Lamar County AlArchives News.....The Lamar News June 17, 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 May 7, 2006, 7:48 pm The Lamar News June 17, 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, JUNE 17, 1886 VOL. III. NO. 33 THE DIFFERENCE – Poem – [Anthony Morehead in the Century] AN EASTER GIFT – Short Story – [Helen Forrest Graves] LIFE IN LIBERIA A correspondent at Brewersville, Liberia, writing to the Gate City (Mo.) Press, says: This place (Brewersville) is fifteen miles from Monrovia. It is fifteen years old. I t is the largest settlement in Liberia outside of Monrovia. All the people who have emigrated out here in the last ten or fifteen years have settled in this place. The people in the settlement are poor, and one isn’t able to help the other in a business sense of view. There are no horses, no mules, and no oxen in the whole settlement. They have to do all the farm work with the hoe, the rake, and the ax. I have been out here now six months. People are in a suffering condition for something to ear and for clothes to wear. There isn’t any doctor in this settlement; the settlement is too poor to support one. The inhabitants number 556. Calico is 25 cents per yard. A common laborer, when he can get work to do, receives 25 cents per day. Pickled pork is 25 cents per pound, shoulder meat 25 cents per pound. All the flour and meat used here is imported from England and America. Corn meal is 10 cents per quart. Common flour is $15 per barrel. This is the greatest place for sores I ever saw. There is here an insect; its name is jiger; it is very dangerous. I have seen grown people and children too, with their toes eaten off. Shoes are more needed here than in America. It is necessary to wear shoes all the time so as to protect your feet from these insects. The people are unable to keep shoes on their children all the time, and a good many of them have to wear sore feet all the year round. My boy’s feet have been so sore he could hardly walk. The only way the settlers have to make any money here is by raising and selling coffee. It will take a newcomer like myself from five to six years to get a coffee farm in trim for selling coffee. The public schools are in a poor condition. There is a class of people here who do not want the true condition of things written back home. They say if the people want to know ho times are over here, let them come and see for themselves. BICYCLING ON A FRROZEN CANAL “I took a spin up a canal in Pennsylvania once,” said a wheelman. “The surface was smooth, but had been scored a little by sharp skates and the particles of ice were blowing up and down the canal. I ran up in the face of the wind, and got along famously for half a mile. Then my wheel began to skip and I made no headway. Noticing that the rubber tire was encrusted with the fine particles of ice, I started to turn about and run down before the wind. The moment I swerved from a straight line the machine went from under me and I rode down the tow-path with a bruised thigh and a broken crank.” – [New York Tribune] CONSCIENTIOUS “Eugenia, didn’t I tell you an hour ago to send that young man of yours home?” “Yes, papa, dear.” “But he went out just now – I heard him – “ “Yes, papa, dear; but he went the first time, and then he found he’d taken your umbrella by mistake and so he came to bring it back. Dear George is so conscientious.” – [Puck] REV. SAM JONES – A PEN PORTRAIT OF THE NOTED SOUTHERN REVIVALIST A Sketch of His Career and a Few Samples of His Sayings The Rev. Sam P. Jones has achieved wide fame as an evangelist. He was born in Chambers County, Alabama Oct. 16, 1847. Soon after, his parents removed to his future home, Cartersville, Ga. Mr. Jones is of eminently religious parentage. He adopted his father’s profession of law after receiving an excellent education. An excess of animal spirits caused the future preacher to become dissipated. He sunk lower and lower. When he now preaches against intoxicants, gambling, and other dissipations he knows what he is talking about. Mr. Jones’ father, on his dying bed, made a last appeal to the better manhood of his son. The finer nature of the man was touched, and he reformed. He realized the horrors of the pit from which he had escaped, and therefore all the more besought others to do right. He was intolerant of the vices of society and the inconsistencies of Christians. His plain speaking made him many enemies, yet his evident sincerity gained him high respect. In October 1872, Mr. Jones joined the North Georgia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. He remained from two to three years on several circuits. Gradually it dawned on him and his friends that he could do the most effective work as an evangelist. In 1880 Mr. Jones was appointed agent of the orphan’s home of his conference. He soon placed it in a prosperous condition. There is a reminder here of over a century ago, when George Whitefield went up and down the land preaching and raising funds for his orphan home in Georgia. Mr. Jones then extended his field. After many successful meetings in various Southern states, he attracted the attention of the Rev. T. DeWitt Talmage, who had him conduct a revival at the Brooklyn Tabernacle. After more work in the South, Mr. Jones spent a month in St. Louis recently. He is engaged for months ahead. Mr. Jones is tall and rather good-looking. He is deliberate in speech, and is something of an orator. Although he sometimes indulges in slang to drive home a truth, he is a master of the speech of the common people. He is witty, sarcastic, humorous, pathetic, elegant, whenever he wishes to be. To crown all, he is forever in earnest, always persuasive, and never loses the object of his discourses to save souls. Mr. Jones has met with great success. His meetings produce intense interest. He is everywhere indorsed by leading orthodox ministers. In the South he has been provided with an immense tent, holding thousands. At Nashville and other cities it was jammed every day for weeks. About 1872 Mr. Jones was married to Miss Laura McElwain, of Eminence, Ky. Many of Mr. Jones’ sayings are of the kind that stick in the memory, and not a few are clear-cut gems of counsel. He may be reckless of speech, but he in some way manages to make a good many center shots. Here are some of Sam’s sayings: “There is just as much religion in laughing as in crying.” “I have never heard of a man getting up in meeting anywhere and confessing that he was selfish or avaricious.” “An obedience that dares to go, that dares to suffer, and dares to do. That is what we want.” “Red liquor and Christianity won’t stay in the same hid at the same time.” “I like some folks that have got some laugh in them. There is nothing to be done with a dead crowd.” “One preacher told me he got down on his knees one evening and prayed to heaven to God Almighty to straighten out Brother Jones and change him in a few things and that he would be a good preacher if that could be done. He prayed until about sundown, and got off his knees and the Lord seemed to say to him. “Well, I heard you praying for Jones, and