Lamar County AlArchives News.....The Lamar News April 29, 1886 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/al/alfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Veneta McKinney http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00016.html#0003775 January 30, 2006, 9:12 pm The Lamar News April 29, 1886 Microfilm Ref Call #373 Microfilm Order #M1992.4466 from The Alabama Department of Archives and History THE LAMAR NEWS E. J. MCNATT, Editor and Proprietor VERNON, ALABAMA, APRIL 29, 1886 VOL. III. NO. 26 LIFE’S LOSSES - Poem THREE-CORNERED COMBAT You will see by the map that the Salm-- River of Idaho has its rise in two Sal-- River Mountains. Two small creeks, --- at the north end of the mountains form the Salmon, but it is not – of a stream until it received Wild Bitter Sweet and other creeks down and the Bitter Root Mountains. We had journeyed to the forks of the River Salmoa with a band of hunters and trappers, and while they had spent the winter in trapping for furs and belts – developed the fact that coal, mica, marble, copper, and other minerals – to be had for the asking in the –tains. Owing to the depth of snow and severity of the weather, I had not finished my work of prospecting when spring --- while the trappers were ready to ---ion the exhausted field and move into the foothills of the Bitter Root. On the first day of May I was left alone, -- a horse, two pack mules, a rifle, -- revolvers, and plenty of food and ammunition. As soon as the men left, I pulled up stakes and moved around to the east side of the mountain, where there was less wind and more sunshine. Between the foothills and the mountain was a long, narrow, winding valley, vary--- with from ten to fifty feet. The --- was just leaving this valley, and --- of last season had been preserved --- able shape for the horses. Nothing of special interest occurred on the 3d of June. On that morning, --- cooking breakfast, a monster ---ly , the first one seen during the win--- suddenly appeared within 200 feet of ---amp fire, coming up the winding ---y from the south. I was between – and the horses, but the latter were --- rrified that had they not been stout—aked out, they would have made – escape. The bear halted, as I said, and as he – layed no intention to come nearer, I did not wish to provoke him by any act – opsitility. He was in lean condition, -- his shaggy coat in anything but – entable shape. He started at me with enormous eyes, sniffed the air, grew uneasy for a few minutes, and finally lumbered down the valley out of sight. I was thoroughly glad to be rid of Bruin, but – I had finished my breakfast he returned and brought tow other grizzlies with him, all full grown. As well armed as I was, I realized that I would be no show against the three. The --- was wild with terror, and the mules were so overcome that they lay down in weakness. I piled on the brush, --as the fire blazed and crackled the --- took alarm and galloped off, looking back as if to see if they were pursued. The presence of these monsters annoyed me more than I can explain. I was more --- than as if I had discovered three --- prowling about. A grizzly bear – natural foe of everything that lives. --- without fear. His strength is – thing astounding. He will fight – ty men as soon as one. Fire all the – from the chamber of a Winchester – nto him and not one may strike a – spot. The sight of flame and smoke – kept them from attacking me, but I – by no means satisfied that they would – don the field. The only plan to save the horses was to – another fire above them. In one – the valley narrowed until it was not more than eight feet wide, and here I – a solid fire of heavy limbs – one --- would last for a whole day. A – of a mile below the camp I found another good spot, and built another fire, and then felt comparatively safe. The – fear was that I would keep the bears only to bring Indians down upon me. A heavy smoke could be seen for twen---, and if seen by red men they would certainly investigate. I did not leave camp that day, being – with specimens and in making re— to my clothing, and the day and night passed without an alarm of any kind. This put me in good spirits, and I permitted the fires to die down to great heaps of coals, which would retain their --- all day, and soon after breakfast --- my rifle and started off down the valley to prospect and investigate. --- may believe that I kept my eyes --- for sight of grizzlies, but they --- to have left the neighborhood for ---. At the end of about five miles the valley suddenly broadened or debouched – another. This larger valley opened in from the broad plains, and was a mile long. I had no sooner rounded a mass of rock and earth and brought the larger valley into view than my ears were greeted with a terrible yell. Right before me, and not over a quarter of a mile away were seven or eight Indians surrounding a small camp fire, with their ponies grazing near by. At such a time as that men think and act quickly. If I ran back up the valley such action would uncover my camp and lose my animals. There was no place at hand to make a successful defence, with the odds so much against me. As the Indians sprang to their feet I turned to the right and dashed into a ravine opening into the mountain itself. There was a stream running down it from the melting snow, but presently I found a fairly beaten path running along up the ravine and winding through the trees and around rocks. Knowing that my life was at stake, I put forth every effort to reach a defensive spot. When I had gone up the ravine 300 feet I found further progress impossible. Right before me was an opening into the cliff into which a man on horseback could have entered, while the width was all of twenty feet. I dashed into the place to find myself in a large chamber. The light was very dim, but I saw two drifts leafing off from this further into the mountain. I was after a secure hiding place, and dashed into the right-hand drift without a moment’s hesitation. The Indians were so close on my heels as I entered the dark drift that the foremost one opened fire with his revolver, and the whole pack yelled like fiends. The reader who has seen the entrance to a coal mine, slanting into the darkness from the start, can form an idea of the drift I had plunged into. The grade was very steep, and the bottom so rough that I fell down twice in going twenty-five feet. That was as far as I went. The drift was not over three feet wide, and only one Indian could come in at a time. They did not exactly understand the situation, and were eager to overhaul me. As I turned at bay, the foremost Indian was entering the drift. While he was looking into the darkness I was looking toward the light, and the first shot from my revolver pierced his brain and killed him as dead as a stone. As he fell I fired again, and wounded the warrior behind him. I knew this from the way the fellow yelled out. It was wonderful how quick their enthusiasm cooled down. They had holed me up, but at the same time discovered that I was not defenceless. Their safety obliged them to get out of range, and in doing this they could not shoot into the drift and hit me with a chance bullet. All now became as silent as death, and not a move was made for a quarter of an hour. I had made a temporary escape, but by no means congratulated myself that they would abandon their efforts. How far back the drift extended I had no means of knowing, and instead of seeking to ascertain, I crept to within ten feet of the mouth. I had a Winchester and two revolvers, and could have killed Indians all day long, had they sought to enter the drift. But one warning was enough. They knew of a safer way to get at me. By and by I heard the crackling of flames and smelled smoke, and directly after that a heap of burning brush was pushed to the entrance of the drift with a long pole. They were going to smoke me out! I confess to making up my mind that my hours were numbered, but I had given way to despair too soon. The draught of the drift was outward into the chamber, as might have been expected, and not a whiff of smoke could be driven in at me. The game was soon abandoned for another. A rock large enough to furnish cover for an Indian was rolled to the mouth of the drift, and a redskin got behind it and began firing into my cover. By retreating a few feet and lying flat down I was safe from his bullets. He fired sixty-eight times before he hauled off. They couldn’t say that I had been killed, and the proper way to prove that I hadn’t been was to send a warrior in with a lighted torch to ask me. He had scarcely entered the drift when I banged into him, and dropped him. He fell so near the mouth that his companions sought to draw him out, and I wounded one of them in the arm. I had killed two and wounded two, and