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- 'v. VOL. VII. WHK1STMAS THOUGHTS. Of From heaven to earth at night's high noon There flashed a ray of sacred fire, And Nature's voico was all a-tuua With 6ong8 of sweet desire. O wondrous night I O holy moral . When peace aud harmony were born." Vho arthems of all Nations ring Over the seas from shore to shore; The soug tho Christmas joy bolls sing Kohoes forever more. O Christ I to think Thy baby hands Could grasp and hold so inauy lands. May joy abide in every breast I May loving thoughts and kindness sway The souls of men to quiet rest, to For Christ was born to-day I ** Let bitterness and envy coast?. And all His children be at peace! O spirit of this Christmastide, Abide with us, and give us power To conquer upon every sido Tho battlo of life's hour. And grant that wo may kuow^vlth Thee Tho joy of immortality. ? Holen 8. Conant. A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE. Y.Y MRP. M. C. HALE. ) CM? 8a^ O'ohn H Make, stamping off .. the suow and swingiug his rms about. \ )J "This ii the coldest \ {"? Obrisima0 eve I re*" p i member in a loug a time. Whew! Shut ^ ^10 (^oor, Frank. 1 ^u'c^' What on i I earth do you let in -1 any more air than n^^sary suc^ a yj UlgUl US U11SI ' Farmer Blake had finished tlio chores early to-night, and had just como ia "for good,'' a9 ho said. Everything had been done, except the "lockin' up,'' which Frank, the oldest boy, was to uttend to, and all was to bo ready for "tho Christinas flxin';'1 "the young' una had to get to bod, 60 as every thing'd bo done in season." Tho farmer sometimes grumbled that "it was mighty hard work keoping Christmas," but if he had been given his choice, ho would not have had tho day omitted from his calendar for a good sum of money. As / > his wife, for six months she looked lor ward to Christmas with pleasure, and back upon it with delight for tho other six months. "Thcre'd be no use living,'' she said, "if it weren't for Christmas and children." Frank was now to tako the war in water to the chickens, for, as tho farmer said, "Look's if it might sot in for a good spell o'snow; an'the critters \i better have enough feed for tho moruiu', in care we couldn't get to 'em." So Frank pulled down auol.ier armful of hay, packing it into the manger. He patted old Dobbin and Molly, as, turning tbe lantt rn lroiu aide to side, ho glnuced around. "Therol'' he said to himself, "if I haveu't forgotten the big key? Too cold to come out again. Father won't think of asking about it, and they are as safo as they ever are." The solemn, slow munching of the animals as they drew out tho hay in long wisps, only slightly disturbed the &ilenco as the boy 3too:l still for a moment. It was not a very important matter. It had happened before that the barn had beeu left unlocked, but only when it had been forgoiten. and as Frank thought, "If anything should happen, father would blame me. But the wild sweep of enow, as he opened the barn door, blow out the light, and in tho dark, half blinded by the sleet, he fumbled at tho latch; until at last, having tecured it, he hurried into the house, and then?ho really forgot. A sturdy boy of eleven ho showed himself to be, as he stamped tho snow from his rubber boots, and tossed his v wet cap and "comforter'' into a chair. Rob, a little fellow of about five years, had been drawing pictures, as he called his marks, and looked up with a dreamy air. "Is issaowing, father?" ho askod. "Now, father 1" exclaimed Frank. "I)o you hear that? Who would ask such a question but Rob? Yes, you silly boy, it is snowing, and likely to keep on lor a good while. Do you think it will Jast all night, father." "Cau't tell," said the farmor. "This time o* year ain't wuth bcttin' on. Might keep on for a week, an' might clear off 'foro mornin', an' tho stars come out." "Mother," said Rob, suddenly raising his head; "Did it snow when J03U8 was born?" I "Land sakesl" exclaimed Mr. Blake. "Hear that now! How d'you suppose we know, child? We weren't there 1" Mrs. Blake patted the little golden head, but thought it wise not to attempt an answer. "Everything in shape, Frank?" eaid his father. And Frank, alittloconscience-stricken, looked out toward the barn door, and said: . "Yes, sir; it's awfully cold, too." I "1 hope no one is out of-doors tonight," said Mrs. Blake. "Did the lantern blow out, Frank? Well, now, the mow's driving around so, it seems as if I'd feel better if there was a light in it, end it was hung out on the porch, dome ne might be losing their way, inst for want of the light It gives. There's very little light between the Cranford station and the 'Mills,' and anyway, I'd feel better." "pj-haw! mother," said, her husband; ' don't you think the windows give light eaough?" i "Well, tho windows will be dark when we go to bed," she answered, "and besides, no one can see them till they pet in front of the house. I guess I'll hang it out." ! And with the wick turned up to give ? bright, clear light, she hung it by a ? ? out W flail on the outer post of the porcl), whero It had oftou huug before. The kitchen aud diniu^-room laced the Crnuford road, as it was usually culled, because it was near the point tuViAVit r<??i <\m.