Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1870-04-13

t9e 6OOe0-CnAPteS9Oms - Ns-ktS re-
culiarttie 80 assSl Attracstsns-A Euro
pean rather sh0a an AMaerieaa city
The CharlestOn MARKET High
Prices-Want or EnterPrtse-Av Visit
est akoas Chariestoa-OpeeHti Of
the Freetlmen's Burean-The 800d
Work DOne by General HOWArsa-A
Drive Over l'harleStOm's Ram0us
She'll Road-Fine Houses and Gar-
de1s-rhe Residence Of Trenholm,
the Blockade RunaeR.
Especial Correspondence of The Star
JAcKssSvILLE, FLORIDA, April 4, 1870.
DEAR STAR:-The railway from Wilmington
to Charleston and Savannah has recently been
put in running order, and, for q southern road,
Is in fair condition. The speed will average IF
teen miles an hour, and the route lies through
vast succession of pine forests, rice swamps,
junges, and morasses, which, though peculiar
t0 this section, present to us strange appear
ance. The geological formation of the country,
50 far as We have seen it, can be expressed by
the one word-sdnd. Near Charleston, and in
deed throughout the South, great quantities of
phosphates are discovered, and their manufac-
ture into fertilizers is rapidly developing into a
considerable business. In the ne;ghborhood Of
that city half dozen factories are already in
thriving operation. The Importance OF this
enterprise for the southern portion OF our coun-
the object of agriculturists seemed to be take all
from the soil, and to give it nothing in return
The cheapening of fertilizers will do more to en-
hance the quantity and value Of the products
than any other step that can be taken.
Those who for the first time view the culture
Of rice Ind it . very interesting study, in the
care and close attention necessary, and the pro-
fitable harvest which it yields. Labor seems to
be scarce in the agricultural districts, as it Is
the natural tendency of the freedmen to flock
to the cities, where they prefer life OF idIeness
and vagrancy, to q comfortable living on farms
The fault may be partly with the EMPLOYERS:
but, as stringent laws for the protection or the
labcrer have been framed by several of the
State Legislatures, we may hope that soon this
greateyil win be remedied.
The feeling throughout the South against
Northern people is as bitter as at any time du-
ring the war. Socially they are ostracsed, not
being allowed admission to tho circles Of the old
inhabitants, whilst a foreigner, come from what
quarter he may, is received with open arms.
No one In the employ of the Government is as
sociated with by this class of malcontents, and
this prejudice extends even to business rela-
tions, the old residents preferring to deal with
foreigners rather than those Of their own conn
trymen, who are fond of the starry flag and its
glorious memories.
Charleston, the cradle of the rebellion, is, in
my Judgment, the handsOmest city Of the South,
and possesses more attractions than any of her
sisters. Walking through the streets and along
the Battery, one cannot but appreciate the
feeling Of pride which the old South Caroliniaus
had for this their beautiful city, Here stand
noble old mansions, moss covered, and gray
with the histories OF their past grandeur, relics
OF . semi-feudal state, in which the accidents
of hlrfh and Gfnfi hal -
control as was ever the case in Great Britain.
and where caste was powerful In its rule as in
any despotic country under the sun. In fact.
Charleston is more like European than An
American city. The venerable Post Office
built under King Georges administration. when
Carolina was a colonial dependency. the old ST
Michaefs Church, constructed from plans fur-
nished by Sir Christopher Wren; those famous.
ancient-looking, tile-roofed residences ana
buildings on the Battery and adjacent streets
all are to the traveller objects of attractio,
Here we first see the Palmetto tree, which,
more wonderful for its peculiarities than for
either grace, beauty or strength, seems
to have been well selected as the emblem
Of this proud State. The Custom House,
magnificently planned, but unfinished building.
lears marks OF wars ruthless hand, having been
struck by several shot and shell during the bonn
veniences are in a sad state Of repair, as are
also the steamers which ply to and from Moul-
trie and Sumter. Indeed most things appear
fifty years behind the times. Among the pecu-
liarities of the market are the buzzards, which
tameiy hop about the butcher stalls, dividing
With the customers the attention Of the meat
sellers. Ihe market, though moderately well sup
piled, does not compare with those Of Washing
ton, and early vegetables are as easily and cheap
procured in your city as in any place south.
Oranges which you may buy In Washington at
fifty cents per dozen cost one dollar within
twenty-five miles Of the place in Florida where
they are grown. The lack Of enterprise in de-
veloping the great natural advantages Of sor
md climate In this region cannot fail to astonish
every intelligent observer. Milk, for instance,
ave the condensed article, cannot be had for
love or money, and the utter want OF attention
paid to producing the most necessary articles of
subsistence must be remedied befsre there can
be any really prosperous future for the South
We visited Mount Pleasant. Fort Moultrie.
and Fort Sumter, passing by Castle Pincknev'
Fort Iohnson ana Fort Riniav Tn tho a,.t.r.