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* ^ 1S8CTD SBXI-WSBKL^ l. m. grist's sons. Pubiiihers. ! % ^amilj Jieicspaptr: Jor the promotion of the foliticat, JJociat. ^gricallurat and Commeraal Jjitterests of the feojste. { tkk5?noL12'copt.Viv? cknAtoVAVK ESTABLISHED 1855. ~ YORKVILLE, S. C., FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 37, 1908. NO. 95. * " " " - . ? - - 1 * ~ ij* a?nM m w iw iw in IW HI IW HI Hi IM I Mi I -m ju By OPII Copyrighted 1896, by Wm. K By Permission of Lai CHAPTER VI?Continued. I I could see that Alf was anxious to k tell me something, and immediately afA ter supper I went up stairs with him. t He took off his coat, and after dusting it carefully hung it up and sat down. He looked at me as if he were delighted with the curiosity that I was showine. and then as he reached for his pipe be began: "I was a-plowing out in the field about three hours by sun. when I saw Millie come out of the valley like a larkspur straightening up * in the spring of the year, and after waiting a while, but always with my eye on the house, I quit work, slipped up here and dressed myself so as to be ready to walk home with her. I was ^ rather afraid to ask her at first, knowing that this was breaking away from all my former strings and announcing my determination of keeping company with her. out and out, and I don't know exactly how I got at it, but I did, and the first thing I knew I was walking down the road with her. And this time !I do remember what she said, but there wasn't anything so encouraging in it. The fact is she had something to tell me about you." "About me? What can she know about me? Probably she was giving you her father's estimate of me." "No, but somebody else's estimate," he replied. "You recollect a fellow named Bentley?" "Bentley? Of course. I do. We lived on adjoining farms, and I have a sore cause to remember him. But how could she have heard anything about him?" "Well, I'll tell you. Mrs. Bentley is ^ old man Aimes' sister, and she's over here now on a visit, and when she heard that you were teaching school in the neighborhood she declared that it, would be a mercy if you didn't kill % somebody before you got through. And then she told that you, had waylaid her son one night and come mighty nigh killing him. She said that she was perfectly willing to forgive you until she saw the scar left on her son's fore(bead. and a woman can't very well forgive a scar, you know. Old Alines and all his sons are slaughter-house dogs, and they appeared to take up a hatred against you at once. Don't you remember as we drove to the school a hoy threw a chunk at us as we were passing a clearing and s\Vore that he could whip us both? Well, that was the youngest Almes, and the trick now is. as 1 understand it, to send him to school with instructions to do pretty much as he pleases and to take revenge on you in case you whip him. Millie said that her father swore that it was a shame and that if you wanted any help from him you could get it. Nobody likes the Aimes family, came ^ in here several years ago, and have been kicking up disturbances ever since." I told Alf why I had snatched Bentley off his horse, nor in the least did I ' shield myself. I even called myself a hrute. But I told him of the season of sorrow and humiliation through which I had passed, that I had insisted upon giving Bentley the only valuable thing I possessed, that against his mother's command I had striven to work for him during the time he was laid up, and that I had even plowed his field at night. "I don't know that you were so far wrong in beating him in the first place," said Alf, "but if you were, your course afterward should have more than atonW ed for it. By gracious. I feel that if ^ some one would plow for me I'd let him maul me until he got tired. Millie said that she was afraid that something might happen to get you into trouble. She seemed a good deal concerned about it. for I reckon she's got the noblest and purest heart of any human being now in the world, and she said that she thought that if you were to give up the school her father could make some arrangements for you to y study law in furay. tne county seat, i told her that you would be delighted to quit teaching under ordinary circumstances, but that just at pres -nt you'd teach or die. Was I right?" | "Surely, and I thank you fcr having defined my position. I wonder if we can commit an innocent error, an error that will lie asleep and never rise up to confront us? Now, I shall have a fine reputation in this neighborhood." "Oh, don't let that worry you. Bill. It'll come out all right. I'd be willing to have almost any sort of name if it would influence that girl to talk in my favor as she did in yours. I don't know what to think; somehow I can't find out her opinion of me. I slily spoke V about that fellow, Dan Stuart, but she * didn't say a word. Confound it, Bill, can't a woman see that she's got a fellow on the gridiron? They can't even hear to see a hop suffer, but they can w smile and look unconcerned while a man is writhing over the coals. I don't understand it." "Nor do I. Alf, but I've been over the coals?I mean that I can well imagine what it is to be there." He lay down, and with his head far back on the pillow, looked upward as if with his gaze he would bore through the roof and reach the stars. He is silent for a long time, but when I had fdown out the light and had gone to bed, thinking that he was asleep. I heard him muttering. "Talking to me. Alf?" He turned * over with a sigh and answered: "No, not particularly I was just wondering whether a man ought to try* to outlive a disappointment in love or kill himself and end the matter. We are told that r.od is love, and if God is denied to a man. what's the use of trying to struggle on? I suppose the advantage of knowing is that it enables a man to settle such questions at once, but as I t am not learned, having grabbed but a little here and there. I have to worryalong with a thing that another man might dismiss at once. What's your idea. Bill?" ? "My idea is that a man