Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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iN FLOWERY JAPAN. Letter From a Sumter Boy in the Island Empire of the Pacifie. To the Editor of the Watchman : What more fitting time could I find to write you my promised letter than now whilst riding through this strange country on an express train going at the fast speed of 16 miles an boar. 1 am on my way from Kobe to Kioto to spend the day s making parchases for foreign mar kets, i have the whole coach to myself. Japanese seldom ride first class, and my assistant, being a Jap, is in tbe second c?ass car. The cars, being after the English style, are -small and non-communicating. The first thing that strikes one in Japan is tbe diminutive size of everything-men and women, houses, streets, c. Surely Gulliver in his travels through Lillipatia must have meant Japan. The average height of the Japs is jest about five feet One sees very little of the best class cf Japs They being, govern ment officials, &c, are nearly ali io Tokio, the capital The merchants were formerly "coolies" who showed a tendency for trade within the last half century, and some have become very wealthy thereby. They are shrewd, canning and unreliable. And right here let me disabuse all my friends who have the same opin ion as I bad before leaving home, regarding Japanese and Chinamen, as to bonesty, integrity, cc You think as I did that the Jap is superior-forget it. A Chinaman's word is good, and sometimes better than a European or American's But be who pats faith in a Jap's promise will get sadly left. They are always smites and bows, and promise any thing yon ask, bat when the time comes to fulfill-well, that's differ ent Chinamen io Japan, numbering thousands, are all wealthy, 'dress, richly, look smooth and slick, and are generally bankers,money changers or merchants They are the best tailors in the east, taking a few measures with a string or strip of paper or a tape line, if it is handy, and bringing yon a snit that fits fairly well The next thing that strikes you is the clothing the Jap wears, or rather the lack of it. The lower class or coolies, as they are called, have only within the last five years been wearing any at all. Now the law compels them to cover them selves. Their cost me at this time of the year consists of a kind of sbirt, opeo half way down and a pair of tights like bathing trunks. Un der clothing is unkuQwn The better class wear the kimono which it is more "difficult to describe. The nearest I can describe it is a very loose wrap with large sleeve like opening for the bands to come through. It is very long aod is only kept together by a sash When they walk the limbs show of coarse, and one s con gets accustomed to seeing bare legs all the time wherever yon go They wear a sock of white cotton with a toe in it which enables them to clasp the strap of their sandal between the large toe and the next The sandal is made of straw, perfectly fiat, with a straw strap coming from each side to the front and joining there ' The shoe is made the satae way except it is of wood and has two { thin blocks under it. about two ! inches high, half inch thick and the j width of the foot. The rain shoe is the same except the blocks are about i 3 to 3 inches high It is wonderful to see them walk with these awkward looking things without falling, be cause the blocks are close together and in the center cf the foot. They sboffie along with them, some times even running The above costume applies to both sexes in every respect, except that of the coolie, in place of which the women of that class wear a cheap cotton kimono coming below the knees. These coolies, who comprise the greater part of the population, are not to be compared with the negroes, although they work harder and for less money Fifty eenie a day is all they get for working like beasts, harnessed to carts polling loads of merchandise or gravel And one negro cac do as much as three Japs and with less noise about it. The houses of the Japs are quaint and enri os, and,like themselves,they are very small The average house consists of two or four rooms I spent a night io a four room Japa nese boase