The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1872-08-07


which sought an outlet through the
proposed road, and which would rc-
ceive n now impetus. and Indefinite
expansion and development, by its
construction. He fortified his con-
clusions by the testimony of other
competent Judges: who had pronounce
Cd thc mincral wealth Of this section,
rs rivaling that OF California, AMI as
being incxhaUstiblc. lie concluded
by undertaking for himself to build
Ave miles Of the road.
Mr.. Heard, a well-knoWn Commission
Merchant OF Augusta, was next called
upon, and made very excellent speech,
setting forth, among other things, the
superiority Of his city rs cotton mar
kct, and the special inducements which
she offered TO secure the custom of the
planters. Two cents pound Oh cotton.
he said, would not pay the expenses to
New York, yet the Augusta market
often approXimated that market in the
price Of the staple. This same public
spirit would enlist the capital and enter
prise Of that city in behalf of the road.
He made stirring appeal to the ladies
in its behalf, and urged them 10 withhold
their sympathy and smiles from III!
who were IuKewarm in the great cause.
Cen. J. w. Harrison next addressed
the meeting, in q clear and torcihlc man
ner, giving his experience Of over TWEEN
ty years in railroad enterprises TO dem
0nstrate their great advantages, and
pointed ont the benefits OF the pro-
posed route especially. He advcTtcd to
the history Of the South Carolina Rail-
road, for which its protector at first only
promised a trip i'll four days, with ten
passengers 10 the trip, and an annual
income of $4,000. How had the reality
surpassed the ticipatiOn-with its rap
il passamc Of q few hours With hun
dredS of passengers daily, and an annual
income OF more than million Of dollars.
He advertcd also the history of the Il.
and G.. Railroad. and showed that III
spite of all obstacles, it was doing good
work for itself, and had largely con-
tributed to the prosperity Of :lie District.
He showed from the history OF the Air
Line Road, that the work of construc-
ton was entirely practicable, and how
the bonds Of the road and its stock,
when the work was fairly inaugurated,
might easily be disposed Of to those who
would undertake the work of construc-
ton. He urged the importance Of the
enterprise, as well to the people Of Alb
bevile as to the city Of Augusta. Time
Iy aid from that city would have built
the Savannah Valley Road, and the
same aid now extended will insure the
success Of 4 kindred enterprise.
Robt. II. Hemphill, Esq, was next
called upon, and made We'l-timed and
forcible speech in behalf of the load,
pledgiug for himself in the future the
same devotion to the best interests of
the country that he had manifested in
the past, and urging upon all the sup
port Of 4 work Which promised SO much
in the way Of progress and material de
The Chairman next announced re-
cess for dinner, and invited the company
present to repair to the tables, which
had been set in the adjacent grove,
where a fitting reception awaited them
ut the hands of the Committee. Two
ong tables, loaded with q variety of
meats, and bread, and vegetables, pre-
,ented abounteous repast for the assem-
oled multitude, whose sharpened appe-
ties did full justice to the feast. 10
provide for such a crowd, requires 40
ordinary skill, and that the provision
vas so ample, ana that tile entertain
nent passed off so pleasantly, reflects |
he highest credit upon all concerned.
After dinner, the meeting Of the cor
lorators took place, the proceedings Of
which we publish in another column.
In the absence of the Chairman, Gen.
Bradley, the meeting was called to order
oy Capt. Jas. II. Parks, as presiding o1ti-
GER, who first introduced Major w. K.
Bradley. The Major made very earn
est and effective appeal in behalf OF the
road, showing that with proper efforts,
it was practicable to build it by devoting
to the work one month out OF thel
twelve. He said that If lie could hear
rs much noise made with the spade and
shovel as was made to-day by talking,
he would feel encouraged. He wanted
to see every one present come forward,
and show that he was willing to aid in |
the road. He knew Of two
men Oh the ground, who were ready TO
build the road, but hc@hoped to see the
generally, undertake the
work. He said that he himself was
ready to be one of forty TO carry the
road from Greenwood to Fury's Ferry.
Captain Parks, then, in most inn
prcssivc manner, introduced DR.. Il. r.
Calhoun Of Greenwood, who proceeded
10 address the meeting. Just at this
point, o most amusing incident occur
red, to interrupt the speech and the pro-
,eedings. The speakers stand gave
way, and after the outburst Of laughter
which arose, had subsidized, the Doctor
exclaimed that the "argument was cH-
and the time for action had
:omen, and thus closed his speech.
The success of the meeting is shown,
in the fact, that some $500 OF stock |
was subscribed, and that it is expected
that the subscription at Greenwood
alone, Will reach $50 900. The success
Of the road is now considered assured
even By those, who, hitherto, have had
but little faith in its completion. The
interest manifested by Augusta, and the
spirit and enthusiasm which prevailed
ut the meeting, afford the best auguries
Of Success.
kTHpTy CAD0J INA Ut CC.TTnM