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.

M I f r r\ r ' . Slip latttbprg foralfr $2.00 Per Year in Advance BAMBERG, S. 0., THURSDAY, JULY 31,1919. Established in 1891 ' TOBACCO GROWERS * FORM STATE BODY v PERFECT ORGANIZATION" AT FLORENCE MEETING. Consider Low Prices Representatives of Industry Take No Definite Steps Looking to Market Improvement. Florence, July 25.?Pursuant to the call of Governor Cooper, on sug? - -e 1 1.1 gesuuu oi a uuuiuer oi louaeco growers, merchants and others of the to bacco belts of South Carolina, a meeting of those interested was held here today to take action,looking to an improved market for lower grades of tobacco. The meeting was called to order at 11 o'clock, but owing to the expected arrival of the I ^dy of Congressman Ragsdale at that hour, the train being late, the meeting took a recess until 2 o'clock. At that Lour the meeting reassembled and J. P. ? Derham, of Conway, was called to the chair and G. B. Ingraham, of Hemingway, was made secretary. The object of the meeting was stated and a temporary organization ? was perfected with those officers presiding. Later the organization was made permanent with Bright Wil4 liamson, of Darlington, as president . and G. B. Ingraham, secretary and treasurer. The organization estab , iisnea as its name Tne soutn Carolina Tobacco Growers Association" and will be composed of the tobacco growing counties of the State. A constitution and by-laws were adopted and all the necessary legislation enacted whereby a State organization will* be carried out and the various counties and markets will have representation at the State conventions. Senator E. D. Smith was present as was Senator N. B. Dial, both of whom eame here as members of the congressional delegation accompanying the remains of Mr. Ragsdale, and % each was called upon and addressed the convention. I Suitable resolutions of respect to ^ the memory and work of Congressman Ragsdale were unanimously adopted by the meeting, which was one of the most representative ones ever held here. The other details of the organization were left with the " executive committee provided for in ' the constitution, after which the ,meeting adjourned. Nothing definite as to prices of tobacco was done at this meeting. ROAD OVER EDISTO CLOSED. Water Saturday Waist Deep Over Orangeburg Causeway. * 1 Orangeburg, July 27.?Saturday morning Mr. James C. Fairey, county engineer, went across the river causeway and closed the road over the Edisto river, as travel over it now is very dangerous. On the city side of the river, the water on Saturday morning was nearly waist deep on the causeway and still rising. It lacked only a couple of inches of running over the main bridge, which was holding all right at that time. Travel over this road is one of the most important in the county and serious damage to it has already resulted. The city power house, which is located on the banks of the river, is seriously threatened, the water ^ lacking about six inches of running over the main dam. The h'gh waters here are attributed to recent heavy rains in the upper part of the county, the water now reaching these parts. Married in Air by Wireless. New York, July 26.?Traveling eighty miles an hour, 2,000 feet in the air, Lieut. George Burgess, of the army aviation corps, and Miss * Emily Schafer, of Brooklyn, were married today by wireless telephone. The ceremony was conducted by the Rev. Dr. Alexander Wouters from another airplane, piloted by Lieut. Eugene H. Hartsdale, best man, while the machines circled above 200,000 persons attending a police field day at Sheepshead Bay Speedway. - The details of the ceremony were announced to the crowd after being received at a wireless telephone station. The bridesmaids who were in the grandstand, also had wireless telephone connection with the airplane. ^ < > The famous Holman Bibles are on sale in Bamberg only at the Herald It Book Store. A few family Bibles on hand. fcv_ v WAIIXIXG AS TO INFLUENZA. Health Officer Urges Citizens to Take Precautions. If influenza runs true to form. South Carolina may expect another invasion of the disease this fall and winter in the opinion of Dr. James A. Hayne, State health officer. The disease is even now widely scattered over the State. A few cases have been reported to the State health department during practically every month since last October when it was raging over the whole State. Ln June '19 cases .of influenza were reported by physicians. It is probable that there were many cases not reported Dr. Hayne said yesterday. "The history of other epidemics of influenza is thait it continues for two or three years with a gradually lesrr trivn lAr?rt/\ ao oh i*ao y* T /I a r? /\f v u uiciitc cav.ii jca 1. 