The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1875-02-16
Written for The Spirit of Democracy.
FROM SOUTH CAROLINA.
SPARrANBURG, S. C Feb. 3. 1875

SPARTANBURG, S. c Feb. 3. 1875
ED SPIRIT: 1t has been some time
since I last wrote you. want TO say
something about our travels here, also,
concerning our Conference.-The South
Carolina We left Spartansburg, en-
route for Camden, the seat of our Con.
ference, January l2 Wetook the Spar
,ansburg & Union train. II IVES a very
inclement day the surface Of the earth
was entirely covered with ice. About 8
A N it began to rain, and continued to
pour down copious showers all the day
long; but regardless of weather the cars
sped on, nothing worthy of notice pre-
senting itself, save ever and anon the
rocking of the coach warning us that we
were riding on very rough road, and a
dangerous one, too When we informed
ourself in reference to its history, we
found that we were riding over a road
from which the cars ran off almost every
day bu, as it so happened about II 30
P. NJ. we arrived safely at Aston, the
Southern terminus of the road. Here VIC
were delayed about three hours.
Aston is very unlike any Of our north
ern towns. The difference consists in the
kind of dwellings constructed; the hou.
ses are mostly log with chimneys built on
the outside. The light is conveyed into
the rooms by scarcely ever more than
one window, and that without glass
Light is received in no other way, except
through the cracks between the logs, and
the door when open. Aston is situated
on Broad River, in very low and
swampy country, and is very sickly at
times The land here, and all along the
road, is very inferior.
The Grecnville train came laundering
along we stepped aboard and were soon
landed in Columbia. This is quite a
beautiful and live city. The buildings
here are generally very good, some OF
them are elegant. That part Of the city
destroyed by Sherman has since been re-
built, and presents fine appearance ; 1T is
now by far the finest part of the city
We visited the State House in company
with the Rev. l. NJ Dunton, of New
York. 1t is fine structure Of gigantic
proportions, and occupies the most prom
inent place in the city; it is unfinished =
lit were completed,i it would be the finest
piece of workmanship in the South. 1t
was struck several times with shells, du
ring the war, but was not damaged much.
While aboard the train fell in compa-
n.y. with several disting uishcd gentlemen
Of the State-members of the Legisla-
ture-Demoerats; they were all very ele-
CANT men, They entertain very exalted
opinion of Mr. Chamberlain; think bin
far superior to Moses, or any Governor
South Carolina hashadsfor years. HIS
message is admired very much by all the
people expect better times.
We took train for Camden the follow.
ing morning. In our route we passed
over swamp of about 25 miles in extent
This is lonely, sckly, dismal looking To-
cality. The train is carried over this
swamp on aviaduct About 7 P. NJ we
landed in the city of Camden.
The Conference met the following day
Bishop Wiley presiding The session
was harmonious and of unusual interest
1t is evident that in most, perhaps in all
respects. the Church is growing in this
State. Revivals have been frequent, and
some of them especially powerful, during
the past year. AS in other places,s 80 here
the country is open to our ministers on
every hand.
Advanced ground has been taken in tht
educational interests Of the Conference
The University at Columbia, and the one
at Orangeburg, also, srein a prosperou:
condition. DR.. Fox, President of th'
former, and Dr. Cook, President of th'
latter, are men eminently qualified to su
perintend these institutions of learning
and are indicating great energy and tao
in their management.
Bishop Wiley is capital Bishop, equa
to the best Of our presiding officers. II
fills the chair with ease and dignity. Hi
address to the Deacons, was practical
timely and impressive. On Sabbath
, morning he preached a most excellen
sermon. He is one of the ablest stand
ard bearers of our Israel. DR.. Rust wa
also present at the Conference, ant
preached powerful sermon Sabbatl
night. Rev. H. F. Isett, of Philadelphia
was present and preached orce, great,
to the edifcation and pleasure of his au
dience. Drs. f @. Fuller, Of Atlantis
Ga Webster, of Charleston, Cumming
of Columbia, and Cook, Of Orangeburs
we're also present and spoke often. great
, ly to the edifcation and pleasure of all.
The session will long be remembered
w RI PEARSON