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MUmui? from pro unr> OLUi OOtUfeBSPOXDBNim. IVota aU Pirti of Ailjntnrac Counties. CM TO CORRESPONDENTS. your Utters to that they will tats ofaee iot tater than Mon whon Intend ad tor Wednesday's r and not later than Thursday let rr day's issue. This, of courts. Only to regu ar correspond In ease <>f Items of unusual value, send In Immediately by telephone ar telegraph. Such stories are tooep table up to the Of going to press, Wednesdays to printed Tuesday afternoon Saturday's lapsr Friday efter BdLRX CORJfKR. Dark Corner. July I?Well, as tu ramm? this mornli g and ths yel Urn wee are giving mo a rest. I will -write a line fort ths Watchman and Southron. There to nothing exciting 1st this Tteek of Das woods. Wt havs almost gained tlie victory ov?-r gen G-<en for this year. Some have deal of itrass yet to contend wtth Wille others have their crop* gtta'Ut clear of It Com on the ll.tht gnu dy rtdgss has turned yellow and %g? been falling badly for ths last days But perhaps the rain to will stop that Bottom land corn looking all O. K Cot-ton doss net to be In a very healthy condt The stalks ve red, the leaves brown apeak lsd and some of them ggf* failing off. We have some fruit g*Mh as apples and peaches Have 11 some nice plurals but they art ail gone. Those of ths Wild variety were fine. Huckle trrrles are very scarce, but plenty of Meek berries. Hr. Merry Christmas was very Ut Jftjt setter at last accounts. Nr. Georgs Ardls Is still vsry fee Mi. though able to be up and around. I hear thsrs are several cases of lotd fever In Plnewood. a few fas below hers, also In Centra) Prl w Mrs Robert Geddings and Miss aw Geddings, of Plnewood, and Mrs Ttmmons, with little daughter into, of Paxvllle. visited Mrs. W. JL Ardls test Thursday. 3elw Mary Lee Ardls -1stted Mrs. *W? J. Ardls last Thursday morning. Hr. snd Mrs. C. T. Kolb of Sumter. here on * visit to ths former's ita Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Kolb. irony and Sunday Mr. Kolb was ve return to Sumter last night, but Kolb Is to remain all this week, hr. and Mrs. Wash Scott, of Cane tnnah. visited relatives here Bat? ty and Sunday, returning home lay evening It a as my privilege and pleasure to supper last Sunday night with kind friends. Mr. and Mrs. R. F. irscn. of Plnewood. May their always be strewn with pleasant Users. Ths Plnewood Baptist church or id a Sunday school last Sunday >n, with It members. D. R. to superintendent and M. H. SJsgfglns. secretary. Rev. Wm. Hayns*orth preached esse of his Ansat sermons at Plnewood ?set Sundsy night on the "Qreatne** as? Serving." after which a Presbytery SFssstotlng of Revs. William Hayns wwrth and James N Tolir, with Den* swim W. B. Kolb. B. P. Broadway and M- P. Geddings, was fotmed. and in? stalled five descons, three for Plne wwod: D. R. Uds. S. B. Kolb and W. J, Ardls. and two, T. B. Mimics and R. L Geddings, for Cslvury church Ths Fourth passed of rather quiet tr here. Most everybody worked yes? terday as usual. I heard there was "to be a picnic at Cutter's Mill, near j nrtlle, yesterday, but have not | ird anything from it as yet. Well, Mr. Editor, the election on the dlapensary question Is nearlnfc. awd how shall ws vote? Go7 or Wey? I shall say "Go." though n neighbor snd friend told me I was a ?not to vote It out. Well there used to be an old adage when I was a kid **the blsjKer the fool the better the lack." So I hope the luck will be prohibition For where Is the fro | snan that would vote for something to ruin the fair daughters of our proud old Stats. AnJ are not the entitled to Just as much cafe as girls. STATEBURG. Stateburg. July ? ?Mrs. H. 8. ?Jatllard, who has been upending a Srw days with the Misses Flud. at W>odtawn, has gons to visit relatives In Greenville. Mr. and Mrs. James G. Simons have been visiting the Misses Burgess, and returned to Butawvtlls on Mon? day Miss Bessie Bsrnwell has been the gtveet of Mies Almee Moore, at "The Ruins." for several days during the past week. Mise Irene Moore has returned to Ptate.-v Ills, N. C. after spending sev ral weeks with relatives In ths neighborhood. Mrs W. R. Flud and the Misses Flud spent Wednesday In Colum? bia. Miss Alme? Parker is the guest of Mrs. James S. Ptnckney. , Mr. and Mrs. Frank Harris, of ?