1 ulf iikjl fear an extensive epidemic this fall, but there will likely be sporadic outbreaks over the State. In order to keep the disease from spreading, persons who contract it should avoid places where they may come in contact with others, and persons who have not contracted it should keep strictly away from those affected. Persons ill with the influenza should remember that it is an insidious disease. and when they become ill with it they should go to bed and remain thele five days after the fever has left them. With all the people of the State carefully conserving their health, and taking no needless risks, I hope the disease can be held in check this winter." Would Lower Death Rate. The health department is greatly interested in the work of the bureau of child hygiene which was established at the last meeting of the general assembly and which is meeting with much encouragement from counties over the State. Dr. Havne said yesterday that fine support was being .given the. bureau and that many counties had appropriated money to assist in the work. Among these are Dillon. Greenville, Chester and Edgefield. Others have made requests for .information as to what procedure to follow to get the work started in their communities. To cut down the death rate among children under one year of age in South Carolna, mothers must be given instruction in paternal care and must become familiar with methods of taking care of children after birth. Dr. Hayne said. "Clean milk is of course necessary for healthy babies,* and mothers must be instructed how to care for their chilrren until they .are nine months old. Midwives must be educated and registered and births must also be registered. By registering the births, the county health authorities are at once notified of the arrival of an infant and the visiting nurse can give assistance to the mother in its care." Considerable blindness among children exists in the State. This can be prevented and the bureau of child hygiene will endeavor to reduce the number of blind children by giving the expectant mother information in regard to care of new born children. Statistics, showing the death rate by cities of children under one year of age have recently been received 'by the State health officer. Pasadena, California,' has the lowest rate for cities of its size, its rate being 27.9 per 1.000. Wilmington, N. C., reduced its death rate among children from 213 to 184 in one year. Austin, Texas. shows a death rate of 132.4 per 1.000. ITears from Blue. Dr. Hayne has recently received a letter from Surgeon General Rupert Blue of the public health service, with regard to the cooperation of federal, State and local# authorities, together with the international health board, for the control of malaria. South Carolina is to benefit by the cooperation, and engineers will be sent by the United States public health service to make surveys of towns. Information will be given regarding steps necessary for the eradication of malaria together with the cost of the work. Sanatorium Contract Lot. The contract for the erection of the Palmetto Sanatorium for the treat ment of negro tubercular patients nas been let to W. B. Summersett. The building was to have cost $16,000, but the lowest bid received was $23,000. It became necessary to omit some of the features of the sanitorium as originally planned, but the shell of the buiuding will be erected, and latefr appropriations or subscriptions will take care of features omitted. At the present time there is no provision made for the treatment of NEWBERRY NEGRO SOUGHT BY CROWD WHITE (>IKL INSULTED BY FOKMEB SOLDIER. Make Search of Jail Man Probably Saved by Action of Sheriff in Spiriting Him Away. Newberry, July 24.?But for the prompt action of Sheriff Blease there might have been a repetition of the Washington race riots in Xewberry today?that is. if the negroes here had tried to protect one of their number who so far defies fate as to follow the example of the Washington negroes who brought nn the recent riots in the capitol of the nation. It is likely that here the negroes, certainly the better class of them, would leave such an offender to his fate and his just, deserts. About mid-day today a negro exsoldier, jii^t home from France last Friday insulted a white girl 14 or 15 years of age while she was on her way to town walking along the railroad near the trestle. She ran and told of the negro's conduct and in a little while he was arrested by the officers and committed to jail. The affair