Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1874-04-16
Correspondence of the Yorkville Enquirer.
LETTER FROM BLACKSTOCKS.

BLAcKsTocKs, S. c., April l3, 1874.
This is a changing world. Twenty years
totally transforms the appearance of a whole
section of country. This reflection was sug-
gested by the appearance of things in and
around Blackstocks. This place is situated
on the railroad, twelve miles below Chester,
and about sixteen above Winnsboro. The
line between the counties of Chester and Fair
field passes through the centre of the village,
only few rods south of the depot. In olden
time, the place was known as "Walker's Old
Field" Now it has all the appearances and
pretentions of an inland town. 1t has town
council, police, and everything of the kind
that is peculiar to country village. In some
respects, it is peculiar place. There are five
dry goods and family grocery stores, one drug
store, two liquor shops, one house designed as
house for general merchandise, just compile
ted, but not yet occupied; another in course of
erection, said to be designed as first class
bar-room and billiard-saloon; one hotel, but
not single dwelling in the place. This is
certainly remarkable thing, and clearly de-
notes the object and intent Of the town of
Blackstocks
The inhabitants of the country around the
place are extensively engaged in agricultural
pursuits. That is, they are engaged in ma
king cotton and in exchanging it for bread
and meat for themselves and laborers, and for
corn, oats, hay and fodder for their domestic
animals. Necessity, in this case, as in almost
every other, has proved to be the mother Of
invention. The merchants are doing thriv-
ing business, which indicates that the farmers
are hard pushed. A preacher might take
this as text and preach good sermon,
or political economist might deliver good
lecture to the whole country.
Things are all wrong all over the cotton
growing States The proceeds of the soil all
20 out of the country, and none of them ever
return. If, at such places as Blackstocks,
Rock Hill and Charlotte, cotton factories
were being erected instead of family grocery
stores, it would indicate prosperity. If car
loads of manufactured goods were constantly
being sent out of the country, and no corn and
bacon sent into it, this would be sign Of
permanent prosperity. Our people will learn
sense some time; but it is not probable before
the present generation all dies out.
All over the country, the farmers seem to
be behind with their work. One accounts
for this in one way, and another in some other
way. No doubt thereare many reasons which
conspire to produce this backward state Of
things. 1t may seem strange, hut we believe
it is true, that the people who fell in Sher-
mans track have more energy and are more
hopeful than those who escaped that scourge
The misfortune is, it has so far been badly d.
rected.
Wheat, in the lower edge of Chester county,
looks very we'll; but the people at sowing
time calculated to buy -four. From what we
can learn, less cotton will be planted than
usual. This is ambiguous as to what it indi-
Gates. 1t may be that it means that burnt
child breads the fire, or it may be that it
means that the people are not able to plant as
much as formerly. 1t is certain that one of
two things will ultimately take place in the
cotton growing region. Either less cotton