knew that not over four sound ones remained. I was wondering if it wouldn’t be the best plan to dash out at them with my revolvers, when a series of yells, shouts, screams, and growls filled the chamber beyond me. Then followed five or six shots, more growls, and yells, and as I kept my eye on the opening I caught a glimpse of a grizzly bear and a warrior struggling. In five minutes from the first sound there was no other noise than that of low growling and the click of claws on the rocky floor. What had happened? I had run into the den of the bears seen in the morning, and the Indians had followed. The bears had come home from their morning walk, and the result must have been disastrous to the Indians. Although realizing the ferocious nature of the animal, I was not as fearful of him as I had been of the Indians. A full-grown grizzly could hardly squeeze his way down the drift, and I was certain to kill him if he tried to. After a bit I crept carefully forward until I could see into the chamber. It was a sight to make one sick. Two bears lay dead on the floor, and a third was licking the blood which flowed from several wounds. But others had suffered more. I had two dead Indians in the drift and five others lay in the chamber – bitten, clawed, and torn until the spectacle was a hideous one to gaze upon. There was blood everywhere and upon everything, and pieces of bloody flesh were mingled and misted with patches of Indian dress and firearms. While I stood looking at the horrors the wounded bear rose up with a fierce growl and attacked the corpses. His hurts drove him made, and he wanted revenge on the dead. I saw him put a paw on the breast of an Indian, seize the throat in his teeth, and at one single wrench he tore the head from the body. He seized another by the leg, just above the knee, and I heard the bones crush like glass as his teeth shut. He jerked and twisted two or three times, and the leg was torn off. It was the frenzy of death. As the bear bit and tore at one of the corpses he suddenly tottered, braced his legs, and then sank down and rolled over, and soon breathed his last. I was so spellbound that it was two or three minutes before I could move. The spectacle was even more horrible when I stepped out and secured a stronger light, and directly my nerves were so unstrung at the recollection of what had occurred that I rushed out of the cave into the open air. As I gained the outside it struck me that the Indians had doubtless left one of their number of wat6ch the horses. As I went down the ravine I determined if this was the case, to attack him, with the hope of wiping out the whole party. When I crept out of the ravine another bloody spectacle awaited me. The Indian ponies had been hobbled to prevent them from wandering away, and none of the party had been left in charge. The grizzles had come upon the horses first, and every one of them was dead on the grass, and horribly mutilated. They had not been killed to satisfy hunger, but to gratify a ferocious whim. After a few hours, during which time I returned to my own camp, to find everything safe, I re-entered the cave and secured the firearms of the dead redskins. The stuff at their camp fire consisted of blankets, robes, ammunition, and powder. While none of the party were in war paint, there was nothing to prove that they were out on a hunt. They had perhaps deflected from some march to discover what had caused the smoke. Four weeks later when a party of hunters from Boise City, headed by Capt. Hall, stumbled in on me, I turned over to them, as relics of the singular three-cornered fight, the firearms, bows and arrows, the claws of the grizzlies, two full suits of buckskin, three scalps of white men, and enough pipes, beads, knives, charms, and feathers to start a museum. These relics are still on exhibition in the Sheriff’s office at Boise, and bear witness that I have given you a truthful narrative. - [New York Sun] THE TUNE THE OLD COW DIED OF In Scotland and the north of Ireland this saying is very common in the mouths of the peasantry, though all who use it may not understand its origin. It arose out of an old song: There was an old man, and he had an old cow, And he had nothing to give her, So he took out his fiddle and he played her a tune – Consider, good cow, consider This is no time of year for the grass to grow, Consider, good cow, consider. The old cow died of hunger, and when any grotesquely melancholy song or tune is uttered the north country people say: “This is the tune the old cow died of” – [London Agricultural Gazette] IMPOSSIBLE TO COUNTERFIET IT. “Speaking of oleomargarine,” remarked McSwilligen this morning, “it has occurred to me that there is one kind of butter which will always defy counterfeiting.” “Ah! What kind of butter is that?” asked Squilding. “The goat.:” – [Pittsburg Chronicle] CHANGE THEIR COLOR – WONDERS OF ANIMAL LIFE IN CALIFORNIA Rats That Live in Trees and Lizards that Drop Their Tails – (WILL TRANSCRIBE LATER) HURRY Some men are in incessant action, early and late and all through the day. They have no time for family or friends. As for holidays, the less for them the better. They have inherited a nervous temperament, and are doing just the wrong thing with it – allowing it to hurry them to an untimely end. They wear themselves out. Their brain is ever in a state of morbid activity almost like that of an insane man. To all such we say: Early learn to use restraint, or , in spite of all later volitions, your momentum will steadily increase, and sooner or later there will be a breakdown. The more nervous the temperament, the greater the need of husbanding the nervous energy by intelligent self-control, by appropriate diversions and by frequent seasons of absolute rest. The machinery may be of iron, but it needs to come to a stand-still at times. Many persons, not of a nervous temperament, especially hurry at their meals. They have vigorous appetites, and they ear voraciously. Now, swine can do this safely, for they have a vigorous digestion, and have nothing to do but to digest what they eat. It is otherwise with human beings. That kind monitor “enough” is seldom heard in season by those who eat in a hurry. Rapid eating is generally excessive eating, which, in due time, dyspepsia, “bilious attacks” liver complaints and gout. Besides, not only health, but the good of all concerned, demands that the meal time should be one of restful leisure, pleasant interchange of thought, and social cheer. Many persons hurry to catch the departing ferry boat or cars. They barely get aboard by hard running – or perhaps just fail. Such acts may start a heart trouble, or increase one already started, or precipitate it to a fatal termination. The London Lancet, giving an account of two recent deaths from hurry and exertion, one a young man of 20, the other a girl of 16, adds: “How often has the hurry to catch a train, or some other sudden exertion, throwing extra work on a dilated, fatty, or otherwise diseased heart, resulted in fatal sycope!” Remember, people often have heart troubles without knowing it. – [Youth’s Companion] THE BANANA A pound of bananas contains more nutriment than three pounds of meat or many pounds of potatoes, while as a food it is in every sense of the word far superior to the best wheaten bread. Although it grows spontaneously throughout the tropics, when cultivated its yield is prodigious, for an acre of ground planted with bananas will return, according to Humboldt, as much food material as thirty-three acres of wheat or over one hundred acres of potatoes. The banana, then, is the bread of millions who could not well subsist without it. In Brazil it is the principal food of the laboring classes, while it is no less prized in the island of Cuba. Indeed, in the latter country the sugar planters grow orchards of it expressly for the consumption of their slaves. Every day each hand receives his ration of salt fish or dried beef, as the case may be, and four bananas and two plantains. The banana – it should be called plantain, for until lately there was no such word as banana – is divided into several varieties, all of which are used for food. The platino manzanita is a small, delicate fruit, neither longer nor stouter than a lady’s forefinger. It is the most delicious and prized of all the varieties of the plantain. El plotino guineo, called by us the banana, is probably more in demand than any kind. It is subdivide into different varieties, the principal of which are the yellow and purple bananas we see for sale in our market; but the latter is so little esteemed by the natives of the tropics that it is seldom eaten by them. El platino grande – is also subdivided into varieties which are known by their savor and size. The kind that reaches our market is almost ten inches long, yet