Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page. It is also available as plain text as well as XML.

HOYT & CO., Proprietors. JAMES A. HOYT, Editob. RATES OF SUBSCRIPTION.?Two Dollars peran tinrn, and One Dollar for six months. Subscriptions are not taken for a less period than six months. Liberal deductions made to clubs often or more sub ?rtbors. RATES OF ADVERTISING.?One Dollar per square ol one inch for the first insertion, and Fifty Cents per square for subsequent insertions less than three months. 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 firm or individual contracting. Obituary Notices exceeding five 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 bo Inserted gratis. _ THTTBSDAY MORNING, HAT 27, 1875. Another Railroad Project. The Elberton Gazette has been informed that railroad men are agitating the question of building a railroad from the Pine House, on the Charlotte, Columbia and Augusta Rail? road, to connect with the Atlanta and Rich? mond Air Line Railroad, by way of the road now building from Elberton to Toccoa City. The object in view is to make a connection by that route with the great western and seaboard lines. It is alleged that this would be one of the cheapest roads for its length that can be constructed, and that the grading of the last twenty miles next to Elberton would not cost more than one thousand dollars per mile, while She remainder of the route would average only &> trifle ?iore. This is another link in the cor? don which is to environ Anderson, while wo are lying inactive* and paralyzed, allowing other communities no more favored than ours in resources and ability to distance us with their energy and activity. We will arouse from this unnatural slumber when it is too late to retrieve the ground and regain supremacy as a business centre. The Law's Delay. The cases against Niles G. Parker were called on Wednesday last. In the action which charges him with the substitution of fraudulent for valid coupons, Attorney-General Melton asked for a continuance, in order that he might have time to take the evidence of Kimpton as to what coupons he paid and re? turned to the State Treasury during the time covered by the charges against Parker. It is believed that a continuance will be granted, and the trial will take place at a special term, which will'be holden about the last of June. We learn that Parker is quite cheerful, and does not seem at all nneasy in regard to his position. He is confident that his conviction and downfall would result in bringing others to a speedy retribution, which cannot be affor? ded Jost at this time. Too many are implica? ted in all of his transactions with bonds and coupons, who are yet unmasked, and will not suffer the entire truth to be developed. If ever there was a necessity for the tax-payers of South Carolina to unite and co-operate in an effort to bring villainy to merited justice, this is the most important time for them to strike. What has become of the State Tax- Union ? The State Press Association. The action of this body meets with the ap? proval of many journals not represented at the meeting in Charleston, including such as the Edgefield Advertiser, Chester Reporter, Green? ville Enterprise and Mountaineer, Aiken Tri? bune, Columbia Phoenix, and other influential newspapers in different parts of the State. It is within bounds to declare that the Associa? tion receives-the endorsement and co-operation of two-thirds of the newspapers in South Caro? lina, and begins its career under the most flat? tering auspices. The-policy of n-on-interference with business arrangements not only gains approbation at Home, but this example has been imitated by the North Carolina Press Association, which discerned its wisdom and propriety, backed by their own experience with the opposite policy. At the recent annual meeting, the very lan ? gnage employed by the South Carolina editors and proprietors was incorporated into their organic law. Among the items of business transacted at the meeting in Charleston, we have omitted to mention a resolution introduced by Mr. Stokes, of the Union Times, which provided for the appointment of a Historical Committee, whose duty it shall be to collect as full a history of the newspaper press of this State as possible, and report at the next annual meeting of this Association. Under this resolution, the follow? ing gentlemen have been appointed: R. A. Thompson, Walhalla Courier; F. W. Dawson, Charleston News and Courier; R. M. Stokes, Union Times ; W. J. McKerall, Marion Star ; J>r. Thomas G. White, Beaufort Tribune. We would invite the attention of such news? papers as are not connected with the Associa? tion to the fact that applications for member? ship may be made to the Executive Committee, who are empowered to elect such applicants, subject to the approval of the Association at its next meeting. We will take pleasure in calling the Executive Committee' together, whenever the number of applications will warrant such a meeting, and we would be gratified to receive proposals for membership from those