ought never to give up. hut, of course, there are times when he is so completely beaten 2 READ. I. Lee?All Rights Reserved. ! ird &. Lee, Publishers. j that to fight longer is worse than useless. But learning cannot settle questions wherein the heart is involved. The philosopher may kill himself in despair, while the ignorant man may continue to fight and may finally win. The other day you spoke of something that was in your favor?something that has to do with your sister's education. Would you think it impertinent if I ask you what that something is?" "No, I'd not think that," he answered. I had risen up in bed and was straining my eyes, trying to find his face, to study his expression, but darkness lay between us. "Not impertinent in the least, but I can't tell you just now. After a while, if you stay here long enough, you'll know all about it. Rill if that vnnnp- A imps onmes to school and begins any of his pranks, take him down and I'll stand by you, and people that know me will tell you that I mean what I say. The old man has never been whipped yet, I mean my father, and nobody ever saw his son knock under." CHAPTER VII. The next morning, when with quick stride, to make up for an anxious lingering in the passage way, I hastened toward the school, I heard the gallop of a horse, and turning about, saw old General Lundsford coming like a dragoon. Upon seeing me he drew in his horse and had sobered him to a walk by the time he reached a brook, on the brink of which I halted to let him pass. I "Why, good morning, Mr. Hawes. Beautiful day, sir. I am going your J way a short distance, and if you'll get up here behind me, sir, you shall ride." I thanked him. telling him that I much preferred to walk. "All right, sir, and I will get down and walk with you until duty, sir," he said sonorously, with a bow; "until duty, sir, shall call us apart." I urged him not to get down, telling hjtn that I could easily keep pace with his horse, but he dismounted even before crossing the stream, preferring, ho said, with another bow, to take his chances with me. And thus we walked onward, the horse following close, now and then "nosing" his master's shoul aer 10 snow ins prcivixiiw uuu mo wj alt.v. The season was mellowing' and the old gentleman was airily dressed in white, low shoes neatly polished ajid a Panama hat. He was delighted, he 1 said, to hear that I was getting alop?_ so well with the school, and he knew that I would be of vast good to the community. "I have heard of the Aimes conspiracy," said he, "and I am glad that I met you, for I wanted to talk to you about it. The truth of it all is, not that you once larruped that fellow Bentley, that old Aimes ' wishes to put a sly indignity upon me by misusing one who has been entertained at my house. That's the point, sir. He heard that I had given you countenance at my board, and what his sister afterward told him was an excuse for the exercise, sir, of his distemper. But. by?I came within one of swearing, sir. I used to curse like an overseer, but I joined the church not long ago. and I've been walking a tight rope ever since. Rut as I was 1 about to say, you are not going to let those people humiliate you." "I am going to do my duty," I an- J swered, "and my duty does not tell me to be humiliated." "Good, sir; first-rate. As a general thing, we do not look for the highest spirit in a school teacher?pardon my frankness, for, as you know, one who is dependent upon a whole community, one who seeks to please many and varied persons, is not as likely to exhibit that independence and vigor of action which is characteristic of the man who stands soieiy upon nonur, with nothing to appease save his own idea of rig-lit. But I forgot. The grandson of Captain Hawes needs no such homily. The Aimes family is a hard lot. sir. but a gentleman can at all times stand in smiling conquest above a tough. Scott Aimes. a burly scoundrel. and. therefore, the pet of his father. at one time threatened to chastise my son Chydister, who is now off at college. And I said not a word in reply. when my son told me of the threat. I merely pointed to a shotgun above the library door and went on with my reading of the death notices in the newspaper. That gun is there now, sir. and whenever you want it. speak the word and it shall be yours." I laughed to myself and thought that I must be getting on well with the old genera!?first the offer of his library and now of his gun?and I thanked him for the interest which he had shown in me. a mere stranger. "A well-bred southerner is never a stranger in the south." said he. "We are held together by an affection stronger than any tie that runs from heart to heart in any other branch of the human family. But." he added, sadly shaking his head. "I fear that this affection is weakening. Our young men are becoming steeped in the strong commercial spirit of the north. I should like to continue this nnH elevntine conversation. but here's where I am compelled to leave you." "Can I assist you to mount?" I asked, hardly knowing what else to sav. He shoved his hat back and looked at me in astonishment. "You are kind, sir, but I am not yet on the lift." But he instantly recognized that this was harsh, and with a broad smile he added: "Pardon me for my shortness of speech, but the truth is that a man who has spent much of his life in the saddle contemplates with horror the time when he must be helped to his seat." "General, I am the one to ask pardon." I replied, bowing in my turn. "Oh. no. I assure you!" he exclaimed. mounting his horse with more ease than I had expected to see. "It was vour kindness of heart, sir; a courtesy, and though a courtesy may be a mistake. it Is still a virtue. Look at that old field out there." he broke off. "Do you call that an advancement of clvili zation. By?the tight rope, again?It is desolation." It seemed that while walking he had regarded me as his guest, but that now, astride his horse and I on foot, he looked upon me as a man whom he had simply met in the road. "A return of prosperity," he said, gathering up his bridle rein, "a