^homasvltle, Qa., are spending some time with Mr. and Mrs. E. F. Hol? me?. Mrs. John Barnwell has returned tS) Ydrkvllle after a pleasant stay with Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Barnwell, at ?The Rectory." The .'armors are hoping that the rainy spell of laat week, which was doing the cotton so much Injury, Is broken ui^l that the condtlons this week will more favorable for farm work. whlch\ they are trying to push "to a finish." As the humidity of i.he past week was very great, the heat was particu? larly trying. FISGAH. Plngah July 6.?The rains have come again and another throw back tn work. The land was getting In flne shape to plow but now It will be several days before we can plow again. The government crop report Is a true one. If anything It Is too low. Any one who will ride over the coun tr> win see on light lands no crop at all and on the stiff lands the plant Is generally small. Grass reigns su? preme and there Is no chance to kill It this year. On numerous farms the cotton Is so grassy that If it could be cleaned out and well worked, only a small crop could be made. The peo? ple of this place are as Industrious as anywhere and I know the fight that has been made to save the crops from total Iosh. and while they are clean, better worked and are better than In most sections they are not what they should be considering the manure and labor put upon them, and judg? ing other places like this, I know the flght that has and is being made all along the line. Twleve cents would he poor compensation for the cost and labor In raising cotton this year. Peaches are poor and watermelons are not good. Too much rain for them. The sick folks are getting better. Miss Carrie Mitchell, who has been staying sometime with her sister, Mrs. S. W. James, has returned to Clinton. Mr. John McCaa and Miss Louise Miller, of Columbia, are visiting rela? tives and friends here. By request. Rev. 8. B. Hatfleld fill? ed the pulpit of New Hope church last Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Zern Baker, of OJas, Florida, are visiting relatives and friends hers. It Is reported that a young lady some distance from here has that new disease pellagra. The doctors can't do anything for her, and she Is said to be In a bad fix. 80 the 160 cases of typhoid fever that It was currently reported that Sumter had turns out to be a myth. I*. Is remarkably strange that people who claim to be respectable, or whether they do or not, should lie about a thing of this sort by spread? ing false reports over the country. What good can be accomplished ex? cept to show an evil and depraved nature. All sections of the country at times, have their sh ire of slckncs> and often epidemics, but there need bo no lying about it. It any good hat ever been accomplishil by lying Is more than mankind can 9ee, though I am sorry to say that it is practiced by a large number of people who ought to feel themselves above such a low down and degrading practice. Last Saturday was trie hottest day of the year here. Since then the weather has been pleasant. On the third Sunday of this month a protracted meeting will commence at Plsgah church. Rev. B. K. Tru luck will aid the pastor. IIAGOOD. Hagood, July 7.?The heaviest rain that this section has witnessed in pisWI fell here yesterday. It started to rain about 6 o'clock in the morn? ing and continued almost Incessantly until 5 o'clock in the afternoon. Lltehea were Insufficient to carry off the water and all bottoms and low places were completely submerged. Lands are badly washed and It Is im ible t > estimate at this writing th?- damage to growing crops. Under the must favor.ibel circumstances no plowing can be done before next week, and as most fields were already In the grass, It adds very mu"*h to the seriousness of the situation. The outlook for a cotton crop is exceed? ingly gloomy In this section. MAX. Max. July 8.?Farmers are havinK splendid weather for working me t Welcomed rain fell Monday. All early corn and a good deal of cctton Is laid by. Mr. J. C. Truluck Is furnishing logs for the the lumber for a large ginnery that Is to b" erected In Olanta In the near future. Mr. and Mrs. 8. C. Carraway, of Olanta, are visiting relatives and friends this week. The children and friends of Mr. E R. Goodman, sr.. will assemble at his home today with barbecue and other good things, to celebrate bis