for the novelty, and this one I will attempt to describe for yon It was on the mountains in Kobe and facing the sea, and there fore beautifully situated I had to stoop very low to get D the door and before going io the room, the servant removed my shoes in the passage. No one wears 6hoes in the houses. The floors being covered with heavy padded mats, the top of which is matting. These mats join together and serve the purpose of flooring, carpeting, furniture, bed, j &c The rooms are about 9 feet by j 7 feet, and the ceiling about six and a j half high The rooms are upstairs j aod are reached by what reaily is a j ladder that was meant for a stairway j There are no doors at all, everything j is sliding panels and screens, which 1 ! Io the pommer are all moved to the j side to give the air a full chance to I circulate and blow straight through j when there is a breeze. Upstairs I the front and back of the house also slide out the same way. Furniture-well there is none-a email cabinet in the comer, a miniature bureau about two feet high, ana a qoars box in tbe center about one foot high, one foot wide and two feet long, -containing hot ashes and coals from which to light a cigar, oigarette or pipe A recess in the wall has a lew platform on which there are some ornaments. Small square cushions are given you to use when sitting on the floor. The bedroom is upstairs, and is practically the same as the lower floor The bed oonsists of a heavy comfort about 3 inches thick on the floor and a thinner one for a cover. The women use a wooden block carved at the top to fit the neck so the head does not toach anything. This is done in order that the hair may not be disturbed. A girl has ber hair dressed by a barber and it meet last a week. Being a foreigner I was provided with a cushion for a pillow. The Japanese style cf beauty is quite different from our own, one must acquire the taste f or it, I suppose, thc same as for olives. I like olives, but haven't been able to like the other as yet. As quaint and pioturespue, however, as the girls are, just so hideous are the married women. They still cling to their barbarous custom (not so much as formerly) of blacking their teeth after marriage. If it was originated io prevent one man falling in love with another's wife, it should have been a success The babies are carried strapped on their backs, somewhat like thc Ameri can Indian. As soon as a child can walk a doll is tied to its back to teach it to carry the load, it must bear when a brother or sister arrives I have eesn a child as young as 5 or 6 years carrying a year old baby tied to its back. When you sse a crowd of children playing in the street nine out of ten has a baby on its back. Being on the reverse eide of the world of civilization may be given as the excuse for the Japs do everything upside down*. They saw towards them, plane towards them or lay the plaoe down and move the board toward them Their spade is like our hoe. Iostead of putting tbs water on the fire for a bath, they make a fire in the bath tub in a piece of stove pipe surrounded by boards, using charcoal. Remember I have given you the things 38 they are now. I am not beautifying to make it read like a book, which is the case with most books I have read oo Japan. The Datural scenery is undoubtedly beautiful. Green trees, beautiful mountains, vege tation luxuriant, &o. Though many flowers are raised, not one has any oder. Even imported seeds and plants loose their fragrant odors when planted ia Japanese soil. Yours truly, IRVING A. ROTENBERG. Congressman Lester, of Savannah, in an interview in the Morning News, is quoted as saying : "Spain uodoubt edi? sole us a gold brick,77 he said. "We paid $20,000,000 for the privilege of licking the Filipinos, and now we have taken the job we find that it is not eo much to our liking as we thought it would be. The Filipinos aro spoken of as 'rebels' now. That is the greatest joke of the age, but a very ghastly one. The poor devils are being killed off like flies, but it is like killing flies, for every one you kill a dozen will come to rake his plaoe Of course our mission is to civilize and Christianize them and we are doing it nicely." - i - He Fooled the Surgeons. All doctors told Renick Hamilton, of West Jefferson, O , after suffering 18 months from Restai Fistula, he would die unless a costly oporation was performed; but he cured himself with five boaes of Bucklen's Arnica Sci ve, the surest Pi'c core on earth, and the best Salve in the TTorld. 