fine return. indeed. About another such a return and this infernal world won't be fit to live in. I wish you good morning, sir." That very day there came to school the sullen-looking boy whom I had seen in the tobacco patch. I asked him his name and he answered that he had forgotten to bring it with him. "Perhaps," said I, "it would be well to go back and get it." "If you want it wus'n I do I reckon you better go atter it." This set the children to laughing. My humiliation was begun. "I understand why you have come," said I. "and I must tell you that you must obey the rules if you stay here. What is your name?" "Gibblits," he answered. The children laughed and he stood regarding me with a leer lurking in the corners of his evil-looking mouth. "All Hlf /"UKKlUo nrp your books?" He grinned at me and answered: "Ain't got none." "Well, sit down over there and I'll attend to you after a while." "Won't set down and won't be attended to." "Well, then. I'll attend to you right now." I grabbed him by the collar, jerked him to me and boxed his jaws. He ran out howling when I turned him loose, and for a time he stood off in the woods, throwing stones at the house. The war was begun. And I expected to encounter the Aimes forces on my way home, but saw nothing of them as I passed within sight of the house. I hoped to see a look of sweet alarm on Guinea's face, when I should tell her of the danger that threatened me, and there was sweetness in her countenance, when I told her, though not a look of alarm, but a smile of amusement. Was it that she felt no interest in me? The other members of the family were much concerned. but that was no recompense for the girl's apparent indifference. The old man snorted. Mrs. Jucklln was so wrought upon that she strove to prepare me a soothing dish at supper, but. Guinea remained undisturbed. I could not help but speak to Alf about it when we had gone up to our room. "Oh, you never can tell anything about her," he said. "It's not because she isn't scared, but because she hates to show a thing of that sort. I'm mighty sorry it has come about. But there's only one way out?fight out if they jump on you. I don't know how soon they intend to do anything, but I'll nose around and come over to the school this evening if I hear anything. Don't let it worry you; just put it down as a thing that couldn't be helped." It did not worry me?the fact that I RTTght be on the verge of serious trouble, did not; but the thought of Guinea's careless smile lay cold upon my heart, and all night I was restless under it. Anod when I went down stairs at dawn I met her in the passage way, carrying a light. She looked at me, shielding the light with her hand to keep the breeze from blowing it out, and smiled, and in her smile there was no coolness, and yet there was naught to show me that she had passed an anxious night. Ah, love, we demand tnat you snaii noi omy ue happy, but miserable at our wish. We would dim your eye when our own is blurred; we would smother your heart when our own is heavy, and would piece it with a pain. Upon her children this old world has poured the wisdom of her gathered ages, and could we look from another sphere we might see the minds of great men twinkling like the stars, but the human heart is yet unschooled, yet has no range of vision, but chokes and sobs in its own emotion, as it did when the first poet stood upon a hill and cried aloud to an unknown God. Away across the valley and over the hills the peeping sun was a glaring scollop when I came out to take my course through the woods toward the school, I knew that the girl stood in the door behind me. Alf and the old man were already in the field; I could hear them talking to their horses; and Mrs. Jucklin was up stairs?Guinea and I were alone. I turned and looked at her and again she smiled. "The world seems to be holding its breath, waiting for something to happen," she said. "To me it always appears so when there is a lull in the air just at sunrise." "What a fanciful Uttle creature you are." I replied. "Little! Oh, you mustn't call me little. I'm taller than mother. I don't want to be little, although it is more appealing. I want to be commanding." "But what can be more commanding than an appeal?" I asked. "Yes. when the appeal is pitiful, but I don't want any one to pity me." she said, laughing. "You big folks have such a patronizing way. You don't look well this morning, Mr. Hawes. Is it because you have been worrying over those wretched Aimes boys? Won't you please forgive me?" she quickly added. "I don't know why I said that, for T ought to know that you are not afraid of them." "I didn't sleep very well," I answered, "but I was not thinking of the Aimes boys. Shall I tell you what worrits! me?" "Yes, surely." "II may requirr ivhihoi <m uu..u. ranted frankness on my part, but I will tell you. It seemed to me that " I hesitated, "flo on," she said. "Well, it seemed that you were strangely unconcerned when I told you that I was likely to have trouble with those people." She stood with her head resting against the door-facing. I looked hard at her. striving to catch some sign of emotion, but I saw no evidence of feeling: she was cool and reserved. "I don't know why you should have thought that." she said. "Why should I be so uncharitable. I was very sorry that anything was likely t?? interrupt the school." "Oh." I replied, and perhaps with some bitterness, "it really amounts to but little?the threat of those ruffians, I mean?and to speak about it almost puts me down as a fool. I hope you will forgive me." I hastened away, with a senseless ang'M- in my heart, and I think that it is well that I saw no member of the Aimcs family that morning on my way to school. Everything went forward as usual; play time came, and the children shouted in the woods, and the hour for dismissal had nearly arrived when In stalki'd Alf with a shotgun. He nodded at ine and took a seat far to the rear of the mom, as if careful last he might interrupt the closing ceremonies. And when the last child was gone my friend came forward, shaking his