on the Isthmus of Darien there are plantains that grow from eighteen to twenty-two inches. They are never eaten raw, but are either boiled or roasted or are prepared as preserves. – [Hotel Register] IN AFTER YEARS – Poem HUMOROUS Home Rule – The baby’s No man can be beautiful in ear muffs. The ghost of a smile – Smelling the cork. It is a curious fact that rich relatives are apt to be distant ones. Japanese girls bronze their lips, and it is a significant fact that they always require re-bronzing on Monday morning. The wealth of our language is shown by the fact that “hang it up” and “chalk it down” means precisely the same thing. The scientist who says that a person could not live over five days without water, is suspected of being a milkman. “Metals are more active” wrote the market reporter whose wife had hastened his exit that morning with a flying flatiron. A poetess says, “He gazed upon my burning eyes and fled.” This would seem to indicate that he was not a member of the fire department. Literary man (laughingly) – Yes, I took to literature naturally. I was vaccinated from a quill, you know. Friend (grimly) – The world would have been the gainer if you had been vaccinated from a pick or shovel. “How do you do, Mary? I’ve been trying to catch up with you for half an hour. I knew you just as soon as I set eyes on that bonnet. I’ve known it as long as I can remember.” It is such remarks as this that fill the female heart with bitterness. THEY HAD MET BEFORE – Anecdote PAGE 2 THE LAMAR NEWS THURSDAY APRIL 29, 1886 RATES OF ADVERTISING One inch, one insertion $1.00 One inch, each subsequent insertion .50 One inch, twelve months 10.00 One inch, six months 7.00 One inch, three months 5.00 Two inches twelve months 15.00 Two inches, six months 10.00 Quarter column 12 months 35.00 Half Column 12 months 30.00 One column 12 months 100.00 Professional card $10. Special advertisements in local columns will be charged double rates. All advertisements collectable after first insertion. Local notices 10 cents per line. Obituaries, tributes of respect, etc. making over ten lines, 5 cents per line. The Democratic State Convention will meet at Montgomery, Wednesday, 9th June. The time has been changed to suit the change in gauge of the railroads. Hon. Thos. SEAY, Alabama’s next governor, was in town this week receiving the congratulations of his friends on his approaching nomination. He is making friends wherever he goes in this section of the state. – [Guntersville Democrat] Hon. S. H. SPROTT Judge Sprott will be before the convention as candidate for the office he now fills with so much ability. Judge Sprott went on the bench it will be remembered to fill out the unexpired term of Judge Mudd. To fill acceptably an office that had so long been filled by an able jurist like Judge Mudd, was no easy task. Judge Sprott has been so painstaking, impartial and just in his administration of the law that he has well earned the distinction of a just Judge. Lamar County delegates to the convention will doubtless confirm these sentiments by aiding in his nomination. Hon. THOS. SEAY The race for governor is gradually narrowing down between Seay, Dawson and Clayton; and the time soon approaches when it will be necessary for the Democrats of Lamar to express their preference, a question which will not be difficult. Messrs Dawson and Clayton from no circumstance that we know of have any claims whatever, on this county. And excepting a few personal friends are unknown to the people of the county. Mr. Seay on the other hand is our near neighbor and a young man of progressive ideas and well fitted to guide the helm of state, at this particular time when enterprise and progress are all the go. The opponents of Mr. Seay are to some extent men of the past and will not take to progressive ideas like one in his early manhood. Alabama is now witnessing a change to a new order of things and needs none of the fossils of the old school in charge of her affairs. Col. Seay in every place of public trust has shown himself to be a pure and able man and altogether worthy to sit in the chair of state. The News heartily endorses every word contained in the following article clipped from the Alabama Christian Advocate: “The time approaches for the meeting of the great political parties to nominate candidates for the state offices. The names of distinguished men are in almost every political paper every day. This is all right. We make no objection at all to the course, and have but one word to say about the composition of the convention, and that word is this: that great care should be taken to send men of the broadest intelligence, and most incorruptible virtue. Political conventions should be made up of the best men of the country, because the greatest material interests of the country are to be largely affected by their action. It is a disgrace to the patriotism and virtue of the people when such bodies are managed by pot-house politicians. Let good men lead. But no matter who are in the lead, the people should insist upon sober men for office. The day of the grog shop bully is past. The inspiration of the black bottle and the little brown jug may still do for the cock-pit and the gambling room, but is not the thing people now wish their public speakers to have. The whisky blossom and whisky eloquence have ceased to be attractive, and drunkards and dram-drinkers are no longer wanted as officers. PATRIOTIC BARBOUR Said Mr. L. – yesterday: “We have two candidates for governor from the county of Barbour and a candidate for speaker of the house, in the Hon. C. C. Shorter. “Now would it not be according to the natural order of things for Messrs Hawkins and Lang to become candidates for president of the senate and leave it to the county of Barbour to decide between them. Then it would stand thusly: “United States Senator from Barbour.” “Governor from the county of Barbour” “President of the railroad commission from the county of Barbour” “President of the Senate from the county of Barbour” “Chancellor from the county of Barbour” “Solicitor from the county of Barbour” “And what is more wonderful still there is enough administrative talent and executive ability left in the county of Barbour to run two or three states like Alabama.” “You are wanting in enterprise, or guilty of a piece of unpardonable stupidity in overlooking the best remark I made about Tom Seay in the interview published in the Dispatch this morning. I said it repeacedly (sic) and with emphasis so you could catch it that everything in the gubernatorial current was tending Seay-ward” – [Montgomery Dispatch] FRANKLIN’S ANSWER – [Franklin Democrat] To our surprise, we notice a leading editorial in the Fayette Journal bearing date April 2nd, 1886, combating Franklin County’s claim to the next Senator. Only a short time since, the Journal conceded the Senator to Franklin. The following is a copy of a piece we clipped from the Journal. The Journal is informed that Mr. JOHN E. ISBELL of Franklin County will be a candidate for Senatorial honors at the next election. The Journal has also been informed that the District conceded the next Senator to Franklin County.” Since publishing the above, some magic influence has brought a change over the Journal’s dream, having seemingly forgotten its former expression of opinion. Why such a marvelous revelation? The point – the only point, the Journal makes against us is, that we in 1878 – and again in 1882, presented a candidate for Senatorial honors. Now listen and see how “plain a tale will put him down.” What is the rule or custom by which we claim the Senator? It is simply the custom, rule and usage which has heretofore been strictly adhered to by our Senatorial conventions, that no one county in the District should have the honor of furnishing the Senator for more than one term, until, each of the other counties received a like favor. But says the Journal you had a candidate before the Senatorial Convention in 1878 and 1882 and thereby forfeited your right to claim a Senator. Let us see. Had Franklin County been honored with a Senator in 1878? No. Had we furnished a Senator in 1882? No. Did we not have the same right in 1878 to claim the Senator as Fayette and Marion neither of us having had the Senator? At this time, however, each and every County in the District has had the honor of furnishing a Senator save Franklin, and in strict accordance with the custom heretofore adhered to, ours is the only county in the District, without a Senator, which is the case now for the first time in the history of the District. We affirm that the custom and usage has been established,, to nominate a candidate who resides in one of the counties – never before having a Senator. We do not contend that as the first Senator came from Lamar, the next should come from