University of South Carolina Libraries
» _ to • UStc ~h i.Tpits 9*v: 'Vi. S im; I r fm.-w « v ' v i4.f-' !».■ iWSI - •. XXXIX BARNWELL. S. C OCTOBER 7 1913 mtOUSFIRE SATURDAY NIGHT and Opera House Destroyed in $30,000 Blaze. ILY ABOUT $14,000 INSURANCE • • ’0* { j |B«r to the Value of Twenty-Three Thousand Dollars Consumed. One of the most disastrous and spectacular fires in Barnwell in recent occurred here Saturday night [about 11 o’clock, whentheOpera House I building, containing the Barnwell dis pensary and bottling plant, was totally destroyed, entailing a property loss of nearly $30,000, partially covered by in- sufance. • The fire was first discovered by Judge C. J. Hay, town treasurer, who had sleeping apartments in the rear of the building. The Judge was going to his room, when his attention was attracted by a crackling noise in the bottling plant, located in the store room adjoin- the dispensary. Close inspection through a front window failed to dis close the cause of the noise, and not wishing to give a false alarm of fire, he harried up town and called the chief of and several other gentlemen, i they could return to the build- sowever, dense smoke was pour- am every crack 1 and crevice, and although the front doors of both the dispensary and bottling plant were quickly broken open it eras impossible to save any of the stock. Hurrying around to his room. Judge Hay suc ceeded in saving practically all of his effects, except a few articles of minor value. For fifteen or twenty minutes after the alarm was given, heavy black smoke poured from the burning building be fore any blaze became visible, the fire finally eating its way through the second floor and breaking out of a side window with a mighty roar Fortunately for the businaas portion of town, the night was vary still and the direct ion of the smoke was towards the north-east. The glare from the burning building was gt seen for miles around and the thous ands of sparks soaring overhead was a beautiful sight, having the appearance of fireworks on a magnificent scale. When the rodf fell ia, sparks were car ried as far as the old Aldrich home oo East Main Street. Many burning embers fell on the cotton platform end the guardhouse, in which were several drunken negroes who were immediately released by order of Msyor Harley. At one time it W-8 feared that the Baptist Church , would be ignited by falling sparks, but this danger quickly pasted. The recent checking of the dispen saries by the clerk of the dispensary board shows that the stock on hand in the Barnwell dispensary and bottling plant combined was, at consumer's prices, nearly $23,000, on which there was $8,000 insurance. This docs not mean, however, that the loss will be £*£000, as the invoice price is consider- / ^^®J ,n der the retail price. The build- i n^Bmhich was valued at about $8,000, ' j^^wjsured for $4,000, while insurance \JVife amount of $800 was carried on the Opera House furniture, etc. The origin .of the fire is unknown, one theory being that it was caused by defective wiring. [ It is m>t known at this time whether or not the building will be replaced. There are tentative plans for erecting a town hall and guardhouse, providing the hall with a stage and suitable seat ing capacity for public meetings, etc." This matterf however, will be probably be discussed at the the next meeting of the city fathers. , So far it has been impossible to se cure a suitable place for reope ning the dispensary, as there is not a vacant store room in town. Unless a place can be found, Barnwell Will be “dry” three months ahead of time. ANTUELUm cum IQ r . BE PAID BAMBERG H1EKS 1221.38 Do. E*Ut. o* T. J. C«int, |„ Carrying y. S.MaMa. There is $221.38 due to the estate of the late Cpl. T. J. Counts, who died at the home of his daughter in Bamberg several months ago, on a contract for carrying the U S. mails at the time war was declared between- the. States, according toe letter received last week by Clerk of Court W. H. Duncan, of Barnwell, from Fred G. Golden, an at torney, of Washington, D C. The let ter is as follows: “Clerk of County Court of Barnwell County, Barnwell, S. C.