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P. O.Stacy. President. .1 O. V/AUDLAW. Vico Presidem THE HSTIOM BANK OF GAFFNET. Capital $50,000.00. Wii.ti buy county claims, receive deposit aud make liberal loans on approved paper 1). (J. Hoss. Cashier. The SEMI-WEEKLY-PUBLISHED TUESDAY A Newspaper in all that the Word Implies and Devoted to the Best ♦ ESTABLISHED FEB. 16, 1864. GAFFNEY CITY, S. C., TUESDAY, APR] FAMILY DF SEVEN PI II IN FLOOD Negro, His Wifo and Five IL Children Drowned. SITUATION GROWS WORSE Heavy Ruins Sunday Cause Nearly All Streams to Rise—Railroads Are Tied l : p —Planters Dersert Their Wasted Farms—Worst to.Come. Mmiudian, Miss., April 23.—Rainfall 1.84 inches Iasi night. Low, threaten ing el unis this morning add to the grav- / ity of the flood situation in the suiround- { ing eountry. Small creeks are all out of their banks, while larger ones are be- * ginning to rise again. Temporary track work w ill be damaged on all railroads entering the city and full resumption of traffic will be longer delayed. The situ ation out of town is growing desperate. Foodstuff.; are running short with relief nowhere in sight. Reports from the interior continue to come in and the story of devastation b ggars description. Farmers are aban doning their farms as worthless, and entering the service- of the railroads, who are employing all applicants. The officials of the Alabama and Vicksburg, New Orleans and North western and Mobile and Ohio southern division, are h coming disheartened at the prolonged suspension of traffic, and one year of uninterrupted buisiness will hardly recompense tin- loss. This county has suffered at the lowest estimate -ftlo,- 01)0 in loss of overland bridges alone and thousands of dollars damage to the road beds. To date 14.4(1 incites of rain lias fallen, tho greatest previous record for the en tire month being (1.29 in 1894. The an nual rainfall in this section is 5o inches. Meridian sufiered great damage by lust night’s rain. LOSS IS GROWING GREATER. Situation Around Mobile More Des perate—PaM-agoula 11 ridge Gone. Mobilk, April 23.—The flood situation around Mobile shows a more desperate condition this morning and every hour the loss is growing greater. The Louis ville and Nashville railroad, which has heretofore been free- from any damage and has been hauling the freight and passengers of the Illinois Central, Northeastern and Mobile and Ohio rail roads for tho past six days, is now a sufferer also. Tiio bridge over West Pascagoula river, 4 miles from Scranton, was washed away last night by the high water and the terrific pounding the foundation has received from thousands of logs washing against it. (J. neral Manager J. G. Met- ^ ctlf of the Louisville and Nashville f reached Mobile this morning at 9 o’clock <>11 a special train, coming direct from Louisville, lie left immediately for the sc >ne of the break. Superintend nt of machinery Leeds arrived last night from one of the northern (lived -ns and went to the scene at an early hour this morning. The Mobile and Ohio did not show np us bright in prospects as was ex- peeted, hut on the contrary is worse than ever. The water has fallen very much but the damage can not possibly be repaired before Friday morning suf ficiently to allow trains to go through. In one place on the Mobile and Ohio 800 «>r !<m feet of track lias been washed entirely away and where the road bed was there is now a gulley 5 feet deep. The damage is incalculable and nearly all the road bed for 25 miles will have to be mode entirely over again. RAINSTORM IN NEW ORLEANS Streets of the City Are Flooded—Rail road Truffle Suspended. New Orleans, April 23.—The hardest rainstorms of the season occurred here during rlie night and New Orleans was almost generally flooded. At noon in tho upj>er and rear sections of the city w.irer still covered the streets and sidewalks, and rafts had to Ixa requisitioned to reach street ears. The l drainage system has-only been partially ' constructed and its present capacity was unequal to the heavy demand "made upon it. The city is suffering commercially as a result of the Mississippi floods. Four railroad lines entering New Orleans uro in trouble. The Mississippi Valley has made some headway in getting its tracks in condition and the Illinois Central is operating a partial service, but tho Northeastern is still completely blocked. Over the Illinois Central an excursion train that went out yesterday morning only returned this morning, the passen gers suffering much inconvenience. The carrying away of the Pascagoula bridge has badly crippled the Louisville and Nashville, ou which New Orleans depends largely for her eastern mail. The road announces that all night trains are temporarily suspended. Through day trains, however, will be operated, arrangements having been made to ferry its passengers, mail and baggage across the bay at Pascagoula. SEVEN NEGROES DROWNED. Met Death While Trying to Escape the Flood. Jackson, Miss., April 23.