if I was to take all those things away from him her would be no more account than you are.” He said it like to scare him to death, and he never prayed on that line since.” – [St. Louis Globe-Democrat] No, Ethel when you hear of a young girl having made a good “match” it doesn’t signify that she has got something that will get up every morning and light the fire. The young man who imprinted a respectful kiss on the fair forehead of his best girl told his friend next day that he had been having a bangup time. REAWAKENED MEMORY Two years ago a young man living in a Vermont village, having finished his academical education was ready to enter college. But just before the day appointed for his examination he was taken ill. After several weeks of suffering he slowly recovered his health, but discovered that his mind had lost the knowledge acquired by six years of hard study. Latin, Greek, and mathematics all were gone, and his mind was a blank in respects to his preparatory studies. His doctor prescribed that he should rest his mind and familiarize himself with a few simple details of light work. He obeyed the advice, and found in his old habit of doing things carefully the schoolmaster that brought back his old knowledge. Before his illness the young man, in order to earn a little money, had taken care of the village church, sweeping it out, cleaning the lamps and doing all the work of a sexton. He now resumed this work and by the physicians’ advice tried to keep his mind from puzzling itself about its loss of memory. Several weeks went by without bringing any change in his mental condition. One Sunday evening a stranger entered the church and as the sermon was a dull one, gazed carelessly around until his attention was attracted by the lamps on the wall. He noticed that all the wicks were so carefully trimmed that there was not an irregular flame to be seen. He wondered as to who could be the careful sexton, and happening to be in the place the following Sunday he again noticed the same uniform trimming of the wicks. Passing the church the next day and seeing the door open, he walked quietly in and saw the sexton sweeping out the central aisle. Looking closely at the young man, the stranger said: “Do you do all the work about the church?” “Yes, sir.” “Do you trim the lamps?” “Yes sir.” “Why do you trim them in such a peculiar way?” “I don’t know what you mean.” “Why, the flames are alike.” “Oh, but they ought to be. You would not have them uneven, would you>” “No,” answered the stranger, with a smile, “but it speaks well for your carefulness. Why, I should think one of the flames would fit all the others exactly if it were superimposed on them.” “Superimposed? Isn’t that word used in geometry?” “Certainly. If polygons, having equal sides and angles ---“ Before the stranger could finish his sentence the student threw down his broom, rushed frantically out of the church, ran across the street and into the house, where he astonished his mother by exclaiming, in tones of triumph: “Mother, I know that the square of the hypotenuse of a right angle triangle is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides?” In a moment his school knowledge had come back to him, flashed into his mind by the mention of the superimposed figures. – [Philadelphia Call] FORTY-SIX YEARS IN ONE PULPIT Dr. George Jeffrey, of Glasgow, where he has preached upward of forty- sox years, is reported to have explained the secret of his being able to maintain an unbroken ministry in the same place so long to one of the former members of his church, who is now a merchant in New York. “I read,” says Dr. Jeffrey, “every new book that has a bearing upon my special work, and make extracts from it and index them , so at any moment I can find them when wanted. In this way I keep myself from moving in a rut. I work as hard as I used to do at twenty, and I keep so far ahead with my sermons that there are always ten or fifteen unfinished ones lying in my drawer ready to receive the results of my latest readings. I call them ‘sleeping sermons’ but it s they that sleep, and not the people who hear them.” – [Christian Leader] A JAPANESE ADVERTISEMENT A bookseller in Tokio, Japan , desiring to sell his wares, thus advertised them in the newspapers. The advantages of our establishment – 1, Prices cheap as a lottery. 2, Books elegant as a singing girl. 3, Print clear as crystal. 4, Paper tough as elephant’s hide. 5, Customers treated as politely as by the rival steamship companies. 6,. Articles as plentiful as in a library. 7, Good despatched (sic) as expeditiously as a cannon ball. 8, Parcels done up with as much care as that bestowed on her husband by a loving wife. 9, all defects, such as dissipation and idleness, will be cured in young people paying us frequent visits, and they will become solid ones. 10, The other advantages we offer are too many for language to express. SODOM AND GOMORRAH – Poem – [Franklin E. Denton in the Current] HUMOROUS A delicate parcel – A lovely young lady wrapt up in herself. The population of the Southern states doubles every watermelon season. Why is the figure nine like a peacock? Because it is nothing without its tail. It would seem as if “rifle matches” were the right kind for burglar’s use. “This requires head work,” as the barber said when preparing for a shampoo. Woman is not much of a philosopher, but she is proverbially a clothes observer. “My motto is, ‘Live and let live;” said the soldier, as he turned his back to the enemy and fled from the battlefield. A new make of stove is called “The Infant.” It is not supposed to be a self- feeder. Dr. Hammond says” “In another thousand years we will be bald.” Well, in another thousand years we won’t care if we are. “Won’t you stay to dinner, Dick?” “Thanks – don’t know but I will. Do you know, Harry, I’m so hungry tonight I could eat anything.” Girls desiring to have small mouths should very frequently repeat rapidly, “Fanny Finch fried five flounder fish for Frances Fowler’s father.” Young wife – John, Mother says she wants to be cremated. Young husband – Tell her if she’ll get on her things I’ll take her down this morning. A man was arrested the other day for stealing a mirror, and pleaded that he ought to be fined, not imprisoned, s he had simply taken a glass too much. Merchant (somewhat angrily to bookkeeper) – I want you to mind your own business, sir. Now remember that. Bookkeeper (quietly) – I was under the impression that you paid me to mind yours, sir. GOVERNOR’S ISLAND A New York letter to the Troy Times thus describes Governor’s Island, where General Hancock died. Governor’s Island, which contains about fifty acres, was originally called Nutten Island, from the abundance of nuts grown there. It was purchased by the federal government soon after the opening of the present century, and has since then been an important post. If front the harbor, and is separated form this city by the East River, which here is a half-mile wide. A narrow but rapid estuary called Buttermilk Channel separates it from Brooklyn, and the island is only reached by a government ferry, which crosses