became known about town and persons gathered in knots to discuss it. Late in the afternoon a crowd, not a large one, went to the jail and made a demand for the negro. The doors were unlocked and the party was invited to enter, and did, but did not find the object of their search, who had been spirited away to prevent trouble. There was great indignation in town but not much excitement. The negro is named Elisha Harper, who is the son of the Rev. T. F. Harper, a respectable and well behaved preacher living in Helena. Elisha Harper is about 25 years old. When arrested and searched pictures of white women were found in his pockets apparently brought back with him from overseas. The pictures were not indecent. mm ? I Aged Negro Lynched in Georgia. Atlanta, July 24.?Berry Washington, 72 years old, negro, was lynched near Millen, Ga., May 26, after killing j a white man in defense of a ^iegro woman, it is declared in a lengthy account of the affair which the Atlanta Constitution will publish tomorrow. The lynching in the little Georgia town in Telfair county did'not become generally known at the time and, according to the Constitution's version, an official said at the time that he wished to keep the affair out of print in order not to hamper the round up of the lynchers. So far as this account shows, there have been no arrests. On the night of May 24, the account says, two white men went into the negro section and began "cursng and disturbing the negroes who were in their homes." In an exchange of shots with Washington one of them was killed. The negro surrendered and two days later was taken from jail at MoRae. nearby, brought to Milan and hanged to a'post and his body shot to pieces. negro tuberculars, and the new building will be of great use in preventing the spread of tuberculosis among both races. Health Officers Confer. Dr. Hayne will go to Chicago July 29 to attend the meeting of the executive committee of the State health officers of the United States. Other members of this committee are health officers of Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina and Montana. The executive committee is to determine the policy of the State health officers department of the United States with special reference to the work of the Red Cross and National Anti.tiiViorfiilnois A csnpintirm TVipqp * iii ^ 1 IUUV/1 V UlVUltJ *aiji,VV?V* v?vu A <.>v/wv organizations are to cooperate with State health officers, and the executive committee will discuss plans by which these lay organizations can render most benefit to the State they seek to serve. Submit Resolutions. Drs. William Lester and J. A. Hayne have prepared suitable resolutions on the death of Mrs. Julia Tompkins, who for 11 years was the loyal clerk of the State board of health. A page on the minute book is to be inscribed to her memory. OFFICIALS ISSUE CALL TO CITIZENS WANT I'KIJMAXKXT OIlGAXIZATIOX COTTOX ASSOCIATION'. Will Meet August 6 Governor I'rges That Every County lie Mepresented?Means Much Cotton lielt. Calls were issued Saturday for a meeting in Columbia Wednesday, August 6 of the farmers, bankers, merchants, business and professional men of the State for the purpose of effect in? the permanent organization of the American Cotton Association in South Carolina. The calls came from. Gov. Robert A. Cooper, J. Skottowe Wannamaker, president of the American Cotton Association; B. Harris, commissioner of agriculture for South Carolina: A. E. Padgett, president of the South Carolina Bankers' Association: J. H. Claffey, president of the South Carolina Farmers' Union; W. G. Smith, warehouse commissioner, and Joseph D. Miot, president of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. The meeting will be held at Craven Hall beginning at noon and promises to be the biggest and most representative meeting held recently in the State. The call issued by Governor Cooper follows: "In order to effect the permanent organization of the American Cotton Association in South Carolina, a meeting of farmers, bankers, merchants, and other business and professional men will be held in Columbia August 6. I urge that each county be well represented, or, better still, each township. "The temporary organization of the j.. J cuiiuii yruuuccrs anu ameu uneiesis has been one of the important factors in bringing about an increase in the price of cotton. The permanent organization, erected upon the groundwork of its predecessor, will have the same effect. "The cotton belt has never enjoyed prosperity rommensurate with other sections of the country. The economic and social life of the South has suffered tremendously because