Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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HOYT & CO., PaopiUETOB& JAMES A, HOYT, Editor.. RATES OF SUBSCRIPTION.?Two Dollars per an? num, and One Dollak for six months. Payment in ad? vance secures tbc paper fret of postage. Subscriptions are not taken for a less period than six months: Liberal deductions mado to clubs of ten or more sub? scribers. RATES OF ADI'ERTfSTXG.?Ono Dollar per square of one inch for the first insertion, and Fifty Cents per square lor subsequent insertions less than three montlu. No ad? vertisement counted less than a square. Liberal contracts will be made with those wishing to advertise for three, six or twelve months. Advertising by contract must be confined to the immediate business of the f sm<or individual contracting-. Obituarv Notices exceeding tivo lines, Tributes of" Re? spect, and"all personal communications or matters of in? dividual interest, will be charged for at advertising rates. Announcements of marriages and deaths, and notices of a religious character, are respectfully solicited, and will be inserted grat is. THURSDAY MORNING, JUNE 18, 1874. All communications must be accompanied by the true name and address of the writer, in order to receive attention, and as a guarantee of good faith. We are not responsible for the views or opinions of correspondents. Editorial Notes on Current Topics. Gen. James Chesuut, Chairman, has issued a call for the Executive Committee of the Tax-Payers' Convention to meet in Charleston on Thursday, 18th of June, instant. The main subject of consideration will be the prompt and efficient organization of tax unions throughout the State. The civil rights bill is practically dead for the present session of Congress. The House of J Representatives refuses to take any action look? ing to its passage, as many of the Republican members are unwilling to appear before their constituents in defence of this measure, es? pecially those seeking a re-electioiu Civil rights bills are not so popular in the rural dis? tricts of the North and. West. Besides, it is now currently, reported;that President Grant is decidedly opposed to the bill, and has used his influence to insure its defeat. The Democratic victory in Oregon grows more decisive and significant as the full returns are received, and now, from all that can be gathered, the Democrats have elected the entire State and Congressional ticket by a majority of 1100.votes. This emphatic response to the victories in New Hampshire and Connecticut is quite encouraging, aud shows that the fa? mous tidal wave of reform is about to sweep away the party of corruption aud profligacy* from one end Sf the country to the other. The Columbia Phoenix intimates that an ex? tra session of the Legislature will be called at an early day. We cannot imagine the pretext for the re-assembling of our sapient law-mak? ers, whose record as a whole deserves the re? probation of every honest citizen. The extra session last fall was a stupendous farce, aud amounted to nothing, save to give each mem? ber an extra allowance of pay. The regular session was greatly protracted beyond the lim? its of decency, and.now there is a prospect for another haul from, the State Treasury. It re? quires a majority of both Houses, we believe, to call the Legislature together again, under the resolution of adjournment, and the people should hold the siguers to a strict accountabil? ity for this useless expenditure of their money. The new Secretary of the Treasury has al? ready astonished the natives around Washing? ton by a prompt inauguration of practical re? form in his department. Soon after takinj charge, Col. Bristow sent for the chief of the appointing bureau, and demanded to know how many persons received pay and rendered no service in return. When the long list of sine oures was shown, he directed the clerk to strike every name from the pay-roll immediately. These parasites of the Treasury are relatives or friends of Senators and Representatives, as a general rule, and through whose influence they were appointed. Secretary Bristow's action will likely raise a howl among the members of Congress, but the country will hope he has the nerve to withstand the pressure they may bring against this excellent beginning in the work of) reform. The Chester Reporter recently called atten? tion to the fact that Henry A. Smith, late County Treasurer of Fairfield, who was con? victed not long ago of neglecting his official duties and refusing to comply with the law about making his official returns, was allowed extraordinary privileges by the Sheriff ofj Fairfield, such as taking his meals at the Sheriffs private table, enjoying all the luxu? ries of life, including champagne, and appear iug outside the jail limits whenever he felt inclined. The publication of these facts, sus? tained by testimony of the most unquestiona? ble character, brought the matter to the atten? tion of Judge Mackey, who sent an order by telegraph that the said