the East River at the Battery. Governor’s Island is considered the most desirable military station (for a residence_ in the country, being very healthy, and then so convenient to this city that all the pleasures of the latter ware within easy reach. On the extreme west stands a showy structure of stone called Castle William, whose embrasures and cannon have a defiant look, but really they are of no defensive power against a foreign fleet. In the center of the island, however, is a star fort of the most perfect character, and near by are the officer’s dwellings, one of which now contains the honored corpse. Governor’s Island first came into active use during the Mexican war, when it was a place of encampment for our volunteers. During the civil war, however, the number was increased to a vast extent, and often 20,000 men were camped there, awaiting orders. It will henceforth have a news and impressive prominence in the history of one of the greatest of modern heroes. PAGE 2 THE LAMAR NEWS THURSDAY JUNE 17, 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. DEMOCRATIC AND CONSERVATIVE NOMINEES – STATE TICKET For Governor – THOS. SEAY of Hale For Secretary of State – CHARLES C. LANGDON of Mobile For Treasurer – FRED R. SMITH of Dallas For Attorney General – THOMAS N. MCCLELLAN of Limestone For Auditor – MALCOLM C. BURKE of Marengo For Superintendent of Education – SOLOMON PALMER of Marshall For Chief Justice of Supreme Court – GEORGE W. STONE of Montgomery For Associate Justices – H. M. SOMERVILLE of Tuskaloosa DAVID CLOPTON of Montgomery Democratic Nominee For State Senator, 12th Senatorial District – Hon. GEO. C. ALMON of Franklin Thomas Seay was nominated governor by the greatest convention that ever assembled in Alabama. The convention was one of the best that ever assembled in the state. Besides being the largest that was ever held the delegates remained to the end, and at the hour of adjournment nearly as many were in the city as one the day of assembling. The Chicago Inter-Ocean makes the point that while it’s all right for the matrimonially incline young man to find out whether the young girl can cook, it is also in order for the young girl to find out if the youth has the qualifications for getting something to cook. The President and his bride have returned to Washington, much to the disgust of sundry reporters, who have been busily engaged in telling sixty millions of anxious people what Cleveland ate for breakfast, how many trout he caught in Senator Davis’ pond, and what sort of gloves he wore when he went walking. E. Vickery wants to know “Why will not Mr. Almon and his party agree to a primary election, and let us all harmonize, and preserve the Democratic Party of the District?” Mr. Vickery, why did not Mr. Sanford accept the proposition Judge Almon made to him before either were nominate, to leave it to a primary election so that all could “harmonize, and preserve the democratic party of the District?” THE NOMINEES In this issue we raise to our masthead the names of the Democratic and Conservative Nominees of the State. The Hon. Thos. Seay, the nominee for Governor is the only one of the executive officers not now filling the position for which he was nominated. His many years of legislative experience and his familiarity with all the interests and wants of the state is a sufficient guarantee that he will make a faithful guardian of the people’s rights. Col. C. C. Langdon is chosen to continue as Secretary of State, which office he has filled to the satisfaction of all. When he was appointed by Gov. O’Neal to succeed Mr. Phelan almost every man in Alabama endorsed it, and his nomination is simply the ratification of the public will. The re-nomination of the Hon. T. N. McClellan, without opposition, for Attorney General is in accord with the fitness of things. He is one of the jewels in the crown of the young Democracy. It would have been useless for nay man to contest with the Hon. Fred H. Smith for the office of Treasurer, as every one knows that as long as he has charge of the keys, that the right man is in the right place. There have been many improvements made by the Hon. M. C. Burks as Auditor, in matters hitherto overlooked, and every one has rebounded to the interest of the state. The Hon. Sol Palmer has proven himself worthy of the position he holds as Superintendent of Education, and the convention recognized his ability by unanimously re-nominating him. The Alabama Republican Convention will meeting in Montgomery on Wednesday, 233rd Inst. The Georgetown, Mass., Advocate take pleasure in recording the repetition of the birth in one family of triplets, two boys and a girl, the latter dying soon after its birth. The Georgetown Advocate is a cheerful idiot – [Age] One of the delegates of that “family mass meeting” through the Sanford Journal of Fayette, asks: “Is not Mr. McNatt, who publishes the Lamar News, a Franklin county man, or late from the at county, and was he always a Democrat?” With pleasure we answer the above questions. The publisher of the Lamar News is a Franklin County man, having lived in the grand old county twenty-one out of twenty-six years of his existence. We have always been a Democrat, and to you Mr. Vickery, we will pay $100 to prove to the contrary. ‘THE YOUNG DEMOCRACY’ – Nominate Hon. THOS. SEAY for Governor Montgomery, Ala. June 11, 1886 The Democratic Convention composed seven hundred and twenty-three representative Alabamaians adjourned sine die at four p.m. today. The Hon. Thos. Seay of Hale was nominated on the twenty-ninth ballot with Clayton and Dawson in the field. Mr. Seay was called the boys candidate and the old politicians predicted that his race would end in a few ballots and they seemed utterly bewildered when they fou8nd that they were completely captured. The nomination of Mr. Seay was the spontaneous outburst of sentiment from the people of the entire state. And it is a fact that it was expressed through the “Young Democracy” as it is duped this political center. The politicians of the old school have played out in Alabama; their old tricks are not regarded as being more than chaff. Mr. Seay was the second choice of all the state. It was said on the floor that no man during the entire canvass had heard an unkind word about Mr. Seay. When Mr. Seay goes among the people and they feel his wonderful personal magnetism they too will take on the same enthusiasm as was exhibited in the convention. The present incumbents in the other office were re- nominated for their respective positions without exception. The Vernon Courier of last week says: “Sanford will get but few Republican or Independent votes in the district if the race remains between him and Almon, and this will be the race unless Almon consents to submit to a primary election or some other way of adjustment.” This is very good neighbor so far as it goes. You should have added “or Democrats.” The true phase of the campaign today and there is not use of trying to dodge the question, Sanford will get but few Republican, Independent or Democratic votes in the district. We have frequently heard Republicans say that they had rather vote for a regular Democratic nominee than to vote for a man “astraddle of the fence.” ALABAMA NEWSPAPERS The American Newspaper Directory for 1886 published by Messrs Geo. P. Rowell & Co., No 10 Spruce Street, New York, reveals the following interesting facts concerning the Newspapers of this state. Since the Directory was published there have been a few changes but the statistics are substantially correct. There are in Alabama 141 newspapers, of which 11 are dailies, 1 semi- weekly, 123 weeklies, 2 semi-monthlies and 7 monthlies. 