Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1878-07-28

BAILEY SPRINGS. ALA, July "A, 1875
Leaving Memphis at twelve o'clock Satur-
of time, at Bailey Springs The arrange
ments made by Messrs. Ellis & Co. with the
railroads are very convenient to travellers. in
volVing no delay or discomfort. When ! en-
tered the breakfast room at Tuscumbia was
agreeably surprised to see Mr.. H. g. Wilton
and wife, and also Mr.. E. Whitman, of Mem
phis, all of whom, | soon learned, were bound
for Balley's. 1t is always Il pleasure to meet
friends and acquaintance when one is absent
from home, and especially is this true when
1T obvlates the necessity for playing G. P. Il.
James's celebrated character of The Solitary
Traveller" Among other objects of interest
which presented themselves during our rapid
transit of the streets of Florence was the
courthouse, structure whose style of arch-
lecture and general outside appearance was
not at all prepossessing, but which betokened
a commendable disregard for mere ornamep
tation in the place of justice, and a CORE
spending simplicity, dare say, in the admin
istration of its principles. The female col
lege, an institution which is carried on with
great success under the control of the Presby-
terrain synod of Memphis, is a leading object
of interest. The course of instruction is,
am informed, both thorough and comprehen-
slve, and the patronage increasing. Many of
the most intelligent ladies of Memphis, some
of whom are married, and others Just
entering GHe HeIu OF conquest, Claim
this Institution as their alma mater
The most noticeable feature in Florence,
however, is the State normal college, an in
stltuti0n built, endowed and maintained by
the State of Alabama. 1t is not only an
ornament to its immediate location, but an
honor to the entire State, since it is an earn
est of the intention of the commonwealth to
commit the public school system to a body of
trained and sklllful teachers, from whose la
boss good results may be calculated with
mathematical accuracy. The Normal college
has an annual enGo Wment from the State
treasury of FIVE thousand dollars, which, with
the fees derived from considerable number
OF paying pupils, employs an able corps of
professors in all the departments. The build
ing, as seen from a distance, strongly resem-
Ties German castle-a delusion which is
aided by the numerous white towers and
spires which show themselves above the green
environment of oaks which surround it.
Thus Alabama t0ssers above neighboring
States, and thus, too. she successfully
a-SpireS to rise above other commemorative
in the matter of public education. That she
may find an imltator in Tennessee, is my most
earnest desire. About seventy-ive guests
are now enjoying the hospitality of 'Bai-
ley's, and among Memphans, l note, in ad
dltion to our party of four, Mr.. J. J. Free
man and DR.. III. c. Stul and daughter. Many
people well known in Memphis are also here,
notably. General and Mrs. Garrett and Mrs.
DIR. Ireadwell, Mr.. n. r. Sledge and wife |
and Mrs. o. D. Sledge, of Como,
Mississippi; Captain James Rodgers, of
Walnut Bend, Arkansas, and several
others. There is an ent re absence of that |
excess of style and ceremony which marks |
most watering places, that constitutes the |
chief charm of this resort. Everybody goes |
IN for solid comfort, and most of us find it. |
There is no fashionable dressing among the |
ladies, and no exhibition of dandyism among
the gentlemen, it seeming to be understood |
that the former would most probably excite |
comment. and the latter unver-
sal amusement. Under such circumstances,
acquaintance are easily made, and social IN
tercourse between guests Is wonderfully and |
commences about sunrise in the |
few starting even earlier-with |
a short run" through the beautiful and |
extensive grounds, which is followed by |
visit to the springs, located a few hundred |
yards north of the hotel, where an hour Is |
spent in imbibing the waters, the quantity |
drank being generally limited only by the |
modesty or capacity of the imbiber. Others |
refuse walk, and indulge in ten pins, which |
furnish sufficient exercise to stimulate an ap-
petite, which the additional aid OF the water |
often renders so generous as to qulre self |
control in order to limit it within the bounds |
OF prudence. Billiards, music and cards fill |
up the warmer portions of the day, when the |
rays of the sun are too vertical for pleasant |
evening draw all the guests together |
in the parlors. Here we are en-
tertained for a half hour by Emusic from |
the entire band" while each awaits with |
lmpatience the mellifuous music of the bell |
which calls us to the supper-table. For, say |
what you will, there is as much sense as SEN |
tlment in Owen Meredith's lines
M Iixo,
But civilized man cannot live without cooks;
We may live without love what is love but re-
But where she Is the man that can live without
A good taste of Bailey water would have
placed the poet just quoted under the neces-
slty OF devotlng at least half dozen lines to |
proving an equal need for both supper and |
breakfast. l am convinced of the positive |
OF the waters of these springs, par |
hcularly In all affections of the liver and kid
neys. and that general debility which inva-
riably follows exposure to mlasmatic poison.
In tact, the springs seem to have been proyi- |
dentially located within easy reach of the |
Inhabitants of the Mississippi valley, and to |
offer them safe antidote for the effects of |
a miasmatic climate. 1t is something won |
derfql to me that people do not flock here In |
crowds from the river bottom, and by spend |
ing three or four months every wear rid /
yneUlsclfes Vi INC ihslulOus poison which con- |
1emns them to an eternal punishment" of |
chils and fevers. They would return in time |
for the labors of the ensuing year, active and |
vigorous, instead of weak and listless; with |
compilations clear and bright, instead of the |
color of parchment; and last, but not least,
with lIvers energetic and attentive to duty,
instead of torpid and somno lent. Such a |
course would be productive of health and
in equal degree, for, what
ever the poets would have US believe,
t is your correspondent firm belief that
he capacity for happiness lies more In the
liver than in the heart, and that, therefore,
he individual who, in addressing his inamo.
-atG lays his hand, by way of emphasizing
Ills emotion, upon the right side of his anat-
,my, is not SO far out of the way as many
'omantic persons suppose. More anon, how
.ver, on this interesting subject, which | will
elaborate in future letter. Your correspond !