ESTABLISHED IN 1S6
THE COTTON HARVESTER
A MACHINE THAT WILL PICK THREE
BALES PER DAY. -
Its Present Defects to be Keruedied?Xo
Chance of the Picker Being Used on the
Next Crop?Mr. Mason Hard at Work to
Perfect It.
In the Southern Bivouac for April is
an extended descriptiou of the Cotton
picker or Harvester, accompanied by
numerous illustrations, which concludes
as follows:
The machine is absolutely harmless
to the plant. No matter in what state
or condition the plant is in, or what sea
son the harvester is run over a row, no
damage will follow. The writer saw
Mr. Mason break the stems of over a
dozen burrs on a thickly-clustered stalk,
until they were hanging by the finest
filament, and after the picker stems had
passed through not one was*-toru off. It
seems almost miraculous that this could
be, as tbey were attached by such a
slight fiber. ? A darky, bungling into
that bush with his fingers, couldn't have
helped tearing off half of them. Had the
burrs contained lint tbe ligament would
have given way, of course, and the burr
would have been jerked from its broken
stem. But the machine has never becu
known of itself to break a boll or a
bloom in the field. Wet. or dry it does
its work. I have seen cotton picked by
it in such a wet and soaked condition
that, when allowed to dry naturally in
the sacks, it became as hard and caked
as piaster of pans.
It has yet its defects, of course, and
it is far from the object of this article to
conceal the'm. The first is, 'that as at
present constructed it can not work in
cotton over five feet high. That can
easily be overcome by making different
sizes of the machine adapted-to ordinary
and to rank growths. Nine-tenths of
the cotton, however, uow grown m the
South can be harvested with the present
size.
Again, the machine sometimes drops
a little cotton from the picker stems be
fore they enter the box.
Also the cotton, as it passes up on
the elevators to enter the sack, is some
times blown off on-windy days. This
can readily be prevented by covers,
which have never been put on except
for the pur|K)se of experiment, because
Mr. Mason did not want any part of the
interior workings of the machine hidden
from view while he was studying and im
proving it.
In tbe fourth place, a boll is oc
casionally passed over and left ungather
ed. This occurs seldom, and practically
is of little consequence, two trips gen
erally cleaning a row thoroughly. When
<^>ottl?acc?dm*aHjUeffrrt will bAgalheri
eu at thenext picking, for. the planter
can run over his crop so rapidly and so
often that a boll left here and there is
of slight importance. This frequent
harvesting must also necessarily result
in a better grade of cotton, as the fields
can always be kept clean In advance of
a rain.
Finally, the harvester sometimes
fails to gather the lowest bolls when
fiat on tbe ground in the dirt. That is
difficult to remedy without introducing
complications which would seriously
interfere with the working of the other
parts of the machine.
But Mr. Mason is hard at work
remedying, as rapidly as possible, these
defects as they present themselves, and
is confident of bringing the harvester's
present capacity of two thousand pounds
of seed cotton per day up to double that
amount, or three bales per day, and of
reducing the cost of picking to less than
one dollar a bale.
?And all this by one man and one
mule!
It is impossible for the syndicate to
place the harvester on the market in
time for the next crop, as Mr. Mason'
will himself be compelled to wait until
fall to test the changes he has now in
progress. They are in no hurry, and
do not hesitate to say that the machine
will never be sold until its present de
fects are effectually overcome, be that
time when it may.
But as these defects are triffling, and
as even with them the harvester does
excellent service, it is fair to conclude
that Mr. Mason, having already ac
complished the most difficult portion of
his work, will not be long in presenting
the public with a machine perfect In all
its parts. When that time does come,
the present declaration of the syndicate
will be ;he best guarantee of the ma
chine's actual efficiency,
Its cost has not yet been fully deter
mined, as it is not known in exactly
what shape it will be finally put upon
the market. Mr. Mason states, how
ever, that the price will at first probably
be about equal to that asked for a sub
stantial reaper or twine binder?per
haps less?say from two hundred to
two hundred and fifty dollars. That
will put them within easy reach of any
one making twenty bales or upward.
The province of this article does not
extend to tiie effect of the introduction
of the cotton-harvester upon the indus
tries of the South. Its description and
history were all that was compassed in
the scope ol these pages.