130 are secular in character, 5 religious, 6 devoted to education, 1 to agriculture, 1 to society interests and 1 is a commercial journal, 74 are democratic in politics, 53 are independent or their political complexion is not states, 2 are republican and 1 advocates prohibition. 1 weekly is published in German language, 8 dailies and 6 weeklies are published on Sunday, 2 weeklies are issued on Monday, 5 on Tuesday, 23 on Wednesday, 46 on Thursday, 23 on Friday, and 18 on Saturday, the combined circulation is 100,000 copies in round numbers. There are 81 different names used in the main titles of these papers, News, Times, Herald, Gazette, Democrat, and Mail are most frequently used, and in the order named. There are only 17 papers now published in this state that were in existence before the war. The Huntsville Mercury, established in 1815, is the oldest weekly and the Mobile Register, the oldest daily. The following have been in existence at least 50 years: Huntsville Mercury, Florence Gazette, Mobile Register, Montgomery Advertiser, Moulton Advertise, Selma Times, Greensboro Beacon, Tuscumbia Alabamian and Jacksonville Republican. SANFORD’S DEMOCRACY It will be remembered by our readers that the News of the 3rd inst. contained the following: The Franklin Democrat asks Mr. Sanford how long has he been a democrat? Mr. Sanford in reply, says, “As to how long I have been a democrat, I answer that I have never voted any other than a democratic ticket in life. Who ever assets the contrary utters a BASE LIE.” “We the Lamar News ask of Mr. Sanford did he not say to a friend, now a citizen of Lamar, that you had never voted for but one republican, and that for your father when he was a Republican candidate for the legislature from Jefferson County in 1869?” The Courier of last week commenting upon the above question charges the News with “going to prove that Sanford is a Republican for voting for his father in 1869.” The News had no intention of charging Mr. Sanford with Republicanism for voting for his father, nor would any fair-minded man as have construed it, however “a drowning man will catch at a straw.” We only desired to show who was guilty of uttering the “BASE LIE.” STATE TEACHER’S INSTITUTE - [Florence Gazette] The sessions of the Institute have continued this week, with unabated interest on the part of all concerned. The number of teachers enrolled to date is about 150, representing some 45 counties and several of our city organizations. Outside of the regular work of the several members of the Faculty, which ahs been both interesting and improving, Prof. T. J. Lamar, of Prattville, delivered on Monday night an excellent lecture on “Methods of teaching grammar.” Prof. W. W. Seals, of Montgomery was to deliver on last night, on “School Discipline” but was unavoidably prevented from coming here. He, however, sent forward his lecture to be read before the Institute. Next week, Rev. J. J. Barclay, of Lawrence, Prof. W. T. Hendon, of Montgomery, and other fine speakers, will favor us with lectures well worth hearing. It is intended to have an excursion to the Shoals today, a pleasant and novel trip to many of our visitors. “Ah, said Jehokas, taking his friend’s baby, “he has got his mother’s eyes – and my hair,” he added, as the prodigy grabbed him by the fore-top. NOTICE - Memphis and Birmingham Railroad Company. The subscribers to the capital stock of the Memphis and Birmingham Railroad Company will meet at the law officers of Hewitt, Walker and Porter in the city of Birmingham, Alabama, on Monday July the 5th, 1886, at 12 o’clock M for the purpose of completing the organization of said company by the election of a board of directors to manage the affairs and business of the company for the ensuing twelve months or until their successors are elected and duly qualified. May 24th, 1886. JAHN A GRANT, WM. A. WALKER, Jr. M. A. BUTLER, Board of Corporate. Ad for Peruna 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 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. Ad for Chicago Cottage Organ Ad for Chicago Scale Co. 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 JUNE 17, 1886 (Entered according to an act of Congress at the post office at Vernon, Alabama, as second-class matter.) 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 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 9 o’clock a.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 Mr. P. C. COMBS has a nice wardrobe for sale cheap. “General Green” with his mighty army is now among the farmers. We had the pleasure of a visit from Dr. J. L. BARKSDALE of Olinda on Saturday last. Mr. S. K. THOMAS paid us a pleasant call Monday and enrolled his name for the News. Mr. And Mrs. E. W. BROCK visited relatives near Moscow first of the week. Mrs. R. W. COBB and children have returned from a visit to relatives at Steins. The Lodge of I. O. O. F. at this place continues to grow – an initiation at almost every meeting. The Rev. J. E. COX has preached four very instructive sermons in town since Friday night last. Quite a number of farmers were in town first of the week, it being too wet to work. If you wish a good article of Plug Tobacco ask your dealer for “Old Rip.” The delegates to the State Convention have all returned except W. A. YOUNG Esq and report a most pleasant time. Mr. HUGH PENNINGTON, who was dangerously sick last week of erysipelas of the face and throat was able to be at this store yesterday. We deem it due Dr. STANLEY that we republish his letter that appeared in last issue, as a part of the same was misplaced while forming up. MARRIED: At the residence of W. H. SMITH’S June 10th, Mr. J. J. BRANYAN and Miss CAROLINE SMITH. Wm. Rowland Notary Public officiating. Two capitalists of Birmingham were in town yesterday looking after the mineral interests of our county. They, in company with a party of our citizens, visited the old furnace place two miles west of town. We are reliably informed that there are several gentlemen who voted the Sanford ticket at the beat meeting in Military Springs beat, are now supporters of Judge Almon. Thanks to Sheriff PENNINGTON for another subscription to News. Friend speak a kind word for the News to your neighbors. Only one occupant in the county jail. We call attention to tax Collector’s sale. $5 is the customary charge for announcing county candidates the State over. The Rev. T. W. SPRINGFIELD will preach in town at 11 o’clock on next Sabbath. See names of new officers elected at the Masonic meeting on Saturday night. Let every one interested