Henry A. Smith should be held in custody exactly as all other prison? ers in the jail, and requiring the Sheriff to show cause at the next term why he should not be indicted for his conduct and attached for this flagrant contempt of the Court. Judge Mackey's prompt and decided action deserves commendation from all good citizens, who desire equal aud impartial administration of public justice. The decision of Judge Graham to quash the indictment against Gov. Moses does not take auy one by surprise. The learned aud astute Judge may be right in his legal points, which we are not prepared to discuss, but the general impression was that some loop-hole would be found to shield the Governor from an investi? gation until after the next election, even though the law was uncertain. It was never intended to make inquiry into his official and personal conduct, for the reasou that disclos? ures might be made to damage "the party" before the country. Republican journals are quick to allege that their opponents condemned Gov. Moses without a hearing, aud that he was already prejudged at the bar of public opinion, which they regard with exceeding horror and reprehend as illiberal. But these journals will remember that Moses is already pilloried as a "born stealer," and that he should have seized this opportunity to assert his iunocence, if that were possible. His fail? ure and refusal to have the Orangeburg matter thoroughly investigated cutircly accords with his past record, aud the public can only draw their inferences as to his probable guilt. His position insures criticism of his public and official career, and he need not expect any ex? emption, especially when he is dumb and speechless under grave charges, and cloaks his actions with his official robes. Resolute Patriotism Needed. We print an article' from- the New York Heruldia this issue, not because we admire its scolding style, but to show our readers the drift of public opiuion iu the North as toithe true needs of our section. This great and-mighty journal is never a moulder of the public mind, but most generally is a reflex of popular senti? ment on any absorbing question of the day and hour. We pass by the comments upon the civil rights measure, and its flings at the attitude of Southern journals. But we desire to emphasize the concluding part of the article, where the South is urged to assert the high qualities of endurance and fortitude which gained such renown for her sons in the late struggle. Self-assertion and patriotism were distinguishing characteristics of the gallant people, whose cause went down in sadness, not dishonor,. on the fated field of Appomattox. The trials,, endurance and privations of that heroic struggle are not yet forgotten, and many a bronzed veteran still remains to weave the story of genuine courage and fidelity for future generations. But there is a striking absence of j similar heroism and achievement in the walks of political life, and the people of the North are greatly astonished at the despairing coun? sels prevading this section, especially South Carolina. The disorganized masses of conser? vative voters, standing idly by when their sub? stance is being wasted by impecunious adven? turers, is an anomaly not easily understood, and can hardly be appreciated by any reflecting mind. We know the causes that have dis? heartened and dispirited our people, and truly magnify their sterling, patient endurance of grievous wrongs. But is it not time to awake from a mere passive submission to these evils, and steadfastly endeavor to correct them by a prudent, consistent and manly effort to oust the thieves and robbers from place and power ? Not an evanescent, spasmodic venture, where temporary defeat would sink us deeper into despondent moods, but a determined, persistent course, founded upon principle, and destined to achieve results in the future. We need a reso? lute patriotism, guided by wisdom and discre? tion, to pluck victory from the snare of sur? rounding evils. The Eucalyptus or Anti-Fever Tree. We published an article some weeks ago concerning the properties and advantages of j the Eucalyptus Globulus, or Australian gum tree, which was copied from the San Francisco Bulletin, and in which allusion was made to Messrs. Sonntag & Co., of that city, as being largely interested in the cultivation of this extraordinary tree. The general desire among our readers to gain further information in re? gard to its propagation, and especially as to its value in destroying malaria, induced us to ad? dress certain inquiries to Messrs. Sonntag & Co., to which these gentlemen have kindly and readily responded, in the following letter: San Francisco, Gal., June 4, 1874. Sir: Your letter of the 21st ult. is at hand. The Eucalyptus Globulus is only propagated from seed, which are as small as onion seed, ft grows in almost any kind of soil, light sandy, heavy and marshy ground. It is well adapted to your climate and country, and in fact to the entire Southern States. We have lived in the South, aud