designing to connect themselves with the Association at an early day. For tlie Anderson Intelligencer. Belton, S. 0., May 22nd, 1875. Mr. Editor : Pursuant to previous arrange? ment, the citizens of Belton and surrounding country met at Belton on Friday evening, May 21st., for the purpose of instituting a Division of Sons of Temperance. Twenty-one persons were enrolled as members, and the following officers elected to serve the remainder of the present quarter, and who were duly installed as officers of Belton Division, No. 92, by Bro. A. B. Towers, D. G. W. P. for Anderson Coun tv: Dr. W. H. Todd, W. P. W. F. Cox, W. A. W. A. Geer, R. S. C. M. Richey, A. R. 8. L. C. Todd, F. S. L, E. Campbell, Treas. Dr. O. R. Horton, Chap. J. K. Breazeale, Con. J. V. Willingham, A. C. B. M. Waketield, L S. J. T. Cox, 0. S. A. Campbell, P. W. P. Respectfully, 0. B. H. The Mecklenburg Centennial. The centennial celebration of the Mecklen? burg Declaration of Independence, which was the forerunner of that more widely known and famous declaration inspired by Thomas Jeffer? son, was observed in Charlotte on Thursday last with becoming eclat and imposing ceremo nies. Thousands of the yeomanry of the Old North State assembled to do honor to the noble action of their sturdy and resolute forefathers, who emphatically declared their right to be a free and independent people, and to the main? tenance of which independence they solemnly pledged their mutual co-operation?"our lives, our fortunes and our most sacred honors," for such was the language used in closing the series of resolutions adopted by the meeting of delegates from each "captain's district," which convened in Charlotte's Town on the 19th of May, and which continued in session until the morning of the 20th of May, 1775. We are told that when the tidings of Concord and Lexington flashed through the country and lighted the fires of patriotism from every mountain top and spread over every valley, in the language of the loyal men of that day, Old Mecklenburg was then a "hornet's nest of rebellion," and the Scotch-Irish blood of that section revolted at the dangerous invasion of their liberties, which culminated in shedding the blood of American patriots at Lexington. The meeting was organized by the choice of Col. Abraham Alexander as chairman, and John M. Alexander as clerk. Rev. Hezekiah Balch, a Presbyterian clergyman, Dr. Ephraim Brevard, a graduate of Princeton College, and Wm. Kennon, Esq., a prominent lawyer, ad? dressed the meeting in support of the resolu? tions introduced by Dr. Brevard, which were debated section by section during the whole night, and were unanimously adopted on the morning of the 20th of May, when they were proclaimed from the Court House by the her? ald, Col. Thomas Polk. These resolutions de? clared in substance that whoever, directly or indirectly, gave aid, encouragement or coun? tenance to the unchartered and dangerous in? vasion of their rights, as claimed by Great Britain, was an enemy to American interests and the inalienable rights of mau; that the citizens of Mecklenburg County by this action dissolved political bands with the mother country, absolved themselves from all further allegiance to the British crown, and abjured all political association with that nation which wantonly trampled on the rights and liberties, and inhumanly shed the blood of patriots at Lexington; that they declared themselves a free and independent people, subject to the control of no power other than God and the general government of the Congress?to all of which the most solemn and binding pledges were made. These resolutions were sent off by an express messengar to the Continental Congress at Philadelphia, and the Provincial Congress at Hillsboro, but were not adopted as the general policy until the passage of Richard Henry.Lee's resolutions in June, 1776, which induced the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on the 4th of July following. Such is the simple and well authenticated history of the Mecklenburg Declaration, in commemoration of which on the one hun? dredth anniversary so many thousands flocked to Charlotte from the surrounding conntry. But the assemblage on last Thursday not only represented the gallant and patriotic citizens of North Carolina, but there were hundreds and thousands from adjoining and distant States, including many distinguished persons who recognize the claims of Old Mecklenburg as the pioneer in declaring freedom and inde? pendence. We would wish that it were prac? ticable to give a full account of the ceremonies for the benefit of our readers, but the demands upon our columns will only permit an imper? fect sketch, which we condense from our ex? changes. The celebration began at noon on Wednes? day, when the Federal flag was hoisted on a liberty pole one hundred and eighty feet high, in Independence Square. An immense crowd had already gathered to witness the proceed? ings, and great cheering and enthusiasm atten? ded the ceremony of raising the flag. A salute of thirty-seven guns was fired, and an address was made by