in the Vernon High School attend at the meeting tomorrow (Friday) night. Attention is called to Dr. REDDEN’s letter in this issue. The Dr. is not the author of said communication he refers to. The Fayette Journal is so infuriated on the Senatorial question that it credits the Franklin Democrat , as the “Almon Ripsnorter.” In giving names of our delegates that had gone to the State Convention last week, we failed to include Rev. L. M. WIMBERLEY, who was another substaunch SEAY man. We were pleased to receive a call from PROF. B. H. WILKERSON, of Fernbank on Saturday last. The Prof. And family were enroute to visit relatives at Pine Springs. Mr. WM. MILLER a promising young man living 13 miles east of here called on us Friday and subscribed for the News, notwithstanding Vernon is his nearest office. On Monday last we received a pleasant visit from Mr. C. W. HANKINS, who ordered two subscriptions tot he News, one for himself, and the other to P. M. WOODS, in Fayette County. Owing to the Methodist Sunday School having been changed from 3 p.m. to 9 a.m. both the Methodist and Union were largely attended on last Sabbath. To the regret of many friends, our efficient teacher, Prof. J. S. TOMLIN left yesterday for the “Lone Star”. Our people duly appreciate the services he has rendered while with us and with him and his accomplished wife, goes the best wishes of the News for their future success. Cansler, Ala, June 14th, 1886 Editor Lamar News: I suppose I have been credited with the authorship of some of your communications from this section. As I do not desire to wear unmerited distinction, I take this method of correcting any such impression, if it exist. I have never written any thing for publication in the Lamar News, as you know, nor for any other paper. Yours respectfully, R. J. REDDEN CUT OUT MOSCOW Mr. Editor: The “mare’s nest” here is full to overflowing, and still they come. We will use the incubator to hatch the eggs, and they tell me that a rooster is better than a hen for chickens to follow; and we have the little Geo. C. Almon in the lead, so get under the old hen ye little Sanford chicks for there’s only a few of ye and the blue tail hawk’s afloat, and he’s aflying mighty low, and one more Hamilton strike is all he wants to get an old hen and all; for if the Roaring mustang Billie (the little black) can go to Hamilton and beat the Wild Ass and the Old Sorrell, both of whom were never beaten before, then how much more shall Mr. Almon beat Mr. Sanford? For which let us pray. OBSERVER Chancellor COBBS was re-nominated without opposition. Our people hail with delight the nomination of Hon. S. H. SPROTT for Judge of this circuit. FERNBANK NOT SOLID FOR SANFORD Fernbank, Ala., June 11th, 1886 Mr. Editor: I see from the Fayette Journal of the last issue that some one from this place heads his article “Fernbank is Solid for Hon. J. B. Sanford, as the regular nominee of the Democratic Party of this Senatorial District.” Now Mr. Editor, I suppose he carries the votes of this place in his pocket, or he would not assume so much. I think I represent the working class or the laboring class of people in the Southern portion of the county. Sire, there are too many men that want office and are afraid of work, the greater mass of men are hunting office, or rather soft places. We have a country teeming with every convenience of the day, with the old country combined with the new; why is this so? Are the young men of today what their fathers were? Are we departing from our raising? Are we not worthy of our fathers’ places? Are we not equal to the task that devolves upon us as fathers? Are we degrading or going backwards? Now sir, we have about 15 candidates for he different offices – Is this right? Should not the farmers bring forward the men they want to represent them, as custom has it? Shall men offer their services whether people want them or not? I am one of the old Foggs that wishes the county well, but we have too many men everywhere seeking more elevated positions than following after the rough plough-handler, which I deem a noble as well as an honorable calling. There are too many soft hands, now living at the expense of a hard working class of people, who do not aspire to anything higher than making an honest living and that made at by the sweat of the brow. The Bible tells us that the rest of a laboring man is sweet and while his slumbers are sweet let his conscience be clear. Though we know well that offices have to be filled, and we should fill them with good honest men and those whom we believe will work to the interest of their country as well as to the interest of their pockets. Nut no man knows the future wait till the August election and that will prove that Almon is not dead here. While we think probably we have said enough., will close by saying we have some as clever, true hearted honest men seeking office now as was ever in the field, and in saying this, we say three cheers for Bob Waldrop, we are close along with you. I am yours, an old FOGG IRISH RIOTERS Belfast, June 9 – Orangemen are again rioting here today. They have wrecked one hundred housed in this city, two of which they burned. The rioters have broken into several whisky stores and possessed themselves of the contents. Numbers of men are lying about in gutters drunk. Others made desperate or mauling by drink are prowling about the streets crying out “to hell with the Pope.” In various assaults by the police upon the rioters twenty-five of the latter have already been severely wounded by buckshot fired at them. The police have been ordered to fire balls to night in the even of a general renewal of the rioting. Last night a mob of Orangemen made an attack upon a tavern kept by a Catholic named Duffy. The police were promptly on the scene, and after a stubborn contest during which they used their cabins, drove the mob away in disorder. The rioters re-assembled with increased strength and again attacked Duffy’s, this time overpowering the police and driving them from the place. In the first assault Chief of Police Carr was wounded and now lies in a critical condition. When the Orangemen returned to the right they were accompanied by a large number of factory girls who goaded or shamed the men into battle and formed a most dangerous element. When the 0olice left Duffy’s the mob at once took complete possession of the tavern. Spigots were set running and everybody was invited to help himself according to taste. All barrels of liquor found in stock were carried in the street, lifted high and let fall until they broke and liberated their contents. All the furniture was carried out, piled in the center of the roadway and burned in a bonfire to furnish the rioters with light during their debauch. Men, youth and girls drank until they fell helpless in the gutters, the girls acting with greater fury during the earlier stages of the orgies than the men. The noise, profanity and disorder were terrible. The mob ended their work here by firing the tavern itself and it burned tot he ground. Then the stronger men who had become furiated and not overpowered by their