Fayette, and the next form Marion and the next from Franklin. Our claim is this, that when Lamar had received a Senator, then either Fayette, Marion, or Franklin one of them should have the next Senator. The Convention had the three unrepresented counties to select form in 1878 – and to select form in 1882. If Franklin had once had the Senator and afterwards made a fight for it before its turn, then the Journal might use it against us. But such is not the case. In the District composed of Lauderdale and Limestone Counties – each county alternatively names the Senator, without any disagreement. We not only base our claim upon the custom which surely entitles us to the Senator, but we will represent to the convention the name of a gentleman, who stands above reproach, a lawyer of ability and distinctions, and a Democrat who has fought many battles for Democracy and not one against her. He is preeminently qualified to fill the position, and would make an energetic and able representative. We submit our claims to the intelligence, honor, patriotism and manhood of this District feeling assured that justice will be done us. We have never wavered, but at each election have given to your candidate our full, free and hearty support, and nor for the first time ask for the Senator as a matter of justice. OVER THE STATE Property and population are on a boom in Tuscaloosa. The Republicans of Madison County will put a full ticket in the field. Hydrophobia is still raging in some portions of the state. The dogs must go. The sooner the better. Politics, or rather who shall have the office, is getting to be the aborting question throughout the state. The Mussel Shoals canal will now be completed within eight months. It has secured an appropriation of $350,000. It will cost Elmore County about $1,500 to replace bridges, and repair those injured by the flood. Butler County will hold its convention to elect delegates and make nominations on the 1st of May. Mr. Scott, a farmer who lives on the Alabama River near Montgomery, lost $8,000 worth of cattle by the recent flood. The Cullman furniture factory employs 25 hands. A sea gull was borne by the wild winds from the gulf to Talladega. There are 272 patients in the Tuscaloosa insane asylum. The Huntsville Independent mourns because, for fear of hydrophobia, “a cruel warfare” is being carried on against the dogs in that city. This is an eventful April in Montgomery’s history and will so be remembered for all time to come. The Scotsboro Citizen says the opposition to Gen. Wheeler for re-election to Congress does not amount to a corporal’s guard in Jackson County. Rev. J. J. Porter, commonly called the “Baptist Sam Jones” has been conducting a series of night meetings at Fort Deposit this week. Judge Hefflin, of Birmingham, is attending chancery court at this place. We hope to see the judge nominated by the convention for the office of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the State. – [Talladega Reporter] Gen. Fitzhugh Lee has two scars on his person – one won in the service of the United State, the other in Confederate States service. He has two servants – one is named Abraham Lincoln, the other Jefferson Davis. Can his loyalty be doubted? Flourney, the defaulting county superintendent of education in Colbert County, when last heard form was in Fort Worth Texas on his way to California where he has a brother from whom he expects to get assistance to straighten up his troubles. Dr. Samuel Minturn Peck, the Tuscaloosa poet, who has been off a year or so in New York studying medicine, has returned to Tuscaloosa. Dr. Peck was once a contributor to the Age. A volume of his poems will shortly be issued by a New York publishing house. It is suggested that when Mr. Davis arrives at the depot he be brought up to the hotel in an electric street car. One could be gorgeously arrayed and lighted, and to see the old chieftain enter our gates by electric power would illustrate the progress of Montgomery the time of that other triumphal procession some twenty-five years ago. – [Montgomery Advertiser] Ad for Montgomery Advertiser (Something you need) Ad for Peruna THE FERNBANK HIGH SCHOOL now under the Principalship of JNO. R. GUIN, will open Nov. 2, 1885, and continue ten scholastic months. Able assistants will be employed when needed. Said school offers great advantages. Tuition as follows: Primary: Embracing Orthography, Reading, Writing, Primary Geography, Primary Arithmetic, per month………….$1.25 Intermediate: Embracing Practical Arithmetic, English Grammar, Intermediate Geography, Higher Reading, English, Composition, and U. S. History, per month………..$2.00 High School: Embracing Botany, Physiology, Elementary Algebra, Physical Geography, Rhetoric, Natural Philosophy, Elocution, and Latin, per month……..$3.00 A reasonable incidental fee will be charged. Board can be had at $7 per month. Tuition accounts are due at the end of every two months. For further particulars, address. - JNO. R. GUIN, Principal, Fernbank, Ala. – October 28, 1885. AGENTS WANTED – for Rev. Sam P. Jones Sermons – There never was such a book before, and never will be again. Something new and startling. First you laugh fit to kill yourself, nest you set up a deal of thinking, then you get mighty solemn. The most extraordinary book of sermons ever published. As delivered in Chicago, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Atlanta Augusta, Waco, Memphis, Nashville, &c, &c. Strikingly illustrated with best portrait of Sam Jones ever engraved, and over sixty interesting character sketches. The Only Authentic Edition. Only full reports yet printed. Do not mistake it for one of the small pamphlet editions. Sam Jones has repeatedly denounced these garbled and abbreviated reports as without his sanction, and as doing him rank injustice. Write at once for illustrated circulars and terms, and name your choice of territory; or to secure it instantly, send 75 cents for complete agents outfit, which will be forwarded by return mail, postpaid. Postage stamps accepted. Liberal terms guaranteed. Address Herbert & Cole Publishing Co. 810 & 812 Olive Street. St. Louis. PHOTOGRAPHS – A. R. HENWOOD, Photographer, Aberdeen, Miss. Price list: Cards de visite, per doz………$2.00 Cards Cabinet, per doz……….$4.00 Cards Panel, per doz………….$5.00 Cards Boudoir, per doz………$5.00 Cards, 8 x 10, per doz……….. $8.00 Satisfaction given or money returned. The Coleman House (Formerly West House). W. S. COLEMAN, Pro. Main St. Columbus, Miss. Is now open for the entertainment of guests, and will be kept clean and comfortable, the table being supplied with the best the market affords. RESTAURANT, Aberdeen, Mississippi. Those visiting Aberdeen would do well to call on Mrs. L. M. KUPFER, who keeps Restaurant, Family Groceries, Bakery and Confectionery, toys, tobacco, and cigars. Also coffee and sugar. Special attention paid to ladies. Barber Shop. For a clean Shave or Shampoo, call on G. W. BENSON, in rear of Dr. BURNS office, Vernon, Ala. ATTORNEYS NESMITH & SANFORD THOS. B. NESMITH, Vernon, Ala. J. B. SANFORD, Fayette C. H., Ala. Attorneys-at-Law. Will practice as partners in the counties of Lamar and Fayette, and separately in adjoining counties, and will give prompt attention to all legal business intrused to them or either of them. SMITH & YOUNG, Attorneys-At-Law Vernon, Alabama– W. R. SMITH, Fayette, C. H., Ala. W. A. YOUNG, Vernon, Ala. We have this day, entered into a partnership for the purpose of doing a general law practice in the county of Lamar, and to any business, intrusted to us we will both give our earnest personal attention. – Oct. 13, 1884. S. J. SHIELDS – Attorney-at-law and Solicitor in Chancery. Vernon, Alabama. Will practice in the Courts of Lamar and the counties of the District. Special attention given to collection of claims. PHYSICIANS – DENTISTS M. W. MORTON. W. L. MORTON. DR. W. L. MORTON & BRO., Physicians & Surgeons. Vernon, Lamar Co, Ala. Tender their professional services to the citizens of Lamar and adjacent country. Thankful for patronage heretofore extended, we hope to merit a respectable share in the future. Drug Store. Dr. G. C. BURNS, Vernon, Ala. Thankful for patronage heretofore extended me, I hope to receive a liberal share in the future. Largest, cheapest, best stock of dress goods, dress trimmings, ladies & misses jerseys clothing, furnishing goods, knit underwear, boots, shoes, & hats, tin ware, etc., etc., at rock bottom figures at A. COBB & SONS’S. Ad for Pianos and Organs – J. GARRISON of Cullman, Ala. WIMBERELY HOUSE Vernon, Alabama. Board and Lodging can be had at the above House on living terms L. M. WIMBERLEY, Proprietor. ERVIN & BILLUPS, Columbus, Miss. Wholesale and retail dealers in pure drugs, paints, oils, paten Medicines, tobacco & cigars. Pure goods! Low prices! Call and