head. "What's the trouble now?" I asked, taking down my hat. "Put your hat right back there, unless you want to wear It in the houst he said. "I have found out that those fellows are laying for you. and it won't be safe to start home now; we'll have to wait until dark. Oh, they'll Ret you sure if you go now. They have been to town, I understand, and have come back pretty well loaded up with whisky. Oh, they are as bold as lions now. But we'll fix them all right. We'll wait until dark and not go by the road, and tomorrow morning we'll go over and see what they've got to say." "Alf, I don't know how to express my thanks to you. You are running a great risk " "Don't mention that. Bill. You stood by me, you understand?walked right into the general's house with me, and I said to myself that If you ever got into a pinch that I'd be on hand and stand with you. Did you bring a pistol?" "Yes, and I am very glad that I didn't meet one of those fellows as I came along. However, I should not know one of them' if I were to meet him in the road." "But you'll know them after a while. Do these doors lock?" "I think not. or, at least, they could be easily forced open. Do you think they are likely " "They are likely to do anything now," he broke in. "And there are Just four of them big enough to tight? of the boys, I mean, for the old man has sense enough to keep out of it." "It is a wonder, then," said I, "that he hasn't sense enough to keep his sons out of it, as he must know that no good can be the result." "That's all true enough." Alf replied. "but I have heard that you can't argue with the instinct of a brute, and I know that it is useless to argue with red liquor. Here, let's shove the writing desk against this door," he added. "Once more, shove again. That's it. Now we'll pile benches against the other one. We can't do anything with the windows, but must simply keep out of the way of them." "Do you think they will shoot through them?" I asked. He halted, with the end of a bench In his grasp, and looked at me. "Bill, if I didn't know better I'd swear that you are not of the south. Don't you know that if you enrage white trash it is likely to do anything? Don't you know that consequences are never counted?" "I know all that," I replied, "but I was considering the incentive. I know that if you give the Cracker a cause he will do most anything, but have I given him a cause?" "You have given him all the excuse he wants. One more bench. That's it. And now the fury of their fight will depend upon the quantity of liquor they Vinvo with Ihpm T rllHn't tell anv of the home folks that I was coming here ?told them that I might meet you and that we might not be home until late. I wouldn't be surprised " Out in the woods there was the blunt bark of a shotgun, the window glass was splintered in a circle, a sharp zip and a piece of the clay "chinking" flew from the opposite wall. "What did I tell you?" said Alf, looking at me as if pleased with the proof of his forecast. "You get over on that side and I'll stay here. Get down on the floor and look through between the logs if you can find a place, and if you can't punch out the dirt, but be easy: they might see you. There he is again." The glass in the other window was shattered. "That's all right." said Alf. "They may charge on us after a while, and then we'll let them have it. Have you found a place?" "I have made one," I answered, lying flat on the floor, gazing out No shot had been fired from my side, and I had begun to think that the entire force was confronting Alf when in the sobering light I saw a man standing besf.de a tree not more than fifty yards distant. He appeared to be talking to someone, for I saw him look round and nod his head. I did not want to kill him, although the law was plainly on my side, hut a man may stand shoulder to shoulder with the law and yet wound his own conscience. Another figure came within sight, among the bushes, appearing to rise out of the leafy darkness, and then there came a loud shout: "Come out of there, you coward!" "Don't say a word," said Alf. "They are trying to locate you. I don't see anybody yet, and it's getting most too dark now. Hut I reckon we'd both better fire to let them know that there is more than one of us. We don't want to take any advantage of them, you know," he added, laughing. "It doesn't look as if we were," I answered. "I could kill one of them. Alf." "The devil you could! Then do it. Here, let me get at him." "No," I replied, waving him off from my peep-hole. It is better not to kill him until we are forced to." "But we are forced to now, don't you see? They've shot at us. There you ore!" They had fired a volley, it seemed. "Let me get at him," said Alf. "I'll try him," I replied. And I poked the barrel of my pistol through the crack, pretended to take a careful aim and fired. "Did you get him?" Alf asked. "Don't know; can't see very well." "Well, if I find one of them he's gone." he replied, returning to his own look-out. And a moment later the almost simultaneous discharge of both barrels of his gun jarred the house. "Don't know whether I got him or not," he said, as he drew back and began to reload, "for I couldn't see very well, but I'll bet he thinks a hurricane came along through the bushes. It's too dark now to see anything and all we can do is to wait." "Wait for wnatv i asaeo. "Wait for them to try to break in. They'll try it after they have had a few more pulls at the bottle, I think. Now let's keep perfectly quiet and watch." To be Continued FARMERS' UNION CONVENTION Recent Meeting In New Orleans Was a Great Success. MR. PARROTT TELLS OF CONVENTION. Outline of Plans Looking to the Establishment of a Mammoth Warehouae ?Mr. Parrott Is Pleased With the Outlook. Columbia State. Mr. Frank S. Parrott, editor of the Farmers' Union Sun, who attended the Farmers' Union convention In New Orleans, is very hopeful of the good to come from that convention. In speaking of the meeting, he said: "There were about 1,500 delegates, representing every cotton-growing state. Georgia sent a special train from Atlanta on