Hon. Wm. Johnston, the Mayor of Charlotte, after which Hon. Curtis H. Brogden, Governor of North Carolina, was in? troduced to the audience, when he delivered a stirring and eloquent address, extending a hearty welcome to the visitors from other States, which was exceedingly patriotic and loudly applauded for its liberal sentiments. At night the entire city was brilliantly illumi? nated, and even the humblest cottage attested the enthusiasm of the hour by displaying lights from the windows. The ceremonies on Thursday began at sun* rise, when one hundred guns were fired in honor of the event, and the city bells were set to ringing out a joyous anthem. The morning trains from every direction came in jammed with passengers, and before the hour of nine arrived, every square inch of the principal streets was crowded with visitors. The hotels, boarding-houses and private residences, and even the stores and public buildings, were filled to their utmost capacity, while hundreds were actually unable to find accommodations in the town, although the citizens made every sacri? fice to entertain the numerous host of strangers and extend to them a cordial greeting. We believe that all accounts agree in estimating the attendance at between forty and fifty thousand persons, which included military and civic organizations from North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and elsewhere. The procession was formed at ten o'clock under the direction of Gen. William R. Cox, of North Carolina, and a large corps of assis? tants. The procession extended for over three miles, and amid the firing of cannon, waving of banners, music by numerous bands, and enthusiastic cheering by the multitude, the march was made through the principal streets. The grand pageant reached the Fair Grounds about noon, when the exercises of the day were begun according to the programme. A large platform had been erected for the orators and invited guests, which was ornamented with a number of hornets' nests in allusiou to the historic character of the Mecklenburg people duriug the revolutionary struggle. Gov. Wm. A. Graham, whose father was one of the signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration and a distinguished soldier of the Revolution, conducted the ceremonies and introduced the speakers, all of which he prefaced with elegant and appropriate remarks pertinent to the occa-, sion. A devout prayer was offered by Rev. A. W. Miller, of North Carolina, when the Meck? lenburg Declaration of Independence was read by Hon. Seaton Gales, Mayor of Raleigh, who likewise made a neat and timely speech, which was warmly applauded by the audience. The orators of the day, Hon. John Kerr, on the part of North Carolina, and Hon. John M. Bright, on the part of Tennessee, were then in? troduced. Each speaker occupied about one hour, eloquently defeuding the Mecklenburg Declaration, the State of North Carolina and the Southern people, and claiming that the people of this section were loyal to the govern? ment, and would remain true so long as consti? tutional gurantees are not violated. It is im? possible to give a just synopsis of these eloquent and admirable efforts, which are reported fully quite a number of exchanges. When the orations were concluded, loud calls were made for Hendricks and Vance, and the latter responded briefly and happily. As Gov. Vance was concluding his remarks the platform gave way, and precipitated the speaker and a number of the distinguished guests to the ground. Fortunately no one waB hurt, and Vance finished with the remark that he always succeeded in bringing down the house. The speaking having been concluded, the various organizations and the invited guests were marched to Floral Hall, where a hand? some collation had been prepared. About three thousand persons had their appetites here satisfied, and, upon the conclusion of the banquet, a number of telegrams were read by Mayor Johnston, of Charlotte, including one from the National Centennial Committee, ex? pressing congratulations, and another from the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church, now in session at^Newbern, N. C, of a similar cougratulutory character. In response to loud calls Gov. Hendricks, of Indiana, arose and addressed the assemblage, the toast being the United States. He declared in favor of the sovereignty of the States, while acknowledging the paramount authority of the general government, and said no true union could exist until this great principle was firm? ly established and constitutional limitations of power were respected. The speaker was fre? quently interrupted by prolonged applause, and the greatest enthusiasm was manifested during the continuance of his remarks. Gen. Bradley T. Johnson was then called to the stand, and paid a glowing compliment to North Carolina, saying that her people were the first rebels in this country, and they would ever be found rebellious when their rights were infringed. Gov. Brogdon followed in a brief speech, af? ter which the assembly dispersed. A grand pyrotechnic display at night closed the