examine our large stock. Go to ECHARD’S PHOTOGRAPH GALLERY, Columbus, Mississippi, when you want a fine photograph or ferrotype of any size or style. No extra charge made for persons standing. Family group and old pictures enlarged to any size. All the work is done in his gallery and not sent North to be done. Has a handsome and cheap line of Picture Frames on hand. Call at his Gallery and see his work when in Columbus. STAR STABLE – Aberdeen, Mississippi. A. A. POSEY & BRO., having consolidated their two Livery Stables, are now offering many additional advantages at this well-known and conveniently located Livery Stable. Owing to their consolidation, they have on hand a number of good second-hand buggies which they are selling cheap. MORGAN, ROBERTSON & CO., Columbus, Mississippi. General dealers in staple dry goods, boots, & shoes, groceries, bagging, ties, etc. etc. Always a full stock of goods on hand at Bottom prices. Don’t fail to call on them when you go to Columbus. Johnson’s Anodyne Liniment…(too small to read). PAGE 3 THE LAMAR NEWS THURSDAY APRIL 29, 1886 TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION One copy one year $1.00 One copy, six months .60 All subscriptions payable in advance LOCAL DIRECTORY CHANCERY COURT THOMAS COBBS Chancellor JAS. M. MORTON Register CIRCUIT COURT S. H. SPROTT Circuit Judge THOS. W. COLEMAN Solicitor COUNTY OFFICERS ALEX. COBB Probate Judge JAMES MIDDLETON Circuit Clerk S. F. PENNINGTON Sheriff L. M. WIMBERLEY Treasurer W. Y. ALLEN Tax Assessor D. J. LACY Tax Collector B. F. REED Co. Supt. of Education Commissioners – W. M. MOLLOY, SAMUEL LOGGAINS, R. W. YOUNG, ALBERT WILSON CITY OFFICERS L. M. WIMBERLEY Mayor and Treasurer G. W. BENSON Marshall Board of Aldermen – T. R. NESMITH, W. L. MORTON, JAS. MIDDLETON, W. A. BROWN, R. W. COBB RELIGIOUS FREEWILL BAPTIST – Pastor –T. W. SPRINGFIELD. Services, first Sabbath in each month, 7 p.m. MISSIONARY BAPTIST – Pastor J. E. COX. Services second Sabbath in each month at 11 am. METHODIST – Pastor – G. L. HEWITT. Services fourth Sabbath in each month. 11 a.m. SABBATH SCHOOLS UNION – Meets every Sabbath at 3 o’clock p.m. JAMES MIDDLETON, Supt. METHODIST – Meets every Sabbath at 3 o’clock p.m. G. W. RUSH, Supt. MAIL DIRECTORY VERNON AND COLUMBUS - Arrives every evening and leaves ever morning except Sunday, by way of Caledonia. VERNON AND BROCKTON – Arrives and departs every Saturday by way of Jewell. VERNON AND MONTCALM – Arrives and departs every Friday. VERNON AND PIKEVILLE – Arrives and (sic) Pikeville every Tuesday and Friday by way of Moscow and Beaverton. VERNON AND KENNEDY – Arrives and departs every Wednesday and Saturday. VERNON AND ANRO – Leaves Vernon every Tuesday and Friday and returns every Wednesday and Saturday. LOCAL BREVITIES Spring oats are looking fine. Eggs are worth 8 c per dozen. Vegetables will soon be plentiful. Butter demands 15 cents per pound. Rev. Mr. Davis of Detroit spent several days in town first of the week. The county jail has no occupant at present. What county can beat that? Mrs. A. A. and Mr. WILLIE SUMMERS left for Columbus today. The Blue Bird singeth, the “Bubmble Bee humeth and the editor yawneth to go a fishing. Miss Mollie and Master Jack Young visited their brother W. A. Young Esq. on first of the week. We were pleased to meet in our town yesterday Mr. JAS. NANCE, of Franklin County. Tax Collector Lacy was paid the Rail Road tax in silver dollars the weight of which broke down his buggy in bringing it from Columbus to this place. Hon. GEO C. ALMON was in town today and his look utterly refutes the report that he is an invalid and can’t live through the canvass. Some men are badly mistaken in supposing they have plenty of back bone; when, in fact, they only possess an excess of brass. The man who makes his wife his best friend and confident will have the benefit of two heads instead of one, and ‘two heads are better than one’ even if one is a woman’s head. LEWIS WAFFORD is decidedly the youngest preacher in this section being but little over 15 years of age. He closed the exercises at the Methodist Church last Sunday in a creditable manner for one so young. We were pleased to receive visit from Dr. J. B. GUIN, of Fayette County on Monday, accompanied by Prof. J. R. BLACK. The Dr. had us to enter his name on our subscription book for the News. We will ever remember with the kindest regard our hospitable host and hostess, Mr. J. BRASHER and his amiable and Christian wife. Their hospitality and kindness will ever cause us to remember them with kindness. Columbus is the home of these good people and should be proud of such citizens. Regret to learn that little POCOAHUNTAS MCCLUSKEY has been quite sick. Dr. GREEN SPRINGFIELD and wife have returned from a visit to Detroit. Remember your Beat Meeting Saturday next at 2 p.m. Rev. G. L. HEWITT held a church conference at his church on Monday last. Miss LULA CAMERON of Starkville, Miss is the guest of Dr. and Mrs. W. L. MORTON. Rev. Mr. HALBROOK preached in the Methodist church on Tuesday night last. Don’t let the interest of some politician cause you to fall our with your friend. We will give a synopsis of the Rev. Sam Jones sermons delivered in Columbus beginning in our next issue. In this issue we call special attention to Franklin’s answer to the Fayette Journal. This year came in on Friday and will go out on Friday and will have fifty=three Fridays. Many of our citizens have much to say of Sam Jones this week, and some have made some good vows openly, caused by his preaching. JAMES T. ALLEN, Vernon, Ala having recently attended the Alabama Normal Music School is prepared to teach classes in Lamar and adjoining counties. Write him for terms and have a class this winter. The county convention should take a vote on the candidates for each office and give each the strength that is due him. We are opposed to the unit rule it is iniquitous and unjust. About thirty Vernonites attended the Jones Small Meetings at Columbus last week’ also a large number from different portions of the county. In this issue appears the law card of S. J. SHIELDS. Capt Shields is well known to most of our readers, and we deem it unnecessary to say anything more than this; than any business intrusted to his care will receive prompt attention. We had the pleasure while in Columbus (to hear Sam Jones) of partaking of and enjoying the hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. SCHULL, their kind consideration toward us was like an oasis and will ever be remembered with pleasure. Mr. Schull is in the warehouse business, storing cotton and should be remembered by Alabamians as the cleverest of men, and his excellent wife for her many good qualities. We hope to see them in our town some day not far distant. Let strict construction democrats remember that the ablest lawyers in the United States Senate, Democrats and Republicans, not only maintained in argument the constitutionality of the Blair Bill but voted for it. Let all Democrats remember that the vote in the Senate on the passage of the bill was three one, and let them remember also that a much larger proportion of the voters of the county favor that measure. – [Montgomery Capital] The president tips the scale at about 300. The idea of Mr. Edmunds tackling a fellow like this! The richest negro in Alabama, who is the richest negro in the South, owns two coal mines, which he leaves to the largest iron manufacturers in the iron districts for $5,000 annually, the negro has nothing to do with it only to present himself monthly for the sum that is due. The iron manufacturers has this property leased for a term of six years at the end of which time he says he would glad to get it for $10,000 a year. The negro is very unassuming and polite. He works hard on a little farm which he owns adjoining the property. – [Birmingham Age] Memphis and Birmingham Railroad Company – Notice is hereby given that by virtue of a commission issue to us by the Secretary of State of the State of Alabama, we will open books of subscription to the capital stock of the Memphis and Birmingham Railroad Company at the court house of the county of Lamar, Alabama, at Vernon on Friday, the 28th day of May, 1886, at 2 o’clock pm. JOHN A GRANT, WM. A. WALKER, M. A. PORTER, Board of Cooperators. SAM JONES Editor Index: Much of curiosity as well as earnest desire mingled in the minds of the audience assembled yesterday morning awaiting the noted Sam Jones. When he at last came up the aisle, in company with Mr. Small, a general hum went through the assemblage. Every eye was beat upon the delicate looking man who has set the world to thinking. Ascending the platform in the same manner he would walk into dinner, dropping sideways in his seat, one hand in his pocket and the other busy with a straw or toothpick, Sam Jones presents a picture