our knowledge of the climate and country of that section enables us to state positively that the Eucalyptus will grow with remarkable rapidity and thrive in your State. Its anti-febrile properties, destroying malaria and absorbing moisture, and throwing it off into the atmosphere through its leaves, are well known and not a matter of doubt. Seed we sell at $30 gold per lb., trees 14 to IS inches high ?25 gold per 100, ready for planting, the proper season being spring and summer. Four plants can be forwarded by mail iu one package, for which we make a charge of S2.50, postage paid. The tree is very easily cultivated, and grows from ten to fifteen feet per year. It makes a handsome and graceful shade-tree, and for timber and fuel being valuable. As a timber, it is considered superior to American rock elm, and more du? rable and stronger than English oak and Indian teak. It is used extensively for ship-building, ship builders get keels of this timber 125 feet long. We are engaged at present in preparing an article upon the Eucalyptus for Harper's Weekly, in which we propose giving some very valuable information. We thank you for pa? per. Respectfully yours, etc., SONNTAG & CO. James A. Hoyt, Esq., Anderson, S. C. The Local School Tax. The last Saturday in June is the time desig? nated by law for the citizens of each School District to hold public meetings, and among Other things assess a local tax for the support of the public schools. Heretofore, it has been urged that the local tax must be assessed, in order to obtain any share of the general appro? priation by the State. We would call attention to the fact that such action of the School Districts is not compulsory, and that the State appropriation is obliged to be distributed equi? table among the various districts, whether or not there is any local tax assessed and levied. It may be that there is a correct understanding of the law among the tax-payers, but there is no harm to direct public attention at this time to the point under consideration. Of course, the law authorizes the levy of a local tax for the better support aud equipment of the public schools, and where a majority of the voters desire to impose an additional tax, there can be no objection to that course. Yet, when the tax-payers arc burdened severely with the onerous exactions of the State, it is well to avoid any unnecessary tax for local purposes. If the public schools are adequately main? tained from the general appropriation, we think it would be wise to omit the local tax, unless good reasons exist for an additional levy, of which the tax-payers must judge for I themselves. Newberry College. The commencement exercises of this institu? tion, located at Walhalla, will take place next week. The Alumni address will be delivered on Tuesday morning, 23rd of June, by E. A. Wingard, of Columbia, S. 0. The address be? fore the literary societies by Robert R. Hemp hill, Esq.. of Abbeville, on Wednesday morn? ing, 24th of June. Commencement exercises on Thursday morning, 20th inst. A lively time is anticipated. The President has appointed J. C. Bancroft Davis to be Envoy Extraordinary and Minis? ter Plenipotentiary to the German Empire, in place of lion. George Bancroft, whose resigna? tion will take effect on the 1st of July. The Senate promptly confirmed the nomination. Mr. Davis is at present the Assistant Secretary of State, and is a nephew of Minister Ban? croft. I An Eloquent Spokesman for the South. Hon. L. Q. C. Lamar, of Mississippi, lias won ! greater reputation in. a short time than any ; j Southern. Congressman since the war. His eulogy upon Sumner excited unusual comment in all part^ of the country, and exerted a deci? ded influence upon the Northern mind in giv? ing practical shape to a just reconciliation be? tween the sections so lately at war with each other. It was surprising to them that an acknowledged representative of the old Southern element should voluntarily fix a just estimate upon the character of Sumner, and award cred? it fco> the deceased Senator for his public and private virtues. This liberality and fairness overcame many prejudices, and made a strong inroad upon the better natures of the Northern masses. Hence, as a practical result, we find the utterances of Mr. Lamar on other and more vital subjects receiving earnest considera'ion from the Northern press and people. Last week ho made a Bpeech upon the Lousiana troubles, which attracted much attention for its earnestness and its frank allusions to the re? sults of the civil war. The members crowded around him during the delivery of his pitfty and pertinent defence of the South, and listen? ed with absorbing interest to his graphic illus? trations of the gross caricatures upon republican government now existing in this section of the Uuion. He is an able and effective champion of the Southern people, gifted with rare endow? ments ; and now that he has the ear of the Northern populace, we may look for him to accomplish much good for our section. When the woes