The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1873-01-17
AFFAIRS IN AIKEN.
Thrifty and Steadily Improving
Town.

Thrifty and Steadily Improving
Town.
IFRoM OUR OWN ooRREsPo' DENT
AIKEN, s. T., January l3.
AS formerly Aiken was favorite resort OF
Charlestonisns, a resume of what is going on
here may be of interest to your readers.
January was the time appointed for the
first court of the new county, but as the jury
commissioners of the four counties from
which parts were taken to form Aiken County
have neglected 10 furnish jury lists, there is
eome doubt as TO the legality Of holding
court when the jurors are not drawn In ac-
cordancs with the requirements OF the act.
The docket Is q large one, and includes
number Of criminal cases that should have
Immediate attention.
No steps further than the drawing of plans
has vet been taken to provide a jail for the
new county. Most Of the commissioners ap-
pointed to provide the public buildlHgs being
politicians, and as without special act no tax
can be levied to pay the expenses, there has
not been quorum present at any called meet
ing for several months. The tax levied last
wear was absorbed In the purchase of dwell
ing.house, with view of converting 1t into
the courthouse, but as 1t is ill-adapted for that
purpose there is now disposition to sell in-
stead of using 1t. The rumors afoat as TO the
Influences which Induced the purchase OF tnls
house accord with those 80 common at Co
lumbia, and as majority Of the commission
ers are members Of the Legislature, 1t Is more
than probable they are based on facts. The
town hall hasbeen fitted up for the temporary
accommodation OF the court, and IL Is antici-
pated that large numbers of persons will be In
attendance.
Although the progress Of Aiken Is not as
rapid as The more saDguine would wish, yet
nya1t trvnrn rnryav ant
The intendant of the town, Mr.. John Mckay,
is,Indetatigable In his efforts to Improve the
stfeets and sldewalks TO the extent the means
at his disposal will admit of. Among the new
houses now In course of construction, the rec
tory for Episcopalians will be quite an impor-
tant one. A public hall, forty-eight by seven
ty-flve feet, has been commenced, and 1s
being pushed forward 90 as TO be used this
spring. The citizens OF EdgefeId are moving
in the matter of the Aiken and Ninety.Six
Railroad, but at this end of the line but little
or no interest is manifested. It Is to be re-
GREETED there is go little spirit exhibited, for
unquestionably this road would develop and
open up a section which is cow far removed
from railroad communication. We suppose
ills attributable to the want Of confidence, for
the crops of this section have been far better
than an average, and the county Is in a
healthier condition than 1t has been for years.
Owing to the political aspect of affairs In
this State, comparatively little property has
changed hands during the past year. Various
projects for the advancement of the place are
being discussed, but whether they will be car
rIed out or not remains to be seen. The AS
ISOLATION for the Promotion of Amusemen:s
has arranged programme which if carried
ont will do much to dissipste the monoteny of
life incident to all small towns. On the list
for March Is tournament. 1t Is hoped that
KNIGHTS from various sections of the State will
be among the contestants for the prizes.