> I ......-1? ( * * - ttuviv cuiu.ii luiius uoiu runway, troiu the "Mills," and from Uosolle, turned Into the ouo leadiu.; to the villago of Crnnford. The construction of tho houso was very odd, but as the neighbors said "When Jane and Johu Blake set out to build a house, you might bo sure it wouldn't lie like any other." And it had not altered their opiuiou when Mr. Blake explained that as they were to 6pend most of their lives in it, he didn't see why they should build tho best part for somebody eise. Wben bo built the barn beside the house, Its door directly opposite one from tho side of tho kitchen, the neighbors only laughed goodnaturedly and said: "That's like them, too." Though Frnnk was old en ough to stay up and help with tho "fixin's," ho made no objection to going to bod with Rob, and tho two boys snuggled together in the effort to get warm. "Say, mother," said Rob, as she loaned over tho bed to givo them tho goodnight kiss she never omitted, "do augels ever come down now?" "I'm not sure," she answered. "Somo people think they do, but other* don't.'. As sho went down staVrs she added to herself: "I'm ono of the pooplo that think they do?for awhilo." She was thinking of tho baby girl who liad lain in ncr arms, and blossed her life, for one short year. Wbcu she came into tho kitchen her husband sat besido the bright fire, with Doth lianas on ins kuces, gazing at tlio iight, a troubled look on his face. Whats tho matter, father?" said his wife, who kuew the sighs of muutal disturbance. "Well, there is somethin' that bothers me, sure enough," lie answered. 'You see, when I was driving back from Elizabeth, this afternoon, I stopped at Derby's and Crane's to leave somo things, and get the turkey trimmings you wanted; an' they both mentioned 't they'd heard that John Granger M been on a spree, an' driven his wife an' child out o' tho house, an' locked 'eiu out, too. I supposo tho poor critters '11 be taken in an' cared for by the neighbors near there 'fore this time; but it makes me feel kinder shivery to thiuk she may be out in this storm. Ugh! tho wind goes through ono like a inowin' machine through the grass!" .Mrs. Black went toward the front window and looked out on the road. "Yes, it is a bitter night," sV.u said, thoughtfully. "I'd like to icol sure tho girl was under shelter. Ah, John, it was a bad day for Anna when she married him. Poor orphan I 1 haven't ever laid it up against her when she got tho idea that marrying anybody wis better than being 'bound out' to m. Pretty, gentle-spoken child, and I don't see how any one could id-treat her. Mr. Winslow says he's heard her crying out; Don't strike me again, John!' Ah, poor girl, poor girl I And a baby, too, only about six mouths old. A girl baby I" "1 ain't stopped there of'en lately," said Mr. Blake; "John has been so of'en half druuk, or all drunk, that it ain't been pleasant. Well,I supposo we'd better begin lixin' the tree, hadn't we?" "I suppose so," his wife answered,but she still lingcicd beside the window. She pressed her face closo to the pane, and peered out. Tho lamp on the porch sent a 1. right stream of light out into the road. All about the lantern, the flakes were whirling, like llies ami gnats on a summer's night. John had brought in the tree, placing it, in ft nnrniT nf flin ilininir.rnnm wViiln his wife whs upstairs with the boys, and taking tho lamp with tboai, they now proceeded to trim the tree. Tho ornaments saved from one year to another wcro brought out and fastened, the rosychcekco apples and golden oranges wero hung on, the popcorn they lmd spent several evenings in stringing wt re flung over the brnnclie3, looking as if a flurry of 9now had frozen there. The candy ornaments, and lust the candles, completed the pretty cllect. "MyI" exclarccd Mr. Blake. "Who'd think you could heat up on such a night? It makes one as warm as t-hayin'. Most done, ain't wo, mother?" "Almost," said his wife,as she stepped toward tho kitchen door. The light from the porch was faintly reflected on both of the windows, while the iusido of of the kitchen was without light except from the tire. As Mrs. Blake looked toward the window facing her, she repressed a scream as sho saw a woman's face outside. With a beating heart at tho apparation, she drew nearer the window. As she did so she saw a white hand raised, and a slight tap sounded on the glasi. "What is that, mother?" called Mr, Blnko from tho next room. His wife