of South Carolina are brought to the attention of the House, we shall expect to hear from Mr. Lamar in a more specific and positive arraignment of the thieves and plunderers now rioting over this goodly heritage. The Wash? ington correspondent of the New York World sketches Mr. Lamar's recent effort as follows : Mr. Lamar, of Mississippi, again distinguish? ed himself to-day as an able and eloquent rep? resentative of the South and a real statesman by delivering a prepared speech on the present political condition of the South. It was the first full and fair statement of the attitude of the white people of the South towards the General Government and also the State govern? ments of the South that has been made upon the floor of Congress. With admirable clear? ness he brushed away all the sophistry with which the question of reconstruction has been surrounded, and, beginning by showing the ab? solute loyalty and submission of the people of the war, he traced the history of reconstruction, j showing how wholly helpless and severely afflicted his people were under the reconstruc? tion legislation. He showed how the ma? chinery of the Federal Government had been used to inflict evils greater than confiscation upon the South, and declared that although there might be State governments there, there were no States. The question he put to the Republicans was whether they had not gone far enough with their policy towards the South. The speech was a sequel to Mr. Lamar's ora? tion on Sumner, and was listened to by every member of the House present. For the Anderson Intelligencer. Boys' Hook and Ladder Company. Anderson, S. C, June 12,1874. j Pursuant to a call published in the local papers this week, a large meeting of the boys of Anderson was held this evening for the pur? pose of considering the propriety of organizing a Boys' Hook and Ladder Company. On motion, W. W. Keys was called to the Chair, aud J. M. Cathcart requested to act as 1 Secretary. The Chairman, in a few brief, but very ap? propriate remarks, stated the object of the meeting, aud taking his seat, announced the meeting ready for business. Capt. J. A. lloyt was then called upon, and responded, saying that he thought we would have no difficulty in organizing and complet? ing the Company, and promised to give us his aid and encouragement. Capt. S. M. Pegg being called, made quite a I lengthy speech, giving us some statistics, show? ing the necessity of such an organization, and offering us great encouragement. Mr. S. McCully was then called on and made quite a stirring speech, complimenting the boys on their action, advising them to organize and go ahead, not giving up for any obstacle, and their efforts would be rewarded. A. Summer Todd then offered the following preamble and resolutions, but before being put to the meeting, several other citizens present were called upon, who responded in very appro? priate speeches, after which the resolutions were unanimously adopted as follows : Whereas, It being highly necessary and desirable that there should be an organization of some kind in Anderson for the protection of property against fire ; and, whereas, several unsuccessful efforts have been made to organize and complete fire companies in Town by the citizens, therefore be it Resolved, By the boys of Anderson in meet? ing assembled, that we proceed to organize a Hook and Ladder Company, for the protection of the property of the Town against the rava? ges of fire, and that we promise to carry the organization into successful working, provided we are properly countenanced and encouraged by the citizens of the Town. Resolved, That a committee of three J)e ap? pointed by the Chairman to prepare and pre? sent a memorial to the Town Council, asking their aid and encouragement in our uudcrtak ing. Resolved, That a committee of three be ap? pointed to prepare: a subscription paper and present the same to the property owners of the Town, and report at an adjourned meeting the amount that can be raised by private subscrip? tion. Resolved, That we solicit and expect the in? struction and advice of the leading citizens of our Town. As provided for by the second resolution, the Chairman appointed the following committee ; A. S. Todd, Jas. M. Cathcart and If. G. Scud day ; also, under the third resolution, the fol? lowing committee: A. W. Todd, H. A. Ligon and W. M. Wilcox. On motion of M. B. Jackson, all the boys present who contemplated joining the Compa? ny were requested to come forward and give in their names. The following resolutions were then offered and adopted : Resolved, That when this meeting adjourn it do so to meet on next Friday evening, when steps will be taken towards organization. Resolved, That the proceedings of this meet? ing he furnished the County papers, with the request that they be published. It was then moved and adopted that the thanks of the meeting be tendered the gentle? men present for their instructive and encourag? ing speeches. Pursuant to the motion adopted, the Chair { man then