater than prices being offered today. Not only will the reduction In acreage be an important feature, but the retiring of the entire surplus will only leave an amount of cotton to meet the actual needs of the mills for spinning purposes between the present time and next September, and as there is at this time the greatest demand for cotton goods that has ever been ' *? ? ' V? lotnrir nf t ho Wfirlfl. IW1U WI1 III IIIC IIIOIV/ > J VI vnv .. V. . the spot holders of cotton have every encouragement to feel that In the near future the value of the staple will be Increased to the minimum price agreed upon at the late New Orleans convention. which was 10 cents per pound delivered at the ports. The Planting Season. "The opening of the planting season Is now upon us. During the present month the principal acreage to be devoted to corn and spring oats will be planted. It Is imperative that on every farm at least a sufficient acreage should be planted In corn to meet the demands of the farm. Where fall oats were not sown. It Is equally important that four to five acres to the plow should be devoted to spring oats. Spring oats can be successfully planted up to the 20th of March. It is not only the Imperative duty of every farmer In the south, no matter whether he be land owner, tenant or cropper to reduce his cotton acreage, but there should be more 'hog and hominy* produced In the south In 1905 than i;ias ever been produced before. If this is done by determined effort, then in less than eight months the wave of pros-' perlty which swept over our country the past two or three years will continue unabated, and we will exemplify to the world that the south has the manhood, ability and the determination to solve her problem to the best Interest of her people. There is no half-way ground for any farmer to stand upon. Every man is expected to do his duty in this good year 1905. The man who fails to do his duty will be a recreant not only to his own individual interest, but to the best in terest of his beloved country. "While I would not advocate the planting of corn If raised as a money crop, still It is absolutely essential that you make the cotton crop free from the encumbrance of supplies bought at ruinously high prices with which to make same. Cut down the cotton acreage at least 26 per cent, and Increase the food supplies from 25 to 40 per cent. It makes no difference how fascinating the production of cotton may be, the uncontroverted fact remains that when more American cotton is grown than Is needed to supply the world's demands the price at which it can be sold will be less than the cost of production. And when cotton is sold at or below the cost of production, not only the producer but every line of business in the south suffers a financial depression. Therefore, let us not lose the golden opportunity which presents Itself, and which must be taken advantage of within the next 30 days, to Increase our food supply crops and to preserve unhampered the great staple crop of the south, which will either make us rich or make us poor indeed." THE WAREHOUSE ORGANIZATION Official Statement of Proceedings of New Orleans Meeting. The following official statement lias been issued concerning the recent meeting of the warehouse committee of the Southern Cotton association, which was held In New Orleans on Monday, March 13: The committee appointed by the Southern Cotton association for the purpose of recommending and suggesting plans for Increasing warehouse facilities, improving the warehouses now in existence, or to be built for the purpose ui wureiiuuauii uiiivii, uicv ui the St. Charles hotel, in the city of New Orleans. La., at 10 o'clock a. m. March 13, 1905. There were present: Hon. Harvle Jordan, presld^t Southern Cotton association, fanner, Monticello, Oa. O. Gunby Jordan, president Eagle Phoenix Cotton and Woolen mills, Columbus, Ga. W. D. Nesbltt, warehouseman, Birmingham. Ala. Tom Lyle, compress and warehouseman. Meridian, Miss. W. P. G. Harding, banker, Birmingham, Ala. W. J. White, merchant, Russellville, Ark. E. S. Peters, farmer, Calvert Ter. J. A. Brown, banker, Chadbourne, N. C. Hon. Harvle Jordan was unanimously elected chairman of the committee and D. M. Holllngsworth, secretary. The committee went Into executive session to outline a plan which a majority of them could agree upon in Its recommendation, and subsequently invited discussion from any party who leslred to be heard from the committee. Several written plans were submitted and addresses made by parties who had able suggestions to offer concerning plans for warehousing cotton. Among the addresses which were full of helpful information in assisting the committee to arrive at a conclusion were thoSfe made by the following named gentlemen: G. Gunby Jordan, W. D. Nesbltt, Tom Lyle, Harvle Jordan. W. J. White. W. P. G. Harding and W. L. Jones. The following resolution was un .nImously passed: "It Is the sense of this committee that they shall act In an advisory capacity to those Individuals, corporations or communities who wish to engage In the warehousing business In the south, furnishing all obtainable ln?