hurried to his side. "Did you hear it, John," she asked. "Why," he answered slowly. "I heard a tappin,' sorter." She was worried and troubled. "I saw a face, a woman's I think, I o u^atuov viio nimiWYT, ouo nusWUlUU. "And she tapped nt the glass. It did frighten ine a little, but it must be some poor croature, cold and faint, miybe, We must go out and look for her." But John, who hated to leAve the warm comfort indoors, for the cold discomfort without, suggestod that whoever it was, would probably be glad to come in. But though ho opened tho door and peere 1 out and around, he saw no one. "Thero'r nn one there, Jane," he said. Then he added, curiously, "Did you say you hung the lantern on tho porch? Well, it ain't there 1" "Now, we must go," said Jane, decidedly. "Some poor soul is out there, and must be brought in. Set the lamp in the kitchen window, so we can tell where to come bar < to, and we'll get tho other lantern from the bam. Wrap up warm, John. Heady? All right." It had taken them several minutes fo? pi operation, and as Jane glancud toward the clock, it was with a slight thrill that "Bo True t.<> Yo CONWAY, S. ho saw it was a few minutes before twelve. Like tho lovers they had beeD fifteen yeurs before, they stood upon the front porch, hand in hand, and peered ahead of them. Dowu the road, a few lights from the village glowed faint as a glowworm's toroh, but ia the opposito direction none could be secu. Slight marks, partially covered, showod hero and there, but the waiiu TJJtVJ" SVVmtJU lUU&lUg IlfcfJ whito capped waves. Tho lamp in the window threw its beams far out on tho road, and tho snow, now falling softly, formed a goldon hazo in the light. Tho lautorn wag not where Mrs. Blako had placed it, certainly, and thoy passed to tho side of the house. Thore, hanging on tho latch of the barn door, was tho lantorn. Slowly, for tho snow had drifted hero, they pressed toward the glmmering light, keeping their eyes fixed on it as if it were a beacon. Tho snow around and about it, the soft flakes falling over it, gavo it a weird, uncanny look, liko a halo spreading indefinitely until loss in tho whiteness around. John shivered and wished ho had stayed in, but jMrs. Blake drew him forward. Some ouo had been here. Sonio one had moved tho lantern. In her mind wcro the words, "And they followed tho star." . They reached, tho bafn^unhooked tho ,lantern, and John then discovered that the door was not locked. "That little scamp!" he muttered. "But as wo are here wo may's well sco if the critters aro all right." And thoy n'ltnl in Old Mnllo hnd licnn Inrl from her stall, and was Standingon the other side. This so startled Jghn that ho raised his lantern, swinging it from sido to side. f "There' there 1 John," said Mrs. Blake, catching at his arm. "In Molly's manger. What ir that?" They drow nearer, till the light flashed down on the flagrant hay heaped in tho manger, on which a woman was crouching; while pressed closely to her breast was a little baby, fast asloop. The mother's dark eyes gleam 3d at them questioning!y; feat and joy at ouce showing in her face. "Tho baby, John. A little baby in tho manger," said Jane, in a trembling voice. "Oh, you poor girl! Oh, Anna, Anna, why did you not come to mo at first?" - * But the young mother, the oruelly treated wife, had fainted. John carried the slight form in kia strong arm9 "into the light out of tho night," while Jano held tho baby? the baby girl?pressed closely to her heart. A short jouruey, but to tho young mother the change scorned like that from death to heaven. To Jano Blako it seemed like a realization of tho ever new Christmas story. They, too, had followed tho light where it loci; tlioy, too, had seen tho babo lying in a manger. When Anna had told how sho had tried to reach the houso before dark?> how, when she did reach it, hor heart had failed her, and knowing how Mrs. Blako had pleaded with hor not to marry John Granger, sho had feared she might not befriend her?how she had entored the barn and laid tho baby in the warm hay?how she had passed from one window to auothor, had almost outered several times?when all this was told the rest remained unsaid, bocauso so well understood by all. Anua, whom ?hey had all loved for many years, had come back to her homo. That was all. When in the early morning Mrs. Blake and Anna arose and began the cl n i I tr Aflr Tnnn l<ii r?/y/io Incl flint f K a 14C11IJ u \jl n | uctuu nu^goivu vnciv mo boys' room, which was heated by a pipe from the kitchen, would bo a better place for tho baby. 80 the cradle In which Jane and Jane's mother had boon rocked, with its solid sides and hoodlike top of mahogany, was moved into tho other room. Jane smiled to herself as she heard the boys' baro feet on the floor overhead. 