potatiaus ran through the streets wrecking and pillaging wherever they went and increasing their following the further they proceeded. Those rioters after awhile congregated around the police station and stoned the place until they tired. They then marched down to another tavern. The police hastened there in advance and attempted to protect the property, but they were overpowered and driven away. The mob was left in possession and treated the tavern as they had treated Duffy’s; turned on all the taps, broke full barrels in the streets, made a bonfire of the furniture and finally set fire to the building. The police returned, and this time got the better for a time of the bomb, whose ranks were depleted by scores who had fallen away in drunkenness and extinguished the fire before it could gain control. But the officers were unable to drive the rioters from the locality, and they remained and dominated until morning. During the rowdyism Bright Gladstone and Parnell were each burned in effigy, and a dumb corpse labeled “Home Rule” was cremated. OUR DETROIT LETTER – Detroit, Ala, June 1st, 1886 Mr. Editor: There has been much said and written about the action of the Senatorial Convention. I was not a delegate to that convention but was present and witnessed the whole proceedings, and after the two candidates were nominated I made an effort to get them to reconsider and organize in harmony and nominate a man. I saw both Judge Almon and Col. Sanford together and both expressed a willingness to do anything for the sake of harmony. As to the two candidates Judge Almon and Col. John B. Sanford, they are both gentlemen and I think in every respect competent to represent the 12h Senatorial District. And I say let neither of them claim to be the nominee of the party for in my honest judgement they are not but let them make the race on their merit, qualifications &c and let the people decide as to which of them shall represent them in the next Senate, but they could not get their delegations to consent, at least Judge Almon’s delegation or rather some of them would not consent to reconsider. Now I fear that the delegates from the different counties went to that convention determined to have their won way or not willing to yield a single point and their temperatures were considerably above normal, while their temperature were so high they forgot harmony. Now as to the convention, I consider that there was no convention of the 12th Senatorial District at all, from the fact they never organized, or at least all four of the counties did not and takes the four to perfect the organization, consequently was no bolting from the fact there was no organization from which to bolt. I regret to see published grave charges against the delegations and candidates. It shows rather a bad spirit and will cause hard feelings personally that is altogether uncalled for. As for the political principles of Judge Gel. C. Almon and Col. John B. Sanford they are both true and tried Democrats and it is absolutely wrong to charge Col. Sanford with republicanism in the Franklin Democrat, and I fear that such charges from the Franklin Democrat will do Judge Almon no good and there is such a thing as a man’s friends doing him a great injury. I am satisfied that every delegate to that convention were gentlemen and good Democrats, had they not have let personal feelings run so high they would have organized in harmony and nominated a man. I say lay aside all personal allusions to all concerned. The field is open and the riders are up and let the fastest horse take the pool. There charges and hard sayings are having no effect upon the people from the fact they have their man selected an have their own opinions as to the action of the convention. I would suggest that the chairman of the Executive Committee of the 12th Senatorial District invite Sam Jones to preach a sermon to the delegates of the next Senatorial Convention before proceeding to organize. DR. J. S. STANLEY ITEMS OF INTEREST The Normal Female College of Livingston closed with graduating exercises last week. Ex-Senator Henry G. Davis, of West Virginia, Congressman Scott, of Pennsylvania, and Assistant Secretary Fairchild, of New York, are named as possible successors of Secretary Manning. The next meeting of the State Teacher’s Association will be held at Anniston, commencing Tuesday, July 6th, 7 p.m. and continuing 7th, 8th, and 9th. “What do they do when they install a minister?” inquired a small boy. “Do they put him in a stall and feed him?” “Not a bit,” said his father, “They harness him to a church and expect him to draw it alone.” One important difference between a man and a woman is that a man puts his clothes on him, while a woman put herself in her clothes. “My motto is ‘Live and let live” said the soldier as he turned his back to the enemy and fled from the battlefield. 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. We are authorized to announce JASON H. SHAW a candidate to represent Lamar County in the next General Assembly of Alabama. Election in August, 1886. 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. To the voters of Lamar County: I announce myself a candidate for reelection to the office of Judge of Probate, and return thanks for the past and would like to have the office again. Should you think I have had the office long enough, I will retire with the best of feelings and think as you decide – that I have had it long enough. – Yours &c., ALEXANDER COBB 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 We are authorized t to announce Dr. B. F. REED a candidate for the office of Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lamar County. Election next August. To the voters of Lamar County: I take this method of informing you that I am a candidate for Clerk of the Circuit Court at the approaching August election. Soliciting a liberal share of your votes, I am yours, obt. R. N. WALDROP 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. MASONIC: Vernon Lodge, No. 588, A. F. and A. M. Regular Communications at Lodge Hall 1st Saturday, 7 pm each month. – T.W. SPRINGFIELD, W. M. W. L. MORTON, S. W. JNO. ROBERTSON, J. W. R. W. COBB, Treasurer, M. W. MORTON, Secretary Vernon Lodge, NO 45, I. O. G. F. Meets at Lodge Hall the 2d and 4th Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. each month. J. D. MCCLUCKEY, N. G. R. L. BRADLEY, V. G. E. J. MCNATT, Treas’r M. W. MORTON, Sec. TAX COLLECTOR’S SALE The State of Alabama, Lamar County By virtue of decree rendered on the 9th day of June 1886, by the Court of Probate for said county, I will offer for sale at the court house door of said county on the 5th day of June 1886, the following lands to wit: (LANDS ASSESSED TO J. L. JONES, THOS. BANISTER, CALINE PRICE, T. A. THURLKILL.) Said lands or so much thereof as will be necessary to pay the above tax and cost will be sold on the 5th July 1886 D. J. LACY, T. C. Ad for Collins Ague Cure Ad for Smith’s Bile Beans Ad for Wetherill’s Lead Pain Company Ad for Avery Sewing Machine Ad for Tutt’s Pills Ad for Smith’s Bile Beans Ad for The New Home Sewing Machine. PAGE 4 