25 cents a bos Sold by J. F. W. Del.orme, Druggist. 4 --mm*- mm Washington, June 14 -AB a reeuit of the understanding recently arrived at between the Spanish minister, Duke D'Arcos, and tbs authorities, it ia expeoted that the Madrid officials will at an early day select a commis siocer to reopen negotiations with Aguinaldo for the release of the Spaoish prisoners held by the insur gents. The tfforts of the Uoited States authorities have been futile, not only as to releasing the Spaniard?, but also as to Lieut. Gillmore and the other American prisoners, lt ia for this reason that the S aoieh authorities will be given ali . .oessary facilities for securing the rr ase of their pris oners New York, June 15-Mike Mor rissey, the newly arrived Irish heavy weight pugilist, who is to meet Peter Maher before the Lenox Athletic club next Tuesday night, yesterday through his manager and backer, P. P. Dwyer of Brooklyn, deposited 2,500 with George Considine of this city, to bind a match with Jim Jeffries, the heavyweight champion Richard P. Bland Dead. Lebanon, Mo , Juno 15. - Richard i P. B aiid died at four o'oicck this j mornicg He was unconscious for thirty two boors before thc end. He pasced away like he was falling asleep. Tbe Peace Delegates. The Hague, Jane 14.-It is DOW expected chat the peace conference will not acjourn before the middle cf July, and it is thoognt the labor of the delegates will not be finished before that time, and there is the additional question of the acceptance by the powers of the decisions adopted by the conference. The delegates who desire to see some tangible result accomplish ed by the conference recognize tfeat if thc memters are contented with simply transmitting the decisions of their respective governments, the work of the delegates will simply be pigeon holed in the various chancelleries of Europe and will not be executed. Therefore the delegates have resolved to adjourn their sitting as sooo as their work 3 completed and to submit the result to their respective governments, with the request that the delegates be empowered to sign a definite document, it is expeoted the govern ments will keep trace of the progress of the work and that they will require about 10 days for deliberation on their cai decision, which will bring the final adjournment in the middle of Juiy. Toe refasal of Great Britain to accept the stipulations cf the Brussels conference if they are made deficite will not prevent tho otber powers from pledging themselves to action in the matter. There is no doubt that tbs \ Br ssel conference sub committee will reach a practical result, but it is possible some of the powers, while reserving the right to apply the new stipulations when necessary, may not consent io bind themselves forthwith. YANKEE SPIRIT OP GRAB About the first thing a well-to do American family does on landing on London soil is to hunt up the Ameri can consulate and inquire the points of the town, says the Cincinnati Ea quirer. One of the things most sure to be recommended is the "Little old lady in Threadneedle street,'7 as the greatest bank in the world is jocularly called. Ladies like to visit the vaults of the Bank of England They love to see tons of shingling and the bales of "crisp* uns." % The other day a certain New England capitalist was making the rounds with his little daughter, a typical Yankee girl of sweet 16. The treasurer, who had reason to be particularly polite to the American, handed the young lady a $50,000 note to hold for a moment. She demurely said : "Thank you ever so much,'7 and opened her tiny purse preparatory to depositing it snugly therein She had partly folded it when the genial treasurer started and said : "I really didn't give it to you to keep " Miss Innocence opened widener beautiful eyes, and as she returned it, quietly remarked : "I beg your pardon-I misunder stood you ; thought