—John Hor- ton, a negro, and his wife and five chil dren were drowned in the back waters of Pearl river yesterday afternoon while trying to escape from the flood. Their cabin had been inundated by the high waters, and the family was endeavoring to mu}ce its escape in a wagon when the vehicle fell through a broken bridge and all were drowned. Pearl river is now stationary, tho heavy rain List night having checked the falling waters. The weather con tinues threatening ui.d all railroad traffic is in a bad state. Floods lntefvro With Traffic. Memphis, April 23.—Tho traffic route for the freight handled to such points as Montgomery and Tuscaloosa, Ala., has been turned over to the Kansas City, Memphis and Birmingham during the past several days at Tupelo ou account (4 the without*. KILLED ON THE RAIL. Coluiiibus Wilson Killed by a Freight Train On the .Southern. (Correspondence of The Ledger.) Blacksburg, April 23.—Last Thurs day between 3 and 4 o’clock, Colum bus Wilson was killed by a south bound freight train on the Southern railroad at the crossing near the works of the Cleveland Brick Com pany, four miles east of this place It seems that Wilson had come from Cherokee Falls, where his fam ily was staying, on Monday, and after attending a funeral at Grover, N. C., spent the next day or two among his friends. Thursday evening he left and went south on the track of the Southern, with the intention, it is supposed, of either going back to Cherokee Falls or to his farm, which was just a shore distance north of the crossing above mentioned. A boy plowing nearby saw him come down the track and sit on the right hand side, just a few minutes before tho frieghl passed. He heard the danger signal blown by the engineer, but, in plowing, he had reached a point from which he could not see the man on the track. Hearing the train then stop, he ran down to the track. The train backed to the cross ing and he went along. Vilson was found dead with his skull crushed almost to pieces, only the mouth and chin being recognizable. His right arm was broken and there were nu merous other bruises about the body. His family was at once notified. The inquest was held Saturday; and right here it may be added, that there is considerable talk about the delay in holding the inquest. The killing oc curred on Thursday—the inquest on Saturday I Columbus Wilson was born near where he was kiiled, and at the time of his death, was about forty-eight years of age. He taught school for some time and tlso farmed. He was an intelligent, genial fellow 7 and had many friends. He leaves a widow and several children. Those interested in the hosiery mill to be built at this place held their second meeting Friday night, when by-laws were adopted and a commis sion applied for. The capital stock will be .tl5,000. From all reports, considerable dam age was done on the lines of the Southern and S. C. <fc G. E. railroads. Trains were delayed on both roads. Ed Scales, well and favorably known at Gaffney, Shelby and other piaces, died near this place last Fri day. He was buried Saturday with Masonic honors. News From Goforth. (Correspondence of The Ledger.) Goforth, April 23.—As this is the first lettir from our place perhaps it is well enough to make some explana tions as to our whereabouts. Goforth is a newly established postoffice between Grassy Fond, S. C., and Jiyersville, N. C. The farmers of this section have got every thing in shape and moving on at a rapid rate. Some planted corn last week and the first of this week, while others were preparing lands for cotton. Owing to the pre vailing rains, the farm work is about finished up for this week. Wheat is looking liine. The fruit crop is very promising. Mrs. Leika Wood, who has been suffering from a lingering attack of pneumonia is now able to attend to her household affairs. There are now several cases of pneumonia in this vicinity. Dr. Gettys, D. D. S., who has just returned from college at Atlanta, Ga , is visiting his brother, M. E. Gettys of this place. Spokt. (iloriouM News. Comes from Dr. D. B. Cargile, of Washita, I. T. He writes: “Four bottles of Electric Bitters has cured Mrs. Brewer of scrofula, which had caused her great suffering for years. Terrible sores would break out on her face, aud the best doctors could give no help; bather cure is complete and her health is execellent.” This shows vhat thousands have proved.— that Eletric Bitters is the best blood purifier known. It’s the supreme remedy for eczema, tetter, salt rheum, ulcers, boils aud running sores, it stimulates liver, kindneys and bowels, expels poisons, helps digestion builds up the strength. Only 50 cents. Sold by Cherokee Drug Company. For every 1,000,000 inhabitants in Russia, there are only 10 newspapers and journal of all sorts. W. H. Shipman, Beardsley, Minn., under oath, says he suffered from dys pepsia for twenty-five years. Doc tors and dieting gave hut little relief. Finally he used Kodol Dyspepsia Cure and now eats what he likes and us much us ho wants, and he feels like a new man. It digests what you eat. Cherokee Drug '"V. It has been estimated that it would take a man 3,000 years to read all the standard works. J. I. Carson, Frothouotary, Wash ington, Fa., says, “I have found Ko dol Dyspepsia Remedy Cure up ex cellent remedy in case of stomach trouble, and have derived great bene fit from its use.” It digests what you eat Bud cannot fail to cure. Cherokee Rrus: Co. British government expenditure is running now s|i7,000,000 a week Beyond revenue Cleanse the liver, purify the blood, invigorate the body by using De- Witt’s Little Early Risers. These famous little pills always act orompt- ly. Cherokee Drug Co. BOILER ADVANCES TOWARD WEPENER Every Step Is Closely Con tested by Boers. BATTLE NEAR THABA N’CHU Boers Attack .3,000 British and Latter AreDriven Back—Engagement Near Dewet’s Dorp—Boers Retreat South From Wakkerstroem. London, April 23.