celebra? tion, which was the grandest event that has ever occurred in Charlotte since the original declaration. A large number of eminent gen? tlemen addressed the surging mass of human beings, including Gov. Hendricks, of Indiana, Gov. Chamberlain, of South Carolina, Ex-Gov. Walker, of Virginia, and Col. H. M. Polk, of Tennessee, whose grandfather bore a conspicu part in the proceedings one hundred years ago. Gov. Chamberlaiu's speech was higlily ap? plauded for its liberal sentiments and chaste conception. The whole affair was a sublime success, and reflected much credit upon the pa? triotic descendants of a noble ancestry. - ? t ? - Our Atlanta Correspondence. Atlanta, Ga., May 22, 1875. Ben Hill is elected at last, and has made another "Great Atlauta Speech." As he said in his discourse, he entered politics twenty years ago, and since that time he has been constantly striving to rise, but strange to say this is his first election. Why it is we cannot understand, for to our mind Hon. B. H. Hill is the smartest Georgian we ever saw. Is it because the State of Georgia, until recently, has been unable to appreciate the man, or is it Bimply prejudice ? Shortly after his election hand-bills were distributed over the City an? nouncing that Hon. B. H. Hill would address the people on Thursday evening following. This put expectation upon tiptoe. Before dark on the stated evening your correspondent re? paired to the Capitol, with a view to obtaining the most comfortable seat, but was surprised upon reaching the door to find the street lined with carriages, and more so upon entering the Representative Hall, to find that the comforta? ble seat we had set our heart so much upon was already occupied, and not only it, but all the rest also. The hall was already literally jammed and crammed. The elite of the City were there; the leaders of fashion as well as those of politics were there ; Tom Collins and Josephus Mayfield were there; in fact, every? body was there. We looked around and took in the situation; and, having taken it in, the astonishing revelation burst upon us that if we heard that speech, and we nad made up our mind that, sink or swim, we would hear it, that we would, in the absence of seats, be compelled to exercise our pedological abilities during the evening. I never in my life heard a man make a speech before such a mixed audience and trammel himself so little. Just in this con? nection, to show that ho had an eye to this, in leaving the hall after the speech some gcntle mau remarked to Mr. Hill, "Sir, you did not hit the Yankees very heavy this evening." "Aye," said he, "I tell them about the Yankees up in the circuit, but it will not do here." To understand this remark your readers should remember that a very great portion of the pop? ulation of Atlanta is composed of Northern men. It was truly a speech upon the situation, abounding in the most stirring, patriotic and eloquent language. For instance, in the mid? dle of his speech, when the audience were spell-bound as only he can bind them, every? thing else was forgotten, the orator was pour? ing nis soul into his words, and rising even above himself, he cried, "There must oo no hand-cuffed dynasties at the centennial of in? dependence." A cotton factory project is the excitement at present. With H. I. Kimball at its head, it will hardly fail to make a pretty heavy haul on the City and State. Already they are try? ing to get the City fathers to give them water as a subsidy. The Commonwealth is fighting it with all its little might. The other papers are very reticent on the subject. It seems to us that although the factory would no doubt be of great benefit to the City, that to grant them what they ask would be to establish a dangerous precedent. An excursion has left Atlanta every day since the first of May, with very few excep? tions, to pic nics at some point in the country. Stone Mountain is the moat popular resort. This pleasant little village is situated at the foot of the mountain bearing its own name. The mountain itself is one solid mass of rock. Excepting now and then a tussick of grass or sprout peeping from the crevices, it is perfectly bear. It is situated immediately on the Geor-. gia Railroad, ouly sixteen miles from Atlanta,! so that it can be and is made very profitable. ! There are extensive stone works now in opera- i tion, and an enormous amount of stone is ' shipped to Atlanta; in fact, it is the only sup? ply. John Bard, who stabbed Willie Spencer a short time ago, was tried yesterday, and found guilty of assault. The circumstances of the case are these: At a ball given by the "Fulton Blues," one of the military companies of the place, of which both were members, Spencer, in passing Bard, pushed him and told him to get out of the way, whereupon Bard turned and pushed Spencer, when Spencer told him that if he pushed him again he would run his bayonet through him. No more was said at the time. A few moments afterward Bard left the room. The matter was supposed to be ended, but in a short time Bard came back to the foot of the steps, and sent