called for the names of those wish j ing to join, when over thirty came forward and I subscribed their names, after which very ap propriaie speeches were made by A. S. Todd, IT. G. Scudday, Jcp. F. Wilson, jr., W. W? Keys and H. A. Ligou. Du motion, the meeting then adjourued to meet nest Friday evening. W. W. KEYS, Chm'n. Jas. M. Cathcart, Sec. For the Anderson Intelligencer. Williamstun, June 12th. Mister Editur?Kind Frend: Yu no I ain't no skollar, and hav no tallent wuth namin, an what Uttel I hav got, doan't lay in ritin ; but I hav bin layin off to rite yu a few lines fur sum time, but hav bin puttin it auff frum day tu day, cxpectin sumthin was goin tu happin, frum the way things has bin a wrrrkin. Things is gittin in a mity alarmin condishun over hear. I doant no what has got inter the peepul; but it pears tu me jest like evry boddy wantid tu du sumthin smart, and dident no jest exactly how tu go about it. An it seames tu take the moast onreesonabnlest amount ov runnin round arter dark tu satisfi em; and as you hav hearn, sum ov em aint satisfide with trottin all over towH an down tu the mineral spring, but thay has tu go down tu the ralerode culbert and craul iu amung the eldur bushis aud bambu briers and caul it a "retreet!" whar thay gose to at nite tu look at the mune, listin tu the worter, an studdy Lattin. We hav got moarSosieties hear than thare is daso in the weak. Thare is the Masuns, an the Jerrycose, an theBatin Sosiety, an the Singin Sosiety, an the Grangers, an nienny more tu teajious tu menshun. Jest as sune as nite sets in thay begins thare fuss. When the Masuns coaxis sum poar crectur up stares, an makes him ride the gote, and craul thru a orger hole; an when the Jerrycose gits tu blowin thare horns, an racin round; an the boys in the Ba tin Sosiety gits tu rarin an chargiu, and a stompin thare feat on the floar ; an the Singin Sosiety foaks all lets luse at wunce, its raly alarmin, for thay make a dredfull fuss. But that aint morein haff. Thay has got tu be so onreesonabil generally. Thay have got a feevur on em tu rite fur the papers, as ef thay node moarin the editurs ; and thay gits so hard up fur sumthin tu rite about that ef you put up JLnew bench at the minerl spring, the hoal ov tue litterati ov the place grabs thare pens an rites a haff a duzen pages ov fulescap paper tu enuy edditur thay can git tu print it it, whareby thay kill too birds with wun stoau? that is, herralds the important infurmashun tu prezent an future gencrashuns, an last, but not leeste, gits thare produckshuns in the papurs, an hav the subblime satisfackshun of toatin around a coppy and showin it tu thare friends, an askin em how thay like it, who allweys brags on it tu thare faces, an makes fun ov it when thay are gone. But the Grangers kinder take the rag offen the bush, as thay is leedin the balance a purty brite strecke, jest at prezent; perhaps bekause thay meets the oftinest. Thay ondoutidly do a power ov sumthin, as thay meats three or fore times a weak. Owcr Grangers have bin behavin tharesclvcs verry well, so far; but I I am satisfide that sum ov thare brethren has I bin cuttin up purty considerabil, as I see that on the fust day of this month the Reformed Presbyterian Syunod ov Filadelfy desided that they wood not let Grangers jiue thare church. But I hav hearn that thay has one verry inter restin feetur about em. Thay say that they all throw in and git up a big supper every month I hearn a feller what had give a lean on his crop tu git pervishuns tu du him till next fall, a singin a song, which I tuck the libberty tu remember tu the best ov my foebul ability He sung it til the tune "I want tu be a angil," and he raly looked like he meant it. Heare ? it is: THE LEAN MAN'S WISH. I want tu be a granger, And with the grangers stand ; To ware a linnen apurn, A discount in my hand. Oh, thf.ro before my Mastur, Ide uso boatli tung and pen Tu sound owcr order's try-umph Ovor hoggish "middel men." I kno I'nie poar and neady, But Pie ?rit outin that; Repudiate, begin lifo anew, An buy a "granger hat." I'do ride hair fair on ralerodes, Talk farmin by mear roat, Git treetid by the candydates Who want tho Grange's vout. I'do by my goods In Charlostln, Git pricos put low doun, And sell my crap ov cottin At thirty cents a pound; I'de git return commisshuns On evry bail I sent, And when I pado my fratc bill, Discount it ten per cent. I'de ordir mo sum eminorgrants Who ain't afearod ov wurk, An let tho lazy niggers Take up thare beds an walk ; And when inside my pocket No frroenbacks I cood foal, I'do order things by holesail, An fix tho Grange's soal. There wus sum moar ov it, but I doan't reck erlcct it now. I will git him to sing it agin, and send you the balence. I am goin tu try tu git a invertashun tu the next supper, and will tell yu all about it. Till then I remaue your tru frend, JO. KERB. ? The Washington correspondent of the Charleston News and Courier has this comment upon South Carolina affairs before Congress: "The majority report of the