—General Duller is apparently advancing slowly toward Wepener, every step being closely con tested by 7 the Boers. From tho Rc*pub- licau side there is a good deal of inter esting news today 7 . A Thaba N’Chu dis patch dated Friday reports the arrival there of Commandants Dewet and Vil- lieres and an attack upon 3,000 British under General Gatacre. The latter, of course, is a misstatement, as it is prob able General Run die is meant. Tho British, it is added, occupied some kopjes, but their left wing was driven back. The Boer loss was one killed and live wounded. From Brandfort comes the news that ou Saturday a British patrol of teu meu ventured near the place and suffered the loss of one man killed and two men cap tured, including a Free Stater who was leading the party. A Pretoria dispatch, dated April 21, says the latest official news was that lighting was proceeding within half an hour’s ride of Dewet’s dorp with no re sults. The Transvaal government, it isadded, has asked Lord Rubers to be allowed to send a clergyman to St. Helena and also a neutral consul to watch tho interests of the prisoners in the same manner as Adelbert Hay guards the British prison ers at Pretoria. A proclamation has been issued pro hibiting the working of the mines ou Sundays aud inflicting punishment ou managers paying over £1 a month to natives. News comes today saying all is quiet and the Boer guns are silent. There is nothing further from Bloemfontein to indicate the progress of preparations for the main advance. At Cape Town a government contrac tor named Bam has been arrested for harboring three escaped Boer prisoners, dressed as clergymen. The prisoners were seut back to Simonton, whence th<^’ had escaped. Boors Are Moving Southward. Wakkerstroem, April 23.—After yes terday’s shelling was expected that the Boers would open again, but Colonel Brabazon, with the yeomanry, made a thorough scout to the left. The 13<x:rs endeavored to turn the British right wing, but the movement was detected by tlie yeomauy and mounted infantry and the guns opened fire aud drove them off greatly extending the position. None of the Boer guns were in action. There were no British casualties. Many of the Boers are moving southward. Fighting continues day aud night at Jammersburg drift. The English trenches have been so full of rain that the men have been obliged, every now and then, to clamber to the banks to be shot down. The Boers were so drenched on Saturday that they were unable to sleep. MISERY IS_[NDESCRIBABLE. Conditions In the Famine Districts of India Frightful. Calcutta, April 23.—The latest offi cial reports from the famine districts say that the misery existing there is inde scribable and unparalleled aud that the present relief is quite inadequate. They add that the mortality among the cattle is also severe and that the authorities are trying to adapt farm implements so that human power can replace that of bullocks. Such a drastic measure has never before been necessary even in the greatest scarcity of auimals. The natives are developing ugly feel ings and are attacking Europeans. A great crowd Friday murderously at tacked a party of soldiers at Shappur, the military center of the northwest provinces. Tho soldiers were rescued from the difficulty in au unconscious condition. „ Heirs to Renault Millions. Montgomery, Ala., April 23.—The organization of the Renault heirs to push their claims to an estate valued at $2’K),000,000, lias occasioned a great deal of interest hen*. There are several jiar- ties here who will, if the movement is successful, get a portion of this vast for tune. Montgomery has four descend ants of the Renault family, Mrs. Sophia Rheinhard Niekel, Lewis Niekel, John Young and Mrs. Patrick McGuuley, while Selma has two, Mrs. Eliza Keipp and Mrs. Powell. Mrs. Niekel, who lives on Decatur street, is propably the nearest surviving heir. Negro Woman Murdered* Louisville, Ga., April 23.—A killiug occurred on Captain G. II. Williams’ plantation, a few miles below here, Sat urday. Mose Strowbridge, a negro, (hot and killed Mary Anderson, a ne gro woman. It is said that Strowbridge got the woman in a house and closed tho door, so she could not escape and when she tried to force her way out, he picked up a shotgun and fired the load, inflicting a wound from which she died iu a few hours. He was lodged in jail. Fire at Film. Elba, Ala. April 23.