8he imagined their start of surprise at sight of the cradle. But sho did not carry her imaginings far enough. A shrill whisper of "Mother I'' "Mother 1" came from the stairs. Both mothers hurried into tho h^ll. Hob, quivering with excitement, stood on the middle stair, while Frank, half wise, half mystified, hut wholly curious, was at the top both nightowncd, barofootcd. ' Oh, m.otherl" said Hob, 41 Angels do come nowadaysl One has been in our room and left a Christmas baby there. Come and set I"?New York Observer. A Botanist Tails Tirisen Stories. Chicago, III.?Charles Chantlcr, a botanist, who was eogaged in tho hortiou turd department at tho World's Fair, met a frightful death in the Masonic Temple, lie fell from the fourteenth story to the basement, bis body being mangled almost beyond recognition. Mr. Chantler attempted to alight at the fourteenth flooriust as tho elevater started upward, and fell before tho cage cou d be stopped. He leaves a wife and three children in Wisconsin. He was Sccrctnry of the Agussiz Society, and came to this country in 1880 from England, where he had distinguished himself in scientific circ'es. married at tne muzzie 01 a revolver. Ashevm.ee, N. C'.?Mrs. Carry Howard, a handsome woman twenty-five years old, swore heforo Judge Bynum in tho Superior Court that five years ago Walter Hownrd forced her to marry him at the muzzle of a revolver, threatening to kill her unless she did. She sought divorce and the court promptly granted it, the husband failing to appear. George Vanderbilt III on His Return. New York.?George W. Vanderbilt arrived in this oit^ Into on Friday afternoon, after a stay of several months in Japan. He came directly to New York from his estate, Hiltmore, in North Carolina. He went there after his arrival at Sad Francisco several weeks ngo. Mr. VHnrlerbift is oonffned to his bea with a slight sicknesa resulting from a cold and the fatigue of the ioumer. iBtr| ur Word, Your Work and ^ C., THURSDAY^ DEC GOV'M'T APPRO I*RIT ION S. What Share of Dollars the South Has in Them. It Takes a Great Deal of Money to Run These United States. Wasuinoton, U. C.?The total estimates of approptiatious required for the service of the fiscal year rudiug Juue BO, 1804, prepared by the Treasury Department and transmit ted to the Houso of Itcprcsentutivcs on Tuesday, amount to the aggregate sum of 1505,801,383, boing $13,029,2-11 more than the estimate for 1893. These estimates, of course, do not include any anticipated amounts for dcticienc'es in past appropriations or for miscellaneous appropriations. While tbe formal estimates submitted to Congress last December footed up only $489,933,093, the npproprirtions authorized at tho lirst session of the present Congress upon those estimat(8 an t upon additional estimates suhscqu.'utly submitted amounted to $507,000 188, or $17,008,095 in excess. Excluding all deficiencies and miscellaneous appropriations, tho estimates for 1894 exceed the total appropriations for 1893 by $17,375,200. On the other hand, the total revenues, as istimatcd by the Secret try of the Trcasur-, for 1894 will bo only $490,121,365, including postal revenues, thus forecasting a prospective d licit, in addition to that which exists at present, of $13,739,009, and this without counting any probable d flciencics or miscellaneous appropriations. If, however, default should be made in the payment of $48,600,000 to the sink ng fund, and deficiencies and miscellaneous appropriations are excluded, there is made to appear a prospec tive surplus of $32,800,030. These are the new estimates by bills, as compared with the estimates and appropriations for tho present fiscal year, set for;h in an oflicial table prepared by the clerks to tho committees on appropriations of the Senate and House: An ana'ysis of the budget shows that Southc n interests are equitably rated for in tho estimates. Under the time hon ored precedent set by the fust, session ot the Forty fourth Congress and fo lo ved by all ot its successors, by which no river and harbor bill is framed at second suasions 01 Congress none will be prtpircd this year, but liberal estimates have been submitted by the enginen department of the army for continuing such works as have already begun under the contracts authorized by the river and harbor bill of last session. These works, if appro printed for at all this scss on, will doubtless be carried in the sundry civil bill, according to the recent practice. Among the amounts which, its is statu d, can be profitably expended, arc for this part of the South. iuvKit and ii.