The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1872-07-12
AUGUSTA, Ga, July 10, 1872.

and interesting fact occurs to your true
South CaroliniaD, ''native and to the
manner born" on his first arrival in Au-
gusta to-day, than the complete and
wonderful metamorphosis which he feels
has suddenly taken place within him and
around him. A few turns of the wheels,
q puff and shrek from the iron horse,
the width of q river, and oil is changed.
Instead OF official plunder, tyranny and
taxation, amounting to confscation, he
sees wise, efficient and economic nd
ministration of public affairs; instead Of
midnight robbery, arson and murder,
law aud order prevailing; instend of tho
Ku Klu1 Klan and carpet -baggers, n
Government respected and willingly
obeyed. The effects OF this fortunate
state Of things can easily be imagined.
In tue minds of the people restored con.
fidence in an honest, energetic and
efficient Government, II revival of tho
virtue. patriotism and honor OF this old
commonwealth, and people aud rulers,
governing and governed, cooperating in
the common cause of social and indus
trial development. Happy Georgia!
Would we could but say the same of our
Palmetto State. But nil deSperant{um.
The day of deliverance for her, too, is
fast dnwning. Such, at least, were some
of the impressions and the reflections
called forth by short stay at Augusta,
in the minds Of small party OF ex-
cursionists from Columbiu including
your correspondent.
Accustomed as we, as Columbians, are
to broad streets and tall trees, We were
still most favorably impressed on stroll
through the city by Augusta's wide and
orderly streets, with their broad side
walks, crossing each other at right
angles, and largely adorned by magnifi-
cent avenues of lofty shade trees, which
afford the most delightful, refreshing
and convenient pleasure promenades.
Greene street, the evening resort of the
famous Augusta bellies, is q continuous
park, with it's double row of stately
shade trees, of the most symmetrical and
attractive growth, and arching out so as
forIn perfect dome of the most enliven-
H green. Broad street is tho principal
business thoroughfure, near the centre
of which, in front of Girardey's Opera
House, is located tho hospituble and
Mrs. Calhoun, where your correspond
ont is for the time comfortably and
pleasantly lodged. and which forms the
chief resort of those who seek first class
accommodations, and, at the same time,
desire to spend few days ugreeably and
socially i'll Augusta. Beyond these
limits, double rows of lofty shade trees
extend for some distance, while here, as
lin Greene street. noble residences, re-
cessed from the street, and surrounded
by the most beautifully laid out gardens,
remind US of by-gone days of peace and
plenty, and betoken TINT Augusta was
spared the dismal fate of heir sister, fair
Columbia.
Among the numerous fine stores in the
business portion of Broad street, the
very extensive and well.assorted furni-
ture warehouse of Messrs. Platt & Bro
theirs, the largest establishment of the
kind in the South; the fashionable milli-
merry establishments of Mrs. Leckie, and
last but not least the magnificent newly
opened dry goods store of james A. Gray
& Co. seemed ONE especially worthy of
notice. The latter building, while not as
large and extensive as Shiver's, may yet,
in point of the beauty and symmetry of
it's architectural design, and in the scale
OF grandeur ond usefulness in which the
interior is fitted out, challenge compari-
son with any building Of its kind, not
only in Georgia or South Carolina, but
in the United States. In this business
portion are also several Of the best hotels
of the city, among them the Globe and
the Augusta-which latter can accommo-
date 6OO guests, and has received high
reputation with the travelling public.
The total population Of Augusta at the
last census was 5,3S6-whites, 8,996;
colored, $500.
From the bell-tower the city is seen to
occupy the centre of an extended plane,
on the Southwest bank of the Savannah
River, and to be surrounded on all sides
by pine-olad hills.
On last Saturday your correspondent
visited the City Hall, where he was very
courteously received and every facility
was extended to him for full survey Of
this building, which ranks first among
the various public ediices of the city.
both as regards its uses and it's attractive
and massive architecture. The building
is located in the centre of beautiful
grove of majestic oaks. Attractive
fountains. with myriad jets, adorn the
| Greene street front of the park, the