cotton has not yielded a reasonable profit to the producers. Some advantage, however, has now been won; it must not be lost. Our progress in education, roads, in general happiness is considerably dependent upon the price of cotton. "Bearing this in mind I appeal to the people of South Caroliha to cooperate in an effort to insure for the present and for coming years a fair profit for the Soutn's greatest commodity. Organization is essential." A joint call for the meeting was issued by J. Skottowe Wannamaker, B. Harris, commissioner of agriculture; A. E. Padgett, presidnt of the South Carolina Bankers' Association; J. H. Claffey, president of the South Carolina Farmers' Union; W. G. Smith, warehouse commissioner, and Joseph D. Miot, president of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. <ii ? Riot Measure May Bring on Fight. Washington, July 26.?Indications at this time here are for a lively and possibly sectional fight in the cause concerning the decision of the rules committee over the resolution introduced a day or two ago by Congressman Frank Clark, of Florida, for an investigation of the police methods of the District of Columbia during the recent race ribts. He also has in a bill for regulating the sale of firearms here. Mr. Clark is insisting that not only shall there be a quick and favorable report from the rules committee with reference to his resolution, but that in addition an investigation and not a mere whitewash proceeding of tne receht troubles here be made and the part the police played. There is a strong conviction that the trouble in Washington has only been allayed for a short time and not settled at all. Washington negroes are said to be holding meetings and preparing themselves for further trouble and it is to meet this situation that the Florida congressman is demanding the investigation before the lives possibly of many hundred good citizens are unnecessarily sacrificed. ?m iti ? A dandy package of fine quality linen unruled paper for 30c. Envelopes to match 15c Herald Book Store. J. WILLAIil) RACSDALK DEAD. Sixth District Congressman Passes Away at Capital. Washington, July 23.?J. Willard Ragsdale. representative in Congress from Sixth South Carolina District, cled here suddenly today just before noon. Those attending him at his death were: Drs. J. Arthur Hooe. Dr. H. H. Hareen and Dr. Doorman. For several days .Mr. Ragsdale had been under treatment but was not considered seriously ill. He was at the capital yesterday and voted on the prohibition bill. His death occurred at Dr. Hooe's office. v Early this morning Mr. Ragsdale I sent for his physician and the re| port they made this afternoon was I that iust before noon he died of acute heart disease, going to the physician's office for treatment. Although not apparently suffering from ill health in any way and about J. W. RAGSDALE. his usual business yesterday Mr. Ragsdale was said by his physicians not to have been in robust health for some time. Mrs. Ragsdale is at their home in Florence. Mr. Ragsdale also leaves James \V. Ragsdale, Jr.,-about 18 years of age, and a daughter about 14 years of age. House Adjourns. Immediately upon the announcement of Mr. Ragsdale's death, like a flash the members of the South Carolina delegation in Congress got together. Representatve Byrnes made the statement to the house that Mr. Ragsdale had died. The house then adjourned out of respect to his memory. The remains were taken to an undertaking establishment and Coroner Nevitt held an inquest, after which the body was prepared to be taken tc Florence, where the burial will take place Friday afternoon. How to Obtain Victory Buttons. The victory button is a small lape! button for wear on civilian clothing It will be issued to all officers, enlisted men (excluding members o1 the S. A. T. C.), field clerks, anc members of the Army Nurses Corps who have served honorably on active duty for a period of at least fifteer days between April 7, 1917, and November 11, 19IS. The button wil be of silver for those wounded in ac tion, and of bronze for all others. Those who have been dischargee before the supply of victory buttons were available for issue may secure a victory button by bringing or mail ing to the Army Recruiting Station 35 Barnard Street, Savannah, Geor gia, their ogiginal discharge certifii cate or in the case of officers who never received a discharge certificate the official copy of the order upon whicl they were discharged. Claim blanks for the issue of victory buttons must accompany the discharge certificate or discharge order These blanks can be obtained froir the army recruiting station