for Spencer to come down, as he wanted to see him. Spencer went, and a few words passed, when Bard, with an oath, impeached Spencer's truthfulness. Spen? cer struck him, when, quick as thought, Bard plunged a knife into bis side, inflicting a wound which may yet prove fatal. Another fire this week?two retail stores and two dwellings destroyed. Very few have gone to the Mecklenburg Centennial. Gov. Brown has returned from Mexico. E. It. H. PRESENTMENT OF THE GRAND JURY, MAY TERM, 1875. To the Honorable T. H. Coohe, Judge of the Eighth Judicial Circuit of South Carolina: The Grand Jury at this, their second meet? ing for this year, beg leave to present to your Honor as follows : We find that the County Commissioners, since receiving a copy of the Acts of the last Legislature, have been complying strictly with the law in auditing all accounts, and stating in their orders for what purpose the same is issued. We take this occasion, however, to say that the auditing of jury claims by the County Com? missioners, and the issuing of orders on the County Treasurer for the same, is not only a great inconvenience to the jurors, as they can? not get their pay until the Board of County Commissioners meet; but it is placing more unnecessary trouble upon the County Commis? sioners, when no good can result therefrom to the County. We have visited the jail, and find that the repairs recommended by us at our last sessions is now under contract. We find that a new door-sill is needed at the entrance, and the floor in front of one of the fire-places needs patching. We have, by a committee from our number, visited the Poor House, and find the inmates well provided for, and the crop well worked. We would recommend that the County Com? missioners would have the well fixed ; the wall should be repaired, and there should be a new cover, as in its present condition there is dan? ger of some of the idiotic persons falling in. We think it would be much better to have a pump, and have the well closely covered. The water is now in a bad condition, and the well should be cleaned out. We again recommend that the houses be placed in a better condition before next winter. We think that the fenc? ing around the houses should be placed in a better condition, and made very strong. We unanimously recommend that the Coun? ty Commissioners take some steps to erect a suitable hall or chapel for the convenience of religious worship for the inmates of the Poor House. We find upon inquiry that the County Com missioners have been discharging their duty under the Act of health and drainage. There had been some complaint from one or two per? sons of negrect of the Commissioners in having the Rankin mill-pond properly drained, but even they have withdrawn all complaint. We have ascertained, in fact, that there was no true ground for complaint. A complaint has been made unto us from the neighborhood of Williamston that George Duckworth has closed up a road that has been used.for about half of a century, both as a mill and church road. We, therefore, recommend that proper steps be taken to have the road re? opened. Wo would suggest that water closets be placed in the petit juries' rooms for their con? venience, and the convenience of the officers of the Court. We regret to report that the Trial Justice living in the Fork does not do his duty in try? ing to suppress the illicit traffic in whiskey. Whiskey wagons iu that community have be? come a great nuisance. We have to report that the side bridges over the railroad cut ou Main street are in bad con? dition j also the bridge over the cut on McDuffie street. We hope, therefore, that the proper authorities will have them repay-ed, as they are dangerous, and are becoming a nuisance to the public. We feel grateful to the Court and its officers for the kindly assistance rendered us in the discharge of our duties. Most respectfully submitted, G. W. McGEE, Foreman. ? The funeral of Gen. John C. Breckenridge took place in Lexington on Thursday last, and was attended by an immense throng of persons who were anxious to pay the last sad honors to the memory a great and good man. Officers of the State government, headed by Gov. Leslie, were present in a body, together with Senators Stevenson and McCreary, and many other dis? tinguished men. The obsequies were conduct? ed by the Knights Templar, to which Gen. Breckenridge belonged, and no such gathering of the people has been witnessed in Kentucky since the death of Henry Clay. ? The grand jury of Richland County re? cently found a true bill against ex-Senator Robert Sm3lls, of Beaufort, for advising, coun? seling and procuring the clerks of the Senate and House of Representatives to sign and cer? tify the allowance of a claim for $2,260 thereby to commit a breach of trust with fraudulent in? tent. Smalls has given bond for his appear? ance, and denies the allegations in the indict? ment, asserting his ability to establish his en? tire innocence when the trial takes place. He was elected to Congress last fall, and has been regarded as one of the leaders in Republican reform. TOWN