___nmt nf rnnntrue Hon, protection and equipment, Insurance, bonding, railroad rates, the lt.ws regarding warehouse receipts In different states and encourage, If possible. Investment In warehouses suitable for storing cotton." After some further discussion the following resolution was unanimously adopted: "This committee recommends to the president and the executive committee of the Southern Cotton association that the president provide the means to supply plans and information concerning warehouses of various capacity and efficiency, as may be required by the local conditions In different localities, and provide ways and means for carrying this resolution into effect, which shall embrace whatever information Is obtainable concerning cost of construction, protection and equipment. Insurance, building, railroad rates, the laws regarding warehouse receipts In the different states and encourage. If possible. Investment In warehouses suitable for storing cotton." The following committee, to which the chair was added, were authorized to prepare the official proceedings of this meeting for publication, viz: O. Qunby Jordan, chairman; W. D. Nesbltt, W. J. White, Harvle Jordan. This committee, recognizing the great necessity for warehouses In many sections of the south, now almost wholly without adequate facilities in this line, and also desiring radical improvements in most or me warehouses now in existence, to the end that the fanners may secure better protection for their cotton, lower rates of insurance and good collateral upon which, if desired, funds can be obtained at reasonable rates of interest, hereby desire to sincerely thank all the friends of the movement who have by helpful suggestions and deep Interest largely aided the committee so far, and especially among these friends we recognize Judge Eugene I Williams. Daco, Tex.; Mr. Edward K. Summervllle, New York city; Mr. George C. Hull, New York city; Mr. S. F. B. Morse, New York city; Br. Percy Clurk, Birmingham, Ala.; Mr. R. H. Edmonds, Manufacturers' Record, Baltimore, Md.; and Mr. J. T. Dargan, president Atlanta-Birmingham Insurance company, Atlanta, Ga., and hereby Invite further suggestions and co-operation on this line. The committee adjourned subject to the call of the president of theSsuthern Cotton association. (Signed) Q. Gunby Jordan, D. M. Kolllngsworth, Chair-man. Secretary. "18 EVAN8 TO RULE?" Editors of Barnwell Sentinsl Stand to Their Guns. News and Courier: When the intention of Chairman H. H. Evans of the state board of con troi, to prosecute tne editors ot tne Barnwell 3entinel on the charge of libel was printed In the Columbia correspondence of the News and Courier a request was made through the Barnwell correspondent, of the Newt - and Courier for a statement on the part of the editors of the 8entlnel. The following has been received from Barnwell: Baknwkll, March 18.?Special: When seen by your correspondent Messrs. Marshall Moore and R. Boyd Cole, the editors of the Barnwell Sentinel, said, In reply to the article published in the News and Courier, that Mr. Evans sent his attorney here to confer with them In regard to the Sentinel <*lltorlal and that they Informed Mir. Elliott that they had nothing to retract They claim that the Columbia correspondence. In quoting only a part of the editorial, left the Impression that the mention of Evans in that connection was unwarranted. The complete article Is as follows: A Unique Case?Supplement No. 1. The 8unday night sermon of the Rev. J. L. Harley was one full of practical thought and interest for the people of Bam well. His subject, "Evil In Power is Tyrannical," carries with It a volume of thought and application. The purpose of this editorial, however, Is not to comment on the entire sermon of the Methodist minister, but on one statement In the discourse, which is news not only to Barnwell county, bit to the state of South Carolina. We call It news; It may not be new to some people In the state, yet we trust will nev?r grow so old and out of da*e as not to be commented on. , In