But if, by its assistance, Into the
gloom and darkness enshrouding the
Southern farmer of to-day, and iu which
he patiently gropes and toils from
mouth to month and from year to year,
ouc slender ray of hope, one feeble glim
mer of the broad daylight beyond shall
penetrate, bringing present cheer and
solace, and the promise of unbounded
possibilities for the future, and Iiis load
for a time be lightened, and '"the cares j
that infest the day" be even temporarily
put aside, this paper will have accom
plished its mission, and its reward be
ample indeed.
P. W. Caxtwell has a large stock
of Guano Funnels which he will sell at
very low prices.
9.
O
ANOTHER COTTON PICKER.
What the United States Cotton Harvester
Company Proposes Doing in the South.
The problem of picking cotton in the
held has at last been solved, and during
the coming season a number ot ma
chines which are now being manufactur
ed under the patents of Mr. G. T. Bugg
and owned by the United States Cotton
Harvester Company, whose office is in
the Cotton Exciiange, will be in active
operation. The exhibition which was
recently given on the floor of the Ex
change under very great disadvantages
demonstrated that Sie machine would
do the work it is intended for. Since
that time work has been begun on the
new and improved machines, and it is
safe to say when they are completed
they will "pick fully 80 per cent, of the
cotton in the field, once going over.
There are also in course of marjufacture
small machines for planters who have
only a limited number of acres under
cultivation.
Under the most favorable circum
stances the United States Cotton Har
vester Company does not expect to sell
outright many machines this season,
but it is determined that the people of
every section of tho South shall have a
chance to witness the working of the
harvester on the plantations. Ocular
demonstration is what the planters want,
and they are to have it.
At the office of the United States Cot
ton Harvester Company Mr. Bugg, the
President, said that the people of the
South will not be disappointed this sea
son. The machine will be put iu active
operation iu the fall. Mr. Bugg iias
organized his company under the laws
of the State of New York and has set
aside a small portion of the stock for
sale. The proceeds are intended to in
crease the manufacturing facilities of the
company and for that only, for knowing
that he has a good thing iu the machine,
Mr. Bugg intends to hold on to his
interest.
Said a gentleman who has large inter
ests in Mississippi and Louisiana and
who has taken a great interests In the
development of the machine: "No
one knows better than a planter that
the perfection of a machine for picking
cotton in the South will be the salva
tion of that part of the country. Noth
ing is needed so much. I have seen
many inventions tested for the first time,
but I have yet to see one placed before
the people for an initial test as far ad
vanced as was the cotton-picking ma
chine exhibited on the floor of the Ex
change. It picked cotton and delivered
it, and what more can be asked for on
the first test. Of course there are some
minor defects which are yet to be over
come, but that is always the case. Was
there ever a thing made .perfect at
first."?New l'ork Sun. .~'
CAPTURED BY COWBOYS.
Desperate Encounter with Horse-Thieves
in the Far West.
Bismarck, Dak., March 24.?A
party of cowboys came upon a number
of horse thieves In the timber on the
Missouri River banks, 100 miles north,
aud, after an exchange of several volleys
from revolvers and rifles, the thieves
gave up fight and attempted to escape.
In this first fight of the outlaws Charles
Braddock and Jack O'Brine were killed.
The cowboys followed close upon the
heels of the horse thieves, but a narrow
Strip of heavy timber prevented effective
shooting. After a chase of a mile the
horse thieves, four m number, found
themselves in a clearing and turned to
the rivers with hope of crossing on the
ice. They had go?e about forty rods
on the ice w?cn two of the auimals
broke through, and as the cowboys
continued shooting no attempt was made
by the horse thieves .to save their strug
gling companions, who were carried be
neath -the ice on their horses. The
remaining outlaws returned to the shore
and throwing up their hands surrendered
to tho cowboys, who . after tying their
hands, fastened them upon the backs of
ponies, took them away to parts un
known, but it is supposed to their camp
for an old fashion cowboy trial.
A Soldier Begains His Blfle.
Michael Daly, a resident of Brooklyn,
formerly sergeant of company F, Sixty
ninth regiment, Irish brigade, New
York State volunteers, two weeks ago
addressed a letter to Mayor J.- T. Baird,
of Portsmouth; Va., asking for the ad
dress of the relatives of J. T. Jobson, a
Confederate soldier who, he believed, lost
his life at Fair Oaks in June 1862. Mr.