\nlion wonks. St. John's liver, Fla., 284,500. Charleston harbor, H. (3., including Sullivan isl.ndan I M<mut Pleasant shore, $750,000. Savannah harbor, On., $1,000,000. Mobile harbo| "a., $1,000,000. punbu. ..uii,dings. These estimates are given for work od Federal post offices and other public buildings throughout the South. Clarksvdlc, Tenn., postoffice, completion of approaches, $25,000. Charleston, 8. C., post office comple tion, $50,000. Norfolk, Va , postoffice, $00,000. Savannah, Ga , postoffice, continuation, $100,000. Wilmington, N. C , Marine Hospital, surgeon's residence, $7 000. l'apc G'bai les quarantine station, new, $181,000. Gulf quarantine station, $30,000. Key West quarantine station, Fla., new, $4,000. South Atlantic quarantine station $0,000 lifv. 8avinb 8khvick, lights, signals, kto. For the life-saving service the estimate is $1,830,749, an increase of $802,697 over the amount granted by the current law. For establishing new life Hiving stations the estimate is $5 >,000. an increase of $5 000 over current law. For sqpplies of ligh houses the estl mate is $408 00), an increase of $38,000. For repairs of lighthous s the estimate is $710,427, an increase of $366,000. For salaries of lighthouse keepers tho est'mute is $680,000, an increase of $20,000. Fur expenses o) ligtit vessels the estimate is $300,000 an increase of $50,000. For expenses of bu >yage the estimate is $425,000, an increase of $05,000 For cxpens s of fog signali tho estimate is $110,774. an increase of $40,000. For lights of rivers the istimnte is $850,00(>, an incijiaKc of $4 ) 000. Fo lighting of rivers the estimate is $300,000, an increase of $70,000. For party expenses of tho Coast and Geodetic Survey the estirn ito is $140,000, an incrc.ise of $17,800. For light R ation at Key West, Fla., $1,500. For new light s atiouat St. Catharine's sound, Ga., $20,000 For additional itinge iighta on Doboy sound, Ga., $1,500 For new range Ii. lith at Holier Point, Va . $2,500. For additional lights in Mobile ship canal, Ala., $60,000 For new light an i fog-signal statisn in Alligator rivti N C , $20,000. For new range lights at entrance of Hr oufnrf hui'liAi' N (% ? t fl Ann For now range lights on Capo Fear river, N. C., |3,1'6. For new steam light vessel with stenm for signal on Capo Lookout shoah, N. C., $70,000. For new light station in Dog river bar channel, Mobile bay, Ala., $20,000. For new light station ne&r Hi) If bora inlet, Fla., $00,000. For new light at Machiponge inlet, Va., $125,000. For beacon lights in the inside passage i om Savannah, Ga., to Fernandin, Fla , $1,000. For new light station near Mt. Cornelia, Fla , $175,000. For new light station near 8t Joseph's Point, Fla., $25,000. For new light station near Wwk fonr Countrv."' -EMBER 22, 1892. ???tmmmmi i i ?? mmmmm m ? I ? roint, N. 0.. $0,000. OTHER SOUTHERN OBJECTS. For extension of quay wall aud extension of water system at Norfolk navy, g THrd. Not folk, Va , $48,000, an increase lfl.GOO. For Columbia arsenal,Columbia, Tonu., $21,100, an iucrease of |9,600. For Ohickamauga tod Chattanooga v Natioual Parks, Teun , and Oa , $100,- ' 000, an iucrease of $10,000. Foi artillery school at Fort Mouras, f Yiv, fu.323, au increase oi *1,31:0. c The estimate for contingent expenses jj of the mint at New Orleans is #85,000; I an increase of #2,000. f The estimate for contingent exueuses of the assay office at Charlotte, N. C., is #2,500 ; an increase of #500. t The e timate for general expenses of \ the weather bureau under the Department (l of Agriculture, including ex ponsrs of t signals, forecasts, crop bulletins, etc., is 1 #748.170, an increase of #40,305. i The current appropriation of #100.000 t f?-r special mail facilities on trunk line 9 railroads from New York to Taiupa, Fla , j is omitted from the estimates. In other n respects the estimates ca'l for substnn- j tially the 6ame amounts for other objects of Southern interest as nro given in the current laws. i i s AWFUL END OP A SPREE. J Col. Thos. G. Lamar Shot and Killed | at Aiken. La no key, 8. C.? Mr. Hob Chafco I Aik it: Tom Lamar has pistol. Ho h ? very mad with you. lie has gone to t Aiken, C. II. Lamah. " t This was the contents of a tolegran > dispatch received by Mayor Robert A. Cliafeo Aiken, 8. C. The dispatch was signed by a brother of Col. Thomas G. Lamar. 1 Mr. Lamar came to Aikou, as the dis ' patch stated lie would, and just out; ' hour later there was a lively shooting ' scrape in front of ltlaylock & Wise's bar- ! ro in, and as a result. Col. T. O. Lamar, "the kaolin king," lies dead and Mayor It. A. Chafee and Chief Marshal Robert ? Gaston are at their respective icsidmco < suffering from dangerous pistol shot ^ wounds. 