it was a souve nir Discovered by a Woman. Another great discovery has been made, and that, too, by a lady ic this country. "Disease fastened it-* clutches upon her and for seven years she withstood its severest tests, but her vital organs were undermined and death seem ed imminent. For three months ehe coughed incessantly, and could not sleep She finally discovered a w -y to recovery, by purchasing of us a bottle of Dr. King's Ne Discovery for Consumption, and was to mueh relieved on taking first dose, tba* sha tlept all night : and with two bottles has been absolutely cured Her name is Mri. Luther Lutz. Thus write? Mrs. W. C. Hxmnick & Co; of Shelby, N. O Trial bottles free at J. F. W. DeLcrme's Drug Store. Regular size 50c and $1. Every bottle guaranteed. 4 Seattle, Wash., June 13 -A well authenticated story comes from Japan to the effect that all of the men-of war captured from tbe Chinese in the late war between the two coaotries are to be returned to the Chinese government. This is part cf the policy deoided on by Japan to protect her neighbor from the inroads of the powers. Ic is said that the only requirements to be made is that China invest so many millions in new war vessls to be built under Japanese direction. Springfild, Mo., June 15 -Carroll M. Rice, wife murderer, was hanged at Alton today. Just before the black oap was adjusted and while his legs were being pinioned, the condemned man broke away from the sheriff and attempted to escape. Be was captur and quickly hanged. Bifore dying he addressed the 5,000 people preeeot, Baying that he hoped to meet them in tbe better world J. W Oliver, of O.iver & Co , will build thc Southern's Columbia-Savan nah extension from Cayce's to Perry's, siya the Augusta Chronicle. He 3 in Augusta now securing men and material? for thc work He has jost closed a oontraot for a big lot of mules and will soon begin the employment of hands. He will need 500 men, skilled and ucskiikd laborers, bridge and dredge aod plow and track hands. B ginning Saturday, all who desire to secure work cf this kiod can see Mr. Oliver at Langley, S C Ho will ~--oi be ready to make any contracts bcto that lime. - -- =1B> -- T. B. Rice, Druggist, Greensboro, G^ , writes ns follows : "In the past eight ; years, I have soli morn of Dr Pitts' Carminative than all the soothing syrups, j colic drops, and other baby medicines com- j ined." Sold by J. F. W. DeLormc. I A FINE PIANO. At i High Price Is Easily Found, But Fina Pianos Like tLe i ER. m Ifl At our prices, are only round in our ware roorns. They present a happy cornhi nation of excellence, impossible to surpass elsewhere. Cataicgue sud Book of Suggestions for the asking. TERMS ACCOMMODAI INC SECOND-HAND PIANOS. TUNING, REPAIRING. CHAS. M. STIEFFj Warerooms, 9 North liberty Sireet. Factory-Block of E. Lafayette Ave., Aiken and Lanvale streets. l><J<HXXJO 0-O*XXXXX> O 0\>00<HK>C-0<? I W easter's \ Isiteniatioiia \ IM itoiiary X .s,;<"; './1'"* UiHtlirithjciU' * Thu Ono Crsat Standard Authority, . Sb v v'l IJcrs. ?\.'. r.rcvrr, ^fi^b^sxf^ C-.-icc cli rc A *ggkS&^ nriLer.s.fioT'tpanant..} c-^..frr^; -^--* S 1 "t--. !'. s. Snpr. me X ; ? . 3 C; nrt, the A . rl~'- ' . i'.-. r r .-j:: '{"Ortr suu! ii>f near- V fc;:;.^ g Hy ;U i :W 8d:OCW . 0 /TxN h v--.0 -^1^ ; H Coaisuen et! . ->-I. ." : '-5'-- / w . : S -ll >oI . I.OI1CJ C I !<:.:- r\ ;.. : v-x : . :? V.-.-r I <:::<.::I-:5 -r i: Viit ioM urmibv-r. V lr' ' ' : ' i I _ , - . .- ri va aa i e ' h: ti,c honsehoid, wi to <S .^.'./.. ^' ::J. 1 M-it- g " y'.i nc ,I \):itl2& t-Cit '- i. It'ijfii'XZi OH lo - . . L I Z --.v C. ?IC7r.",::s Co.,I':ib :s t.'r.s, ^ CAUXIOrf t-o deceived 'iii < -.- Uj yjnfl:! 50-cn fed I > "VVc s't r-s D'C ;on: . :;-i." .< : anthentic < ? : . .>r W[':;!*r 8tK>;h] ::<- sot:- < ? > /S^ / \ ; ^ ,V ; . (.:(.:. : .' " -c.-. .1 5 n. /.frssial ( OO O-OOOO-TK) C J2,75 jg **?w A KE9ELAK .'.H) IFATEHFHOOf ^^~3IACKWTOSII vos S2.75. ^pnd Nn Vonov Cue this <t. out cena mu u.oii^>. arid Bcnd to us> state your h;-i?ti and we ghi, stat number of cebes around body aS brc fct trien over vest under ooitt cio.se up under arms, and we will s>end you this coat b> expresa, C. O. 1^!^"V^:*'^'MSS3| ' .D.T ubjectlocxaminslioc; examine ^^ *f.