AND COUNTY NEWS. T. D. KENNEDY, Local Editor. THE COUNTY GRANGE. The delegates from the subordinate Granges will meet at this place on Saturday next to perfoct the organization of tho County Grange. Wo understand that Col. Aikon will not be presont, owing to provious engagements. ? -. DEATH OF REV. A. II. CORNISH. Wo are pained to record tho death of Rev. A. II. Cornish, of Pendleton, which occurred at Newborry on Monday last, aftor intense Kutteringfor two weeks. Mr. Cornish was a delegate to tho Episcopal Convention which met in Charleston on tho 13th inst., and was taken sick upon the cars when on his way down, which compelled him to forego the fa? tigue of travel and remain over at Newberry, where he received tho kindost attentions and the best medical skill. His sufferings woro acute and exceedingly painful until death came to bis relief. Mr. Cornish was greatly esteem? ed by all who knew him for gontleness of man nor, dignity of character, and scrupulous fi? delity in tho discharge of responsible duties. Ho resided at Pendleton for upwards of twen ty-livo 3'ears, in ehargo of tho Episcopal Church, and a portion of that time ho gave Iiis valualilo services to tho congregation at An? derson, where ho was equally beloved formally j nohlo qualities. His remains were taken to ! Pendleton on Tuesday evening, and tho fttno- ! ral obsequies took place yesterday afternoon. BRIEF MENTION. We understand that a fishing party visited Rocky River one day last week, and despite the united efforts of the whole party, and an entire afternoon spent, only two minnows were caught. How is that for high ? The gentlemen comprising the "Harmonia Club" have rented and fitted up a handsome club-room, in the tnird story over the store of Mr. A. P. Hubbard, where they practice on Tuesday and Friday nights. They furnish ex? cellent music. Mrs. Frances Ritchie, consort of Mr. David Ritchie, died at her residence ten miles north? west of this place on Friday morning last, af? ter a long and painful illness, occasioned by dropsy. The deceased lady was about thirty five years old. We are informed by Mr. J. H. von Hasseln, the efficient clerk of the County Auditor, that out of tho large amount of $70,000 State, County and Poll taxes which were levied upon this County, only $127 was returned nulla bona. This speaks well for the banner County of the State. We observo that Mr. A. Summer Todd, who received his diploma in the art preservative from this office, has been promoted by the Dalton (Ga.) Citizen, and is now the assistant local of that excellent journal. May success attend him all the days of his pilgrimage in the newspaper business. The "Harmonia Club" have kindly consent? ed to furnish the music for the Anderson The? atrical Company on Saturday night next, and all persons of whatever sex or age wishing to enjoy excellent music and first-class acting, should go to Masonic Hall on the above night. Admission, only fifty cents. The Strawberry Festival on Friday evening was a complete success, and the ladies realized upwards of seventy dollars from the enter? tainment. The hall was handsomely decora? ted, the assemblage was pleasant and agreea blo, and the refreshments were profuse, tempt? ing and delicious. One feature is worthy of especial mention, that the charges were ex? ceedingly moderate, even less than such luxu? ries ordinarily cost. Wo regret to announce the death of Mrs. Dr. Jasper Browne, which occurred at the resi? dence of her husband near Storeville, on Tues? day morning. Mrs. Browne was stricken with paralysis on last Friday night, and lingered unconscious from that time. She was the daughter of the late Robert Smith, and has many relatives and friends who will mourn her untimely death. Her funeral took place yesterday, at Ebenezer Church. A flying trapeze, or horses, was put up in Mr. T. M. White's yard on Saturday last, which greatly amuses both old and young. It is ac? companied by a hand organ or grinding ma? chine, the inspiring strains of which excite the intrepid riders on t deeds of daring, such as taking rings, etc. It was largely patronized lato Saturday evening, and in the dim twilight might be observed the portly forms of three gentlemen of mature years, who were boldly riding around to the tune of the "Mulligan Guards," and each mentally ejaculating? "Would I were a boy again." Wo learn that during the late sitting of the Auditor's Convention in the city of Columbia, Mr. Thomas J. Webb, onr able and efficient County Auditor, received the highest praiso from the Comptroller General, the Chief Clerk, and many of the Auditors from other Coun? ties, for the neatness, correctness and regulari? ty of his tax duplicate book. It was conceded by all to be the best kept book present, and it would certainly have taken a prize, if any had been offered. Our County officers are among tho best and most competent the State affords, and they are never derelict in duty. -* CHANGE OF PROGRAMME At an extra meeting of Anderson Division, No. 1, Sons of Temperance, held on Monday evening last, it was determined to change the place