Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1875-11-11
Correspondence of the YOrkville Enquirer
LETTER FROM CHESTER.
CHESTER. November 8. 49,

LETTER FROM CHESTER.
CHESTER November 8, 1875.
The probabilities are that James Reid, who
was at one time Chairman of the Board OF
County Commissioners of Chester county, and
after the expiration of his term of office,
charged with and convicted of the crime of
msapplication of the public funds, and SEN
fenced to an Imprisonment in the penitentiary
for the period of twelve months, will be par
doned. The efforts that have been and are
still making in his behalf are great, and will
doubtless be crowned with success. do not
believe that there will be any objection, from
the Conservative element, to Reid's release.
As the amount of money, belonging to the
county, taken by him was not large, and as
he has already served several months in the
penitentiary, they are willing for him to come
home Especially is this feeling entertained
by the Conservatives since the virtual release
of Dublin Walker, who was found guilty of
the commission of crime far exceeding in
enormity that perpetrated by Reid. say
Walkers virtual release, for he has the limits
of the Jail yard, walks about with great free
dom, and seems to be we'll, very we'll, satisfied
with his condition. He is not troubled with
the restraints that rest upon the other pris-
oners, impressing every one with the convic-
ton that the greatest criminal need have no
fears under the Chamberlain administration,
provided he 10 a POLITICAL power among hia
own people, The leniency shown to Walker,
by those in authority, is very clear proof that
they cannot be depended upon to carry out
the reforms SO sadly needed by our unfortu'
nate State. honestly believe that the ef:
fects of this leniency will be very disastrous
upon the best interests of the State, for pub
lie officials will believe, and will act upon the
belief, that they can lay their hands upon
the public moneys with impunity, and if they
are convicted of their crimes by courts of
justice, pardon awaits them at the hands Of
the Executive.
The earthquake that was felt throughout
portions of Georgia and this State, on last
Monday evening, has given rise to consider
able amount of comment in the newspapers.
The shock and the rattling of windows occa'
stoned thereby, was observed by few per-
sons in our town. 1t was so slight as to be
hardly perceptible, and was not accompanied
by the rumbling sound that followed the
shock at other places. 1t occurred at the same
time-about ten o'clock-and was the effect
of the same earthquake. though at this place
its force was nearly spent.
At the last monthly meeting Of the Build
ing and Loan Association of Chester, $1,000
were sold at 235 premium. This organiza'
ton has been instrumental in doing a great
work for our town. Through its assistance, q
considerable number of buildings have been
erected, and others are now in process of erec
ton.
Still, building operations are not confined
entirely to the Association. Mr.. j. j. String.
fellow is erecting q house on York street.
which will be an ornament to our town. II
will combine both comfort and beauty to a
very great degree. Mrs. Rainey is also put
ting up very neat and pretty house upon
the same street. 1t is rapidly approaching
completion, and will be ready for occupation
in the course of few weeks
In addition to her handsome private resi-
dences and more handsome stores, Chester is
entering the field in the erection Of buildings
to be devoted to amusements. In other words,
our town will, before great while, be the
possessor of bowling alley. Mr.. j. L.
Chambers is at the head of this new enter.
prise. Possibly, the pleasure may be mine to
report, some day, the building of an opera
house. Chester is continually taking steps
forward in the path of progress she has mark.
ed out for herself. ..-.
Mr.. Banks Thompson lost, by fire, several
bales of cotton few days ago. This, be-
lieve, is the first misfortune of the kind that
has befallen farmer of this county during
the present season. Heretofore, the destruc.
ton OF cotton by fires, incendiary or accident
al, has been greater.
Thespell of dry weather, which continued
for several weeks, came to an end on Thurs
day evening, and on Friday, rain fell to a
greater or less extent. The day was raw and
cold, and was totally different from the mild,
balmy weather that had prevailed for so long
time. The rain was very acceptable for one
reason, and not so desirable for another. II
was greatly needed by the farmers to enable
them to SOW wheat and other grain. Cotton
which, in consequence of recent violent winds
whitens the ground, did not need the rain
Still, with the exception of those men who
have cotton on the brain, and who regard the
growing of corn and wheat secondary consid.
erations, the rain was doubtless hailed with
joy and gladness.
Our streets, during the past week, did not
present the aspect of life and activity that
characterized them during the preceding
weeks. This was due to smaller amount of
cotton Offering for sale. The decline in the
price does not please the farmers, and they
are consequently holding for higher figures.
On Friday, civil case Of considerable in
terest came up for trial before Trial Justice
Sanders Mr. F. G. Whitlock was the plain
tiff, and Mr. V. B. Wright, the defendant.
The main facts are as follows: In January,
1872, Mr.. Wright loaned Mr.. Whitlock the
sum of fifty dollars, for which the latter gave
his note. A short time ago, Wright brought