birthday. Mr. E. C. Whit e, while the guest of s nephew, Mr. Vance Askings, of Sardls, was struck with paralysis. Mr. Dave Floyd is improving from serious illness. Mrs J. L. Moore and others have fine fields of corn. Mrs. B. K. Truluck and children eft yesterday for the mountains where she will remain several months. Rev. J. W. Truluck and family of Scranton, have moved in with the former's parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. P. ruluck, whose health is rather in? firm. WEDGE FIELD. Wedgefield, July 7.?The dry spell f the past ten days was broken by heavy rains last night and today. Cot? ton no doubt, Is damaged considera? bly by the excessive rainfall. Rev. J. H. Harley, president of the Anti-Saloon League of South Caro na, lectured in the Methodist church here Sunday evening and night. His lectures were enjoyed by all who at? tended. I am only sorry every quali? fied voter in Mlddleton Township did not hear him. Rev. J. L. Grover, who is working n the interest of the laymen's mis? sionary movement of the Presbyter an church, addressed an appreciative audience in the Presbyterian church tere last night. Miss Minnie Ayer, of Bamberg, is visiting Miss Nan Mellett. Mrs. M. L. Parier, Mrs. M. C. Platte, Misses Alice Whitlock, Nan Mellett, Mabel Mellett, Minnie Ayer and Messrs. C. F. Breeland, L. T. Blllups, Frank Mellett and W. H. Ramsey, enjoyed a moonlight picnic given by the hospitable Privateer folks at Cain's Mill last evening. Ail are Indebted to Mr. R. B. Cain, who with his gasoline launch added so much to the evening's pleasures. Miss Martha Platte is visiting her brother, Mr. Marlon Platte at Gibson, N. C. Mr. and Mrs. F. 8. Barnes are visit? ing relatives in Bishopvllle. The relatives and friends of Miss Kate Nettles were grlved to learn of her death at the home of her sister, Mrs. F. B. Bradford on last Saturday night. A large concourse of relatives, friends and acquaintances attended her funeral services and Interment at Bethel church on Sunday aftornoon. Mrs. W. B. Troublefteld and daugh? ter, Miss Essie are visiting at Inman. SM IT ITVILL E. Smithville, July 7.?We have been having floods thla season but none so bad as the one that came yesterday afternoon. Fields are badly washed up. Much cotton and com in places literally washed away, while some is burled too deeply to be gotten out at all. No cha;ice for even a half crop In this section. Reports say that cotuitions are worse west of here as the rains were heavier. They are In for a time if it is true, it is bad enough here. Mr. James Robertson, who has been quite ill for several days is im? proving slowly. Mr. D. J. Hatfleld and family, of Remberts, spent Sunday with Mr. W. U. Shiver. Mr. and Mrs. D. J. Robertson spent Saturday night and Sunday with rel? atives at Eeulah. They report very poor crops in that section, but pelnty of grass. Mrs. W. J. Hatfle'.d, of Bradford? Spring?, is very ill. Mrs. Minnie Munnerlyn, of Pine wood, is visiting her son, Mr. J. T. Munnerlyn. Mr. Tom Hugglns and daughtei and Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Munnerlyn visited at Mr. James Robertson's Sun? day afternoon. Mr. and Mrs. T. C. Robertson spent yesterday at the lovely and hos? pitable home of Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Wactor, of Herriots. Mr. Banks Boykln, who has been stnying with friends at Ionia, was taken to the asylum by Sheriff Muld row, of Blshonvllle, recently. The 4th was spent very quietly by tin4 people in this vicinity. Mr. and Mrs. Z. L. Baker, of OJus. Florida, are visiting relatives here. They are seemingly very much pleased with thir new home. Mr. T. W. Hawkins, Jr.. visited Mr. J. W Robertson last Sunday. Mrs. T. D. Foxworth spent last Sat? in day with Mrs. T. C. Robertson The Sumter Light Infantry (Com? pany L.. Second Regiment) returned Wednesday from the encampment in Columbia. The boys were tired but they all report having had a profit" gble and pleasant stay in the encamp ment? The company made a fine Im? pression on the iftlcers In charge and It was openly stated that Company L, was far and away the best drilled company In the regiment. The offi? cers and men of the company were highly complimented by the regiment? al officers and the United States Army officer who attended the encamp? ment. The congregation of the Second Presbyterian church at Greenville 1? erecting a $20,0)0 church building. NEWSPAPER MEN MEET. PRESS CONVENTION OPENS AT Speeches of Welcome and the Re? sponse Delivered Last Night?