The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1869-11-25
1l1ss aranIl6.n sssviinal.--css.ntaAusdl.

dropping you 4 few i6ere lines Hpu
have bad enough of yfhe descriptive. BE.
me tel you fsw facts consernipg ahe
workings of the Georgia State Fair.
This morning, I strolled through the
various saloons and apartments that had
been rented out, and Intercepted the
tenants. From Que I learned, that he
had rented from the Executive Commit
tee two halls, roughly erected of un-
dressed plank; one, for q ladies' eating
saloon, and the other for the gentlemen.
In these two halls, were sprea tables to
accommodate, perhaps, 100 persons,
each. The work was all done by tho
Executive Committee, aud rented to the
occupant for the snug sum of $l,35O,
during tho Fair. I rambled around
amongst all the tenants, and could not
found several who paid from 5000 to
$500; as many more from 800 to 5000,
and not one of them paid less than $50.
The aggregate of these rents amounted
to something over SIS 1000.
BY the time had finished my inves-
legations, it was loudly proclaimed that
the tournament would now come off,
within the hippodrome. A body of we'll
mounted knights. ten in number, came
riding by, some dressed in the fish-scale
costume of knight-errantry, and others
in fanciful nrmor, that suggested the
same ideas to my mind that modern
statue does whom wrapped in the Roman
toga, and most attractive in tho file, was
n horseman in gray uniform, draped in
mourning. This could comprehend,
and felt IN instructive impulse to ex-
olaim-threo cheers for the Lost Cause!
1 followed this body of knights, and as
they rode into the circle, I endeavorei
to walk up the steps, when the everlast-
ing shout Of, "Tickets, gentlemen" met
my car, and out had to come another
half dollar. For four solid hours, the
crowd rushed up those steps, and each
paid, before doing so, his fifty cents.
When the amphitheatre became densely
packed, 1 made vigorous effort to esti-
mate correctly the number present, and
feel sure was not extravagant in my
conclusion, that 1900 people were gaz-
ing on that ring. $3.75 heeced from
people, to see some half dozen ridicn-
lously dressed horsemen charge around
circle and punch q wooden lance ut few
three-inoh rings! Magnificent farce!
I1uo otLi u1Oic LluBuluCouL SWluQle!
The day was cloudy and cold, and pre-.
audience uttered not word of dissent.
This marshal uncovered his head and
made big speech, which nobody heard;
that officer did the same thing. and had
the same effect The rain began to fall
more heavily, and four of the knights
rode round, when perfect Bull Run
stampede followed, and thousands of
men. women and children were drenched
to the skin, who might have enjoyed the
tournament and had ample time to get
home before the rain, but for the appa-
rently stupid delay. At 6rst, censnred
the young riders, for engaging in SO
gross speculation, but when saw the
President of the Georgin agricultural So
clety, and several of the officials among
the judges, felt sure the whole thing
was u gigantic swindle. Already card,
signed by the marshals of the day and
the knights. has been published, dis
claiming any implication in the mntter,
aud distinctly asserting, that the Score
tary of the Society was the custodian of
the finances Of the Society. SO it seems
the Society is determined to make money
by its Fairs, whether it profits the State
of Georgia or not.
What benefit will result to the planter
from the existence of such ON institution,
/ cannot imagine. 1t is o magnificent
display Of mechanical inventions, and
would make n tolcrably fair patent Office,
jockey club, and mutual benefit society
of spectators. but never will it benefit
the planter, and it is sham to call such
an institution m Agricultural Fair. Not
one in hundred of the exhibitors, but
that is abusing the management of the
whole affair and denouncing the Secre-
tary as n most inefficient officer, and vet
this very night, the Society met and re-
elected officers, retaining both President
and Secretary, and I believe, all the re-
manning executive officers, most of whom
appeared to me to be superannuated.
Opposition for the secretaryship was an
ticipated, rs he is paid officer, receiv-
ing IL salary of $4,000 per annnm, and
his expenses paid when he is travelling
on business of the Society. In addition
to this. he has two subaltcrns. each with
IL salary of $500.
Tonight, notwithstanding the rain,
and the spelling OF beautiful bonnets,
If such things are now worn,) the hotel
dining rooms ara crOwdel with tha ooy