1 The particulars that led to the shooting arc as follows, as near as cuu be learned: Mr. Lamar had been on an extended spree, and wick beforn last lie created a i disturbance in Aiken and wai locked up | in the guard house by Mayor Chafeo's t orders. He was lined and released, but t is said to have continued on his spre.', I uttering threats of vengeance against t the mayor. He took the train at Ham- t burg, on the 8outh Carolina railroad, t and alighted at Langley, where his wild talk caused his brother to wire Mayor Chafee to be on the lookout for him. Mr. Latnar drove to Aikou and stopped at tho Senate saloon. While ho was thinking Mayor Chafeo and Chief Marshal Gaston walked in, and each taking hold of an arm put him under arrost. Air. Lamar offered to go quietly with them after he had finished his driuk. As they reached tho sidewalk Col. Lamnr, who had his hands in his overcoat pockets, suddenly fired his pistol without pulling it, the hall taking effect in Mayor Chafee, passing through the abdomen just above the waist. Lumar then fired two more shots in quick succession-?one ball taking effect in the left side of the marshal, just above the hcurt, anil passing through the lungs. Chief Osstou instantly drew his club and struck at Lamar, knocking him to ? ZJ his knees. Mayor Chafco also drew his pistol and tired, and Lamar fell over dead, shot through the heart. The succession of shots brought out a Urge and curious crowd. Dr. Wyraao was quickly on the scene, and pronounced Mr. Lamar dead, lie then turned his attention to Chief Gaston, who had been taken to his oflico. Mayor Chafco wn? carried to his residence, and his physician, Dr. T. O. Croft, is doing everything possible for him Both men are in a critical condition. Col. Lamar s body was taken 111 charge of by the Knights of I'ythins, of which order he was a member. lie 1 aves a wife and three ch Idrea. lie was one of the best known men in the State, and had done much to d welop the kaolin industry of Aiken county, being interested it several mines. 18 to Marry 18. Charlotte, N. O.?A mm and a lad of 18 years entered the registt; of deeds' office and the former applied for a liens for his daughter, whom he said was g<> ing to marry the "man" with him. "Il<>w old is your daughter?" asked Mr. Cobb "Thirteen ye rs," answered lie Mr Cobb informe 1 him that he could not get license as his daughter was under age. "Can't get it even if I am willing for her to ma'iy?" asked the surprised lather. "No, sir," said Mr. Cobb, "you can't get a license for a child to marry." 'The young would-be. groom scenic I less upset by the denial thm the unim'ural fathea. A Midison M'dget. Asiibvili.k, N. (! ?A midget from Mad ison c >unty attracted a great deal of Attention from the curious public here. His Dame is Mcloiu Davis lie is cigh teen years of age, stands three feet <pght inches, without shoes, and weighs eigh yfive pounds. He was questioned very freely by a good many people as to his ancestry, birth, place of residence, etc., to all of which he responded cheerfully and without any apparent vexation. The questions finally tir.d him, however, and he departed, as he said to attend to smnc busin<?>. Electric Sparks For Lightning Bugs. Cynthia, Ky. ? Richard Siinms, a horse trainer was instantly killed in the night by touching a telephone wire which was crossed with an electric light wire. He thought the sparks from the wiro* were light ling bugs, and reached out to catch thom__ Two Men Killed About a Woman. Washington, N. C. - At South Creek, Beaufort county, Hohort Rogers, a whito man, killed Win Hammond, colored; and Tom Moore, colo ed, kilted Rogers directly afterwards. It's rumored that a wonpin w ? c??U?e 3ttl VLLIANCE DEPARTMENT. 'he Future of the National Order. ltron(f Tributes to Our Late Preeidnnt L. L. Polk. Now i? the time to discu** Alliance natters aud read up od all tli? reform? ootemplated. ? * + t Convict labor ia tbo most obnoxious i?rm of slavery. It places at th?> mere >f grsad workers who have foifoite I ?1 rood will of society, and who are thtr< fore unable to appeal to nubile sontiincn or redress.?Southern Alliance Fat >nci * * * * * * No candid person cau deny that hrough Adliancc schools neaily tin. last rcstigc of sectionalism has been ol?11? itcb and live questions of vital iuter< o all the people pushed to the front o\? lie united efforts of all the demngogn h n every political party. The prim ipl aught by the Farmers' Alliance wdl r t ervc tho nation and restore the prospc ty of the masses if the order contiuues illow unpolitical party to iu the bu t ntlucnce its policy. * * * * * Now is the timo to revive tho intcre l n the Alliance. Kvery member should ee to it that the meetings are held ic; ilarly and mado interesting. See to hit something more than the regul i online work is accomplished. Discuss ho different issues, local and others, that s of interest to all alike. Securo a few rooks as a circulating library, and above ill induce all your friends and neighbors o join in with you, thoreby aiding in he social enjoyment of your meeting, vhich should be made social and int rlisting. ****** The Fanners' Allinnco and Industrial Union was a child of necessity, born of 111! fixicranriw* nf llw? limi a o.wl >o lostincd to be the Mosoiof the