The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1870-04-21

it happiness, contentment anu lastnS PlosPeir
ty for our entire population.
The Latest Sensation-An Unexamrled
and Unm mercifuI Hoax.
THE CorroN FACTORY BUBBLE-HARRIs q
Co. "aoNE WHERE THE wooDB1NE TWI-
NETH"-GREAT EXPECTATIONS SUDDENLY
N1ppED IN THE BUD-THE PEOPLE OF AN
pERsoN sWINDLED AND DECEIVED.
It has gone abroad to the world that the
people of this usually quiet part of crea-
ton were all agog upon the prospect of having
extensive manufactures established in their
midst. Only two weeks have elapsed since the
announcement to this effect was made in our
columns, and we can imagine how others less
favored looked with envious eyes upon the
good fortune dropping down amongst us. But
the bubble has bursted, and We grieve to relate
that HARRIS G. Co. are base imposters; that
our people have been wronged and deceived,
and that for time the establishment OF I'M
mense factories in this neighborhood can only
be numbered among the probabilities of the
future. We propose to tell the story briefly,
for it would be cruel to dwell at length upon
the misfortunes of an entire community.
About five weeks ago, there appeared in this
town quiet, middle-aged man, who gave his
name as HARRIS, and represented that ne was
in search of suitable locality in which to
erect large manufacturing establishment.
He claimed to be from Maryland, in the neigh
borhood of Frederick City; that he was
plain farmer of that region, and had associated
himself with others to purchase an eligible
site for the purpose named He had visited
Spartanburg and perhaps other counties in this
State, but was not pleased with any water
power SO far examined. He was recommended
to visit Anderson, but thought that he would
go higher up the country, and possibly locate
in the vicinity of Walhalla, as he had under
stood that the prospect was more favorable to
obtain such property in our sister county than
it was hereabouts. Being assured that every
thing requisite for his success could be had IN
this neighborhood, he determined to investi-
gate the subject, and proceeded to examine the
fine water powers within range of Anderson
After careful and minute enquiry, the eyes OF
this pscudo-manufacturer were delighted with
the magnificent water power known as High
Shoals, few miles below here. Negotiations
were begun, and after ordinary delay and pru-
dent examination of the premises, the bargain
was closed at $4,000 for the Shoals and fifty
acres of land. The news went abroad, and
every one was disposed to greet joyfully these
harDingers of prosperity. The individual who
produced such happy emotions remained per-
fectly impassive, and seemed entirely oblivious
to the fact that his coming was received In
most hospitable spirit.
Up to this time, the attention of the public
was directed to the main object of securing
through Mr.. HARRIS the benefits to be derived
from the proposed factory. But new phase
in his transactions was here developed. He
desired to buy other property, and self-sacri-
fcing landowners were found ready to comply
with his desires at a reasonable figure. Accor-
dinghy, additional purchases were made, both
in town and country, until his dealings in real
estate amounted to $4,000 and upwards. Of
course, several days elapsed before all this was
consummated, and there was further delay in
making out the papers in proper form. So the
grand and enchanting moment at length ar
rived, when the loyal greenbacks of Dir. ID,
were to be transferred into the pockets of our
anxious; fellow-citizens. In the meantime,
however, it was discovered by some of our
friends that Mr.. H. was singularly short of
ready funds to meet even his ordinary expen-
ses, and hence this trifing deficiency was sup
Piled on several occasions with becoming gene
rosity and true hearted iberality. When the
papers were duly signed and executed, the an
nouncement was made that Mr.. 81. would be
compelled to visit Charleston for the purpose
of arranging his financial matters with one of
the largest houses. in that city. He was to
start upon his journey on Friday last, and sew
eral gentlemen who had. "sold" property to
him. or had been "sold" by him in money mat
ters volunteered to tighten the tedium of his
journey by their presence and protection en-
route 1t is simple justice to state that these
gentlemen began to feel very large "fea in
the ear" and strongly suspected that the a0hoIe-
sale was myth, and that they had been put to
a great deal of unnecessary trouble. They de-
ternined, though, to see the gentleman through
on his journey as aforesaid, and conveniently
arranged to have business in Charleston about
the same time. Mr.. H. made every arrange
ment for his proposed absence, including the
purchase of a gold watch and chain, s'iit of
clothes, and other articles on short time! He
also borrowed about $1,000 from one of our ex-
cellent friends, whose loss is the most serious
and distressing feature of this entire series of
transactions. At length, when everything
was lovely" the party destined for Charleston
IL bo