Daly desired to send them a rifle which
he had kept since that desperate engage
ment as a trophy. The name of "Job
son" was engraved on the stock of the
rifle. The reply said that Mr. Jobson
was still living, and was a resident of
Richmond, Va. "He was, indeed,
desperately wounded in. the battle of
Seven Pines, as we call it, or Fair Oaks,
as you call it," writes Mayor Baird,
"but he fortunately recovered." The
battlefield trophy, the rifle of the wound
ed "boy iu gray," will be duly forward
ed to its brave owner.
a Young Lady Killed.
Jackson villi:, Fla., March 25.-In
formation has been received of the death
of Miss Gill, a Boston tourist ou au
Ocklawaha steamer Wednesday. The
steamer struck a tree in a sharp turn of
the river aud the jar broke oil* some
rotten limbs winch fell on Miss Gill's!
head, crushing her skull. She was sit- j
ting on deck between her hither aud i
mother. The former was struck bv a ]
limb and rendered inscusidle, but was j
not seriously injured.
Baby Carriages, "Wagons and Velos-1
ipedes at Jos. Eros'; the best medicine i
to give to baby's and children is fresh j
air, a baby carriage or Velocipede will
save you perhaps a doctors bill.
For Brooms, Baskets, Brushes,
Bowls, Bath Bricks, Baisins, &c, go to
P. W. Cantwell. 1
RANGrEBTJRGr, S. C, TE
SAM JONES ON SOCIETY.
The Evangelist Forgets Himself, und Goes
a Step Too Far.
Sara Jones has been preaching to- the
women of Chicago. In his sermon he
attacked the gerraau, and the News re
ports him as saying: "Mothers and
lathers close their eyes to this debauch
ing of their daughters, and it goes on
and on, and the world becomes worse
and worse. I heard a society man
asked how the ladies were dressed at a
german not long ago, His reply was
that he did not look under the table, and
the ladies had no clothes above it."
Considerable dispcasure was evident from
the appearance of the ladies, and Mr.
Jones said: ''Oh, you look innocent
now, and feel offended, but you know I
am telling the truth. And we pulpits
have closed our mouths to all this, and
almost sanction such things. No wonder
the world is going to the devil. Mothers,
teach your daughters to say 'hands off.'
Teem them to keep themselves unde
nted. Teach them to lead a pure life
and the world will be pure. But you
must first be pure yourself, for you can
not teach purity unless your own hearts
are holy. I know this is the fashion
now. The people and newspapers may
throw it iu my teeth that I am from the
swamps, and ain't, half bred, but the
people in the swamps are not half so
mean as those in Chicago. If we were
educated we could take lessons in wick
edness from Chicago for years to come.
If I should tell the people in Georgia of
the wickedness of Chu they would
say: 'Sam, you haven' -uit lying yet.'
I don't kuow the misery of society. I
never was in it and my wife was never
a society woman. I hope society won't
let us in; It is impossible for a society
woman to be pure. I never saw a re
formed society woman yet."
A COLLISION ON THE RAIL.
Two Locomotives Telescoped on the South
Carolina Railway.
A collision between the Charleston
bound Augusta passenger train, Con
ductor "Webb, and an outward-bound
freight, train, Capt. Goodwin, occurred
about one-quarter of a mile this side of
Sineath's Station, a lew minutes alter
6 o'clock yesterday morning. The usual
place of meeting is at Sineath's, and
the accident is probably owing to a
faulty time-piece in the hands of one of
the conductors. The passenger train
people claim to have been on time, with
the right of way. The freight train
people evidently thought the same thing,
and came on with a full head of steam.
All hands on botb^engines jumped into
the water when they saw the accident
inevitable, the engineer of the passenger
train reversing his engine first, however.
TTic,lre'8rlIt^aiF&^
engine being at a reverse, drew itself
out of the wreck, its forewheels off the
rails, smokestack gone, and its entire
front badly battered, when its engineer
quickly boarded and stopped her. The
engine of the freight train suffered by
far the most injury. Its forewheels
were driven under its firebox, while the
body of the engine diagonally across
the track. The tender was jerked com
pletely from the track and thrown over
on its side, the first box car telescoping
the engine. There was no injury, ex
cepting to a few crossties,- done to the
track, and nobody was hurt.?News and
Courier March 25._
Evangelist Jones In Demand.
Mr. Jones is in constant receipt of
requests to visit various cities, and has
many engagement already made. Ho
has recently been visited by the Rev.
