Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1880-07-10
FROM COLUMBIA.

EDITOR CHRONICLE: The eXcit-
ing times incident to the meeting of
conventions and nomination of can
didates are upon us. Columbia
shares the enthusiasm Of the nation
over the nomination OF Hancock
and English, while her colored
population will be staggered when
they come 20 choose between two
men who eft to free Us. confess
that my color showed itself some
what in contemplation Of that d.
lemma until / reviewed the record
OF the man called Hancock. Ills
letter TO the governor of Texas is q
triumphant preston Ofdemocracy
and a sure foundation for a wise adj
ministration. The people of Column
bia and Maury are now ON tip-toe,
hats in hand, for the return OF Gen.
Whitthorne to congress. Giles says,
"Send Talliaferros" Williams says,
"Bond." They talk Of Ozark
horses" in these days, and it may
be thas Judge MeLemOre is the
phorse." am not a politician, but
i pray that God may direct the
purest hearts and wisest heads into
the high places Of our nation, and
can only hope for the answer to my
prayer through the purity Of the
ballot-box and the untrammeled ex-
ercise OF the election franchise. How
many protested Christians will carry
Christ with them through the excit-
ing scenes Of this canvass to the
polls? The canvass for sheriff Of
this county has opened with intense
excitement. Already there are in
dications Of "blood on the moon"
We have been immersed by sprink-
ling and pouring for the past few
days. The country has been greatly
refreshed. The wheat crop was a
failure. / have seen several crops
among my country parishioners,
not bushel Of which was good for
seed or bread The corn and cotton
crops are excellent, and the hay
crop was never known to be better.
The spirit Of enterprise has re-
ceived fresh impetus in Columbia
by the advent Of Col. Bethel, for
merly of Memphis, into our midst.
Col. Bethel is, an enterprising CAPT.
talist and has led off in the right
direction. Already hotel Of mag
nificent proportions is under head
way and other plans are revolving
in the cOlonel's mind. Moneye1
men of Columbia have caught the
inspiration, and the end is not yet.
The courthouse has long been an
eye-sOre to our people. Why, sir, it
is even more unsightly than the old
temple that you people had the
good fortune to get burned; and,
what is worse, it stands out far
more prominently than yours did,
being in the center OF a square that
might be made the pride Of our peO-
pie. 1t il true our citizens are heav-
lily taX-burdened, $2.16, believe,
owing to investments in Duck River
Valley railroad and other things,
but Columbia courthouse will not
be here long, in my opinion. .s.
Some Of my former parishioners
may expecta paragraph on churches.
There are seven churches here, be-
sides a chapel owned by our church.
1t has no membership, but l preach
In it once a week, and we have an
afternoon Sunday-schoOl and class
meeting organized there. The
Methodist have the largest men,
bership, the Presbyterians the most
wealth, and the Episeopalians the
only female schools in the city-In-
stitute and Atheneum. The Meth
odist church is out Of debt, and,
with the .eXceptfon of tower and.
new pews tits complete. We have
a membership Of 800, and a Sunday
school averaging over 300 during
the cheated term" Our atiIuent
sick have deployed and are gather
ing up their wasted energies and
rebuilding their shattered nervous
systems Mt the various watering
places hereabouts. When the ''sear
and yellow leaf' begins to fall, I'M
der the leadership of some sub
pastor this "army Of the Lord" will
go forward to greater achievements
in winning souls to Jesus. One
hundred and thirteen have been
added this year, may tho number
be doubled next.
Columbia district embraces all of
Giles and portion Of Maury. An
effort is being made to procure a
district parsonage, and it Is succeed
ing very well. Hope, blythe bless
ing of God and the assistance of my
good brother, w. Weakly, to COM
plete the subscription by the meet
ing of the annual conference. 600
thou and do likewise" l look for
ward with pleasure and pride to the
time when the Methodists of Clarks-
willie shall have a house Of worship
worthy of themselves, I am glad
to know that financial brains are
enlisted in the undertaking, which
insures system and success in man
aging the Lords business. ~! p
.s.s ~ T. j. DUNCAN. 5
FROM TEXAS.