of easy nonchalance scarcely indicative of the smouldering fire of pathos, humor and truth which he pours upon the ears of his listeners. While the service of some is in progress one can study his face, where hard work has left its seams, and where former dissipation still leaves a mark. But his eyes, dark, keen and wide awake to everything around, shows that nothing escapes their scrutiny, they act as agents to this thought, carrying the material that uses in making up his eloquent logic. While looking at Sam Jones we can understand how even in a worldly sense should go into a “craze” over him. Speaking of him in this light, it is easy to see how in the present style to worship anything Southern, Sam Jones presents a perfect “love of a study” to the Northern critic, intensely Southern in his looks intensely Southern in the cut and fit of his clothes, intensely Southern in his nasal tones of voice, intensely Southern in his sympathetic impulses, intensely Southern in his fiery utterances as well as his gentle expostulations, he is the typical Southerner, and he does not do discredit to the land we love and honor. Sam Jones takes his text and talks. He talks as naturally as the birds sing, as naturally as the water run’ he is nature and nature in her best moods. He is eloquent. It is the eloquence born of Christian zeal and love, the eloquence that glints and gleams with God’s nature in it threading it through in shining ----. Sam Jones talks. But you never heard such taking ---he pictures God’s great ---from whence we ---“God’s storehouses of love, ----I have wondered where God’s keeps His storehouse of beauty that floods the world today and where keeps His storehouse of music that fills the --- of his songsters.” No matter if Sam Jones does not know where these storehouses are, it is sure that from God’s storehouse of beauty upon rainbow rays of light. He gives to him loveliness of thought and beauty of imaginary. And from His storehouse of music He sends to him the rhythmic flow of thought that finds octave to octave in the heart of who hear Sam Jones is the master of pathos and humor. Carry your handkerchief along your tears will flow, but as they fall and ere you know the change is coming in sunny laughter makes a prism of your tear-drops and your mood has followed the leadership of the man who wills it. Sam Jones believes in laughter, if it is the laughter that has not the ring of Sarah in it, that Talmage preached of Sunday. As God is love, he thinks religion should make men happy. Sam Jones walks upon the platform as he chooses, gestures as the chooses, uses the muscles of his face as he chooses – but he chooses to use them all in an artistically natural way, that raises that the question In his artlessness has he not learned exquisite art? Don’t smile when we say exquisite – we mean just that. Sam Jones abounds in apt illustrations. They fly, fly, fly and never set miss the mark, nor are the shots far between. It is a continual crack of the rifle all the time, and a continual strike upon the center circle. What Sam Jones says holds its place by virtue of its worth in your memory. No fear of your losing it, if your brain is not made of Indian rubber. We will not attempt to give a summary of his sermon in this, suffice it to say it abounded in all those qualities which make it plain as to the why of Sam Jones influence and popularity. We will give in a future issue some of his strong sayings. Let everybody go to hear the great evangelist and wonderful man. M. M. S. COUNTY CONVENTION All Of The Executive Committee To The Democratic Conservative Voters of Lamar County: You are requested to assemble in convention in the town of Vernon on Saturday the 8th day of May next, for the purpose of electing delegates to the State Congressional and Senatorial Convention and to transact such other business as may come before the Convention. The basis of representation is one for each thirty, and fraction over fifteen votes cast for the Democratic candidate for Governor at the last general election. The basis gives the beats the following representation to wit: Town 9 Military Springs 4 Lawrence 3 Betts 4 Sizemore 2 Trulls 3 Browns 3 Vails 2 Henson 2 Millport 3 Goode 1 Steens 3 Millville 4 Stricklands 4 Pine Springs 2 Wilsons 5 Moscow 8 To insure meetings and a full representation in the convention, the voters of the several beats are requested to meet at their place of voting at 2 pm on Saturday, the 1st day of may next, for the purpose of electing delegates to the County Convention. The Committee respectfully and earnestly urge the voters of the county to attend the beat meetings being a part of a State that progress and prosperity are fast bringing into notice we should not through indifference allow the offices of the State to be filled by incompetent men, or turned over to those who once brought our State to shame. Vernon, Ala., April 10th, 1886 By Order of Committee W. A. YOUNG, Chairman. ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SENATOR We are authorized to announce the name of GEORGE C. ALMON of Franklin County, as a candidate for the State Senate from the 12th Senatorial District, composed of the counties of Lamar, Marion, Fayette and Franklin. Subject to the action of the Democratic convention. FOR REPRESENTATIVE We are authorized to announce J. D. MCCLUSKEY as candidate to Represent Lamar County in the next General Assembly. Election next August. We are authorized to announce R. L. BRADLEY as a candidate to represent Lamar County in the next General assembly of Alabama. Election 1st Monday in August. FOR PROBATE JUDGE We are authorized to announce J. E. PENNINGTON as a candidate for the office of Judge of Probate of Lamar County. Election next August. FOR CIRCUIT CLERK We are authorized to announce S. M. SPRUILL as a candidate for the office of Circuit Clerk of Lamar County. Subject to the Democratic Party. Election in August, 1886. We are authorized to announce J. N. MCNEIL as a candidate for the office of Circuit Clerk of Lamar County. Election August next. I hereby announce myself a candidate for the office of Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lamar County. Election in August next. – W. G. MIDDLETON We are authorized to announce W. W. PURNELL as a candidate for Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lamar County. Election next August. To the voters of Lamar County: I hereby announce myself a candidate for the office of Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lamar County, at the approaching August election; and respectfully solicit a liberal share of your votes. Very respectfully. R. E. BRADLEY I hereby announce myself a candidate for the office of Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lamar County, at the approaching August election and respectfully solicit a liberal share of your votes. Very respectfully. JOHN T. BURROW FOR CO. SUPT. OF ED. We are authorized to announce B. H. WILKERSON a candidate for County Superintendent of Education for Lamar County. Election next August. We are authorized to announce B. MCADAMS (cripple) as a candidate for County Superintendent of Education for Lamar County. Election next August. We are authorized to announce W. J. MOLLOY as a candidate for the office of County Superintendent of Education of Lamar County. Election 1st Monday in August. TAX SALE The State of Alabama, Lamar County By virtue of an order of the Probate Court of said county made on the 5th day of April 1886 I, as tax collector of said county, will expose at public sale at the court house door of said county on the 10th day of May 1886 the following lands on so much of them as will be suffieicnet to pay the taxes, penalities and cost due and remaining unpaid there, to wit: (Names include: JAMES OLDSHUE, D. FOWLER, D. FOWLER,, W. R. WEST, Mrs. JOEL GIBSON, M. M. HULL, L. BALENGER’S estate, COL. VERGO, S. RANDOLPH, L. P. HUMBER, C. L. HILL, M. A. HARRIS, ALDRED POE, H. H. HOLLAWAY, S. M. MEEK, G. L. WEST.) This 5th day of April 1886 D. J. LACY, T. C. MASONIC: Vernon Lodge, No. 588, A. F. and A. M. Regular Communications at Lodge Hall 1st Saturday, 7 pm each month. – J. D. MCCLUSKEY, W. M. M. W. MORTON, Sec. Vernon Lodge, NO 45, I. O> G. F. Meets at Lodge Hall the 2d and 4th Saturdays at 7 ½ pm each month. - W. G. MIDDLETON, N. G. - M. W. MORTON, Sect’y Catarrh of the nose and head can be easily, quickly, pleasantly cured. The Francis Catarrh Cure will positively and effectually cure in a few days any case. A package, more than enough to surety and infallibly cure any case, sent post paid by mail for one dollar by M. Francis, Washington, D. C. State of Alabama, Lamar County Probate Court, April 1st, 1886 In the matter of the estate of Joel B. GIBSON, decease, it appearing to the Court upon the examination of the proof and