—DearSir: Mr. T. J. Count, of Buford’s Bridge, Barn well County, South Carolina, was a contractor for carring U. S. mails at the time the Civil War began in 1861and the records show there is at least $221.38 due him on his contract “Will you kindly give me his actress, if living; if not give name and address •f his administrator or any of his heirs, so that collection may be made? “Such favor will be appreciated by me and doubtless by his heirs, as I am certain I can now make collection of the sum ( due his estate.” Mr Duncan turned the letter over to the Clerk of Court of Bamberg County for attention, as Buford's Bridge is now a part of that county. COMBAT WEEVIL WITH DIVERSIFIED FARMING Cwnty Agent Urge* Importance of Mere Gram and Livestock. (J. C. Barksdale, County Demonstra tion Agent.) State Entomologist E. Lee Worshsm, of Georgia, ia fighting the boll weevil in his destructive march through Geor gia. A tour of the State wi 1 be made by automobiles, making two or more points in each county. The parties coasist of a boll weevil expert, a busi ness man who knows from experience the effects of the weevil upon business in infested territory, an expert on di ve' siflcation of crops and an expert on the livestock industry. Those men urge ear mess in cotton planting and turotag the cotton lands in the fall and a diversified system of farming, which will include more grain and livestock. We urge our farmers to prepore for war in time of peace, to increase their j grain and livestock, to fence fields sod set pastures, so as to fortify themselves against the attack. Livestock is need ed to manufacture the rough products of the farm into beef and to provide compost for maintaining soil fertility. The'average farmer needs more live stock. It wou)d be a sound policy for him to produce ons steer to every two bales of cotton. He could do this and realize s profit bn livestock and have produced each year enough compoat to provide a heavy manuring for his cot ton. Better livestock is needed be cause they are better feeders and are more economical in every way than the “scrub.” As we see it, there is but one handicap to prevent the average farmer beginning with livestock—the matter of capital. By proper relations with their bankers and by exercising foresight, this handicap can in a meas ure be removed. There is a crying need for more and better pastures, a need for more fen’ced fields and a continuation of the diversi fied system begun last year. We need to get rid of our “joint grass.” Ber muda grass is a God-aend to the people of the South: it is an essential in a per manent pasture for this section, and we trust that our farmers will not wait for calamity to teach them this truth.' Pre pare for the boll weevil war in time of peace—make the farm as near self-sup porting as possible, fence the fields and increase livestock. % m min m Barnwslt Opera Houm, Entirely Destroyed by Firs Saturday Night.—Photograph Token When Flames Wore at Thoir Het^iL SMALLEST COTTON CROP IN THE PAST SIX YEARS Gov* ent Report Pets Crop at Only lOJSO.OOO Bale*. Washington, October 4.—A heavy de cline in the condition of the growing cotton crop, almost double the average decline of the last ten years during September, has decreased the produc tion prospects forecasted previously by four million bales. The department of agriculture today estimated the crop at 10,960,000 equivalent 600-pound bales which would be the smallest crop siftce 1900. The condition of the cotton crop of the United States on September 26 was 60.8 per cant of normal, com pa rad with 60.2 per cent oo Auguat 26, 73.5 last year, 64.1 in 1912, and 68.3 per cent, the average of the past ten years on September 26. That announcement was made at noon today by the crop re porting board of the United States de partment of agriculture, in its final con dition report of the season. The September 26 condition indicates a yield of 168 pounds of lint per acre, which, applied to the planted acreage less the average abandonment—1.3 per cent—indicates a total of 10,960,000 equivalent 600-pound bales, compared with 16,136,000 bales ginned last year. Final results probably will be above or below the amount indicated, according as conditions after September 26 are better or worse than average. MIGHTY CRUISERS TO BE BUILT BY UNITED STATES Advertimd Latter*. Letters remaining in the Post Office and advertised Oct. 4th, 1916. Mats Max M. Brown, John Children. C. H. Duncan, Mr. Greatheart, H. H. Head- den, S. M. Washington. Mrs. Rosa Beck, Janie Boney, Miss Lela Hyel, Miss Susans Johnson, Mrs. Mary Johnson, Miss Sam Morgan. Persons calling for tnese letters will please say advertised. Chas. E. Falkenstein, P. M. The People’s job department has been “snowed under” with orders for'the past several days, but is again ready to give immediate attention to that order for job work. Proposed Supar-Battl* Cruiser* WiU Be Mo*t Powerful Vernel*. Washington, October 4.