of the Pic Nie, (which is to be given on i Saturday next, 29th inst.,) from Key's Spring" to tho University, in order that parties not hav? ing conveyances may be enabled to attend. A committee of arrangements was appointed, with Mr. W. S. Ligon as chairman, who will doubtless use their utmost endeavors in pro? viding for the comfort and pleasure of those who may be present on the occasion. WILLIAMSTON FEMA LE COLLEGE. We aro indebted to the President, Rev. Sam \ uel Lander, for an invitation to attend the t commencement exoroisos of this institution, which will take place on the 16th and 17th of June next. The commencement sermon will bo delivered on Wednesday eveuing, 16th of June, by Rev. J. I. Bonner, President of Due West Female College. On Thursday morning, the literary address will be delivered by Rev. E. J. Moyuardio, D. D., of Greenville, and in the ovening the Closing Concert and Gradua? ting Exercises will take place. RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. The raeoling at tho Presbyterian Church was continued throughout last week, except on Friday night, and much interest was manifes? ted during tho entire services. Eighteen per? sons connected themselves with tho Presbyte? rian Church, and quite a number of others were awakened to tho importance of securing an interest in the plan of salvation. Much good was accomplished by the earnest efforts of Rev. Mr. Frierson and his co-laborers. Wo learn that the ordination of Rev. James K. Fant will take place atBolton on the second Sabbath in June. Mr. Fant is a young man of exceeding fair promise, and will graduate next month at tho Furman University. He is en? gaged to labor as an evangelist duringthe pres? ent summer within the bounds of tho Black River Union, which embraces the countios of Sumtor, Clarendon and Williamsburg. Rev. Mr, Mcndenhall has been preaching in the Baptist Churcn every night this week to attentivo congregations. With earnestness and power are the glad tidings of salvation proclaimed, and considerable feeling has been manifostod among the hearers. TEMPERANCE ORGANIZA TIONS. A Temporanco Division was instituted at Providence Church on Saturday last, entitled Seneca Division, No. 91, by John W. Todd, of Anderson Division, acting as Grand Worthy Patriarch, and W. W. Keys Grand Conductor. Tho following aro the officers elected to serve for the remainder of tho present quarter: J. F. Andorson, W. P. B. Frank Crayton, W. A. L. O. Williford, R. S. Miss Sallio Skolton, A. R. S. Dr. J. T. Cook, F. S. W. H. Cox, Treas. D. M. Simpson, Chap. Robt. C. Cunningham, Con. Mrs. Mary E. Crayton, A. C. Miss Fannie Cox, I. S. F. M. Morris, O. S. Anothor Division, entitled Belton Division, No. 92, was instituted at Belton on Friday evening by A. B. Towers, D. G. W. P., assisted by Broadaway Division. Tho list of officers will 1)0 found in another column. The temperance cause is rapidly progressing in our County, ami it is to be hoped that ore j long such a thing as intemperance will bo , known no more in our land. El THE COURT. Court convened at this place on Monday morning last, his Honor Judge T. H. Cooke presiding. After the calling and empaneling of the different juries, his Honor proceeded to charge the Grand Jury, saying that as he had spoken to them at length concerning their du? ties during the last term of the Court, lt?was only necessary for him to direct their attention to a few items of importance to which his at? tention had been called. Owing to the late Acts and the amendments to the Code, he said! the importance of the office of County Com? missioners has been greatly enhanced, since they are required to audit all claims, of whatJ ever description, to be paid by the County Treasurer. They are to pay the claims of the School Commissioner, as well as those for the* building of bridges, working of roads, etc. It must be apparent, he said, to even tue* most casual observer that the country com* prising the 8th Judicial Circuit is the most prosperous in the State. The soil is fertile and produces abundant harvests. There is less* crime here than in any other Circuit, and aif for educational advantages, this Circuit em-' braces a numbor of Colleges and Schools which are second to none in the State. A number of manufactories in excellent condition are in op* eration here, which add greatly to the prosper* ity aud to the interests of the people of this* section. The climate has always been healthy, except during the summer of 1873, and the? the cause was attributable to want of proper* observance of the sanitary laws. Whilst, he* said, we may boast of all tbese'advantages, yet history and experience teaches the bad condi? tion and the many evils arising in a country' where little or no attention is paid to its sani? tary condition. The Legislature have consti* tuted the County Commissioners of this Coun? ty commissioners qf health and drainage, and have ordered them to carry out the provisions of the Act in this respect. The Commissioners are sometimes economical, not wishing to* spend money for such purposes, but they should not