The Cecil Whig., 1874-05-02
LETTER FROM MISSISSIPPI.
JACKSON, Mississippi,
h-,,l 1-th 1Sr

JACKSON, Mississippi,
April 18th, 1874.
EDITOR OF WHG-Dedr iSir:-Wil a
few lines from the "Sunny South be of
any interest to your readerso If you can
find anything of interest in the following,
we'll and good.
THE FLOOD.
For the past two days we have had no
mails from any direction, owing to the
flood. The late Spring rains and the i'm
mense amount of water coming down from
the North has nearly ruined us. The
Mississippi has been five inches above the
high water mark of 1872. When the flood
was at it's heighth, the width of the river
from Cairo to the Gulf was not less than
forty miles, and in some places sixty miles.
The levees washed away, in several places,
bridges washed away, railroad travel
stopped, and a large extent of the cotton
growing country overflowed. The people
have been tiocking to the cities and towns
from the bottoms and low regions, they
having been driven out by the water.
! Their crops have been destroyed, and it is
fair to surmise it will be too late for them
to get in another crop the present year.
Even if it were possible, they have no
money, and the credit system has run out,
and we can see nothing but suffering
ahead for the present year. When, oh,
when, is the "good time coming?"
GOVERNOR AMEs.
The people Of Mississippi have been
agreeably disappointed in regard to our
new Governor. Since his inauguration he
has given satisfaction to all-even his most
bitter opponents can but speak we'll of
him. He has issued several State papers
looking to the welfare of our people,
which have been published abroad and
highly complimented by the leading jour
mails of all political creeds. Should he
continue in the course in which he has
commenced, in four years our State will
show greatly decreased debt, and more
prosperous condition. Governor Ames
| will ever be remembered for his first recep-
ton, which occurred on the evening of
the 3rd, and which was attended by the
State officers, members of the Legislature,
and many of our citizens. Early in the
day it was reported that there was to be no
wine or other liquors on the table. The
reception passed off very nicely; coffee,
tea and water being the only drinks fur
nished the guests. Not only did the pub
lie press compliment him for this action,
| but the ladies and the Temperance Socie-
ties passed resolutions thanking him for
the action he has taken.
| OUR LEGISLATURE.
The Legislature adjourned on the 9th.
Much important work was done by this
important body. Among other important
measures, I may mention the Temperance
Bill. This bill provides that the person or
persons making application for license
to retail vinous or spurious liquors, must
| first present a petition signed by major
| ity of the male voters, and a majority of
the women over eighteen years of age, in
the city, town, or township in which he
proposes to sell said liquors. There was
some quick work on this bill. 1t passed
the House fifteen minutes before the time
of final adjournment, was enrolled, and
returned with the Governors signature
inside of eight minutes. An attempt was
made to steal the bill, but it was guarded
SO closely that not even a State officer
could get peep at it. Before it went to
the House thousand dollars was offered
by whisky dealers-for its destruction.
There was substitute offered for this bill
in the Senate but was voted down, with
about the following provisions: The party
wishing to do the drinking must go to the
Circuit Clerk, pay $25, and take out a
license to drink for twelve months; but,
before he could get said license, if mar
ried man, it required the written consent
of his wife and children; if single man,
the conset of his mother, sisters, etc, every
case being provided for. You see we are
not behind in the Temperance cause.
Two duels have been fought in this
State lately, by Louisianians. In the first
case one Of the principals was carried
home in box In the last one, one of the
valiants was pretty seriously wounded, and
before they could get away posse of citi-
zens, becoming tired of such fun, overlook
them, and they were taken before Judge,
who held them in $500 bail each to appear.
Served them right
We are enjoying strawberries and cream
How would you like some? l hear you
say "tipe, You BET"