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THE LEDGER, Published Tuesday and Friday by Ed H. DeCamp. The Ledger la not responsible for the views of correspondents. Correspondents who do not contri bute regular news letters must fur nish their name, not for publication, Write short letters and to the point to insure publication; also endeavor to get them to the office by Monday and Thursday mornings, but for identification. Obiturarles will be published at five cents a line. All correspondence should be ad- dessed to Ed. H. DeCamp, Manager. We invariably discontinue sending The Ledger when a subscription runs out, for we have no way of knowing that a person wants it except by re ceiving his or her renewal. We ur gently solicit a prompt renewal, on the ground that the paper is worth the money. We are trying month by month to make It better and bet ter. SOME FOOD FOR THOUGHT. As the time approaches for an ex pression of the people of this county at the polls on the subject of “dispen sary” or “no dispensary,” interest in the same increases. Those who have deluded themselves with the idea that the whiskey element is going to let the election go by default may just as well disillusion themselves at once. They have no such intention, and, If we be correctly informed, are already at work. We don’t blame them a bit. It would-be like a set of cowards for them to sit still and let us run the shoat over them without any effort on their part to defend themselves or their cause. Personally the men engaged in the whiskey traffic in this county are a clever, genteel set—in fact, too clever and genteel to be engaged in such a business. We couldn’t say anything against them if we were so inclined. But we are not inclined to abuse them. We simply lay down the proposition that the whiskey traffic is an evil that we can at least minimize by voting out the dspensary, and that we believe fhe less whiskey sold in a community the better for that community. We propose to deal with this sub ject in the most rational manner of which we are capable, and with that end in view we are going to resort to facts and figures as shown by the Ixxjks of our county officials. During the fiscal year July 1, 1903, to July 1, 1904, the money paid over to the county treasurer for tho county and towns of Gaffney and Blacksburg amounted to $1U,S88.17. We do not. know the extent of the aggregate sales of intoxicants in the county for the year, but putting it that this repre sents 10 per cent of the sales, it means that more than $100,000 was spent in this county alone for intoxi cants. This would mean that the worth of two thousand bales of cotton is spent in this county every year for something that the people could bet ter do without. If this money were diverted into other channels of trade the people could well afford to take upon themselves the additional tax incident to shutting off the revenue from the dispensary. Some idea of the enormity of the whiskey traffic in this country may be gained from a careful study of the following, taken from tho Charlotte Observer: “The American Grocer, which has for years kfrpt a careful record of the nation’s drink bill, the amount expen ded for stimulants, both strong and weak, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, has finally summed up the figures for 1903. and finds that w’e paid $1,451,- 633,379 for our drink, or as much as the cotton, wheat, corn, rye, rice and sugar crops. Alcohol, however, took the greatest part of this money, as the following details show: Alchoholic drinks .. . .$1,242„943,118 Non-alcoholic stimulants— Coffee 150,090,201 Tea 45,000,000 Cocoa 7,000,000 Total, 1903 $1,451,033,379 This represents a per capita ex penditure of $18.15, or $90.75 per family. The quality of the four lead ing beverages: Gallons. Coffee 1,500,902,014 Beer 1,449,879,952 Tea 450,000,000 Spirits and wines 157,130,628 This is a frightful record. There is a popular impression that, owing to one cause and another, the consump tion of alcoholic drinks is decreasing in this country but The American Grocer can find nothing to warrant this belief. What diminution there has been in the drinking of whiskey has been made up in the use of beer and in recent years there has been a large increase in the consumption of whisky. The alcoholic drink bill grows steadily larger as follows: Cost of alcoholic stimulants in 1903: Beer $ 727.042,245 Whiskey (exclusive of quantity used in arts) 417,915,513 Wines 97,985,360 1903 $1,242,943,118 1901 1,172,565.235 1900 1,094,644,155 1899 1,059,563,787 1898 973,589,080 We get the abov> figures by way of The New Orleans Times-Democrat, which remarks upon tho matter to which they relate, i. e., tho habits of the people, that “on no other subject has there been so much legislation. Every State and almost every city has tried Its hand at the liquor