Tuesday morning of last week. This was the first trajn composed exclusively of Farmers* Union men to ever be run that distance. The utmost harmony prevailed throughout the convention and great good will come of it. "One of the principal things accomplished was the getting together of the farmers and the business men of New Orleans. A committee made up of Farmers' Union men and members of the Progressive Union of New Orleans, an organization whose business It is to boost the Crescent City, now has the whole matter of working out a system for handling the cotton crop in their hands. To start with 1,000,006 bales of cotton have been pledged this committee to be disposed of only as the committee sees fit. It is also proposed to establish a central warehouse at New Orleans with a capital of $5,000,000 Whose receipt will be negotiable in any money market, either domestic or fcreign. This does not mean that all the cotton will have to actually be stored In New Orleans, but the central warehouse will be located at that place and will cover about 30 acres. ' "This seems to be a great undertaking for the farmers and the business men of New Orleans, but the powers that be are with us. The governor of Louisiana is so much in earnest about the proposition that he said that If it were jiecessary to carry out the project, he would call a special session of his legislature for the purpose of building the warehouse at the expense of the state. "The time of the convention was not taken up with 'wind-jamming* as is usually the case, but there was a determination on the part of all to get down to business. There has not been a bale of cotton of this present crop sold at a profit. All realize that matters can not go on that way long. Unless the farmer makes some profit the country is facing ruin. Ail realized that empty resolutions, with no power to carry out those resolutions would amount to nothing. The thing to do was to get at some plan for the future. "The committee having this matter in charge is a peculiarly strong one. ft would be hard to get a more efficient or more far-seeing set of men together. The matter is safe in their hands." Mr. Parrott would not talk of the other transactions of the body. He stated that, as the Union was a secret organization, he did not feel at liberty to talk except of those things which the public was entitled to. When asked what he thought of the price of cotton, Mr. Parrott said: "The price is bound to go up. The speculators and consumers have got a large part of the crop, and the mills now want the price to go up. They have bought cotton at a low price to spin. If they can now make it go up they can dispose of their goods at the advance price. Besides many of the mills have goods on hand now that were spun out of 12-cent cotton. Everything points to an advance in the market, and the man who holds on to what he has is the only man who will make a profit out of his this year's crop." Address to Union. The following address has been issued: "To the Membership of the Farmers' Union Throughout the Cotton Belt. "Our great New Orleans meeting has been a wonderful success. More than 1,000 delegates assembled with the business men of New Orleans and representatives of the business interests throughout the south, and not a single discord occurred during the entire session. "That the business men of the south are aroused and are with us in this effort to maintain better prices for cotton is shown by the ringing appeal made to every farmer, business man, merchant and banker of the country to rally to our support .and hold cotton. also to extend the payment of notes, as will be seen by the enclosed address. "A committee of seven was appointed by the convention, composed of members of the Farmers' Union, to confer with a like committee of the business men of New Orleans, and this conference has been held. We are glad to say that they promise their utmost co-operation and support in any undertaking that is feasible to retard the rapid movement of the cotton on the market. This committee of seven is also empowered to secure a record of all the cotton being held by the members. both at home and in the warehouses of the various states. "The committee of seven have established their headquarters in New Orleans, with J. W. Boyett. Jr., secretary: President C. S. Barrett as supervisor. New Orleans. The great mass meeting pledged, by unaminous vote, 1,000.000 bales of cotton to this committee, and we hereby offer you the opportunity of joining in this pledge. Tills committee is to report to each state secretary each week the number of bales pledged to it from each state, and when sales are recommended they will be apportioned, according to the number pledged in each state. "By the authority of the national board of directors, we hereby issue a call for every local in the United States, whose members are interested in raising cotton, to meet on Novem-ber 28, 1908, and sign the enclosed pledge, the number of bales that will be held subject to the recommendation of this committee. The local secretary is hereby instructed to make report to J. W. Boyett, Jr., secretary of the committee. immediately after the date above designated as a time for ail locals to meet. "Men of the south, now is the time to show our loyalty, determination and business sense. Everything is in our hands within this fight. The mills have given more orders for cotton in the last ten days than ever known in the history of the world. Ther? is no bumper crop to discourage us on maintaining higher values than cotton is now bringing. We are taking from $5 to $15 a bale less for cotton now than it brought one year ago, and all this sacrifice is because we have overfed the market this season. The manner is which you respond to this call settles the question of our business success. "We pledge to you our support and utmost endeavors and untiring zeal to help make a success of the purposes of the organization of which we have just cause to be proud. "J. Y. Callahan, "Chairman. "J. W. Boyett, Jr., "Secretary." To the People. The following: has