—Super-battle cruisers, bigger, faster and more heav ily armed than any war craft now afloat or building, to cost eighteen mil lion dollars etch, will be recommended to Congress as a part of the navy build- ing programme for next year. Decision on this step was reached today at a conference between President Wilson, Secretary Daniels and Representative Padgett, chairman of the House naval affairs committee. Plans for the new vessels already have been prepared and are being con sidered by the Secretary and members of the general board. Just how many of the new type ships will be asked for has not been de termined, Secretary Daniels said after the conference. Coat of cocstructioA of navy craft has risen since the out break of thq. European war. Dread noughts, which also will be recom mended for construction this winter will cost $18,000,000 each. It Is esti mated, against $16,000,000 for ships now building. Part of this increase, though, is due to better hull construc- tioh. The number of shipe of each class to be urged probably will be agreed, upon within a few days. The esti mates, by law, muar be in the hands of the Secretary of the Treasury by Oc tober 16. Lyndhurst, October 2.—The long dry spell in this section has been broken by refreshing rains which have greatly improved the condition of the roads. The Rev. P. D. Hay, of Summerville, who has been visiting his son, E. G. Hay, returned home Wednesday. Mr. and Mrs. Cater D. Fowke, of Brown Hill, spent the week-end with J. C. Fowke aad family. W. H. and F. L. Fowke enrolled last week as pupils in the Barnwell High School. P. R. Hay and daughter, Miss Emma, motored down from King’s Mountain in their new car a short time ago. Farmers in this vicinity are getting out their cotton rapidly and the gins are kept busy. ALLENDALE D. A. R. MEETING Ait Enjoyable Dinner. The big-hearted hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. G. M. Sheppard withstood a seyere test Saturday, when a party of hungry men'from Barnwell; composed of Sheriff J, B. Morris, W. V, Richard Mary McClure Chapter Begins Fall Activities.—Delegates; Allendale, September 30.—The Mary McClure Chapter, D. A. R., began its new year with a very interesting meet ing held Friday afternoon with Mrs. W. A. All Mrs. J. Henry Johnson, the regent, presided. Miss Eunice O. Wil liams read a splendid paper on “Coloni al Home Life in South Carolina.” The following delegates were elected Nittend the State conference in Green- Mrs. J. Henry Johnson, regent; s. W. A. All, alternate; Mias^Eva Mae Owens, delegate; Miss Sara* Raysor, alternate. A committee was appointed to select and purchase a flag for presen tation to the high school. Upon ad journment of the busin ess session re freshments were served. son,Mayor J. E. Harley and son, Sena- . tor A. <B. Patterson, Jut Still, Super- I visor G. J. Diamond, Capt. J. S. Hal ford, Clerk of Court W. H. Duncan and B. P. Davies, motored out to their Sait- kehatchie farm and partook of an ele gant barbecue dinner, such as only Southern cooks of the old school know how to prepare. Following the sump tuous repast, the visitors were shown -over Capt. Sheppard’s farm, which, it might be remarked m passing, is not given over to the all-cottoh plan, but is made to produce practically all of the necessities and some of the luxuries of life'. In addition to the town guesta, several of Mr. Sheppard's neighbor's were present. The days lose 11 minutes in sunshine this week. Special Offer Extended Until October 15th. About a month ago, The People announced that in order to collect past due subscription accounts the price of the paper would be lowered to $1 a year during the month of September. Quite a number of subscribers took advan tage of this exceptional