The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1877-05-18
LETTER FROM CHARLESTON.
CHARLESTON. S. c.. NAV II

ShhnhrSoioS, .. ", May IL.
This has been gala week in the "City by the
Sea-" We have had the most delicious weather
and variety Of sensations. A big excursion
marty from Georgia one day overHowed the whole
city in search of pleasure, and some got more
than they contracted for.
Then we h. i the Press Association, with DIR.
Bagby's inimitable personal illustrations; then
Cantatas and Mrs. Jonley's Wax works at night
by the Juveniles, ard Regattas in day time by
the FsneJE eflt.Ni6s.s tiaroons, .Episcopal Con.
vention, and Memorial Day, crowned by the
satisfaction of knowing that the old State is
once more free under "Hampton and Home
Rule"
The Bankers, Brokers and Factors have been
wonderfully exercised about the Usury Law, ard
the "Chamber Of Commerce" as usual, has
been called on to scotch If not kill the snake
There is grim humor in the whole procedure,
and the poor farmers ought to feel very thank.
full for the interest those gentlemen take in their
affairs. OF course their only wish in making
money plenty and cheap is to benefit the bor-
rowers-the poor farmer.
There is one difficulty in the solution of this
problem, however. If money can be borrowed
in New York or anywhere else for 8, 4, s or 6
per cent, 1t is sure to become dearer when it
gets down here. The risks of transportation are
so great, we guess
ID We ore told by the Banks and Bankers
that they have millions lying idle in their vaults.
The trouble is, not the scarcity Of money, but of
IateraLs, and is willing to pay one per cent. =
month, can get his note cashed.
3D. When the Usury Law was about to be
abolished, these same Bankers and Brokers as
sured us Of the most beneficial effects which
must follow. The benefits did not come to the
class which most needed help-the money went
into the Banks; the Banks declared large divi-
dcnds, and the poor people paid the penalty.
We are net taking o political economy"
view of this question at all. We don't deny the
right any man has to sell his money at the high
est price he can get for 1t.
We don't wonder at the opposition of Bank
ers to Usury Law. They know where the shoe
pinches, but we do object to their basing their
opposition upon false grounds. The other party
have right to try the xperiment-partcularly
they arc to be the sufferers. We reckon the
Bankers can stand it as long as the borrowers
have stood the other experiment.
The Legislature seems inclined to give the
question the go-by for the present, and during
the recess the subject will be ventilated in the
press and on the stump. Well, when the crop
is laid by the people will need little stirring up.
Times are in danger of growing dreadfully
dull. There are evident signs Of improvement
in business in the City since the new regime be-
gan. The old houses are being repaired, new
houses built, new fences and fixtures are going
up. The whitewash brush has been brought into
requistion and q more cheerful look is given
to everything. Although trade cannot improve
until the new crop comes in, there is q hopeful
ness about the peoble, feeling of security and
assurance that times must grow better, that is
quite cheering.
Wages arc better and men work with n better
heart. The health of the City is very good
The market gardeners have been enjoying their
harvest. Immense quantities of fruits and veg
etables have been shipped North, we presume
with profit. Green Peas, Snap Beans, Beets,
Turnips and Asparagus, are now so abundant
that any body can afford to indulge in such lux
urics. Strawberries are abundant and cheap,
and Blackberries are being ding-dongcd about
the streets at low down figures.
The war news still continues to be startling.
The position of Great Britain is critical. If
that power should become involved there is no
calculating how when it will end.
The true policy of our people is to plant less
cotton and grow more provisions. Will they do
it? 1t is madness to plant large crop of cot
ton, under the present aspect of things in the
old world, with knowledge of full supply on
nand. NOUS VERRONS.