Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1853-07-06

IN co.. .i' ,-..,, wncn the
auspicious nloy,ent for bathing announced the
impatient devoees, the rush was so tremendous, that
no fewer than 430 persons were either drowned in the
river, or tramped to death under foot. Even in
Europe, until century or Two ago, Fairs were al
why's regarded with great degree of solenny, by
associating them with religious festivals, and in Eng
land it was customary TO hold them in Church yards
until the practice was prohibited by law. Indeed in
most places, they still hell on the day with
the fast or feast Of fhe Saint whom the Church is
dedicated The late London Fair was opened with
religious ceremonies, and We presume that the ap-
preaching one at New York will be also. There are
perhaps, two causes for religious manifestations on
such occasions. 1st, Gratuoe TO Col for permitting
the pilgrims and dealers TO arrive safely at full and
fair market, where they can exchange the surplus
products Of their country Tor those Of other conn
tries. Well may they offer up such thanksgiving when
we consider that they are sometimes two or three
years the road beset by robbers and threatened by
other dangers that would make civilized man shud.
der. ID, The other cause for these religious ceremo.
MES, is perhaps, to impress all present, with sacred
regard for the rights of property, and Of honesty and
fair dealing in their transactions with each other.
But there arestll other precautions taken to secure
a " fair" market. Thus the fair must be held at a
particular place, ard at particular time, known to
all, and at other place orJns-lts durotinn must
be declared at its commencement and when the time
expires the market must close. Any Merchant who
sells goods after the stipulated tmc fprfes double the
value OF such goods suffers other punishment.
This is done TO secure fair competition by having
present. oil persons who have the kind Of goods
TO sell, as we'll as all those who have money with
which they wish to buy such goods. A bona fdc sale
Of even stolen goods in fair gives tile to the pur.
chaser that is valid against lbe real owner or the
world This is custom, because fairness is presumed
in all cases, and be supposed 10 know the
character of every stal.keeper in Fair as he does
that of a shop keeper with whom he deals Great
care is also taken to have 90 fair" weights and meas
ures, that are examined and marked for small fee
by the Clerk other officer Of The fair, and this
is species Of toll The lol galherer MUST take up
his position in fair or open place to prevent
others from collecting also. Formerly "toll" was re.
qured only of the sellers in Airs while purchasers
or visitors entered free. But now it has become the
practice in England and America, at least TO make
all pay alike, as all are benefited, and IN some eases
the exhibitors sellers are admitted free while only
visitors are charged. Such is the case with
"Crysal Palaces" and it ia perhaps right. In this
respect Fair with us, differs from market, where
only the sellers pay toll. Sometimes poll tax or
duty levied on cattle, some olher specific article
us was the case until recently al the great Hurdwar
Fair, which strange TO say, is now free to all CON-
modities and all comers. The free admission of per-
sons and goods, has generally proved bad regua-
ton since, as it rewards one, ii imposes response
bty on no body to keep police and have order, and
hence the fact that anecedent TO the British occupa.
tion Of India. the Hurdwar fairs usually ended in
disorder and boodshed but the most perfect order
prevails under The superintendence of Government
In some Fairs it is custom or law, that no toll be
paid for any thing brought 10 be sold until the same is
sod and that it shall then be paid by the buysr Thus
will be seen that there is great diversity as to the
source of profit to Fairs. In England generally all
business and amusement OF every kind must ccase in
Fairs at II o'clock, IN the evening" and NOT recon-
mence before o'clock in the morning. As another
precauton to promote fairness" and render speedy
justice for breach ofconract respecting goods bought
and delivered in Fair, there is incident 10 every
fair, Court called pie poudre, in alusioh to the dus
ty or unfair feet Of the suffers. This Court can be
held, even without express words in the charter or
grant, which is necessary, as was before said prev
olls to holding any fair, but PIE poudre Courts
now entirely laid aside.
Fairs i'll civilized countries nre not so frequent
formerly, and they have loss much Of their ancient