-One (Hundred and Twenty-five Editors Of the State Are Present?Trip to Clemson Today. . Greenville, July 6.?The occasion of the meeting of the editors of the State Press Association in this city to? night was an inspiring sight, and the meeting promises to be the most suc? cessful in the history of the Press As? sociation. Interest was running high when the editors began to congregate in the spacious lobby of the Ottaray, Greenville's beautiful hostelry, and the editors and their wives promena? ded through the hotel and on the piazzas until a few minutes of 9 o'clock, when the convention began. President Aull, of Newberry. called the meeting to order, and W. T. Ja? cobs lead in a beautiful prayer. G. H. Mahon, Mayor of Greenville, was then introduced, and spoke to the as? sembly welcoming the editors to Greenville. F. F. Capers, president of the Eoard of Trade, welcomed the visi? tors in behalf of the Board of Trade. J. T. Arnold, president of the Busi? ness Men's Association, welcomed the editors in one of the most eloquent speeches heard during the evening. He dwelt at some length on the Im? portance of the press and their asso? ciation with the business men, and he said that the business men and the editors were friends, and would ever be so. J. R. McGhee, for the local press, said that he welcomed his brothers in misery, and that he appreciated the trials and tribulations of the editors, and he knew that they were glad to come to Greenville, even though they were worried over what was happen? ing at home and that he was glad to welcome good men of a good State, to a good city for a good time. John Wood, secretary of the Board of Trade, spoke In welcome in behalf of the entire community, and his wit? ticisms and eloquence were liberally applauded. President Aull responded with a historic speech, telling of the work the Association had done in the past and predicting great things for the future. He said that Greenville had been favored by the Association, as out of thirty-five meetings Greenville had had the pleasure of entertaining five?In 1860, 1856. 1888. 1898 and 1909. He paid his respects to the former presidents of the Association, and called the fact to mind that two of the former six presidents were in the hall. He said that Greenville had put on long pants and paid a compll mnt to the thriving city, which has Spartanburg, Gaffney and Anderson as her neighbors. He spoke of the ladies in the Association, as did Ar? nold, who said that he supposed ladies had not been mentioned In the programme, as when men were men? tioned they were supposed to em? brace the ladies. The meeting was held In the beau? tiful white reception hall of the Ot? taray and many were seated around the speakers. A large number of ladles were present and the fanfare of enthusiasm In which th Associa? tion opened is considered a herald of a successful meeting. The plans include a trip to Clem ^on College, with a special speech at night by Dr. Lee Davis Lodge, of Limestone College. The oldest of the editors say the meeting is going to be one of the best and most beneficial in the history of the Association, and the Interest of the people of Greenville ip making thi-! meeting a success is received with pleasure by the visitors. About one hundred and twenty-five delegates are present. Editors visit Clemaon. Greenville, July 7.?The second business meeting of the Press Asso? ciation was held this morning at 10 o'clock in the big reception hall at Hotel Ottaray, and a large number (?? editors were In attendance. Presi? dent Aull called the convention to or? der and Chaplain W. T. Jacobs led in prayer. President Aull announced that applications for membership In the Association would be received and the following were elected mem? bers. S. E Boney, H. A. Whitman, S. P. Gibson. E. T. Stokes, W. F. Caldwell, o. L. Pratt, T. I. Maritn, Archie Willi?, Joslab poar, J. B. Prltchard, B. 13. Adams. A letter was read by Pr?sident Aull from Col. Thompson, \\h>> was a charter member of the Association, but who has retired from journalism, and now lives An a farm near Wal? halla. He wrote^ that he was now four score years, rind not able to at? tend the