—Elba had a dis astrous fire Saturday. Tho fire origi nated in the new brick store occupied by A. R. Jones & Co., which was destroyed. Three other buildings, two occupied by L. H. Morris & Son, merchants, aud the third used as the p>stoffice, were also destroyed. The total loss will be $7,000 or $6,000. Will Be Considered May 1. Washington, April 20.—Iu the house today, upoi request of Mr. Hepburn, unanimous couseut was given to set aside May 1 aud 2 for the consideration of the Nicaragua caijni hill. SENATE COMMITTEE MARES ITS REPORT Alleges That the Testimony Proves Charge of Bribery. REASONS FOR ITS COURSE Unanimously Recommends That the Montana Senator’s Seal Be Declared Vacant Because of the Methods Em ployed to Secure His Flection. Washington, April 23. — Senator Chandler from the senate committee on privileges and elections has submitted to the senate the report of that<:ommit- tee iu the case of Senator Clai^>f Mon tana. The report is comparatively brief, covering only about 15 pages of printed matter. It d<x*s not rehearse the testi mony, but simply presents the findings of the committee and its reasons for its course. The finding of the committee is stated as follows: “The finding of the committee is that the election to the senate of William A. Clark of Montana is null and void on account of briberies, attempted bribe ries and corrupt practices by his agents, and of violations of the laws of Montana defining and punishing crimes against the elective franchise.” In view of this finding, the committee reports and unanimously recommends the adoption by the senate of the follow ing resolution: “Resolved, That William A. Chirk was not duly and legally elected to a seat in the United States senate by legisla ture of Montana. ’ ’ The report concludes with a strong recommendation for early consideration of the ease as follows: “The senate should, as a duty to itself and to the country, demonstrate by its action in this case that seats in the United States senate, procured as Sena tor Clark’s has been procured, canuot be retained by the deliberate judgment of the senate. The senate also owes a duty to the people of Montana, who, conscious of the bad repute into which the state had fallen by reason of the-vast expendi tures of money in connection with its elections manifested such a public senti ment that the legislature of 1895 passed a statute which if observed would have redeemed the state from its bad name. ‘ For the direct and gross violations of that statute aud the consequent discredit which continues to rest on the state, Montana has a right to expect a prompt and decisive remedy from the action of the senate on the report of this •com mittee.” NEW CHARTERS GRANTED. Two Knitting Mills and Other Indus tries For South Carolina. Columbia, S. C., April 23.—A charter has been issued to the Orangeburg Knit ting mill. A commission for a charter has been issued to the Mills Avenue store. The capital stock of the com pany is to be 1*50,000. A commission for a charter was issued to the Piedmont Drag company. The capital st<x3k of the company is to 1x3 §10,000. A char ter was issued to the Lattu Grocery com pany of Latta. A commission has been issued to the Blacksburg Spinning and Knitting mill, the capital of which is to be $15,000. A charter was granted the Hartsville Hotel company of Hartsville, capitalized at $5,500. BAD MONEY IN CIRCULATION. Charleston Flooded With Counterfeit $.5 aud $10 Bills. Gharlestc n, April 23.—According to General Beazell, a former paymaster in the United States army, Charleston is flooded with all kinds of counterfeits, bills and silver, dollars and halves. This money has been in circulation here for some time and it is not being passed with any fraudulent intent. The people who handle it accept it as goxl money aud spend it in the same way. General Beazell says the counterfeits in circula tion iu Charleston are mostly of denomi nations of $2, $5 and $10. There are some silver dollars and half dollars in circulation aud much smaller coin. Rod Mills Shut Down. Joliet, Ills., April 23.—Operations were suspended today at the three r<xl mills of the Illinois Steel company in this city. Between 600 and 700 men were thrown out of employment. It is rumored that the entire Illinois Steel plant here, which is controlled by tho Federal Steel company, will shortly bo closed drwn. This rumor lacks official confirmation, however. Dr. Rene de Poyen Dead. Chicago, April 23.—Dr. Reno de Poyen-Bellisle, professor of French at tho University of Chicago, was found dead teday in his apartments at 2417 Michigan avenue. Physicians who ,yere railed to examine the body notified tho coroner that they believed the case to bo one of suicide, as indications of poison ing were found. Test of the Automobile. London, April 23.—About 75 motor cars of all suite aud sizes, started from Hyde jiark corner this moruing on a trial journey of l,0u0 miles to Edinburg and return, under the auspices of tho automobile club. The trial is not in tended as a race, but us a test of tho utility and strength of the vehicles. Attacked by Mud Cat. Atlanta, April 23.