E. P. Cowan, of the Third Presbyterian
Church, aud the Rev. J. C. White, of
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church of Pitts
burg, who represent six denominations
and seuentcen churches, and who urge
him to pay that city a visit. A delega
tion from Cleveland has also been try
ing to secure his services for a campaign
in that city. On May 1, Mr. Jones will
begin work in Baltimore in response to
a request signed by some of the most
noted pastors and layman of that city,
including Bishop 0. W. Wilson, of the
Methodist Church South, and the load
ing pastor of the Methodist, the Baptist,
the Presbyterian and the Episcopal de
nominations.?Chicago Inter-Ocean.
A Lake Suddenly Disappears.
San Francisco, March 25.?Ad
vices from the Sandwich Islands say
that the volcanic phenomena on March
5, 6 and 7, and which were accompanied
by a large number of earthquake shocks,
resulted in the total disappearance of
the new lake at Halemanman and in the
extinction of the fire in the crater of the
volcano of" Kilanea. These phenomena
are believed to be the precursors of a
grand outburst in the near future, either
in Kilauea or Mauna Loa. Some per
sons, basing their views on the observa
tions of Professor Agasslz, believe that
the disappearance of fire is a prelude to
the total extinction of the Kilauea vol
cano. _
Throe Men Killed.
Montgomery, Ala., March 25.?A
special to the Advertiser from Calcra re
ports au explosion to-day of the boiler
of the Calcra Land Co's saw mill, John
Robertson, the engineer. Jessie Silgreen
the superintendent aud William Fletch
er, a laborer, were killed, and J. W.
Thomas and three others were badly
hurt. All the killed aud injured were
white. The Loss is $5,000. No insur
ance.
Disabled Tor Lire.
Charleston, March 25.?Iu the
game of base ball to-day between the
Charleston and Philadelphia clubs,
Bryau, the Manager and center fielder
of the Charleston club, broke his knee
cap aud Lanscr, the catcher, his linger.
Bryan will be disabled for life. Lauscr's
injuries arc not serious. The game re
sulted in favor of Philadelphia.
Get a copy of Eros' Album Writer's
friend only 10 cents; worth SI.
[TJBSDAY, APRIL 1, 186
CAROLINA CONGRESSMEN.
CHANGES LIKELY TO BE MADE IN
THE DELEGATION.
_
J. W. Perry to Oppose Dibble in the First,
Henderson Against Tillman in the Sec
ond, Alken to not Ask a Return.
Colombia, March 27.?Very little
has been said in the newspapers of this
State in regard to the Congressional
nominations. It is true a great deal has
been said on the subject of a new deal,
but this.has been nnderstood to apply
chieily to the State House and court
house officials. There are some indica
tions, however, that changes may be
made in the Congressional delegation
also.
In the first district it is estimated that
Mr Jefanmgs W. Perry, et Walterboro,
will oppose Mr. Dibble; in the second,
there has been some talk of bringing out
a candidate in opposition to Colonel Till
man, possibly ex-senator Henderson, of
Aiken; :in the third, it seems pretty well
understood that Colonel Aiken will not
be in the field owing to his physical con
dition, which has been such as to pre
vent his attendance in the present ses
sion ofCongrcas. Hon. George John
stone, of Newberry, has been mentioned
as a possible candidate in this district.
Congressman Hemphill has been re
markably successful in securing ap
pointments for his constituents and has
thereby* preserved his popularity, and
will doubtless have a walk over. Gen
eral Kennedy's appointment as Consul
to Shanghai possibly removed a formida
ble competitor. So far I have heard of
no opposition to either Col. Perry, in
the Fourth district, or Mr. Dargan, in
the Sixth, and as they arc serving their
first- tejrms they will doubtless be re
elected. But there are able nnd am
bitious jnen in both districts who "may
consent to allow the use of their names
before a Democratic Convention.
Col. Elliott opposed Smalls in the
black district in the last electlou, merely
to bring put the votes of the Democrats
of thati'section of the State. He will
hardly consent to sacrifice himself again
lor the good of the party, although he is
a true patriot, and can always be counted
on to make his personal interests subser
vient 'to;the public good. But it may
be saidyhat Smalls will have uo op
positioB-from the Democrats. He may
be opposed by politicians in his own par
ty. There are no members of it, how
ever, distinguished enough to have at
tracted much notice, except Williams,
of Georgetown, and he is altogether too
honorable-a man to suit the tastes of
the Republicans In the black district.