judiciary committee on the case of the South Carolina memorialists has not yet been called up for action, and it is whispered that it will not be. Whatever truth there may be in this rumor, it is quite certain that there is a growing feeling of doubtand hesi? tation among the leaders of the Radical party in relation to the entire subject of the Southern State Governments. It looks as though the party feels it cannot afford to have a free dis? cussion of South Carolina affairs at this time, and rather than risk a thorough ven tilation of the very dark transactions by which that and other States of the late Confederacy have been brought to ruin will let the whole matter slide quietly out of sight." ? Judge Graham has tiled his decision upon the question whether Governor Moses is sub? ject to indictment and trial by ordering a crim? inal process previous to impeachment by the Legislature. He holds that the action of Moses, charged in the indictment, was in truth an oilicial action. If it was misconduct or a crime, it was still official misconduct, or a crime com? mitted by him as Governor. It is, therefore, ordered, that the indictment for larceny as to Franklin J. Moses, Jr., be quashed, and the cauo as to him be stricken from the docket. For the Anderson Intelligencer. Do you not think, Mr. Editor, that your friend "Corduroy" has allowed himself to get unnecessarily excited? He has certaiuly ap? propriated to himself, remarks that were gen? eral. There are a great many worse things than saying "those grit3," and the expression is by no means a local peculiarity, because of its general use is why I asked your editorial opinion on the subject, never dreaming the question was to raise "a tempest in a teapot." It seems to me it would have been most na? tural for friend "Corduroy" to say, "Well, that is the thinnest thing of the season !" then lit his cigar and gone on his way rejoicing. I fear he is of the match box order, who, when he hurts his :oot, grins at his wife, kicks the cat aud slaps the baby. I am sorry I have caused this domestic dis? turbance, and propose that we make friends. It was very foreign from my intention to give offense, and I am sorry the hints given should have raised the sleeping lion in any manly breast made to brave weightier things than "Muslin." Public men and public places are for the public good and are liable to public criticism, and I don't think saying that a certain store needed overhauling, wa3 equivalent to saying every man, woman and child in the up coun? try had a dirty face. As a general rule our stores are in very good order, and have every? thing heart can wish for?except butter and eggs. No one admires more the substantial, true hearted people of the up country than MUSLIN. TOWN AND COUNTY NEWS. T. D. KENNEDY, Local Editor. BRIEF MENTION. James L. Orr, Esq., is absent from town at? tending the Greenville Court. Gardens are looking fine, and the yield in vegetables of all kinds will be abundant. Several excursion parties will leave town for the mountains noxt week. All anticipate a good time. Granges desiring music books in patent notes, can havo them by addressing James G. Douthit, Pendlcton Factory. S. C. Business is so dull now-a-days that the clerks employ their leisure time and their yard sticks in trying to kill chimney-sweepers. We had the pleasure of meeting with Maj. J. H. Skelton, a prominent membor of the ilartwell, Ga. Bar, on Monday last. The Maj. was in town on business. A specimen of very fine wheat, raised on the plantation of Mr. Joseph Prevoat, may be seen at Fant and Bell's store. The stalks are nearly six feet in height, with good, full heads. Any person wishing for information as to the pleasures of tctc-a-tclcs and moon-light prome? nades would do well to call on our contempo? rary, the Editor of the Conservator, as he is well versed in both. Dr. John A. Rarksdalc, Lecturer of the State Orange, organized Mio Mills Grange on the Oth inst., with D. L. Hall .as Worthy Master und S. J. McKee, Secretary ; on the 10th inst., ho organized Flat Bock Grange, with W. H. I lay nie as Worthy Master and F. M. Norris, Secretary. Visitors to the Commencement Exercises of the Funnaii University and the Female College of Greenville, to the Xewbcrry College at Wal? halla, and to the Erskino College at Duo West, will have tho privilege of going to each place and returning for ono faro during the com? mencement exorcises of each institution. The congregation of the Presbyterian Church at Anderson Court House, are requested to meet in the Church at 4 o'clock p. m., Satur? day, 20th inst., to take into consideration tho building of a new Church, or repairing the old one, as may be thought best. It is hoped there will be a full meeting, as this is an important matter. The work on tho streets is still progressing. The street leading from tho Depot to Mr. G. W. Font's, which has beon in very bad condition for some time, has recently been worked, and now looks well. Also, the short street running from Depot street to tho