Bristol news. [volume] (Bristol, Va. & Tenn.) 1867-189?, 1879-09-16

this kind of cave ornamentation, and
was said by members of the survey to
be unusual in its extent and beauty
Other parts contain curious stalactite
and stalagmitic formations such as one
I'sees In many other caves, halls of statll-
ary, giant coffins, waterfalls, organs,
and unexpected limitations of natural
and artificial objects. As "moonslin-
er" expressed it, "they hain't nary thing
that crowd but what you'd find hid in
them air caves, sir"
Very few Of the caves in this region
have been disturbed by visitors; some of
them have certainly never entered, and
this lends an added charm to their eX-
| ploration. One feels n thrill of peculiar
pleasure In looking upon any wonders
never before seen by the eye of man. |
would be glad to spend several months
longer in this part of Virginia in order
to become acquainted with the people
here, The Virginia line here makes a
loop into Kentucky, including a pock ct
in the mountains. Pennington's Gap is
the only wagon-pass into this country
from any side. Owing to its peculiar
position it is particularly favorable
spot for small Illicit distilleries and for
fugitives from Justice, who can on short
notice make their escape into either
Kentucky or Tennessee, through noun
tain passes over which horse can with
difficulty be led. Moreover, there ex-
lists race, of German parentagc, the
descendants Of the first colonists Of
North Carolina. These people were
originally imported by great land com
pany that owned large tracts in the Carr
olinas. They were collected in the low
countries of Germany aud sent over In
ship loads, the company paying n cer-
tain amount per head for every emigrant
that passed over the gang-plank. From
North Carolina the remnants of them
have spread over portions Of Kentucky,
Tennessee, and Virginia, and from to-
day the lowest type Of the population in
these mountains. They are not n vicious
people, but are simply brutally ignorant,
and live the most primitive of lives,
knowing scarcely anything Of the clyill-
zation by which they are surrounded
In their cabins you will not find Il single
article of furniture, except kettle and
one or two pots and dishes. The true
Nirginans, who form the bulk of the
people, are, however, usually fine class
Of men, very hospitble and law-abldlng,
except IN few bad districts. There
are no negroes in these mountains, and
the women and children run from II
black man MS they would from wild
animal.
The laws here are enforced in very
summary and primitive fashion, and
punishment follows almost Immediately
on the commission of u crime. The
squire administers justice In almost all
cases without troubling higher courts.-
For all criminal cases Of the lessor sort,
and for thetts under five dollars, sound
thrashng is administered. Yesterday
we witnessed the whipping of three
men for stealing corn. Our storckccper,
Mr.. Kelley, Is the magistrate here. The
fellows were brought before him and
tried; they confessed and were each
sentenced to seven cuts. Squire Kelley
himself went into the woods and cut
three stout hickory sticks, constable
was sworn on the spot, the prisoners
were taken ont In front of the store, tied
up, and whipped.