papers submitted, that said estate is insolvent. It is therefore ordered by the Court that Thos. B. NESMITH, Administrator of said estate, file his amount, vouchers and evidence, and that he make settlement of his administration on the 31st day of May next, when and where all parties interested can contest the same if they think proper. ALEXANDER COBB, Judge of Probate NOTICE OF SETTLEMENT The State of Alabama, Lamar County Probate Court, April 19, 1886 Estate of ARTHUR T. YOUNG, deceased, this day came W. A. YOUNG, administrator of the estate of S. G. YOUNG, deceased who was administrator of estate of A. T. YOUNG, deceased, and filed his statement, accounts and vouchers for final settlement of his administration over and estate of A. T. YOUNG. It is ordered that the 7th day of May, AD 1886 be appointed a day on which to make such settlement. at which time all persons interested can appear and contest the said settlement if they think proper. ALEXANDER COBB Judge of Probate of said county. NOTICE TO DELINQUENT PAYERS D. J, LACY, Tax Collector of Lamar County, Alabama, has this day filed in my office a list of Defaulting tax payers for the year 41885 and the 1st Monday in May 1886, being a day for examining and pass upon said report and rendering decrees for the sale of any or all of lands assessed and reported as above to pay the taxed due on said lands, to wit: (Owner unknown). When and where all persons interested in any of said lands can contest said report if they see proper. ALEXANDER COBB, Judge of Probate ADMINISTRATOR’S SALE By virtue of an order of the Probate Court of Lamar County to me direct, I will expose for sale at public outcry at Kennedy on the 1st day of May next, the following described lands belonging to the estate of C. K. COOK, deceased, to wit: 17 acres more or less off of the west side of the N W ¼ of N E ¼ Sec 15 T 17 R 14 and SW ¼ of SE ¼ and SE ¼ of SW1/4 of a W ¼ Sec 15 T 17 and R 14; also about six acres east of the branch including all the dry land in SE ¼ of NE ¼ Sec 19 T 17 R 14. Said sale will be made for one-sixth in cash and the remainder on a credit of twelve months from day of sale. This the 3rd day of April, 1886. - J. G. TRULL, Adm’r estate of C. K. COOK Ad for Chicago Scale Co. Ad for Tutt’s Pills Ad for Chicago Cottage Organ Ad for Smith’s Bile Beans Ad for Paint Ad for Avery Sewing Machine Ad for New Home Sewing Machine Ad for Collins Ague Cure PAGE 4 THE ZOUAVES’ GOAT AND HOW HE OVERTHREW THE COMMANDING OFFICER A Remarkable Quadruped that Lacked Respect for Rank “I never see a goat” remarked Col. Fred Martin of the Brooklyn elevated the other day, “but I am reminded of a beautiful animal once owned by Billy Wilson’s Zouaves. I can’t truthfully assert that Billy owned the goat; he didn’t. It belonged to the regiment, but as Billy owned the regiment it’s pretty much the same thing,. That goat was a joy forever, and his peculiar talents were largely enhanced by the disinterred efforts of his numerous friends in Billy Wilson’s command. “I made the acquaintance while campaigning along the northern Gulf shore. Billy’s crowd were penned up as a garrison in Fort Pickens, and the rebs held all the Florida coast, so that the butternut gunners at Fort Barrancas used to amuse themselves plumping shells into the sand heap on which Pickens stood. Santa Rosa Island’s it name, a real pretty name for a horrible locality. About the only thing those shells accomplished besides keeping the hands of the gunners in was to spoil the parade ground. Every time one exploded it would blow out a hole big enough to hide four cows in, and this just worried Gen. Israel Vogdex, who was commandant there, until he couldn’t stand it any longer, and he set Billy’s men to work with shovels filling up the holes, and as there was a fresh crop every day, Billy’s men got pretty tired. They weren’t fond of work any way. You see, about 500 of them had died or been killed off before they struck Pickens, but hose left were game chickens, and didn’t take kindly to shoveling. ‘It was not on Santa Rosa – just the place for Billy’s men to get acclimated in. Vogdex was the best read man in the army and he didn’t take kindly to the boys’ social ways and they took pains with the able assistance of the Confederate gunners, to keep down their exuberant spirits. One day, when a gang of ‘em were toying with a sand pit, and filling it at the rate of about one shovelful in two hours, the general rushes out from his casement, hauls the lazy detachment up in line, and goes for them baldheaded. He wasn’t mor’n five feet tall, Israel wasn’t, but as he was most as thick and as wide, he made up for it. Standing on the edge of the crater, in a costume that was mostly trousers, he lectured, stooping lower with every point laid down. “As it was, he made a lovely target, and that cussed goat who was loafing in the parade got on the range, and all of a sudden, after many skips, jerks, and prances, he let himself off, and hit the General like a 15-inch round shot, piling him head first into the hole. “It was an awful moment for Billy’s men. There’s a time to laugh, the Scripture says, and Billy’s men thought it was there, but they didn’t dare grasp the opportunity and they feared for the goat whom they loved. Vogdez was awful mad. He made Billy promise to have the goat massacred, and Billy gave the order, but it was never executed. – [New York Sun] A HEATED HUNTER Of all the native birds in Florida none is more interesting than the Heron tribes. The king of all these tribes is the great Blue Heron. It grows to an extraordinary size. Captain Dummitt, who planted the most noted orange grove in the State killed one on a bayou near Mosquito Lagoon fifteen years ago which measured nine feet seven inches from the point of its bill to the tips of tits toes. The coastwise bayous and lagoons are usually dotted with small mangrove islands. In South Florida the mangrove grown to a height of sixty and eighty feet, but north of Cape Canaveral it is a gnarled bush from then to fifteen feet high. The bushes cover the little islands as hair covers a man’s scalp. The islands are veritable thickets, and woe betide the an who is lost in them for they are infested with sand flied, red bugs, mosquitoes and scorpions. Creeks, intense in crookedness and of uneven tide, wind among these islands like the paths of a labyrinth. These solitary creeks are the favorite fishing grounds of the great blue heron. Some of the happiest days of my life have been spent in hunting the bird in these haunts. Seated in the bow of a Canadian canoe, with my gun on my knees and a guide in the stern, I was wisely poled over the winding creeks beneath the arching mangroves. At sharp turns there was frequently a scream of afright. Huge wings were unfolded. The great bird wafte4d itself into the air, and was brought to earth by a shot well aimed. It is dangerous sport, however, for a stranger. Even the best of guides are sometimes lost in the green labyrinth and suffer untold tortures. Unpracticed hunts are apt to lose their eyes; for the beak of the great Blue Heron is as sharp as a needle, and his long neck masks immense sweep and great power. The bird strikes with marvelous precision and with the rapidity of lightning. When wounded it is especially dangerous. I was once struck on the cheek within half an inch of the eye. The blow was made by a crippled snowy heron on an island in Lake Worth. It was just after twilight. The darkness saved my eye. I was in a thicket looking for birds that I had shot while on other wing. I saw a snowy spot in the undistinguishable foliage, and took it for a dead bird. As I stopped to pick it up my cheek was pierced as though receiving a thrust from a stiletto. This adventure made me extremely cautious while hunting herons, and finally let to a laughable scene. In the spring of 1875 I was encamped in the heart of Turnbull Swamp, about eight miles from the head of Indian River. The weather was very dry and there was much less water in the swamp than usual. I was hunting paroquets, wild turkeys, wood ducks, deer, bears, wild-cats and pumas. The swamp is streaked with savannas a hundred yards wide and miles in extent. Deer becoming scarce in my vicinity I set a savanna on fire one morning while on a turkey hunt. After the burning of the dead grass the new crop would serve to bait the deer within a fortnight. At sunset I was miles away from camp. At dusk I saw several gobblers fly into a grove of tall cypresses and marked them with the intention of returning in the morning at daylight and shooting them from the trees. The redden sky gave me bearings on my way back to camp. After wading for ten minutes through mud and water, listing to the doleful music of a death owl, I emerged upon the burning savanna. The sky was overcast. It was as dark as