convention. A letter was read from C. W. Wo^e, who said he regretted that his defining health was such as to keep him away from the meeting. August Koh.n read the treasurer's report showJn the finances to bo in good condition. President Aull called for papers. GREENVILLE. ADMITS KILLING CORBINS. UNEXPECTED CONFESSION IS MADE IN WALHALLA MURDER TRIAL. Bob Belcher, One of the Men Charg? ed With Slaying Two United States Officers in Oconee on the Night of March 8, Claims on the Witness Stand That He Fired the Fatal Shots. Walhalla, July 6.?"Yes, I killed the Corbins." With these startling words did Bob Belcher clear up today the mystery as to who fired the fate? ful shots that removed forever Dep? uty United States Marshal W. B. F. Corbin and his deputy, "Chris" Cor bin. Four persons, J. B. Palmer, Charley Palmer, father and son, and Lou Belcher and Bob Belcher, moth? er and son, stand charged with mur der'ng the two officers near Walhalla on the night of March 8, 1909. Their case was begun in the Sessions Court here yesterday. Although nearly a score of witness? es had been examined, not before Bob was placed on the stand had the au? thor of the shots been revealed. Bel? cher, nervous and perspiring, told the following story of the events of that night: "About 9 o'clock that night some one knocked on the door. I started to open it, but my grandfather said. "Let me open it.' He asked who was there. The reply was 'Corbin.' Open the door or I will bust it down.' Pap, J. B. Palmer, unbuttoned the door and the Corbin's, the old one (W. B. F.) came into the room where we were sitting about the fire with a cocked pistol In his right hand. I did not run and hide. I did not know who they were, nor what they want? ed. I backed Into a room to the lefj, and W. B. F. Corbin glanced at me, but said nothing. Pap asked him his business, and he made n<\ answer. He went Into the cook room, took up a lamp there and climbed up on the stove. Lou told him to get down, as we had stolen nothing. He said: 'That's all right.' Lou said he could not walk around the house with a cocked pistol. Again he replied: 'That's all right.' Lou and Charley Palmer, my uncle, followed him. He starched around in there about five minutes. I stayed in the front of the house watching Chris Corbin, who was standing with a pistol drawn in the front door. Bill Corbin came back into the big room, and without a word walked up to me and put his big pistol barrel right over my heart Charley knocked the pistol to one side just as it was fired. He wanted to kill me, but did not have time to fire. I dodged. Chris then ran in anc* grabbed me by the coat and pull? ed me toward the front door, firing again. Just then Lou said: 'Oh, you shot me,' and I grabbed the pistol to protect my mother. He dragged me out of the door and fired twice at my head, but I turned the pistol. He dragged me out doors toward an ap? ple tree. About that time, when Charley and Lou were begging them not to kill me, I heard Charley say: 'Oh, Lord, you have killed me,' and fell. I jerked loose from Chris to run to Charley, when I saw Bill Corbin trying to chop my mother with an axe. I ran in the house and got my shotgun. Bill kept coming with his axe as if he meant to kill either mt or Lou, so when he was three feet off. I shot and he fell. Chris Corbin then fired again at me, and I returned the fire and he fell. I thought Charley was dead on the ground. I shot be? cause I saw they were trying to kill me. I never did know what they were trying to kill me for. I saw no papers. I could have escaped through the window when they came." If there wa?? ever any doubt as to the plea of the defendants it is now removed. Illegal invasion of a man'? house and firing to kill all the defon and M. P. Felder, of the Dorchester Eaglet responded with a paper on '?How and When the Country Week I) Succeeds." A. H. Seats, of the State, Columbia, .cad a paper on "Getting News.'' which was one of the most comment? ed on papers read before the conven? tion. T. H. Coker, Jr., who was on the programme for an address tomor? row read his paper today because the Association had some spare time. His subject was, "Relationship of County Weekly to Town and County." Tin paper was well received. He Is edi? tor of the Hartsviile Messenger. This afternoon a large party went to Clemson College on a speeial train, returning at 7:30 o'clock. A rain marred the day, but the party was enthusiastic in praise of Clemson and the trip was enjoyed. At the Opera House tonight Dr. Lee Davis Lodge, president of Lime? stone College, spoke to a small crowd owing to the Inclement weather, Pres? ident Aull was sick and J. R. McGhee Introduced Vice Pre.