also been made public, being an appeal to the business men to stand by the cotton growers: "To the People of the Cotton Belt. "We, the joint committee of the National Farmers' Union and of the financial and commercial interests of New Orleans, realizing that confidence in cotton market conditions has been impaired and the apprehension thereby engendered has caused more rapid marketing of cotton than has ever been known, and believing that the holding of cotton at the present time will permit the healthy assimilation of temporary superabundance and restore normal conditions under which remunerative prices may be obtained, hereby earnestly appeal to every farmer, merchant and banker and other holders and owners of cotton to hold back, as far as they can, their present holdings and not sell unless absolutely compelled to do so, until the price of cotton shall have reached a substantially increased figure. "We especially request all merchants and bankers of the cotton belt to extend the obligation of the cotton growers when called upon to do so for a reasonable period, and to do all other *-' fn o iH and en tilings i" men |iu..c. ?.v. ...? ? courage such growers and holders of cotton, believing, as we do, that all the business conditions of the world, and especially of the cotton world, steadily point toward better prices than now obtain. "We believe that such concerted and determined action will logically J\nd in all probability increase the present Inadequate price paid for cotton. (Signed) "Charles Janvier, J. D. Duncan. Walter Parker, S. P. Walmsley, John W. Parker. E. S. Maunsell, C. P. Ellis, M. B. Trezevant, secretary, representing New Orleans, financial and commercial interests; J. W. Boyett, Jr., Louisiana; J. Y. Callahan, Oklahoma; W. A. Morris, Ala.bama^ L. Hi O. Martin, Georgia; JZ. Green, North Carolina; G. R. Hdghtower, Mississippi; T. J. Brooks, Tennessee; C. T. Ladson, Atlanta, Ga,. advisory counsel joint committee, representing the Farmers' Union." r.rNsriRSHlP. Words That One Is Forbidden to Use In Turkey. The American magazine includes an article on the sultan of Turkey by Nicholas C. Adossldes, a Greek who, was for many years an official in the Turkish government. The following brief extract gives one an idea of the restrictions that have existed in Turkey: "As for the fate of his subjects, the decadence of Turkey, the future of the country?what does Abdul-Hamid care about that! The empire is his private property by the right of birth; it is the patrimony that he has inherited, and which he squanders like a prodigal son. Turkey?it is himself! And so he has forbidden in his estates words such as 'country,' nation,' 'people,' 'liberty,' 'revolution,' to be spoken or printed?more especially 'liberty' and 'revolution.' A Turkish friend of mine, an old scholar of the Mulkie school, told me the following little anecdote: In the French lesson, the professor beinj; a Turk, they were translating a page of some French anthology. They came to a passage where it was said that 'the butterfly flies with freedom.' The professor was perturbed; doubtless he was afraid of being denounced by spies (who were plentiful In the schools) for allowing the use of so guilty a work as 'freedom.' 'Stop,' said he to the scholar who was reading aloud; and, as the pupil he had addressed stopped, the teacher hastened to translate himself, 'the butterfly flies with ease.' " SHOOTING STRAIGHTER. Bad Gunnery In the Spanish War, But Better Since. In an article in McClure's Magazine on "The Fight for a New Navy," the author, in telling of the strides made in gunnery, reviews the conditions that prevailed in the Spanish war. He says: "The Spanish war was won by two naval victories?Manila and Santiago. Naturally, the fame of the American navy, and especially of Its gunnery, flamed across the world. As a matter of fact, the shooting at Manila and Santiago was about as Daa as possiuie. At Manila 90 per cent of the shots missed at a range of from 6000 to 4000 yards; at Santiago?the chief battle of the war?at least 98 per cent. A special commission of officers, which was appointed to examine the wrecks of the Spanish ships at Santiago, established this fact officially. It reported that of 9,500 projectiles fired only 123, or 1.3 per cent, had found a mark on the Spanish ships. Making every possible allowance for hits which could not readily be seen upon the wrecks, not one shot in 50 struck its mark. The day of the battle was clear, the sea smooth, the targets were 20 feet high and 200 feet long and the range was 2,800 yards. English gunners at that time could have hit the Spanish ships at least two out of every five shots. Fortunately for us, the fact that we were fighting a thoroughly senile power, whose ships had neither gunners nor proper ammunition abroad, gave us an undisputed victory." 3Ui$ccllancou$ itramtig. WORK OF THE D. A. R. State Regent Tells of What Has Been Accomplished. One of the most Interesting feature? of the recent annual conference of the Daughters of the American Revolution, was the report of Mrs. Robert Moultrie Bratton, the state regent, which was, in part, as follows: Daughters of the Twelfth Annual Conference of South Carolina, Ladles and Gentlemen?As I come before you for the third time to render my annual report, I am forcibly reminded of the two small boys discussing with delightful anticipation the near approach of Thanksgiving. "What shall we have for dinner?" said one. "Why, turkey and cranberry sauce, of course," came the quick reply. "Oh, pshaw!" said the other. "We had that last Thanksgiving." So it seems, however, good the food may be, the palate tires of it oft repeated. A state regent's report must necessarily follow the same lines each year, therefore the only amends I can offer you for possible sameness is the promise not to detain you long. It is indeed a pleasure to greet so large an audience this morning and I extend to each and every one a cordial welcome, thrice welcome to the 12th annual conference. I believe in this yearly assembly of the Daughters. It is here we gather fresh