oppressed u)d in spite of the combined elfoi s o, dutooruts and demagogues will yet lend lie wage slaves of tlie United States into lie sunlight of financial freedom, even if t necessitates the filling of the deep litche.s surrounding plutocracy's citadel villi the lifeless bodies of designing deuiigogues from its own ranks National Economist. no rolitics in tims alliance. atlanta, oa.?The Fulton County \lliance, one of the largest and most in luential in the State, passed resolutions hat it will hereafter be strictly non-paris in, that all political discussion bo pro libitcd, and that efTorts bo mado by the irdcr to educate the people, so that they u iy hecomo more proficient in agricui u mi and mechanical arts. demands ok the k. m. n a. i or won, iii.?The national assem lie Fanners' Mutual Benefit Ass<> nation closed its labors by demanding free and unlimited coinage of silver am an incrie."'"' ..irculatimr uiedititn, nno. recommending the establishin nt ol pos tal savings ba iks in lieu of the present method of perpetuating na'ional hanks, that Congress should proh'hit dea ingf in futures of agricultural and mcchanicn productions,the adulteration of foods am' medicines ;deinnuding an cipiitable systen of graduated tax on incomes.and favoring the election of United Wta?es Wen dors by the people. tiiiiujtk to col. polk. At the national meeting of the Alii a nee at Memphis, during the Polk Me morial meeting, Dr. (J. W Macuuc nude an address in which lie said "1 seel deeply the solemnity of this <? ension. If any one can tell mo how to from words that will describe a (Jlnis lian gentleman, a model husband and father, a true patriot, a iiiaityi to a glot ions cause, an orator, a statesman, a friend, a brother, ana a man who pos ( cased every other tribute that commands respect and honor, 1 will apply that de seription to our dead chieftain and it will nt "lie was a typical Alliancemau; he conceived .something above and beyond co o oration 01 personal gain, lie saw in tho Alliance a power for the good of the Alii nice, and he used it as such lit is the man to whom is duo the coucep lion of the idci of sp nning the river of sectional h ite, and in a largo degree carrying it oil. Col Po k accomplished iio giandest life work of any man I ever I L .. ?. - l I I t . Knew, it nit as suuii it in in ne .snouiu oe liono ml From his mighty brain ami generous hcrtrl emanated the principles ivhi h mc to emancipate mankind. In paying h tribute to hiin as a martyr to the < uuse of refo;in, wo give him no inoiv ban he deterves." HUM,Kit ON I'OI.K. The following repotted of the Polk ?( nioiial meiting at Memphis: "At tbe concus 011 ol his udil ess, Mniion Butler of North (JaroliuA, one of the best orators of the Alliance, was in trnduced and spoke as follows: I do not wish to address myself to those who knew our dead leader, but rather those who did uot. Their ideas f him arc doubtless as far from correct as my first ideas of him were. They .vere form d whin I was a boy 10 iears o d. I was present when he was being discussed by some prominent politicia s uid legal li jhts. Th y said he was a dangerous man, one to bo feared above ill o'hers. 1 thought if these men. who ire my ideals of courage and wisdom, fr. iuh,.t a I., m u n Iw, 110. This impression vanished when I met ' ol. Polk. I studied the man nil he harder for having once feared him. ml found him to be a man who novci -poke ail unkind word against any on wh hid given hii life to p otecting the iiit ics s of the down'rodden I found h m to he a devout Christi n and n grand humnnitirian. When [ learned this of h m I nsked myself why he was feared It was because he wan the people's friend; it w'8 because he ntood on the watch-tower of the people's rights and gavo warning when they wore infringed up >n I found that ho was respected by all but those who, from their corrupt practice, h ?d r? ason to fear him If Provide ice ever in -ulded a man for a special purpose, L. L. Polk was that i ''' V * v* ; v NO. 23. man His mission was to break down Mason and Dixon's line. Let me say to pat iots that you owe a debt of gratitude that will Ire hard to pay. Pay it by action and not try words Our mis sion n >w is to brcsk down the liuo between town and country, and then the way will be open for reform and four good government.'' SO. CAROLINA'S RAILROAD BILL. Fierce Attack On It by Ool. Haskell It Passos Both Branches. Con Mi'A, H. ('. ? The railroad cocrf ion hill caused a lively time in the House. The only amendment that the administration people lot slip through was that which makes any white male citizen over twenty tivo years of ago eligible to election on the board of temnmsioners. Amendments to strike out the provision giving the commissioners power to make passeogoi and freight rates were defeat ed. The speech of the day Wis made by Cob John ?J. ilaskill. He said the bill wa > a monstrosity, a disgrace to a civilized State and had uothiug >i it to recommend it to any upright iii.mi. Tne author of tlie bill is Senator Wilson of Spartan burg. Col Haskell said thut the bill contained a declaration of enuiity toward thoso who have doue more than any of us have done for the State. 