Smalls then is pretty safe.
Mr. Peary, who may oppose Colonel
JiibJ^K-js^C^^licitor of the district,
and T5-- a~ y oungiawyei'^or considerable
ability.. Senator Henderson, of Aiken,
is one of the moat successful lawyers in
South Carolina, and his friends have
great faith in his future, but it is a mat
ter of much doubt whether he will op
pose Col. Tillman, who is deservedly
popular with the people and strongly
entrenched in his district. Col. Aiken
being practically out of the race, there
will be a "go-as-you-please" fight in
that section. Hon. George Johnstoue,
who may be a candidate , is one of the most
distinguished lawyers in Carolina, and
probably the best equipped politician in
the State. He is handsome, polished
in his manner possessing a certain
amount of personal magnetism, a ready
debater and a natural orator, qualities
which eminently fit him for the high and
honorable position of a Congressman.
He would make a splendid Representa
tive. He stands a fine chance for the
' nomination, unless some candidate ap
pear, which is probable, who will inher
it the vote ot the Granger element that
has heretofore constituted Col. Aiken's
strongest backing. The race in this
event, will be interesting.
The young men are appearc-ntly lead
ing on all the great questions before the
people. Hemphill in Congress on the
mouey problem. J. J. Dargan on the
tariffand Ben. Tillman on agricultural
matters. Whether they are right or wrong
in their positions on these great questions,
there is no doubt about the fact that
they are the leaders of thought in South
Carolina to-day. I say this not to dispar
age the veterans who have rendered the
State such splendid service, and who are
still, by reason of their vigorous man
hood and intellectual attainments, capa
ble of maintaining the fame and glory ot
the State, but merely to show that the
, coming generation is imitating their
great virtues, and will in proper time
worthily wear the honors bequeathed
them by such noble predecessors.?
Richland in Augusta Chronicle.
Ex-Judges Come to Blown.
Two ex-judges, one an ex-suprcme
court and the other an cx-circult judge,
got so heated in the trial of a case in the
superior court at Greensboro', N. C,
recently, that they came to blows in
open court. Judge Clark was presiding,
and he promptly vindicated the honor
of the court by fining them one hundred
dollars each, which he required to be
paid right then and there. The two
combatants were cx-Judge Ruffin and
ex-Judge Schcnck. Judge Clark told
them that were it not for their silvery
hairs anil he a young man he would
have made their punishment thirty days
in jail in addition to the (inc.
Served Him Bight.
After the local option election in
Millcdgevillc, Ga., last week the colored
voters, who were generally on the vic
torious "Wet" side paraded the
shouting offensive and incendiary streets
cries. A white saloon keeper named
Kreutz led the procession, and he was
waited on next day by a committee of
citizens and told lo leave within twenty
four hours, lie left and the next night a
largely attended meeting of white and
colored citizens adopted resolutions
endorsing the action of the committee,
16.
pric:
ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION.
Effort to Take the Life of Houston's
Mayor.
Galveston, Tex., March 24.?A
special from Houston says: An attempt
was made to assassinate Mayor Wjn.
R. Baker last night under peculiar cir
cumstances. Mayor Baker is running
as an independent citizeus' candidate
for re-election against D. C. Smith, the
Democratic nominee, who is being sup
ported by the labor organizations. The
canvass has been signnlized by numer
ous acrimonious discussions. Last eve
inner Baker, with othprs, attended a
colored Baker campaign meeting, near
the Howard Oil Mills, in the 4th ward.
About 8:30 o'clock, with Judge Brasher,
Edward Jenison and several colored
men, he started to walk some distance
to the outskirts of the town where
another meeting was being held. After
crossing the Sabine at the bridge, a high,
lonely structure, the party emprged on
the south side, when a horseman riding
a gray horse rapidly approached ^and
asked :
"Is Mayor Baker in that crowd?"
';Yes, what do you want with me,"
asked the Mayor as he left the party
and walked toward the horseman in the
middle of the road.
"I have some private business with
you," said the rider, and he asked Baker
to walk down the road a short distance.
As they started away the man said :
"Will you withdraw in favor of Smith."
*'You must be joking," replied Baker,
Several rods from the starting point
the assassin pulled up his horse and
Baker placed his left hand on the horse's
mane as if t-) listen, when suddenly the
Mayor was greatly startled by the flash
of a pistol in his face, which blinded him
for a moment. Three shots were fired
in quick succession. Baker dodged to
the grouud, and the would-be assassin,
who evidently thought he had killed the
Mayor, rode hastily away. He was
followed by Judge Brasher and Mr.
