Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1875-09-18
Palmetto Leaves.
lFfon an Occasional Correspondent

FROM az DcCIStCHdt CORES 0tLcHt.l
CHARLESTON, S. c., Sept. II.
Within a month from to-day the munic-
ipal election comes off. The campaign has
already commenced, and, to use an homely
but appropriate phrase, the political pot is
'bihn' lively. No nominations have yet been
made by either party, though it is more than
probable that the present incumbent of the
mayoralty, Geo. II. Cunningham will be
named by his THE Republicans friends for re-
election. Cunningham was chosen in 1878
over Gen. Geo. A. Wagner, the candidate OF
the citizens conservative party, tho only by
small majority. However, at that tme Blsa-
nous Bowen held full sway IN the city and Its
enyirous, and to the exercise Of this power was
largely due Cunningham election. Now,
however, the tables if not entirely, are at
least half turned BOwen's influence has gone
down considerably, since Governor Chamber
hiu's Inauguration aud the ex-cOngreSsman's
unsuccessful tilt with the News Il Courier last
Spring The citizens party eau, therefore,
with the impartial commissioners ct election
lust appointed by the governOr-elect any
candidate they choose to select Although
seated in the mayoralty mainly through fraud
ulent voting, Mr.. Cunningham has carried out
a very moderate policy during his term Of Of
fee. His management while not, perhaps, as
satisfying to the people as would have been
that Of their own candidate, has yet proved a
charming contrast to some Of his predecessors
official life, and as such, receives general en-
doTsemeut.
The Chamber Of Commerce has recently IS
sued its annual report Of the trade aud COM
merce of Charleston. This elaborate history
of the city's material growth during the COM
mercial year lS14-75 shows her to have made
to quote the News Il Courier" uneXam-
pied progress for a South Atlantic seaport. -
The staple articles of produce which find their
outlet TO the world through our city are six
in number, viz:-Hing Cotton, Rice, Spirits
Turpentiue, Rosin, Phosphates aud Lumber
OF these, the two latter may, more correctly,
be cassed as local industries. PhosphateS are
found in the Charleston basin, are mined by
Charleston companies, and, when washed free
of dirt are ready for shipment. Another
branch Of this important business Is the mauip-
uhtion Of the Ph0SphateS and their conversion
into commercial fertilizers. This likewise Is
done 10 and about Charleston, and il IS esti-
mated that at least 20 600 tons Of crude Phos-
plate were SO manufactured last year. Some
idea of the magnitude Of this business may be
obtained from the fact that $4,000 tons of
commercial fertilizers, valued at two million
dollars, were shipped from Charleston last year.
The Phosphate companies make their own
sulphuric acid, and, in point ofequipment and
skiliul management, have no equals IN this
country. it is claimed. Lumber is brought
here in large quantities from the surrounding
country aud operated on very eXpeditiously by
the extensive mill properties located in the
extreme northwest section of the city.
Reviewing, editorially, the published Report,
the News & Courier has this to say Of the fu-
ture Of The City by the Sea -
IL is no new tale 10 say that we have and always
have had, implicit faith that Charleston will,
in the course Ofyears, become great commercial
city; and from the first ours has been reason
able faith, founded upon a knowledge of the po-
sition of Charleston ss the most available and &C
ccssible South Atlantic port. and upon know
edge of the varied character of her actual and
prospective c0musrce. What seemed dreams ten
years ago, are solid realities to-day, and ten
years hence, the glowing predictions OF to-day
will have been more than accomplished.
Much thatWe f0retOld for Charleston has al
ready come TO pass and, our word for II, the
present, however reassurng, is nothing 20 what
the near future can and must De.
Fora deal OF her prosperity Charleston is
indebted, the same journal thinks, to the South
Carolina Railroad the value of whose wise
management in the interests ofour people, can
not it SAYS. very well be estimated, For the
Fall and Winter trade, the city has well pre-
pared herself IN increase in her commerce
aud general business has been anticipated by
the erection of new presses, warehouses and
stores, and the renovation Of old property.
steam railway has been built at great cost
to connect the railroad dep2ts with the various
piers, thus cxpeIitjng the handling Of through
freight Thus, Cr1lina's metropolis Is adj
vaucius Stcldily-the more SO since Reform
has been placed at the PROV Of the good Old
State-Ler one motto OHrGrd
Jno. f. Owens Esq, the comedian, has be-
come owner Of the Academy Of Music, and
promises us some fue histriouc and other tall
eut during the season. The Academy is being
put through a thorough rcuoyating process,
and will, when out Of the painters, uphoster-
crs aud other bands, look as neat as q new
pin. This, our only, temple of the drama, is
really little gem If a theatre. It's seating
capacity is, l should say. about 500, but an
even 1000 could De packed within its walls,
and has been, indeed, during Barrett's en-
gagcmcuts.
Since my last we have had long continued
drought, stretching over some weeks. Latter
~, however, rain has fallen, and all memory
Of parchcd distress is merged into a heartfelt
gratitude over our dclivcauce. J. $.