—A cat supposed to have hydrophobia attacked two children at 69 Frazer street, lacerating a little boy’s fact with her claws and severely bit a girl. Fears are entertained that the girl is menaced with hydrophobia and au effort is being made to secure a mad-stone. Chinese Catholics Butchered. Tien Tsin, China, April 23.—Members of the “Boxers” society have massacred many Chinese Catholics near Pao Ting Fu, iu the province of Pu Chi Li, south west of Tien Tsin. The German gun boat litis arrived at Taka Saturday. Tho other foreigu vessels have left those Waters. GILES HILL SETS A GOOD EXAMPLE. Sam Foster Kills A Surry Owl. LOWER CHEROKEE ITENS. CherokeeuiM Should Not Forget the Meet ing of the CoivpcnH Memorial Associa tion The Ladies Memorial Association to Meet at Klbethel. (Correspondence of The Ledger.) Etta Jane, April 20.—Mr. Ham Foster hilled a surry owl lust Thurs day. It was a curiosity to our peo- people. It measured between three and four feet from tip to tip. This is a circumpolar species and the only one of its genus which disdains the shelter of forest and braves the rigo rous arctic climate, though compell ed to migrate Southward in winter when no sustenance is left for h. Its large size and white plumage, more or less mottled With black, dis tinguishes it from every oilier owl. The whippoorwill storm is on us, and we have had several clays oi very wet weather, which is putting far mers greatly behind with their work. Mr. Mike Sellers says when a two- horse drag harrow does good work, it wabbles along like a cooler. The idea is a good one, but nobody but Mike would ever have thought of making such a comparison. We regret to learn that Fred Hughes died at Jonesville one day this week and was buried at Messopo- tamia last Wednesday. He was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. R. Hughes. We extend our sympa thies to the bereaved family. The rain of last Wednesday did much damage to the plowed land, terraces, etc. Broad river and ail the creeks were high and the land badly washed. Mr. J.,F. Williams and his entire family have been confined to their beds this week with grippe; Thus. J. Estes also has a very sick child. Dr. Sydney Sarratt was culled in to see all the cases. Sam Lee. whose illness has been reported frequently in this correspon dence, is now able to be up and at his farm work. He was out yester day working at his ditches. We hope that the Cheerokeeans will not forget the meeting of the Cowpens Memorial Association at Gaffney on Monday, May 7th, and send all the support that their cir cumstances will admit of, in order that the plot of land may be pur chased at once and tho park work commenced. Wheat is looking fine. Oats are t’hin and generally unpromising. The Ladies Memorial Association of Elbethel will meet at 2 o’clock on Saturday, May 5th, for the purpose of decorating the graves of tho Con federate soldiers and transacting any other business coming before it. Those of our neighbors who plar ed cotton seed .before the rain doubtless have to plant over—esp ially on red land. Mrs. and Mrs. J. T. Bigham, Sharon, came over last week on visit to friends and relatives 1 Cherokee county. Giles M. Hill and his son, Miles, are keeping bachelor’s hall and working a farm on their place while the other children are in the cotton mill at Gaffney. Giles and Lizzie learn their children to work by set ting the example themselves—this is not the rule observed by everybody. Cherokee seems to be behind her sister counties in the matter of her candidates announcing themselves. We are told that “the early bird catches the worm.” But in politics we are also told that the worm has sometimes a wonderful facility for “wiggling out of the way.” We have had more rain this year, so far, than usual. Some folks think it will improve the health of the country while others say we will need it next summer. When evil thoughts are trying to force themselves into our mind, it is a sign that the devil is knocking at the door of our hearts. Before the devil can be chained the saloon must be closed. We expect to plant largely of the James River yellow corn this year. It is fine for stock and will produce more than the other varieties in thin soil. On account of the obstructions in Broad river we can catch no suit water fish this high up the country. We are told that angels weep when a young man begins lo spend more than he earns. John Leech, of Hickory Grove, son of Joseph VV . Leech, has contracted to carry the mail from Hickory Grove to this place till June 30 1900. Farmers who have plenty of Mean’s grass patches on their farms will do well to plow them up and let the grass grow. They will make more forage that way than any way they can manage them. Mrs. Ross Bratton is still lying at the point of death. She has been confined to her bed for a long time with no hopes of recovery. The devil never loses any sleep over a church whose pastor preaches to please his congregation. The cry of distress that comes from famine stricken India affords a good opportunity for our people to practice unselfish and unstinted lib erality. What need we to send the gospel to a starring nation. This is the church’s opportunity to get in some effective mission work. Feed 2n C. ma Sat wai thl mi firl HI