at Savannah or Brunswick, Ga., Charleston, Columbia, Florence, Greenville Rock Hill, or Spartanburg, S. C.. nnc should be filled in completely wher the claim is made for the issue of ? victory button. T)r. L. F. Bonner Bead. T> 11 O- TV-r T. T? Rnn Dcirii >v en, o ui? ?'j. i~ri~ ner of this city, died here at 6:3 C o'clock this morning after an illness of only three days, his death beins due to infection following an operation at an Augusta hospital Saturday The body will be taken to Aiken tomorrow morning and laid to rest witt Masonic honors at 1:30 o'clock in the afternoon in the Aiken cemetery, following service in the First Baptisl church of that city, his pastor, Dr W. M. .Tones, of Barnwell, officiating ONLY REMEDY LIES IN PRICE FIXING OXE AVAILABLE (HECK TO PROFITEERING. Statement by Black Former Vice Chairman of War Labor Board Gives Views?Sails for France. New York, July 2G.?Price fixing commissions by the government are the only remedy for profiteering in the necessities of life in the opinion of Wm. Harmon Black, formerly vice chairman of the war labor board, who sailed today on a six weeks' trip to France and England. Mr. Black declared that even men who intended to be fair had been forced into exactions not warranted by the situation. <trTL A r\wAf?rtIr? a- r\ a b 1 /> ' ' b a ^ JL lie ill C001115 yiUUlCili, lie SitiU, "is the sky rocket cost of living. It is all paid by the ultimate consumer. . The country believes that nearly everybody who can is profiteering. Nearly every man is raising the price of everything he sells. If nothing is done to check this abnormal inflation of prices the stage will be reached finally when there will be a breaking point to relieve the tension." Suggesting the remedy of price fixing commissions. Mr. Black said that as far as the power of the government to create such commissions was concerned, "the same supreme court which read 'the rule of reason-' into the Sherman law could read fair prices into a decision which would validate an act creating price fixing commissions." He pointed out that the war labor board had fixed the prices of labor. and that the price of wheat had also j been fixed and maintained; that there | was no difference in principle in his | plan. If the federal government was found not to have jurisdiction over prices of production in the States Mr. Black proposed that each commonwealth appoint a commission to regulate prices within its border. As to the composition of such commissions, Mr. Black held that the uni orsranizpd rnnsnniprs chnnlri hp ron. ? u ? ?? ~ resented, "especially that part of the consumers who do not produce and who have most bitterly felt the pinch." He suggested that each commission should be composed of a la- / borer, a capitalist, a railroad man, a steamship man, a farmer or miner, a manufacturer and a consumer and ' should include one woman member. / l "The producers." he added, "would ? not dare to refuse to submit the q.uess tion of prices to the kind of men who would compose these commissions." Mr. Black declined to answer a question as to whether he had submitted his plan to the president. SAYS HE MURDERED CHILD. I ^ Chicago Watchman Gives Climav to s Stirring Case. l Chicago, July 27.?Thomas Fitz. gerald, night watchman of a residen1 tial hotel, confessed to the police that . he had murdered six-year-old Janet Wilkinson, a neighbor's child, and I thus brought to a climax one of Chi5 cago's most stirring police cases, j Fitzgerald, thirty-nine years old, . made his confession after five sleeplocc rl o vc o n < ? nicVitc nf n 11 oct inn in (t IVyOO UU J O UUVl XX Vi M . and then led the police to his home, . where he had concealed the body last . Tuesday. The child had been strang> led. i A crowd surrounded the home and when the body was revealed there . was threats against the confessed . murderer. A strong guard was thrown about i him and he was hurried to a cell. . The crowd followed him to the sta. tion, where it was dispersed. When the child, daughter of a gro1 cer, disappeared, suspicion was dit recto:] toward Fitzgerald and he was L arrested. Two days ago Fitzgerald's wife was \ called home from Michigan. At first she declared implicit faith in her j - husband, but later said she believed > he had knowledge of the child's dis ? i axiv-c. r Seldom has the populace been so - aroused over a criminal case here. Various independent organizations had begun investigations and one Chi1 cago newspaper today offered a re ward of $2,500 for information lead" ing to a solution. The father of the t child had offered a reward of $500. Read The Herald, $2.00 per year. i i 1 \