opportunity, but there are still sev eral hundred who owe us fo^from one to five years, and in response to a number Af requests for an extension of the timelimit, we have decided to hold the offer open until October 15th, on which date the former price of $1.25 will again become effective. We realize that in many instances the money received by our farmer friends from their first sales of cotton must go to settle their accounts at the banks and with the mer chants, and this additional extension of time should give every one an opportunity to settle at the reduced price. We had rather give them the benefit of the $0 peY cent dis count than pay an attorney for collecting the accounts, so if a ring appears airffuV^the label on your "paper, send ns a check or money order fpr the amount due by return mail. . This offer will positively be withdrawn after October 15th. DO IT NOW—TODAY! The Editor. ELLEHTOH SCHOOL OPENS v WITH BRIGHT PROSPECTS Show TWr Ellenton, Oct 2.—On Inst Monday morning a large crowd was present to witness the formal opening of the fourth year’s existence of the Ellenton graded school. Patrons end well-wish ers were on band it! goodly number to attest by their pret$£ee the place of this splendid institutioE| in their hearts. Under capable supervision and effi- dentmanagement this school has grown better each year and ranks today aa one of the best institutions of learning in the State. The board of trustess is composed of W. B. Turner, chairman; A. M. Harley, C. T. Bailey, F. M. Youngblood and C. M. Turner. The teachers this year are Prof. H. F. Steedly, of Bamberg, prin cipal, Miss Ella Jacobs, of Johoaton, first assistant, and Miss MaAie Bush, of this dty, second assistant. Mias Bush is a known quantity; having taught here before, and all bear witness to her sterling worth as a teacher. Prof. Steedly and Min Jacobs come with the highest of recomasendatioos and all in all a banner year is looked forward to. < Promptly at 9 o’clock the assembly was called to order by W. B. Turner, chairman of the board’of-trustees, who presided with much ease and dignity. The first song “America" was rendered by the audience, after which E. H. Clark, pastor of the Ellenton Bnptist Church, read from the Bible on matters pertaining to wisdom, the reading being followed by prayer. Min Ethel Dunbar, who always de lights her audience, then sang “A Lit tle, Bit of Heaven.” Following this talks ware made by Messrs. E. R. Buck ingham, C. T. Bailey, R. J. Dunbar, F. M. Youngblood and R. D. Mayes. The remainder of the musical pro gram, Mrs. M. L McElheny, pianist, consisted of “My Old Kentucky Home,'' "Star Spangled Banner” and “Mary land, My Maryland.’* Prof. Steediey made a short address, pledging his bast efforts and asking the cooperation of tnisteae aad patrons E. H. Clark made ■ few remarks, giving some good advice to (ha children and also to the parents. Elleuton is proud of her school, her patrons apd her trustees, and justly may she be. TROOPS OF ALLIES LAND AT SALONKl Eotante Powmra Prf nriag For Entry qf Baltina. BULGARIA FAILS TO ANSWER HIGH SCHOOL NOTES. el Stedy Hell Tamed la Ms UtBBMC The enrollment of the BarnwtU Pub lic School shows an Increase of 25 over last year. This is nearly 16 per cent increase. The high school is so large that the •rating capacity of the study hall ia taxed to its utmost. Mr. Oallegfaer, photographer, took film pictures of aU school activities and these will be throws oo the screes at the Lyric Theatre Wednesday sight. Under the assuagement of ChoMl Robison the foot ball team In showiag marked improvement, [The first gtme of the season will be played with Den mark October 22. , The girls' basket ball team began to practice on Monday. They mean busi ness and are on the lookout for ecaipe. Look out for the Scarlet aad Whitea! The high school orchestra organized Tuesday night. There will now be no scarcity of overtures, preludes and in terludes. A meeting of tho Dramatic Club wiD be held Friday night. Since the lots by fire of the opesa house, the school has the only public auditorium in town. Every Monday morning one of the min isters of the town conduct* the devo tional exercises at the school house. The Pyerian and Gilmore Simms Lit erary Societies meet every Friday af ternoon at 2 o’clock. Patrons and citi zens are cordially invited to attend. * * A * ■■ ■ Denmark, Oct. 2.