The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1869-04-22
of pazements that batteries might be built, and

of payements that batteries might be built, and
grass grew in the once busy marts of trade
Note the changes wrought in three short years
Abandoned and crumbhng wharves are lined with
the finest ships. Scarcely wreck of the past IS
to be seen. The hand Of improvement, still herd
hard at work, has given to US some elegant
ediices, q city railway, steam engines, banks,
factories and machine shops The refugees
who once used to meet in the country grocery store
or elsewhere, killing time with the discussions on
the "situation," are now live, earnest business
men, who make the most Of every minute IN the
day. Many have not recovered from their losses
by the war, but others, by shrewdly specializing
in cotton and other commodities, have comfortable
bank accounts and few complaints.
You would be surprised at the number of North
ern men here and there is scarcely branch OF
trade in which they have not become Interested.
Many large plantations are either owned or leased
by these enterprising persons, and they are test
ing for themselves the problem of free labor.
There are plenty of negroes, but not much dspo-
sition to work. The misfortunes Of the last three
years, incident to the caterpillar scourge, have
not deferred our people from another trial still,
aud the Sea Islands promise to be thoroughly
worked Many plantations have been ssld at auc-
ton every week, but at prices SO low as to indi-
cate heavy mortgages in the background.
Our citizens are on the qui uiUe for the decision
of Judge Carpenter in the case of Pillsbury u.s.
the present Mayor and Aldermen. The claimants,
through Corbin, their counsel base their proceed
ings upon the Act of 1869, which legisates Pills
bury aud his friends into office. The chief ground
on which the claim is opposed is that this Act is
unconstitutional and void. The case was argued
four or FIVE days, but Judge Carpenter thus far
has not rendered his decision. Several attempts
have been made to s'bull and bear the money
market on the supposed result, but there has not
been the ghost of intimation as to what that re-
suit will be- Judge Carpenter, however, has estab-
lished himself in the confidence of the bar of
Charleston as lawyer who will not allow him
self to be swayed professionally or judicialy by
mere political considerations
Among the new enterprises on foot is the publi-
cation of monthly magazine 10 be called 1.-The
Nineteenth Century, which it is said will be one
of the most unique and entertaining magazines
ever established in the South. Some of the ablest
writer's have been engaged to furnish reading mat
ter for the million, and the design is to make it at
tractive to everybody, especially Planters mer-
chants and professional gentlemen. Those who
participated in the war will be glad to learn that
"Personne will commence in the first number
"reminiscences Of the War;" dating from the first
bombardment of Fort Sumter in April, 1861. 1t
will doubtless be faithful historical record, and
especially interesting to the officers and privates
of our Carolina regiments. w. W. Hicks, D. D.,
the popular preacher, who is graphic writer and
no mean poet, is the co-edior of Mr.. F. G. De
Fontaine. The announcement of the undertaking
has excited great deal of curiosity.
Green peas and strawberries are beginning to
find New York market We are living on fish
and fruit Oranges, pine apples and bananas are
cheap and abundant
King street is like n panorama. Spring goods
have been opened and the display of colors in the
windows is Kaleidoscope. The ladies' say such an
array of pretty styles has not been seen in Charles
ton since the war; and may be added, soto roce,
that they make their husbands shed greenbacks
xoefnlly.
You remember the drive to Magnolia, and on
ward to the Four Mile House? Some of our citi-
gems are making arrangements to lay shell road
six miles out in that direction.
Our Fire Department is getting ready for the
annual celebration on the 9th. Steamers and
hand engines. are prac,icing every night, and the
event promises to attract large numbers of visitors
from different portions of the State. Some eight
companies are expected from various localities.
Hotels full. One can elbow tourists from the
Old World and the New to his hearts content
Sail boats and carriages are in unusual demand,
and Mt che rate at which these peripntetics nre
gathering relics of the late uneiui war; there won't
be left monumental work in wood or stone to
which another generation can point. The very
dirt seems precious to these curiosity hunters, and
they absorb bits of old iron and chips of grave
stones with as much avidty as if they had "sruck
ile."
Yours truly, y.
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