commenting upon the tyranny evil exercises upon men In public life, Mr. Harley had occasion to refer to an Incident In the last legislature. In which the senator from Barnwell county was the hero. It Is stated on good authority that while the Toole bill was pending, one Hub Evans, of dispensary fame, approached George H. Bates, senator l'rom Barnwell county, and Invited him to attend his box party at the theatre. Mr. Bates replied, "Excuse me, sir, I cannot accept any courtesies from you." Mr. Harley added that the Evans box was Oiled with 2X legislators. This Is an Incident'of no weak lmport The answer of Senator Bates to the profei>isional lobbyist has a golden ring about It and sounds much like the seats of our legislature are being Oiled with men. Truly Holland reminds us of the time In which we live. "God give us men; a time like this demands. Strong minds, great hearts, true faith, and ready hands. Men whom the lust of office does not kilL Men whom the spoils of office cannot buy. Men who have opinions and a will. Men who have honor, men who will not lie. Men who stand before a demagogue. And damn his treacherous flatteries _ without winking. Tall men. sun crowned, who rise above the fog, In publ!!c duty and in private thinking." Is Evans to rule South Carolina with a salary of $400, when many a poor ? devil with $600 or $700 has to scratch for hungry mouths? Te economists, If ye will, tell us how a man can give , box parties, keep daughters at college %? and be drawn around the streets of Rock Hill in a coach and paid on the pitiful sum of $400 per annum. There is something rotten in the state of South Carolina and it reeks frorti Columbia to Barnwell. Since the matter has been mooted in Barnwell the Sentinel has been offered all the f *ee counsel they want, and many business men have said that the suit shall not cost the editors a cent Mr. Evans attempted to employ prominent lawyers here, but they refused to take the case. The Barnwell Sentinel, formerly edited by Clarence L. Brown, is now owned and published by the Barnwell Publishing and Advertising company, an organization of business men of Barnwell county, banded for the pur- pose of building up the farming and trucking interests of this section. The Columbia correspondent of the News and Courier explains the fact that the entire editorial was not reproduced In his dispatch of March 14 as follows: . With reference to the special from Barnwell relative to the libel suit of Mr. H. H. Evans agRlnst the editors of the Barn well, Sentinel: It is only fair to state that the entire article was not available and that the paragraph quoted was what had been published in county papers and seemed to be the special occasion for the suit. The entire article as quoted above would gladly have been published as giving the reason for the suit and what was used was simply to show the basis for the action. Mr. William Elliott, Jr.. who represents Mr. Evans, today stated that It was entirely Incorrect to say that any !awyer at the Barnwell bar had refused to act in the case. He had been in Barnwell and the only lawyer he asked to be associated in the ca se had accented, and he understood that the editors of the Barnwell Sentinel naa regularly employed their counsel and that there was no gratuitous service about the matter. Mr. Elliott stated that he had been the only one to visit Barnwell about the case and certainly no lawyer there refused to go Into the case, to whom such an offer had been made. Mr. Elliott was busily engaged in the United States court todaj\ but stated that the warrant for criminal libel would be lodged within the next few days and that any suggestion that the suit was a "bluff" was not a fact. He had been Instructed to bring a criminal suit first and he was going to do so. a. k. Friendlt Murdhr.?When Commodore Billings and Mr. Main were on the river Kahima they had for attendant a young man from Kanoga, an Island between Kamchatka and North America. One day Mr. Main asked him, "What will the savages do to me If I fall Into their power?" "Sir," said the youth, "you will never fall into their power If I remain with you. I always carry a sharp knife, and If I see you pursued and unable to escape I will plunge my knife into your heart; then the savages can do nothing to you." This recalls the words of the I'Yench knight reported by Joinville. "Swear to me," said Queen Margaret, "iihat If the Saracens become masters of Damletta you will cut off my head before they can take me." "Willingly," returned the knight. "I had already thought of doing so if the contingency arrived." 1