Erebus. A brisk south wind was driving the fire northward. The flames were leaping over the tall, dry grass, and tingling the clouds and the tops of the cypresses an orange hue. Suddenly I saw in the lurid light far above me four great Blue Herons. They were in line, flapping their wings with the precision of machinery. Instinctively I drew my gun to my shoulder. On inspiration I discharged it, for the “sight” was invisible. The second barrel did good work. The third heron in the line stopped, fell ten feet, and came swooping toward the ground in great circles. I saw that the bird would drop some distance away, and ran forward to mark the spot. But the burnt part of the savanna, despite the lurid light form the rolling wave of fire in the south, was as black as the bellying darkness of the clouds. I heard the bird strike the earth with a thud, but did not see where it fell. The black ashes of the burnt grass were ankle deep. I searched for the prize, but did not find it. I was perplexed. Suddenly a feathery form arose from the ashes ten feet away. It seemed to hover above me. It was the heron. It had elevated the white plume on its head as an angry cockatoo draws forward its topknot. The plume alone could be distinctly seen in the darkness. With a blood- curdling scream the tall bird darted for me. I knew the danger. On the spur of the moment I turned and ran toward the blazing savanna. The bird gave chase, screaming frightfully at every jump. I divined the situation. Its wing was broken, and it was thoroughly infuriated. If it struck me in the rear with its sharp and powerful beak I fancied that its head would go through me. In my haste to secure my prey I had neglected to withdraw the empty shells form the fowling-piece. It would not do to stand the chance of a fight by using the gun as a club for it was so dark that I could not gauge the bird’s distance; besides the bird would be facing the light, and I would be facing the darkness. I continued my retreat; I ran as thought he veil one was after me. In my flight I threw open the barrels of may gun, and drew out the empty shells. In made haste I reloaded and relocked the barrels, still running at the top of my speed. When I stooped, wheeled about and banged away with both barrels. The bird shrieked worse than ever and was untouched. Again I sped toward the burning grass. I had regained my composure, however. Fear gave way to mirth. I laughed outright at the absurdity of the situation, blessing my stars that no friends were near to chaff me. Again I reloaded the gun, turned and fired. I was on the verge of the blazing canes, and had a fair view of my pursuer. At the second shot the heron fell, and the impetus from it s speed was so great that it came against me, legs, wings, neck and beak, in a limp lump. I had shot it through the neck. It head was attached by the skin of the neck alone. I carried the prize to camp. It plummage was the perfection of feathery beauty. Old Conner, my guide, was awaiting my return with a supper of roasted venison and yams. The bird was so tall that Conner fastened its beak to the back of my coat-collar, drew the neck over my head, and the feet touched the ground. He afterward severed the head from the neck, and hurled it across the fire at the trunk of the palmetto. I have never seen performers at a circus handle a knife in a similar way – the sharp beak entered the tree, and stood quivering there like a heavy handled bodkin; and for all that I know it remains there to this day.- {Amos J. Cummings in the Cook] Edison claims that in the new phonograph upon which he is now at work, the sound will be amplified four times louder than the human voice. CURIOUS FACTS ABOUT FLOWERS Within the Antarctic Circle there has never a flowering plant been found. In the arctic region there are seven hundred and sixty-two kinds of flowers; fifty of these are confined to the arctic region. They are really polar flowers. The colors of these polar flowers are not as bright and varied as are our own, most of them being white or yellow, as if borrowing these hardy hues form their snowy begs and golden stars. Perhaps the most beautiful of all our everlasting, that longest defy the autumn frosts and most brightens our winter bouquets are white and yellow varieties. The rose of Florida, the most beautiful of flowers, has no perfume. The cypress of Greece, the finest of trees, bears no fruit. The bird of paradise, the most beautiful of birds, gives no song; and some of the loveliest of human forms have the least soul. The Dioroside family of flowers, Ruskin tells us, including the five great orders – lilies, asphodels, amarlyids, trids, and rushes – have more varied and beautiful influence on man than any other tribe of flowers. Nature seems to have made flowers as types of character and emblems of women. So we name our children after them, and always intuitively compare a lovely, beautiful child to a flower; we say the timid snowdrop, the modest violet, the languid primrose, the coy lily, the flaunting marigold, the lowly , blushing daisy, the proud foxglove, the deadly night-shade, sleepy poppy, and the sweet, solitary agiantine – these are all types. IT HAD TO COME Col. P. Doman, the Dakota statesman, and the one who has done so much to encourage the immigration of unmarried women to the Territory, while remaining whole-hearted himself, has written a letter to the Fargo Argus and confessed his condition. How a Dakota man feels when he is enamored may best be inferred from this quotation: “The daintiest, ravishingest, enchantingest of pedals terrestrial. In visions of the night, before my moonstruck eyes, float in many dance a long, unceasing whirl of tiny goiter boots. I’m bewitched, I’m begaiter-booted. O, star of the strickenhearted, beam softly down upon me! For – I’m struck! Hurlyburly, ringed, streaked, and striped style of pleasure and pain, of bliss and of anguish, of certainty and doubt, contradiction and truth, despondency and hope, of ecstasy and of despair, I endure thee. For I’m struck! O, Chambermaid of Juno! Struck! Struck! Stu-u-uck! By a remorseless, flirty, peerless young damsel, who won’t be my valentine! And the first six letters of her name are ---‘ but I hardly think I’ll tell. She is the ideal mistress of a Dakota claim shanty – the goddess, the tutelary divinity, seen only in dreams, of a Devil’s Lake shack! She is the incomparable, unfeeling young damsel, who won’t be my valentine, and won’t have me for here. A divorce suit came before the tribunal of Frankfort-on-the-Main a few days ago in which the parties craved for a dissolution of marriage on the ground of incompatibly of temper. The Judge decreed a temporary separation of the couple for two years, after which they are to recommence their married life, and if, after a few months’ experience, they find their reunion a failure, the court will be prepared to reconsider the decision. Hon. Wm. Mutchler, member of Congress from the 10th Pennsylvania District, certifies that he had personal experience of the efficacy of Red Star Cough Cure. No morphia or opium. Price, twenty-five cents. A Kentucky paper states that one of the patrons has not closed his eyes in sleep for six months. What’s the matter with him – blind in one eye or got his property heavily mortgaged? The dream of the socialist is to live without labor. This we cannot do, but we can live without pain. St. Jacob’s Oil, which cures rheumatism and neuralgia conquers it. A man recently committed suicide in England because he thought his wife was too good for him. This will be queer reading to some Americans. A New York scientist has been trying for several years, without success, to discover a means of making the shells of eggs transparent without injury to their hatching qualities. It is needless to say he has not taken the right course. What he wants to do is to stop fooling with the eggs, and persuade the hens themselves to use gelatin or something else for shells that a body can see through. An English lady has arrived at Orlando, Fla with nine children, a parrot, and forty pieces of baggage. What became of her husband is not positively known, but it is surmised that the poor man took to the woods at the first favorable opportunity. The young man of today who claims to know more than Solomon does not go to the ant with a willing spirit to obtain wisdom as that wise man enjoined, but goes to the “uncle” with his overcoat to see how much he can raise on it. The man with a liver like a tramp will have to stump a round considerably before he can find a sadder subject for contemplation than the face of the Hackman at a funeral. ADVERTISEMENTS File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/lamar/newspapers/thelamar840gnw.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/alfiles/ File size: 72.1 Kb