ruins of the Earle mansion has been well worked, and is in good condition. We arc credibly informed that his Exhilara? ting Majesty, John Barleycorn, held undispu? ted sway over quite a number of his votaries on Monday last. One young man was so com? pletely overcome that he sought a resting-place in a box-car at the depot, and was aroused in the evening only through the inllucnco of a fountain pump. An accident happened to ono of Mr. P. C. Fant's dray-mules on Monday last. Mr. Fant had a load on his dray and was coming up from the depot, and in the act of crossing the bridge at the extremity of Depot street, one of his mules broke through tho bridge, inflicting a rather serious injury to ono of his hind legs. The Town Council should look after those bridges over which heavy loads have to pass. We saw the other evoning a letter which had been writton to tho Superintendent of the Groenvillo and Columbia Railroad, asking that immodiate stops should bo taken in building a new bridge across the railroad cut near tho res? idence of Mr. G. F. Tolly. The letter went on to state that if something was not done soon? tho bridge perhaps might fall down some evening. Reasonable suggestion, wo think. Benjamin Whitner, an aged colored man, died on Saturday last, whilo on tho road lead? ing from town to the residence of Mr. Lowis Crombie, whero ho had been living for some time. The deceased had been suffering from dropsy for more than a year. He was the old ost citizen of this town, and came here among tho first settlers. Ho was always faithful to his ownors and employers, and was regarded with much esteem by the white people. For many years he served as hostler at the Benson House, and was a great favorite with tho trav? eling public. His remains were buried at old Mt. Tabor on Sunday in tho presenco of a large congregation. _ SPLENDID YIELDS IN THE GRAIN CROP. Never before within tho recollection of the oldest inhabitant has thoro been such splendid yields in the grain crops grown around town. Our enterprising and energetic grocery man and cotton buyer, Mr. E. W. Byrum, raised on a small field of only li acres, 66 bushels of fino whoat. This shows very plainly that Mr. Byrum understands tho principles of farming as well as other things. Capt. T. 1*. Benson raised on one-half of an acre 1SJ bushels of wheat, and on one-eighth of an aero 51 bushels. Col. J. N. Drown raised on three-fourths of an acre 41 i bushels oats, which would bo about 55 bushels to the acre?a fine yield for this or any other country. The Colonel, it seems, studies agriculture as well as law. IMPROVEMENTS ON BUILDINGS. We are glad to see that improvements are being made both in the internal and external appearance of certain buildings in Town, and trust that the good work will continue. The steeple of the Baptist Church is receiving a new coat of paint, which was sadly needed, and when finished will add greatly to the appear? ance of that fine edifice. Workmen are busy plastering and repairing the windows and oth? er portions of tho north section of Brick Range, belonging to Mrs. Webb. It is inten? ded to put up green blinds on the windows after tho repairing is done. The house of Mr. Jordan Gambrell, just across the railroad bridgo on Main street, is also undergoing repairs, and wiil add to the general appearance of that por? tion of Town, after it is finished. Improve? ments are going on in the interior of the Court House. The offices of the Sheriff, Treasurer and School Commissioner are to be made into t\v> offices?one for tho Sheriff and the other for the Treasurer. An office for the School Commissioner will be purchased somewhere in Town. The throe offices named above were very small, not sufficient! j* large for the-trans? action of the necessary business, so it was very properly determined to convert them into two. We trust, however, that somothing may bo done to the outside -walls of tho Court House, as they are very much in need improvement of any kind. Could not the owners- of property on Granite Row do something in the improv? ing line? PURCHASE OF EARLES BRIDGE. Tho County Commissioners met on Saturday iast, fully determined to have the survey made that was mentioned in last wcekrs issue, but they succeeded in purchasing Earle's Bridge at very reasonable price, and therefore gave up tbe preconcerted idea of a survey. Tho bridgo was purchased for ?2,500?