question, and it has been the leading issue in some of the most Important elections; but all this legislation has accomp lished very little in the way of re stricting the consumption of alcoholic liquors.” If this estimate be approximately correct it means that the five thous and families in this county spend more money for intoxicants than they do for clothes. We could write columns upon col umns along this line, but if the people will rea u and ponder over this one ar ticle it should be sufficient to drive the dispensary from our midst. NOTES AND COMMENTS. There is lots of politics and very little statesmanship in tho opposition to immigraton. * * • Gaffney needs a Chamber of Com merce or a Business Men’s League. Who will take the lead in this mat ter? • • • While the temperance lectures are drawing large crowds at night, the patronage of the dispensary in day time seems normal. • • * Cherokee county has about 5,000 families within her borders. We could support 10,000 more. There are thousands of acres of land lying idle and instead of sending immigrants to the sand hills, Commissioner Watson had better be sending them into this God-favored section. • • * So Major John F. Jones is to be elector at large from this district on the Republican ticket. The major is a deuced clever fellow—too nice to be galloping with that gang—but he stands about as much chance as a snowball in hades. Come out, major, and get on the right side. • * • How long, oh how long, will it take people to learn that a careful news paper will not publish a communica tion of any character unless the edi tor knows the author? We are in re ceipt of a communication in which the writer endorses our views, but we can’t publish it unless he reveal nim- self to us. This is necessary for our self protection. When writing for a paper always sign your name, not for publication, but for identification. * * « The necessity of a local building and loan association is most appa rent. Every month hundreds of dol lars go out of this town to foreign building and loan associations. Al ready our people have been swindled out of thousands of dollars by ques tionable institutions- in other States, it’s high time we were cutting our wisdom teeth along this line. Build ing and loan associations are town builders and city extenders. We need one to extend our city. MR. STRAIN’S REPLY. To Card of Mr. Poole in Friday’s Issue. Mr. Editor:—Were it not that Mr. Poole’s card in your issue of to- day is such a manifest whitewashing of the case and perversion of the facts, I would not notice it. The animus of the writer is easily read between the lines. First. If my withdrawal from the race for magistrate in the second pri mary is an insult to Mr. Poole and his friends I beg their pardon. Second. If his opinion (or mine either) of how or tinder what rules and regulations condidates for magis trates are to run in the primary elec tion is to be the law, then wo will thank tho Democratic executive com mittee to let these matters alone anti we will “map out” and conduct our own campaigns. Third. If he is correct, the Demo cratic executive comimttee of this county should apoligize to him for ex ercising a prerogatve that doesn’t be long to it: and also thank him for telling it what the primary election is for. Fourth. He says he and I have been in several races before, and that ho w r as never assessed nor required to comply with such rules, and he doesn’t suppose I was either. In this he is like he is in some other things— sadly mistaken, for I have never yet done otherwise than to announce my candidacy, and sign the pledge with the executive committee before the time for doing so ran out. Fifth. Here is the "mare’s nest.” He says: “Strain says he looked up on my (his) candidacy as a huge Joke until the day before tho election. This is false*as I (he) will show,” etc. This I would have been glad for him to have done—shown the falsity of my position in tho clear light of rea son. I had no idea ho was going to press his candidacy as ho did until I found out on Monday before the election that, he had been distributing his tickets. He emphasizes my alleged false hood by saying I had announced his (Poole’s) candidacy in my letter to The Ledger under date of August 27. This I did; but it was only as a part of the Joke which I thought I would help him in playing off. Had I known it In time several years ago I certainly would have announced In the same way the name of my friend Jim Proctor, whom Newt Burgess put up as a can didate to beat friend Poole and I both, who, as well as I remember, were in the race for this same office. Had Jim been elected at that time (which no doubht would have been a good thing for this county) Mr. Poole would doubtless have Joined me in Investigating the validity of his (Jim’s) credentials. I would lie glad to notice more minutely