Jemison, who opened fire on him. In
vestigation developed the fact that the
horseman had watched the Mayor's
party leave the first place of meeting
and had followed theni by a circuitous
route. The Mayor is uninjured. He is
sixty years old and one of the wealthiest
men in Harris county. He is not a
politician and never drew his salary as
Mayor. He is unmarried and accepts
the position as a meana of occupying his
time. _
A SENSATION IN ROCK HILL- _
Charged with Using the Malls for a Fraud
ulent Purpose.
Rock Hill, March 24.?About the
1st of November last a young man came
to this place and registered at Gorden's
Hotc.1 as W. M--Hc,nryr staling- that ha
was from near Lyrichburg, Va.,- and
that he wished to engage in Mercantile
business. In a few days he left the
town and shortly returned with a young
girl, whom he claimed as his wife. He
then rented a dwelling-house for one
year. Since his stay in our town he lias
had very little social intercourse with
the people, which created suspicion, and
to-day he was arrested by Deputy Unit
ed States Marshal, C. J.Pride, Jr., upon
a warrant sworn out by W. C. Boykm,
United States postoffice inspector,
charging that J. J. Smith, alias W. M.
Henry, alias John Andrews, alias E. E.
Turner, alias W, H. Martin, did use the
United States mail during the year 1886
by opening correspondence with one or
more persons for the purpose of defraud
ing them by selling or offering to sell
them counterfeit money of the United
States of America in violation of section
5.480, Revised Statutes of the United
States. When arrested he had on bis
person about $1,200, which was examin
ed by Capt. Allen Jones, an expert,
who prononced the bills genuine. He is
uow undergoing an examination before
United States Commissioner C. J. Pride
and the evidence is considered very
strong against him. He rented two
lock boxes at that place, one in his name
and one in the name of some one else.
I can learn no further news, as the
commissiononer asked that all the citi
zens leave the room, which, I think was
uncalled for.?News and Courier.
Redmond's Gallantry,
While Major Redmoud is known as
the "Moonshiner's Chief" he is also
noted for his gallantry to the fair sex.
While riding in a wagon going over to
Georgia the other day, in company with
another man from this county, when
near Townville, a crowd of ladies in the
road, his companion used disrespectful
language. Taking the reins and driving
hastily by, the Major asked the fellow
what he meant by such conduct. Re
ceiving an impudent reply, Major Red
mond kicked him out of his wagon and
left him to retrace his steps homeward
on foot, while lie drove on, taking his
extended trip alone.?Easlcy Messenger,
March 20/_
A Socialist's Don.
While searching for a murderer ou
Wednesday the Chicago police found a
queer looking trunk in a cottage in West
? tweutieth street. On opening it they
! found a pink book entitled ??Revolntioary
War Knowledge?The art of Using and
Making Dynamite, Gun Cotton, Explo
sive Mercury, Bombs. Incendiary Im
plements and Poisous." The contents
were as indicated by the title and the
trunk contained a number of infernal
machines evidently made by the direc
tions. The bouse was occupied by Ger
mans, and is supposed to have been the
headquarters of a gang of socialists.
A Curious freak <>r Nature.
Catskill, X. Y., March 2.?>.?
Reuben Van Tassell is a farmer at Hast
Durham, Greene county. To-day peo
ple from all round the country side dock
ed to his place to see a freak of nature.
The curiosity is a youug lamb which has
one head, three ears, two bodies, and
eight legs,
E $1.50 PER AMUM.
SWEPT BY THE FLAMES,
KEY WEST, FLORIDA, ALMOST DE
STROYED BY FIRE.
The City Aroused at 1 O'clock Monday
Night?Private Houses, Stores, ? Ware
houses, Churches and Government
Buildings Destroyed at One Fell Swoop.
Key. West, Fl'a., March 30.?A
lire started in the San Carlos Theatre
this morning at 1 o'clock, and is still
burning and beyond the control of the
firemen. A fresh wind blowing from
the south caused the fire to spread, and
already five blocks in the centre of the
city have been destroyed. The fire will
probably go to the harbor. The Epis
copal and Baptist churches have been
burned, together with thirty other build-,
ings, stores and residences.