courage and enthusiasm for our work and grow In warm touch, one with the other. Our experiences of the year are detailed. From the success of others we gain inspiration, and from the failures we profit by experience: for it is only through failure that true success is attained. I am happy to report our state work well organized and its growth most encouraging. My especial work has been along the line of organization, as I consider a large representative membership of prime importance to the success of any state society. ' It was therefore a matter of peculiar gratification to hear the vice president general in charge of organization report to the last national congress, that South Carolina tied for third place in the states, showing the ,'largest Increase in chanters and members. It is my pleasure to report three new chapters since the last conference?I the Lieut. Samuel Bacot of Florence. J the Old Cheraws at Cheraw?and one recently organized at Laurens, which adds to our roll the illustrious name of "Henry Laurens." At five other points in the state I have begun the organization of chapters. These may not develop during my remaining term 'of office, but at any rate will prove easy foundations for my successor to build upon. The total enrollment of new members for the year is f33; total members^ 750; number of chapters 25. These figures indicaTe success "arnT interest, but Daughters, "let us not be weary in well doing." Pause a moment and reflect what this organization represents. Go back in memory to that long, unequal struggle of eight weary, blood stained years! It is in memory of deeds of valor then enacted that we have banded together as the Daughters of the American Revolution. Women of Carolina, women of Sumter, I call upon you to glorify that memory by wearing our honored insignia. But think not for a moment that when you have proved your eligibility to the Daughters' ranks and purchased the golden wheel that your obligation has ceased. Ah, no. it has only begun! "Tell me not from what stock Joe grew, But prove me your stock, by what you do." There are graves in lonely neglected spots awaiting recognition. "Ah! well to mark their resting spot To Daughters of a veteran dead." There are valuable records buried in obscurity. Bring them to light and place them where the ravages of time can not destroy that succeeding generations may profit thereby. There are historical buildings fast falling into decay and fading from sight. There are battlefields well defined upon the pages of history, but difficult to find in real life. The path Wll) lUCIII in UIIIIV'Oi luni, Ji/u I ??'/men's hands can clear the way. "This work was left for us to do, Waiting a century or more. 'Tis ours, the joy and duty, too, To honor thus brave men of yore." There is a generation of children growing up. See to it that the names of Sumter. Moultrie, sickens, Marion, Rutledge, Heyward, Laurens and a host of others are as familiar to them as their very alphabet. And, oh, Daughters, let not your efforts be all in the pleasant places of life. Confine them not entirely to the handsome graded schools of the cities and towns. Rather. I would beg you to join hands with the South Carolina Association for the Improvement of Rural Schools, and go out into the highways and hedges, into the little log cabin schools. Carry with you the pictures of our heroes and heroines. Drape upon the rude walls our beloved flag, and teach those little pupils what that flag stands for, "As it floats over the sea and our land. And in every wind under the heaven." And these children must take up the work begun by the sons and daughters. Teach them now that they "possess a priceless Inheritance won by the tolls and suffering of a noble ancestry." It was in 1781 at Providence that Hen. Washington said of the children who surrounded him bearing torches: "We may be beaten by the English, it is the chance of war, but behold an army they can never conquer." Many of our chapters report inter esting rrtemorial work accomplished during the year. A goodly number of revolutionary graves have been located and marked and a large number of applications for markers are now on file in the war department at Washington awaiting their turn to be verified. Only a few weeks ago the Gen. Andrew Pickens chapter, at Clemson College, with fitting ceremonies dedicated the memorial erected on the site of Fort Rutledge. The Hobkirk Hill chapter has purchased the historical old court house in Camden and propose converting it into a delightful chapter home. This chapter also has in process of construction a handsome granite memorial to be erected upon the spot where the brave DeKalb shed his life's blood. The Star Fort chapter Is interested in acquiring possession 01 me uiu omi Port in order that its ruins may be preserved. The Cowpens chapter assisted in the erection of a handsome monument to one of Spartanburg's heroes. This chapter has also given a scholarship to a wonderful industrial school in the mountains of Georgia, the needs and scope of which were set before the Daughters at the last national congress. Likewise Eutaw chapter has given a scholarship to a girls' industrial school. Ere we assemble in conference again Moultrie chapter will have erected a memorial upon the site of the home of South Carolina's noted woman, Rebecca Motte. Nathaniel Green chapter has begun the accumulation of funds to place a handsome drinking fountain In a public square at Greenville?a memorial to brave Dicey Langston, who, when ordered to make certain disclosures or die in her tracks, exclaimed: "Shoot if you dare. I will not tell." And thus I could go on and on and tell of Interesting work done by each chapter, but it is scarcely fair that I should anticipate the reports of the regents in this way, and X really apologize to those whose tale I have unfolded. Very little progress has been made upon our state monument work, although the treasurer's report will show considerable increase in funds. Now that no contributions will be required for Continental hall, I hope the chapters will bend every effort