the contents of Mr. Poole’s card but it’s not necessary at this time. But I come to tho vital Issue - "The plan for my defeat.” Mr. Poole says there was no plan. In this (if he speaks sincerely) he only acknowl edges what I have in charity claimed for him—that he was being used as a tool by others who had some dirty work to do; and if.he will do me the kindness to force me to tell w'hat thht work was I will cheerfully do so, and will moreover support each and every allegation I make by proof from as good people as are in this or any other community. This is no “bluff game” on my part, I assure you. If Mr. Poole is the victim of his own presumption or duplicity I am not responsible for it. If he or his friends prefer these matters aired in the public prints or otherwise they can have their wishes gratified; and I will suggest that the decent public shut their eyes and hold their ndses while the panoramic scene passes be fore them. I have no bitter feeling whatever against Mr. Poole, and don’t expect to have. But I intend for the public to know that “it’s Ahab and not Elijah who troubles Israel.” Yours for law r and order, James L. Strain. September 16, 1904. Mr. Finley on The Orphanage. The following letter has been re ceived by Rev. L. R. Gaines in refer ence to the trustees for the proposed Cherokee Orphanage: Yorkville, S. C„ Sept. 16, 1904. Rev. L. R. Gaines, Gaffney, S. C. My Dear Sir:—Your letter of the 12th inst. to hand. Absence from home has prevented an earlier reply. I am willing to act as trustee. For a long time I have taken interest in orphanages, for the reason that I was left at one at early age and have no recollection of my parents, and money spent in supporting a well conducted orphanage is well spent. I will be over sometime before a great while and will give you a subscrip tion. Wishing you success in your under taking, and with high regard, I am, Sincerely yours, D. E. Finley. Complimentary Indeed. (Southern Publisher.] Ed. H. DeCamp, the hustling editor of the Gaffney Ledger, has taken the management of the Star Theatre, of Gaffney. Of course he will make it “go,” as his record as a newspaper man shows his grit, and he will make a success of any enterprise he lends his talents to. Saddles at Smith Hardware Co’s. FOR RENT. laf-Advertlsements under this tiesid will r>e inserted for one cent :t word each Inser tion. No ad inserted for less than ten cents FOR RENT—Four room cottage with good out buildings, in good lo cality. Apply to Mrs. R. C. Howard. 9-16-lt. FOR RENT—Five nice rooms for family use over Gaffney Drug Store. A. N. Wood. Sept. 9-tf FOR RENT—The former Lipscomb Hotel, with outbuildings. Apply to Mrs. A. E. Lipscomb or J. C. Lip scomb. 9-6-tf. FOR RENT—The T. I. Walker house for rent. Hall & Willis, Attys. 8-30-tf. FOR RENT—Brick house for ware house or stables. A. N. Wood. 8-22-tf. FOR RENT—The Spencer house on Frederick street. A. N. Wood. 7: 22-tf. FOR RENT—Nice 6-roora cottage with all improvements, on Grenard street. Apply to J. C. Jefferies^ 4-1-tf SUITES OF ROOMS to let in the Star Theatre. A. N. Wood. 3-22-tf WANTED. WANTED—Boarders, regular or table. First class fare. Rooms nicely furnished. Bfest of service. Every thing new. Electric lights and water works. Terms moderate. Mrs. Ag nes Wood, Webster & Jefferies build ing, Robinson street. 9-3-4t-Fri. WANTED—A position as house keeper; good references. Address Mrs. Jane Garner, Gaffney, S. C. Sept. 16-20-pd. WANTED—Hides of every descrip tion; chickens, eggs and butter. Z. A. Robertson. 9-9tf. FOR SALE. FOR SALE—Second-hand lumber good as new. A. N. Wood. FOR SALE—My lot and six room house, corner Frederick and Peach tree streets. Terms easy. T. J. Alexander. 9-13-tf. NOTICE. Beginning September 15th wo will grind at tho roller mill on Friday and Saturday of each week only. Victor Oil Co. Sept. 9-13-16-20-23-27-30. Money Loaned. L OAN8 on linprnvtMl furnm for a term of year* at aeven p«r cent internal. No oonimlHNhma. For Information apply to J. 0 JefferleD, Attorney at Law. S. S. Program. The North Pacolet Interdenomina tional Sunday School Convention will meet at Rehoboth church on the fourth Sabbath of this month, Sep tember 25th, at 10:30 A. M. Song and praise service will be con ducted by the chaplain, Rev. Simpson Blanton. Reports of schools will be read by delegates and both schools and dele gates will be enrolled. Township superintendents will make their reports. Fifteen minutes will be allow’ed each of them. First query:—“What method of teaching the scripture lessons is more likely to confuse than to enlighten the average pupil?” To be discussed by Rev. L. R. Gaines and others. Second query:—“Can a non-profess ing Christian be a successful teacher in the Sabbath school? If not, why not?” Discussed by J. E. Gault and others. Third query:—“Is it the duty of the church or the State to