Over fifty houses have already been
burned, including the Masonic Hall,
three or four cigar factories and the
bonded warehouse with nearly a quarter
of a million dollars worth of tobacco.
Officers from United States steamers
Brooklyn and Powhatan have been
blowing up some of the houses with
powder. There is no water supply, the
cisterns being mostly dry. It is now
settled that the fire will not stop until it
reaches the harbor. It is now entering
the buisness part of the city, destroying
buildings containiug heavy stocks of
goods, and the loss will be very great.
It looks now as though the Hotel Russell
would succumb shortly.
The fire is working north. Its track
has been so peculiar that it is difficult to
foretell the result. The indications are
that it will skirt the beach, taking the
wharves and warehouses of Philbrick
& Tift, Curry's warehouses having al
ready been consumed. This will bring
it to the United States naval depot and
customhouse. The buildings, with the
exception of three warehouses mention
ed above, arc constructed of yellow pine,
and the heat is so intense as to drive the
firemen away. This added to the lack
of engines and water supply, will proba
bly result In tiio total deseruction of the
city. The buidlngs of prominence con
sumed so far, sire Sawyer's, Babcock's,
Gato's, Perry's, Bartt's, Patterson's,
United States Marshal Williams's, Les
ter & Brown's private residences, the
San Carlos Theatre, the stores of Some
illan & Hayman, dry goods; Otto drugs;
Sariole, dry goods and groceries, Bart
lum, groceries; Brooks, livery stable;
the cigar factories of Seidcnberg' Delpi
uo, Soria, Canal's and Wolf's and the
Russell House.
NOW, AND THEN.
Are Taxes Higher Now then Under Radical
Rule?What Congressman Alken Says.
Cokesbuby; March 22,1886?
Editor Press and Banner:
Your issue of the 17th contained an
article uuder the signature of "Back
woods," in which I find the following
expression: "Taxes are as high now
as they were in Radical times."
If the newspapers of the State are to
be credited, there is considerable unrest
amongst the majority class of our citi
zens. Conventions, both county and
State, are advertised to be held and the
farmers, at least, propose by this means
to right their wrongs, if any there be;
but, sir, if these wrongs are of a kind
suggested by the remark quoted above
from "Backwoods," it would be far bet
ter that the farmers should not con
vene. That writer either did not pay
taxes in Radical times, or he has lost .
his Radieal tax-receipts. I suppose I
was not taxed differently from other
men, and yet my Radical tax-receipts,
vary from $254.00 under Scott to $289.
00 under Moses; whereas not a tax-re
ceipt since 187G has gone beyond
$110.00, whilst in all these years my
taxable real estate has been the same,
aDd the personalty has becD changed but
little.
I think it well the farmers should
meet in convention to make known
their grievances, but let them do so in
calmness, and with trutliful facts before
them. Let them consider the lien law,
and see how au act conceived in charity
has been by long abuse executed in ex
tortion. Let them inspect the asses*
sor's books and sec whether taxes are
equitably levied throughout the State.
Let them estimate the amount and
value of property which by law, justly
or unjustly, is exempt from taxation.
Let them investigate all the minor taxes,
and see whether they do uot in the ag
gregate amount to a grievous burden.
For instance, why should a farmer feed
his cattle on cotton seed meal exempt
from taxation, whereas if he feeds his
crops on the same article he is taxed for
the privilege. Let the farmers look into
the agricultural department of the State
and learn whether or not it is worth the
money paid for It. If it Is not, make
such necessary alterations in the admin
istration of it as will make it au liouor
to the State.
These and many other topics, pecu
liarly agricultural, arc legitimate sub
jects for investigation by farmers, at the
same time no other iuterest will be in
the least antagonized. For tiie farmer
to array himself against other classes
would be such folly that I do not sup
pose that such steps will be tolerated in
any of the conventions now so soon to
be held. Very respectfully,
1). Wyatt Aikkn.
Tom Hamilton De.nl.
Charleston, March 25.?Thomas
Hamilton, cx-mcmbcr of the Legislature
of this State, died at Beaufort yesterday.
Hamilton was a member of the Legisla
ture in 1*71), and was one of the three
colored members who first gave m their
adhesion to the Hampton govcrumcut
ami secured a quorum lor the Democrat
ic House of Representatives.
Birthday and Easter Cards at Jos.
Eros'. Dolls, Toys and Chinaware of
all kinds,