to swell the sum already in bank, in order that the committee may see Its way clear to give out the contract. Mr. Ruckstuhl, so well known in connection with the Hampton and Calhoun statues, has submitted a very graceful design for our monument. This will be taken up for discussion later on in our business session. Work upon the Calhoun statue is progressing well. In company with the other members of the committee, I had the pleasure of viewing the half life size model in the artist's studio in New York last April. The conception of the statue is very beautiful and befitting the dignity of the character. I am sure every South Carolinian's heart will throb with pleasure when this tribute of love and pride Is unveiled in Statuary hall in December, 1909. It Is a source of regret to the entire state, I am sure, and to King's Mountain chapter in particular, that work on the King's Mountain monument has heen so retarded We had hnn?vt or* this its lofty shaft would be in position?a fitting memorial of a decisive battle. The delay is explainable by two reasons: First, the transferring of Capt. f t?i t to the Philippines, necessitating r. nev officer being placed in command, and, s? - d, the unforeseen difficulty in obtaining a solid foundation, such as contract called for, and the immense structure made necessary. This has now been overcome, and work will proceed rapidly, though it is not probable the dedication will take place until the next anniversary, October 7, 1909. And now turn back with me while we briefly review the 17th national congress. I was more than gratified to be Joined in Washington by the largest delegation South Carolina has ever sent to a national congress, and a most charming delegation I assure you It was. The wonderful growth of the society was shown by the fold eating '?> "-"*7. port of the registrar general. At the" meeting of the national board on April 18, 702 new members were reported for the current month; 5,730 for the year. We have 878 organized chapters, with a total membership of 66,436. The number of votes represented by the congress was 1,277. This society, made great by the growth of many in one, once regarded as merely a woman's club is now reckoned with as one of the vital forces of a nation's progress. In the fraternal greeting extended the congress by Judge Anderson, the president of the Sons of the American Revolution, he said: "To have contributed in such a large measure to the perpetuation of the great national spirit justifies fully the formation of this great organization of national women. What you have done in keeping alive this spirit and what you are doing in the work of patriotic education makes this society a living force in this great , country of ours." I wish every Daughter could have heard the splendid reports submitted by the national committees on patriotic education, prevention of the desecration of the flag, child labor, national university, real Daughters, pres ervation of historical spots, etc. Time permits me only to mention the subject without going into details. The principal work of the congress was the decision to bond Continental Hall for a sum sufficient to complete the building. This motion was passed by almost a unanimous vote. Two hundred thousand dollars will be required to complete the building. This amount has been obtained from the Washington Loan and Trust company. The treasurer general submitted a very fine proposition, showing that the entire sum can be met from the regular receipts of the society. It being feasible to appropriate $18,000 a year for the purpose, thus creating a sinking fund which will be sufficient to meet the entire sum of bonds when they fall due. We confidently expect to hold the next congress in Continental Hall, complete from cellar to dome. A magnificent memorial it will be, glistening in its marble purity?the only building of the kind in the world erected by women. As you are doubtless aware, this is the closing term of Mrs. Donald McLeun's presidency. She has proved herself a leader among women, giving largely of her time, her means, her mugnlflcent intellect for the advancement of the society she loves so well. Much Interest centers in her successor. A half dozen prominent Daughters have been named for the place, among them one from our sister state, Georgia, Mrs. Robert E. Park, who has long been recognized as one of the strong women of the organization. And, now, having given you this review of our state and national work, - ?5-1 UA?..A?fAi? mxr u'nrlr IU UUU II1UI, Iiunrtci aiuuuua |>.J of the year has been, it has had Its compensation in the genuine support that has been accorded me, in the friendships formed by correspondence and personal intercourse and by the belief that my efforts have not been without avail for the South Carolina D. A. R. For twelve months more I shall fill the position of honor to which you have called me, and for this, the remaining year of my regency, I pledge you anew my love, my interest, my best efforts. Once again I ask for the support, the co-operation of every chapter, every individual Daughter. Without this a regent can accomplish little. Wisely has some one said, "A president is only the servant of a people." To our hostess, the Sumter Home chapter, I return thanks for the hearty welcome you have given us?a welcome so cordial and genuine that you have made us feel honored to be your guests. 1 assure you that we are glad to be with you In your progressive city ?a city whose name is an inspiration to the Daughters. To our guests, the ladies and gentlemen of Sumter. I extend greetings. We are indeed glad to have you with us. We hope our open session has interested you and as you leave this beautiful temple of justice this morning, may it be with a deeper realization of the work the Daughters of the American Revolution are endeavoring to accomplish and may you Join hands with us in cherishing, maintaining and extending the Institutions of American freedom?in fostering true patriotism and love of country and In aiding in securing for mankind all the blessings of liberty.