fail to do their duty, and use the County funds in improving its condition, and promoting the welfare and happiness of the people. The streams should be properly ditch? ed, in order to prevent an accumulation of such matter as would produce malaria, and the owners of lands on the different water-courses should be required to have a thorough system of drainage carried out, not only for their in? dividual good, but also for the good of tho community in general. It is your duty, he said, to inquire Into tho business of the various County officials, and ascertain if such is properly conducted. Par? ticularly should you inquire into that of the many Trial Justices. When asked why they do not arrest whiskey wagoners, Trial Justices reply that they cannot procure any one to act as Constable. This plea will not be entertain? ed, however, as any Trial Justice has the power to delegate any person, or any number of per? sons, to make or assist in making arrests. I am told, he said, that in some portions of this Circuit, the Town Marshals have met whiskey wagons, and for the sake of two or three gal? lons of whiskey let them go, thus aiding them in the nefarious practice. A stop should be put to such proceedings, and it is to be hoped that your body will pay strict attention to this matter. In relation to the drawing of Jurors, ho said that the Jury Commissioner was not solely re? sponsible for mistakes made, or incompetent persons drawn, for the Chairman of the Coun? ty Commissioners and the Auditor are alike responsible, since they assist in forming the Board. Men over sixty years of age should not be drawn as Jurors, and if by chance they were, their names should be thrown out. After this charge, the Grand Jury repaired to their room to discuss the bills which the So? licitor presented for their consideration. The Grand Jury having finished their busi? ness on Tuesday at 12 o'clock, were discharged until the next regular term of the Court, on the third Monday in October next. Before discharging them, his Honor said that the pres? ent dispatch of business on their part was un? precedented, and they deserved the greatest credit for the quick and satisfactory manner in which they attended to their duty. The fol? lowing cases were disposed of up to Wednes? day at 12 o'clock: The State vs. Elias Drake. Rape. Guilty. The State vs. Jones Duckworth. Retailing spirituous liquors without license. In this case tho Grand Jury found no bill. Tho State vs. Jeremiah Satterfield. Retail? ing spirituous liquors without license. Guilty. The State vs. Franklin Moore. Same offence. Guilty, but recommended to the mercy of the Court. As we go to press the Court is engaged with the trial of William M. Martin Ibr the murder of Stephen Chastain, Jr., last fall. RUNAWAYS. On Thursday morning last, while Mr. Thos, Young, of Lowndesville, was in the Depot transacting business, bis horses on the outside took fright and ran away, looming up Depot Street and through the square at a furious rate. Many persons endeavored ta arrest their pro? gress, but without success. After turning to the left around the Court House, they ran the tongue of tho wagon against the boxing of one of tho shade trees in tho square, and com? pletely prostrated the tree, continuing ttoir onward course until they were stopped in the suburbs by a colored man who brought them back. Tho wagon was slightly damaged. When Mr. Young's wagon upset the tree in, the square, a team belonging to Mr. Martin Hall, which was standing near the old Benson House, also become frightened and ran away, turning the w..gon completely over, and emp? tying it of a load of corn. This team was brought to a standstill near the Market House, without sustaining any damage, save being lighter than when it started. On Saturday last another runaway occurred at the street crossing below Capt. A. T. Broyles* office. Two colored ministers were indulging in ?. buggy ride when their animal became uniuanagable, ran off and threw the individuals mentioned out .of the buggy on the top of their heads. The horse then ran the buggy against the paling fence of Mr. T. M. White, opposite, breaking the fence and demolishing the buggy. Another shade tree was also injured. PERSONAL. John C. Bailey, Esq., of the Greenville En tcrprite and Mountaineer, made a brief visit to our town on Saturday last, and illumined the sanctum with his genial presence for a short while. He represents the mountain city as improving and prospering every way. Alex. Y. Lee, Esq., who is now a resident of Richmond, Va,, arrived in our town on Satur? day last. Mr. Lee has been busily employed as an architect since his removal to Virginia, and his genius and energy deserves success. He was on a visit to his brother, Maj. Thomas B. Lee. Rev. J. K. Mendenhall, District Secretary of the Home Mission Board of the Southern Bap? tist Convention, has been spending a few days in our town, where he has numerous friends and admirers. Mr. Mendenhall's present la? bors in behalf of the Home Mission Board embrace tho States of Maryland, Virginia, North aud South Carolina.