THE PLANETS – A FEW FACTS OF INTEREST ABOUT THE EARTH’S NEIGHBORS Points About Venus, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, and the Rest. Venus, so well known to us all as the loveliest object in the heavens, the evening and the morning star, resembles closely our own earth. Its size is almost the same, its diameter being 7,660; its day is almost the same length, and its density is rather less than five times that of water. It revolves round the sun at a distance of 60,000,000 miles in the space of 224 days. Like Mercury, however, Venus is moonless. Passing the earth in the meantime, we come to the well-known planet Mars. This planet is particularly interesting in many points of view. Next to Mercury it is the smallest of the four interior planets. Its diameter being only 4,200 miles, or little more than half that of the Earth of Venus. Its distance from the sun is 141,000,000 miles, and it completes its circuit in 687 days. The length of its days does not differ materially from that of our own. Mars has tow moons, and one of them presents a phenomenon unique in the system. No other moon behaves like this one, for it goes round Mars about three times every day; that is to say, it goes faster round Mars than Mars foes on its own axis. Imagine our moon rising and settling three times every twenty0fioyur hours. Another interesting feature in Mars is this; we can see through our telescopes what seems to be the configuration of its continents and oceans and also accumulation of snow at its poles. We next turn our attention to the other group of planets – Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. These are distinguished by their enormous size, immense distance from the sun, rapid revolution on their own axis, and very small density. The change from Mars to Jupiter is indeed remarkable. The latter planet, familiar to every observer of the heavens, is indeed a giant among giants. In mass it is equal to all the other planets put together, its diameter being no less than 83,000 miles, and its distance from the sun 682,000,000 miles. It takes 4,332 days to complete its yearly revolution. Although of such enormous dimensions, it turns on its own axis in less than ten hours. From the small density (1.38) of Jupiter, we should imagine it to be composed, in great part at least, of fluid or gaseous matter not yet cooled sufficiently to form solid land. From certain phenomena on its surface it is evident that it is almost completely enveloped in clouds, and it is doubtful if we have ever actually seen the real solid muscles of this planet. Jupiter is attended by four moons, which revolve round him at various distances. The study of these bodies is of great interest; from watching their movements we got the first hint of the velocity of light. Next in order in our outward journey comes Saturn, at the distance of 884,000,000 miles from the sun, and taking no less than 10,759 days to complete its revolution round that luminary. This planet, though less than Jupiter, is still of gigantic dimensions, its diameter being 71,000 miles. Saturn is the lightest of all the planets, it s density being only 0.75, so that if placed in a huge ocean it would float with a fourth of its bulk above the lever of the water. The most remarkable thing, however, about this planet is the system of rings by which it is surrounded. What these rings are has long been a puzzle to astronomers, but the most plausible explanation seems to be than they are composed of myriad hosts of small meteoric bodies circulating at some distance round the body of the planet. Saturn has no less than eight moons under its control and if it has an y inhabitants like ourselves - which is not likely, however – the heavens must be a strange sight to them, with these eight moons and meteoric swarms. – [Cassell’s Magazine] ENDURING REPROOF There is perhaps no better test of a man’s character than the way in which he bears himself under just reproof. Every man makes mistakes; every man commits faults; but not every man has the honesty and meekness to acknowledge his errors, and to welcome the criticisms which point them out to him. It is rarely difficult for us to find an excuse we are looking for. It is, in fact, always easier to spring to an angry defense of ourselves, than to calmly acknowledge the justice of another’s righteous condemnation of some wrong action of ours; but to refuse to adopt this latter course, when we know we are wrong is to reveal to our better consciousness of others, an essential defect in our character. That man is strong who dares to confess tat he is weak; he is always tottering to a fall who needs to bolster up the weakness of his personality by all sorts of transparent shams. It is not in vain that Scripture says: “Reprove one that has understanding, and he swill understand knowledge.” For one of the best evidences of the possession of that discreet self-government which stands at the basis of moral strength, and one of the best means of gaining it when it is lacking, is just this willingness to accept merited reproof, and to profit by it when accepted. – [Day Star] A MULE UNDER FIRE The following incident is taken from the “Recollections of a Private” in the Boston Commercial Bulletin. I must not forget to chronicle a laughable incident that occurred on Morris Island, S. C. It was in the early days of the siege. Some ammunition was wanted in a battery at the front and a mule- driver volunteered to deliver it. The only road lay along the sandy beach for a distance of a mile and a half, most of the route being within the range of Fort Sumpter and Wagner. The mule team started up the beach. Sumpter began shelling furiously. The driver laid on the lashes, the mule, with ears laid back, plied his legs a hundred revolutions to the minute. A shell would strike the beach and explode; then another would whiz by the team; then that mule would stop and reflect a moment or try to turn back, when down would come the whip. A fresh start for a short distance and then a halt, as another shell exploded. Then the driver jumped from his seat, caught the animal by the head, and went on a dozen rods further. Wagner now opened on him. But still the team gradually moved one, reaching the battery finally unhurt. The ammunition was quickly delivered and that mule was headed for camp and started at its utmost speed. Down the sandy road flew the animal, the driver rapidly plying the whip, till at last they reached the shelter of the sand-hills. Just then a shell from Sumpter came shrieking through the air. Striking the beach at the rear of the team, it bounded upwards and exploded apparently right above the mule. A cloud of smoke hid the team for a moment, but when it cleared away there stood the old mule, with head down and ears back, kicking most viciously at the cart that had been smashed and broken up by a fragment of the shell. The driver lay on the sand, but jumped up; he limped towards the mule, cut him loose from the cart, mounted, and galloped away to the camps. Thousands of men, Union and Confederate, watched this performance. Our men on shore