'Puss this bill and we will not refund the State debt, and next July will see us bank rupt." I'lie House of Representatives Thursday passed the "railroad coorciou bill" which had already passed the Senate. Its provisions are radical in the extreme, giving tlie railroad commission absolute powi r in regard to freights, passengers and joint rates, schodu cs, damug s, con tracts with connecting roads without the right of appeal. Itailroid men predict direful consequences to tlie roads as the result of tlie operations of this bill, (lenecal Superintendent V. M McBoo said that he is taking comparatively lit tie interest in tlie railroad legislation, as lie is satisfied that the hill pissed by (lie Legislature will not stand tiie test of examination by the United .States Supreme Court, and lie intends to have it submitted to that tr Initial at tlie first opportunity. FIRST HONORS TO HIS RIVAL. Tho Portfolio of Secretory of State Tendered to Hill. Albany, N. Y.?The Times-Union un dcr a Washing on date, says: Unite# States Senator llill has been tendered the portfolio of State by President-elect Cleveland. This is following the cus torn to give to the leading opponent the portfolio. Senator llill was approached while in Nesv York by a close friend of Mr. Cleveland As a result Mr. Clove land and Mr Hi 1 met in ilultimore later on, whtro all differences wero healed nod Mr. Cleveland in person tendered Mr. Ifill the portfolio of State. This brings as a result the following changes in New York State; Gov. Flower and Hon. Kdward Murphy, Jr. w II be sent to tlia United Htttos Suna'o, p acing Lieutenant Govornor Shechnn in the Govornor s chair. HIT Mil. CLEVELAND kays IT IS "nTl/KK.' New Yohk.?President elect Cleveland wa> apparently up to his eyes in bus neis when the reporter cnlle I to asceitnin ibo truth of the announcement in the Albany Times Union that Senator David B. Hill lias been tendered the portfolio of State He sent down word tnatlij was too busy to be seen and refused absolutely to grunt the reportei a personal Interview. In answer, h iwever, to tho pnragr.iph announcing the selection of Mr. llill as p emier of Mr. Cleve'and's cabinet, tho President elect sent the following note "So far as 1 know, not a single word of truth is in tho "stuff." Mr. Cleveland bad written the word 'above." but scratched it out and substituted the word "stuff" as more prop erly emphasizing his denial Tho Increased Assessments. Ghk: NMi.t.F, H C.?Tho Uichmond A* Danville Railroad Company, tlir ugh It* agent here, tendered to Couuty Tream er Walker three checks for $'.l,7-Vi.u i, ?he ainOiiut the load ?. laiuis it is die: the county for taxes. The county treauuei accepted the itiuouy, in per instruction . f 11... i' ..... i..... 11.... 11......... i i .. :n i win ki? v 111 i/i i wi hi uvuuiai, itUM Ml give ii simple receipt for if, nit a tax r ceipt. The State claims that the road i< duo the county $0,381.48 Tenders wc?* made by the road all over the State. Cheatham Will Lecture, Rai.kigh, N. C.?Congressman 1j. P. Cheatham, of North Carolina, the Only colored man in Congress, contemp'a devoting the next two years to a lectinins,' tour through the North and North west. Mr. Cheatham failed of re-olection. he say/, by a technicality, but iuteudn f.? t?y again two years from now. He is an educated man, a graduate of Shaw University, with a strong, clear voice and n pleasant delivery. Suicided foi Love of a Mule. Columbia, S ? ?Lome Armstrong, son of a prominent farmer in Greenville county, committed suicido to day byhanging himself in 1 -? father's barn with a plow Hue. His nc k was broken. A few days ago his fathvr sold a inula of which tho boy was very fond. lie grieve ? over the loss of his f ivorife animal t? such an extent that Y- >" , I became un balanced, a d - > kill'"l hbnsiT". Guilty and Asks the Mercy of Court. Noufolk, Va.?W. R. Drury. an attorney at law, was found guilty in the United S atcs Court in this city for mak iug a false paper for procuring a Unitid .w. cinn >...! year in jail and $100 tluo. When asked bv Jn ge Hughes if he hail Anything to say, he replied, '-no," and threw himself on the mercy of the court. Hangman's Day. On MU.K8TON, S U.?Jojoph Jenkins, col red, wa< handed at >lt. Plonaant, Berkley county, in the presence of 10 ? sp ctntors. His neck was broken and lie died iu five minutes 'I lie crime f r which he sutler d was the murder of John Morgan, a Johns Island store keeper, killing him with au axe and then robbing