+-V&;1 /and try it on at your nearest r . pressofT.ee and if found exactly h'ft ??/I'-.V^::/ ns represented and the most won derru value you ever saw or heard r of and equal to any coatyou can buy for 8C.C0, pay th expr* s sent our i.peci*l offer price, S2.75, and express charges. TH i S MACKINTOSH is latest 1S98 stvle. made from beaty watarproor, tan color. crnuIcsDaTlsCoTertOotli; extra lon?, double breasted, Sager velvet collar, fancv plaid lining, waterproof sewed, strapped and cemented seams, suitable for both raia or OT rcoat, and guaranteed preatett alu ever offered fe by us or anv other hou>e. For Free ? Cloth Sample of Men's Jlacklntoshfs np to 5 00. and Made-to-Meaiure .Snits ,nd Overcoats at from S5.0 to $10.00, write or Freo fiEAFlS^ROEBUCK * CO., CHtCACO, ILL, Tie Langst ii Isl Complete Min! Sit! Geo, S. Hacker & Son. -MANUFACTURERS OF DOORS, SASH, eUNOS, Moulding & Building Material. office and Warerooms, King; i i pcsite. Can non Street, CHARLESTON, S. C. Purchase our make, which we gu rante superior to any sold Soulb, and thereby ?ave money. Window and Fancy Glass a Specialty October 16-o' S ND NO MONEY. My new reviled scientific work treating on every weakness and disease pe culiar to men is just from the press. Every mun. uo matter what his occupation or position in life, wil 1 find this work unlike anything ever published. It i9of vital interest to the married or unmarried; to the healthy nnd strong or to the weak and broksn-down. While the edition lasts I will send a cop j secoreiy sealed in a plain wrapper, pest age prepaid, to every man who writes for it. Thia edition is limited and those deairisg a copy must write promptly. Address B. M. Rosa, M. D.. Pub lishing Department D. 175 Clark St., > h. Cor. Monroe. Cbicaso, Illinois. L WAITE & iii,1 Fire Insurance Agency. ESTABLISHED 1866. Represent, among other Companies : LIVERPOOL k LONDON & GLOBE, NORTH BRITISH & MERCANTILE! HOME, of New York. UNDERWRITERS' AGENCY, N. Y. LANCASTER INSURANCE CO. Capi! I represented $75,000,000. Feb 2R Order Your PROVISIONS ANO GROCERIES FROM 50. W. STEFFENS k SHH ^oiesalo Agents, Charleston, S C -A gea ts for MOTT'S CLDEE RED SEAL CICrABS, AND D0V2 HAMS (richman mw .Southron SUMTES WATCHMAN, Established April, 1850. 'Be Just and Fear not-Let all the Ends thou Aims't at, be thy Country's, thy God's and Truth's.' THE TRUE SOUTHRON, Established Jnoe, JSftS Consolidated Aug. % ISSI. SUMTER S. C., WEDNESDAY, MAY 17.1899. New Series-ToL XTIII. No. 42 PATENTS ?Caveats, and Trade-Marks obtained and all Pat ient business conductor for MODERATE FEES. >OUR OFFICE ts OPPOSITE U. S. PATENT"OV:-ICE ?and we caa secure patent in less time thoa iaosc {remote from Washington. Send model, drawing or photo., with descrip tion. Ve advise, if patentable or not, free of (charge. Our fcc not cue till patent is sccurcc._ A PAMPHLET, 44 How to Obtain Patents," 'vith kost of same in the U. S. and foreign countries {sent free. Address, C. . SNOW& CO.i OPP. PATENT OFFICE, WASHINGTON. D. C. twwvwwwvwvwvxww s. ARE V0 HEEDING AN SAFE? !0N HAVING BEEN APPOINTED GEN ERAL AGENT for tho Alpino Fire und Burglar Proof S fe Company. I am prepared to oiler liberal terms io thore who are in neal cf a good safe For prices arvi terms r . -ire;3 J, A. BENNO, M h 2i LANDS WANTED. PERSONS WITH LANDS FOR SAL3 ure requested to put them io my banda for sale. I am io constant receipt of so many letters of enquiry about lands from Northern and Western parties, that I may be able to effect sales for those who will gi?e me accu rate detailed descriptions of what they have. No charge will be made unless satisfactory sales are made. Descriptions must be sucb ss can be guaranteed and must gire : No. of acres, IocatioD, character of land, proximity tc railroads, post offices, schools, churches and tov. ns, kind of improvements. Communications strictly confident, when so desired. JAMES G. GIBBES, State Land Agent, Nev. IQ. Ce'umbia. SC BOARDING. HAVING TAKEN the House on Maia Street second door south of the >'ixon House, I am piop&red to accommodate e lev .legular boarders, and also Iodgir.g and meals to transient customers. Terms reacon^le. Mas. W. B. SMITH. Sept. $.