- ent Mace, who It! turn introduced Col. Crews, who introduced the speaker. Dr. Lodge spoke on the "Ideal of the Press," and the lecture was a wonderful com? bination of beautiful thoughts and in? teresting ideas dants will be charged against the two dead men. On cross-examination by Solicitor Bonham, the witness was considerably confused. It was truly a gruelling; examination. Court ad? journed for the day with the witness still on the stand. The State rested its case before the dinner hour. Belcher Found Guilty. Walhalla, July 7, 12 P. M.?At 11:45 the jiury in the case of the State against J. B. Palmer, Charles Palmer, Lou Belcher and Robert Belcher, charged with the murder of Deputy United States Marshal W. B. F. Cor bln, brought in a verdict of guilty of murder with recommendation to mercy as to Robert Belcher and guilty of manslaughter as to the oth? er three. Notice of a motion for a new trial was given. Walhalla, July 7.?The Palmer murder case was given to the Jury at 6:30 o'clock this evening. No verdict is expected tonight. Speculation Is rife as to the outcome. Some say that all four of the accused will be found guilty; others say some guilty and others not guilty, while still oth? ers predict that all will be acquitted or a mistrial. Chas. Palmer and Robt. Belcher were the only defendants sworn. Baylus Palmer and his daughter, Lou Behcher, did not go upon the stand. Arguments were made by Messrs. Earle, Stribling and Jaynes for the defense and Solicitor Bonham for the State. The case of Theo and DeWitt Van diver, charged with the murder of Mann Philipps, comes up tomorrow. The Corbin-Palmer murder case occupied the entire time of court Monday. In the afternoon Robt. Bel? cher, one of the defendants, went on the stand and told his story of the killing. Belcher told how he shot W. B. F. Corbln first and then C. D. Cor biu, firing at close range, instantly killing both men. The defense is that he killed the officers to keep them from killing his mother and his grandfather. The State spent most of the timo showing that the Palmers knew that a warrant would likely be sworn out against Bob Belcher for shooting into a mail box; that they were expecting Corbin to come; that the doors of the house were so fastened that no one from the outside could enter; that Bob Belcher hid in the loft of the house when Corbin did come, and showing the different versions .of the killing as told by the different defend? ants to various persons. Tremendous crowds are attending court. At least an hour before court was called the room was filled. Many ladies are attending. The families of the Corbins are seated so that they may hear all the evidence. Ben Deane, an operative employed at the Lydia Mills, Clinton, is missing from his home. Foul play is sus? pected. Everybody Will Wear Specs Some Day. Present statistics show that there is a wonderful increase in the number of people who depend on glasses for gcod vision. Take enlightened Bos? ton, "The Hub," for instance. There are more people wearing t-pecs there than in any other city of its size. Where learning and progress are, you w ill find the most people wearing glasses. Are you going to stay behind till you have to have them and then maybe find you have waited too long, that some small trouble has grown on till glasses won't remedy it? IF YOU DOX'T NEED EM WE TELL YOU. VV. A. Thompson, 0 S. Main Street - Sumter, S. C. University of South Carolina. Schools of Arts, Science, Education, Law, EngiiUHM-inu. ami Graduate Studies. Ten different courses leading to the degrees of A. B. and B. S. College tees, room and light, $66. Board $12 \ vi month. Tuition remitted in spe? cial cases. Forty-two scholarships each worth $100 in cash and free tuition. For catalogue, address: S. Q. Mitchell, lYoident. Columbia, S. C. 6-29-lOt. W. &. S. E. J. & W. L DUNNE, ' ARCHITECTS. Plans snd Specifications for all Classes of Buildings. Personal attention given the Supervision of all Work. Law Range ephene 390. Sumter, S. C.