—Mrs Dora Dee Walker of Wiathrop college and Miss Napier of Columbia were here on Dept. 30. They gave demonstrations in can ning, preserving, bread maJdag andthe tireless cooker under the auspices of the Community Improvement associa tion of Dtfiaiark. Mrs. WUker organ ized about 90 of the women present into * club for the study of home economics Iltf hoped that an aporopriation will be spade to pay in phrt the salary of a demonstration agent for the county, the balance being given bv the depart ment of agriculture."Lunch was served making a pleasaat social occasion. The Grahams chapter, U. D. C. t at the last meeting elected the following dnlegntrs: To Sea Francisco, the preaident, Mrs. 4. S. Mrs. F. H. McCrae, lathe vesttoe, Mrs S O J. S. J. Faust. No Words# s’s AaoWwr to London, Oct 4.—The time allotted Bulgaria by the allies, through Rus sia, to turn her batten Germany, Aus tria and Turkey expired late today hot the expiration of the time limit brought no immediate surface indications to clarify the situation. Whether the Russian minister prompt ly left the Bulgarian capital ns his government threatened provided Bul garia declined to meet the Ruastan ultimatum; whether Bulgaria dissem bled, asking for further time; or whether King Ferdinand and his supporters merely observed silence, was not known in London Up to 11 o'clock tonight . Either the censorship or the vags- rie* of wartime cable service, or the two combined, resulted is keeping London in the Ark. although definite news was expected hourly. Events have been tnumplnng, how ever, In keeping wittUMftit sppr mg erisia4tvQlviaf Balkans into the Russian warships have appeeted in the Black sea off the Bulgarian port a# Varna; Fronah and British troops have landed at Sakmlki, a Greek port M miles south of the Bulgaria frontier, and Bulgarian troops, which have been on the mors for deye, have been maaeed ia great nnaaher along the Servian border. From central powers’ side have eeme amplified reports of the great Weight of men aad metal being piled ap tory to a Mew against Bervti side, as the first step in popular imagination I cepted as a I to smash ^ _ aad Uak ap with Bulgaria, der to Constentiaopte. Delayed cables told of the Mediae of the allied troops at SaloaikL With these reports arrived comments from the Athens papers, the gist of which was that the appearance of Preach and British soldiers in Greece at a time when Greece was still outwardly neu tral should cause no exdtamont, in thte their thisston, as one of the Athens papers expressed it, wee "to defeed the failw*y against Bulgarian sggv^. sion and giva help to Servin, the ally *# Greece.” The Greek minister at London rw- feaed to comment on the repeat that the Hellenic government considered the tamdieg of tho allied troops a vio lation of neutrally aad bad | In the West the Gena stated ia their driving agrtart tho British until they hare retaken most of the Htrhtnxnllei doubt This in admitted by ManhalFroach, bat it ia not d apedfkallr by the Germane A possibly because of the tact that lorn of this ftronghoM was aevfcr < red.by Berlin. TO* death. Negro Suffers Horrible Fate ia Dan*: A negro, who, from papers found fc his pockets at the time of his arrest, is thought to have bpen named Charite Williams, was burned to death early Friday morning in the firq that des troyed the Dunbartop guardhouse. Williams was arrested Thursday even ing on the charge of housebreaking and larceny, he having entered the house of Wash Halford, of Dunbarton, and' stolen several valuable articles. He was placed in the guardhouse for side- keeping until he could be brought to the Barnwell jail and it i* supposed that he tried to burn his way to liberty. * When the fire was first discovered at about 5 o’clock Friday morning the in terior of the building was a mam of flame* and the rescue of the miserable negro wes impossible. The coroner’s jury brought in a verdict ia i with the above facts. To Wed 1. Augusta, Sept 29.—An ment of interest to both Sooth lina and Georgia is that of-Mr. L. W. Hilt of Ellen ton of the ment ef their daughter, Mm HOI, to Eustace Clarence Augusta, themarnagetohei eariy ia November at young people eome of Caro-