$1000 cash, and the balance tobe paid by the first of January next. The titlos wore perfected on Monday last, and tho bridge will be got ready for free passage at once. The road to the bridge is reported in a very good condition. We learn that a private address was delivered by Mr. G. F. Tolly before tlve Charles Pinckney Societj- in the Court House, on Monday even? ing last. The subject was "Oratory," and was exceedingly well handled by Mr. Tolly, who spoke in glowing and eloquent terms of orato? ry, its rise and progress, and its effect on the character and destinies of individuals and na j tions. This Society, we understand, is iu a flourishing condition. ITEMS-EDITORIAL AND OTHERWISE. ? The Second Annual Fair of the Greenville Agricultural and Mechanical Association will open on Tuesday, 13th of October next, and continue four days. ? James H. Hendrix, Esq., of Lexington, died suddenly on the 8th inst. He was County Auditor of Lexington until recently, when he was removed by the Governor. ? The Vicksburg (Miss.) Clarion says the opinion seems to be gaining ground that Gen. Sherman will be proposed for the Presidency as an antidote for Grant's threatened Caesar ism. ? Only one case was tried at Pickens Court last week?a white man and negro woman charged with infanticide. They were found guilty, and sentenced to be hanged on the fourth Friday in September next. ? Chief Justice Waite has just decided that a bankrupt cannot obtain a homestead exemp? tion as against debts contracted prior to the ratification of the State Constitution in the re? constructed States. He has likewise decided that a mau can waive his right to a home? stead. ? Louisiana is afflicted beyond all precedent. Drought is visiting those portions of the State that are out of the reach of the floods. So that the country presents the painful anomaly of being dried up where it has not been drowned out. It is evident that the demand for aid is most imperative and heartrending. ? Gen. Be.iuregard has recently received a letter from a representative of the Argentine Confederation tendering him, in the name of President Sormiento, the position of military engineer, for the purpose of making a recon noissance of the river La Plata, with the view of establishing a line of defenses. ? Colorado, whether admitted as a Sta'e into the Union or not, is certainly one of tl e best illustrations of American growth. Her immigration is reckoned at the rate of three thousand per month. The actual value of her real estate is ^100,000,000, and she has 1,500, 000 acres of land under cultivation. ? There is an infatuation about the lottery business that cannot be explained. Ex-Gov. Bramlette has been running the Louisville lot? tery since its inception, but had never heard until recently that marriage is a lottery. Upon learning this he immediately invested, and the ceremony was performed at Louisville last week. ? The St. Louis Post does not altogether dis? believe the rumors about the third term con? spiracy, and says it is very evident that Pres? ident Grant is hard at work tokilloffMortion, the most prominent candidate of the republi? can party, and to put personal friends in every office at his disposal, regardless of their stand? ing in the party. ? In Harrison county, Kentucky, a mob of masked men took Robert Becket from the house of his employer, riddled his body with bullets, soaked his clothes with coal oil and set fire to them, thus burning the dead body. Becket was charged with the murder of a man named Ellis about a year ago, but was out on bail. Greet indignation is reported in the communi? ty against this inhuman outrage. ? Charles Francis Adams, in a letter to Sen? ator Windom, expresses his disaffection with both the transportation bills now before the Senate. He does not believe it possible for anv nine men, no matter how honest and ex? perienced they may be, to properly revise all the running railroad tariffs in use in the United States, and even if they could he thinks that they would not be able to reach the root of the presentdilficulty which is the natural outgrowth of the whole system and theory of railroad con? struction, and cannot be eradicated without upsetting the system, that of private owner? ship, regulated by competition. ? A letter to the New York Times, from Charleston, says : "From the official record of the prosecuting attorneys of the different cir? cuits in South Carolina, it will be seen that one-third of the number of persons holding minor positions have been indicted for some offence committed during their term of office, and a much larger proportion is charged with crimes of various kinds prior to their election or appointment. Charleston County is, per? haps, worse in this particular than any other portion of the State; from the highest to :he lowest State officer in the District, nearly all have been charged with and many of them convicted of one or more offences." ? The Indianapolis Journal, Senator Mor? ton's organ, thinks that reconstruction has been overdone, and "it is worth while for Con? gress to cousider whether it has not made the mistake of interfering too much in the affairs of the Southern States. The best thing Con? gress can do with Arkansas, and with every other State, unless clearly called upon by the requirement of the constitution to interfere, is to severely let them alone. What the people of the South want is rest and local self-govern? ment, instead of Congressional if erterence. The condition of affairs iu some of these States is certainly very bad, but the interference pol? icy does not seem to help them much, and we should like to sec tho lot-ulouc policy tried for :\ while."