Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1875-05-08
Palmetto Leaves.
CuApLrsroN = q Nav . !,

Inc olu CITY ny the Sea Is now Clothed In
her richest Spring attire. She seems glad i,
aud well may be so, revelling in all her semi
tropical wealth OF fruits and flowers. But 1t
is something more than this which gaddeus
her heart. Que year ago, South Carolina was
PROSTATE ia the dust, and Rldicalism held
high carnival over its victim. To-day, the
State can proudly note her progress in Re-
form. With the installation Of her new Gov
ernUr, Hon. Dauel Ii. Chamberlain, last Jam
uary, the prospect for an unclouded future
has grown brighter every day, and thus it is
that the metropolitan city of this grand old
Commonwealth wears such glad looks to-day.
She sees in the near dlstanc, an happy time
approaching wtea the State Gre liz shall again
become uuimpaired, and her commercial and
other prosperity assured. A word. now, regard
Ing Carolina Saviour. Governor Chamberlain
is New Highlander by birth. but has long re-
sided down here. lie is Republican, having
been long affiliated with that party, and before
bis election last November, was Attorney Gen.
eral, under Governor Moses. Mr.. Chamber
lain is gentleman Of education and refine
ment. lie entered Yale College in SO, gradu-
ated in CO as Class Orator, and winner of the
De Forrest prize-which honor is conferred
/
shall write and pronounce an " English ora
ton in the best manner" After leaving
Yale, he entered Harvard Law School, sradu-
ating in CO. His high abilities as scholar
are recognized everywhere. He represented
the State at the recent Concord-LeXington
celebration, and made the finest speech of all
his felow-oratorS, aud the Law Faculty Of
Old Yale has called upon MIN to deliver the
annual GRAFTON at its coming commencement.
Since his accession to TIE gubernatorial chair,
Governor Chamberlain has dealt hard blows
to the Radical Ring (which l am glad TO state
is going to the demuition bow-wows, as fast as
1t canl, and the well-merited plauditS be has
received ON all sides seem squirting him on to
renewed efforts. The Providence Journal, |
hear, haS-with the best possible intentions
compared the reforming achievements OF Gov
0rnor Chamberlain TO those OF Postmaster
General Jewell may be wrong, but 1t does
seem rather q lefi-handed compliment to him,
yUking our governor with Mr.. Jewell. Driven
20 the wall, thus, the venemous Radicals turn
ed upon the press. The Ntacs aud Courier,
published in this city by Messrs. Riorden,
Dawson and Company was pitched upon as
the first prey in this lite. G. G. Bowen,
Sheriff, of this county, tBisamist. Forser,
Murderer, and ex- member of CongresS1 insti-
tuted suit against these two journalists Tor
libel, in proclaimins his misdeeds. The trial
lasted week, and the jury stood, II for &C
quittal, and for conviction. This 81" 1t
was afterwards understood, was close ally OF
Bowen, and had entered the jury box pledged
to his support Bowen has since been arrest
ed charged with the instigatiOn of the muir
Ter of Col. w. z. White, confederate Off
Ger nearly IL years ago. This was the first
crime proved against him by the Ne,cs and
Courier proprietors during the trial The
fallen sheriff has been released on bail. Con-
gratulations are pouring in upon the NeTS
and Courier, on its triumph, an it deserves
all this praise 1t is the only paper in Char
lesion. and has lone farther than any other
state Journal in unmasking the villains OF tie
past administrations. Now, remember
there IS another paper here. Its appearance,
however, is only emi-occasionally, and II
changes its name about every two weeks. Its
politics are Radical, and the present uame Of
this enterprising sheet is The Chronicle, al
though before my letter reaches you it may
have another. There is to be Press Conven-
ton here on Thursday, when all the papers of
mutual benefit The Nelrs and Courier will
father the affair.
CharIeston's great pride is her Battery.
This consists of a stone parapet promenade,
overlooking the harbor aud extending, north,
and south, the distance of some 800 yards.
Fine views can be here obtained at Forts
Sumter aud Moultrie, Piuckney Castle, Mount
Pleasant, and Sullivan's Island-thiS latter
the favorite summer resort Of Charlestonians
on account Of its being contiguous 10 the city
aud possessing every requisite for Long
Branch The East Battery has its termina-
ton in White Point Garden, an extensive re-
servation at the southernmost end Of the city,
planted with noble trees, shrubbery, etc, laid
ont in sea-shell drives aud walks, and in every
way worthy of the name Garden. The Post
Band. stationed at the Citadel, gives open air
concerts here every Saturday evening during
the warm season, and the enlivening strains Of
music combine with the natural beauties OF
the spot to crowd it with the beauty and chiv-
airy of this grand old city. From White
Point Garden one can see across the Ashley on
the Southern Shore, The Hundred Pines way
ing weirdly in the distance.
The Regatta association have their three
day races, beginning on the goth instant
The various crews are in active training and
rare sport is anticipated Last year the Char
lesion crews won their tag from the Savan-
nah boys who intend trying to recover it.
! However if may Judge from their previous
record, our own oarsmen Will give those oil
the Forest city a very close pull.
| Tomorrow, the German FuSieers celebrate
their centennial. On May 8, 1875, this COM
/ naI bn nin an n
the city, made an offer of its services to the
newly forming government. Itisnow command
ed by Capt. Alex Melchers, a brave Teuton
of many years But shall not at this time,
encroach farther on your valuable space. but
will leave other matters, upon which l meant
TO touch, for another time, when if it so please
YOU, you shall again hear from j. S.