look after and take care of the orphans?” Discussed by different speakers. Question box. Miscellaneous business. Adjourn. During tho day one hour will be taken for recess, and the ladies are expected to bring well filled baskets, All Sunday school workers are re quested to come and take part in the exercises. By order of The Committee. A Correction. Gaffney, S. C., R. F. D. No. 2. September 17, 1904. Mr. Editor:—1 notice in the short local items «f your last Friday’s pa per that Rev. J. L. Ellis conducted the funeral services of Wm. Ruppe, of Maud, on last Thursday. I beg leave to say it was Rev. John Ruppe, in stead of Rev. J. L. Ellis. Respectfully, Subscriber. Paint and Oil at Smith Hardware Co’s. This is what I said SATISFACTION AND PROFIT GO g0T IN wiir give u good Wheels $s AT WORK TALK W. T, Thompson No. 321 Rutledge St. f Gaffney, S. C. Are You going to do any paint ing this Fall? If so you are not getting the best possible supplies, if you fail to look over our stock^of paints, S. B. Crawley & Co. 813 Limestone St. Drugs, Perfumes and Stationery Prescriptions Properly Filled and Promptly Delivered FOR SALE—I offer for sale two of the most desirable residence lots In Gaffney. Apply to Z. A. Robertson. 9-9-tf. , _ THE Johnson-Tilllson house for sale. A bargain. Call on J. C. Otts. 9-9-tf. DAMAGED LUMBER FOR SALE. Three hundred thousand feet of damaged lumber, all heart and per fectly sound, saved from tho wreck of the Clifton and Pacolet Mills, com posed of 3x10 flooring, 6x8 and 8x10 Kills, various lengths, column posts of different sizes, and over five hundred floor beams from 14 to 16 by 22 and 30 feet In length. This lumber can bo seen near Jonesvllle, S. C., and can be bought at a bargain. For particulars, address, C. E. SPARKS, 9-2-1 mo Jonesvllle, S. C. If we convince you that we will sell you your FURNITURE, STOVES, CROCKERY, GLASSWARE, . CHINA, ETC. Cheaper than anyone else, we have done you a favor. We run a regular house- furnishing business, and our stock Is now complete. We have almost any kind of dishes you want at all prices A beautiful Hut* of Glassware. Also a nice line of Rogers' , Cart ing Sets, Etc. A nice line of Kuks always in stock. Come to see us and we will convince you that our prices art? riifht. A car load of the best stoves on eartli Just received, and we are truing to sell them close. Our motto Is quick sales and close profits. Olve us a trial. W. V. HUMPHRIES & GO. lust Across from Battery. LAND FOR SALE 213 Acres of Well Improved Land lying on water* -f Buffalo Creek, in Cleveland County, N. C., three (3) miles west of Grover, two ( z'' miles of Earls and four (4) of Blacksburg. Contains thirty (30) acres bottom an ninety (90*) acres upland in cultivation. Two good dwellings, barns and cabin on premises; good spring near each house. This land will be sold as one tract, or divided into two lots. Terms to suit purchaser. For further infor mation apply to < 8-23-1 mo C. JS.. Blacksburg, South Carolina. Buggies, Harness and Wagons For the next sixty (60) days we will offer bargains in Buggies, Harness and Wagons. Conne to see us, and get our prices before buying :: :: :: :: Lipscomb, Goudelock & Co. Au^. 23.1 mo. This Bank Pays Four Per Cent. On All \ . Gaffney Savings Bank. Capital Stock Paid In Thirty Thousand Dollars. D C. Ross, Brest. J. Q. Little, J. A. Carkoi.i,, B. L. IIAMES, J. G. Wakdi.aw. Vice-P. Directors. J. N. Lipscomb, R. M. Wilkins, W. C. Carpenter, D. C. Ross. Maynard Smyth, Cashi 4 William Jefferii J. G. Wardlaw, O. E. Wilkins, All The Details necessary to the safety of our customers, stockholders and directors are carefully followed at this bank. If you are seeking courteous attention, liberal treat ment and absolute security, let us have your business. We will be glad to confer with those who wish to op‘‘ii an account, let the amount be large or small. NATIONAL BANK OF GAFFNEY, GAFFNEY, S. 0. STATE, COUNTY AND CITY DEPOSITORY. Capital, $50,000.00 Surplus and Undivided Profits, 33,000.00 Stockholders’ Liabilities, 50,000.00 Protection to Depositors $133,000.00 D. C. ROSS. President. MAYNARD SMYTH, Cashier. J. G. WARDLAW, V.-Pres’t. CHAS. W. HAMES, Asst. Cashier. Merchants & Planters Bank, Gaffney, S. C. Designated Depository of The Funds - OF - Gaffney City, Cherokee County, -a Nn- State of South Carolina. DIRECTORS; A N. WOOD, W C. CARPENTER R. R BROWN, 0 E. WILKiNS, C, M. SMITH, R M WILKINS, J Q. LITTLE, W C. HAMRICK, R A JONES. Patronized by leading corporations, firms and individuals. No safer place in America to keep your bank account. No account too large for our facilities, nor too small to receive our most appreciative and care ful attention. Our record is a guarantee in itself. Your Account Solicited A. N. WOOD, Brest., R. R. BROWN. Vice-Prest. C. M, SMITH, Cashier, CHAS. P. LIGON, Aaa’t Cashier. U WIMH M MM M M * J M M *