and the sailors on the vessel all joined in hearty cheers and waving of caps. The rebels joined in the demonstration to the pluck of the driver and the comical courage of his long-eared charge. AMERICANISMS There are three terms very often quoted as American “Slang” which possess certain peculiarities of locality. These are “guess” “calculate, “and “reckon.” One may travel through what are known as the Southern States for five years and never once hear either of the first two words, unless spoken by a northerner or a man from the West. The Southerner “reckons” everything, except, perhaps, consequences, and they are left to take care of themselves. “Guess” is more or less universal in the states, and “calculate” is common only to the North and extreme East. “Stranger” is frequently erroneously used by English writers and speakers as an ordinary colloquialism of all Americans. It is the property of the South and Southwest only, and even there is rapidly becoming obsolete. But to these expressions it is hardly fair to append the stigma of “slang.” Now, there are plenty of slang words and phrases in vogue in America which probably are meaningless to English minds. A lady has purchased an article for considerably more than its value, she shows it to her husband, proclaiming its beauty and cheapness. He, seeing that she had been over charged, endeavors to persuade her that such is the case, vainly, for she is quite satisfied with her bargain. “All right”, says he, “its not my funeral.” This is slang, pure and simple, but it has a derivation. It is an unintentional protest against the elaborate obsequial ceremonial indulged in by all classed in the United State, and it is a grim reference to one of those not unfrequent “shindies” that take place in western bar-rooms from which the men who escape with their whole skins have reason to thank their stars that “it is not their funeral.” – [Chambers Journal] WHAT AN INDIAN CAN EAT “An Indian can eat anything,” said a Robert Street Commission merchant, as two ancient children of the forest with well-filled bags over their backs made their exit from the storeroom. “These squaws come here once or twice a week,” he continued, “and beg for the tainted meant and decayed vegetables and fruit. They will take everything we given them, and will put the stuff into the bag and carry it off. I have given them things that no white being would think of eating, and they seem to think it is all right. I asked one of them how they could eat such strong-smelling meat, when she informed me that in cooking it they destroyed the offensive odor. For all I know, these squaws keep Indian boarding-houses. – [St. Paul Pioneer Press] WHEN HE GETS ROUND Wife – John, dear, I notice that your brother James never makes a friendly call upon us unless he is intoxicated. Husband – No, my dear, he doesn’t. James reminds me of the moon. Wife – Reminds you of the moon? Husband – yes, dear. H e never gets round till he’s full. – [Boston Courier] DEAD LETTERS – THE OFFICE TO WHICH THEY ARE SENT IN WASHINGTON. Finding All Sorts of Articles in Missives That Go Astray. Among the man places of interest to be visited in Washington, perhaps there is not other that is so absorbingly interesting to the great mass of visitors as the Dead Letter Office and the museum connected with it. There is nothing to be seen here, but everyone is capable of understanding and appreciating. Just inside the large hall a space is railed off, where visitors may stand and observe at their leisure the work that is going on so busily. Over 15,000 letters a day to be examined, assorted and disposed of. What a large corps of clerks is needed for the work, and how quickly, skillfully and mechanically it goes on! In the first room the letters are opened and assorted, those containing money or articles of value going one way and all the others going another. A simple motion slits open an envelope with unerring precision. The letter is withdrawn, unfolded, replaced. The next letter the same. How fast the heaps of the examined letter growl, but the work does not end, for the supply is never exhausted, but constantly replenished as the letters are passed on. Here, as in many other departments, the work is several days or weeks being time, and fresh appropriations are needed for more workers. The opened letters containing enclosures of value are restored to the senders when practicable, otherwise they are recorded and filed away, and may be reclaimed at any time. Other letters are not recorded. They are returned to the writers, if possible, and when the writers cannot be found, the letters are destroyed. In the year 1884, more than 17,000 letters contained money, amounting to nearly $34,000. Some 20,000 letters contained drafts, checks, money order, etc. tot he value of more than $4,500,000. Some idea of the growth of the postal service in the United States for a century may be formed, when we consider in this connection the statement, quoted form a postal report in 1788, that 363 valuable letters have accumulated in the department since 1777. Many thousand letters are received annually containing photographs, postage stamps and merchandise. Thousands of letters are deposited yearly in the Post Office bearing no superscription whatever, and all such of course are forward tot he Dead Letter Office for examination. Easter cards and Christmas cards are received by the gross. These are distributed once a month among the children in hospitals. All reading matter received, papers, and magazines, are distributed among adults in hospitals. Interesting as is the work that is being carried on in the Dead Letter Office, the museum of articles collected there is infinitely more so. An inconceivable variety of interesting objects, beautiful, horrible, attractive, disgusting, amusing, pathetic, valuable, and worthless, are arranged in the glass cases. Some nice jewelry is displayed, brooches, lockets, a watch and chain, the latest addition being a fine gold–headed cane, brought in the very day of our visit. There are a number of pretty rings, slender and dainty circlets! How may an unwritten romance may they not have represented! Were they betrothal rings, long looked for with vain expectancy and hope deferred? Did the senders wait for a response, till the ardor that prompted the fit grow cold? Who can tell? Only the sibyls, sworn to secrecy, who have perused the messages accompanying the gift. – [Boston Transcript] INOCULATION AGAINST SNAKE POISON The Rev. Charles Bixby, a native of Surinam, says that in Dutch Guinea preventive inoculation of snake poison has been practiced for centuries. A snake is caught and teased until its poison glands are swollen with blood and actively secreting. The reptile is then killed, its glands are extracted, dried and pulverized. An abrasion of the skin of the wrist (usually) is made, and some of this poison dust rubbed into the wound it is ----(can’t read) ADVERTISEMENTS File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/lamar/newspapers/thelamar965gnw.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/alfiles/ File size: 67.2 Kb