Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-01-12

JACKSONVILLE FLA, January 1o-The inter-
ests of our growing city should not be neglect
ed during the temporary absence of your resu-
lar correspondent, and so / will ask permis-
sion for a limited space occasionally in your
columns. win not venture TO discuss the
grave topics of State and national politics and
similar heavy subjects, and propose only to
give you passing sketch of what is said and
and done, from week to week, in this little
metropolis.
The suspension of the Sun and Press iass
week leaves only three Republican papers In
the State, the Republicans, of Ocala, the Guar<
dian, o. Tampa, and the Press of St Angus
tine. The former is Sickly sheet, poorly
edited and miserably printed and the sooner
It's demise occurs the better.
1t has been known for some time that the
Sun and Press was heavily embarrassed, and
that It's creditors were clamorous for the set
tlement of their claims The materials of tbs
office were sold some months since, under fore
closure OF mortgage, the publication of the
paper. however, being permitted to continue,
in consequence of the understanding that Q
settlement would be effected The patience of
the creditors at last was exhausted. and the
Sheriff, under an order of the Circuit Court,
took possession of the property last Tuesday
Every effort made to obtain assistance from
the Republican party has so far failed The
course of the paper has made it many enemies
but few friends in its own party. Had the
management OF the Sun and Press been more
liberal and calculated to promote, rather than
iniure the interests of Florida, its fate might
have caused some sympathy. As it is, there
is very little regret expressed.
As the Union is now the only journal In the
fishes the press dispatches it is to be hoped
that 1t VIII reap the reward 70 which 1t is
entitled from its long and arduous services.
Jacksonville and surrounding country can sup
port one paper handsomely, and the linton
should receive large and remunerative pat
ronage.
Ali OF the State convicts, numbering 125.
have been leased for two years to the East
Florida Railroad Company, and will be en-
ployed on the construction of the Waycross
connection A stockade for their security is
now being built a few miles from this city Our
community is not par icularly delighted with
the proximity of so largo a number of criIni-
nails and the hope is general that the most
ample precautions will be taken for their safe
keeping. The contractors pay $15 year for
each convict, and agree to incur all expenses
after conviction, to receive them from the
different jails and to furnish guards food
clothing and medical attention.
Six prisoners were sentenced by Judge Archi-
bald to the penitentiary last week for various
periods, amounting in the aggregate to twenty
five years and six months. Ben Bird, convicted
OF the murder OF Policeman Robert Nelson,
was sentenced to be executed at such time as
should be determined by the Governor.
Reliable accounts from several points in
Orange, Volusia, Brevard and Sumter counties
report but little serious damage IS having
been effected by the recent freeze Neither the
fruit nor the orange trees have been injured,
This VIII give increased confidence to orange
growers, as it will demonstrate the fact that
the groves can endure O considerable degree of
cold without danger
Our bod soldier boys have returned from
Tallahassee, and notwithstanding the severe
weather that prevailed, boast of having had a
good time. They admire the ladies Of Middle
Florida exceedingly, aud more than one fell
victim to the darts Of Cupid. Ea...ta
There were 2s9 marriages in this county DUR
ing 1880, Ill among whites and 1I8 among me-
groes, as against go for the year previous
March seems to have been the favorite month
for the ceremony, as 80 were recorded during
The grim destroyer, Death, carried of Ss5
victims from our city during the year lust
ended-135 whites and 80 colored-an increase
over 1879 of "a. October shows the greatest
mortality.
The custom house records show an increase
Of arrivals of vessels at this port of sixty-four
and also an increase in the amount of lumber
shipped Of 7,740.3i7 feet. This is very encour-
aging report and is quite satisfactory When
the bar is deepened to admit the passage of
vessels drawing twenty feet Of water to our
wharveS, Jacksonville will compete with Pen
sacola for the lumber business. ef
Quite number of the blacklegs have gone to
Tallahassee to ply their avocation during the
session. This is good for Jacksonville and un.
fortunate for the capital. 1t is limited very
strongly that too many of the lawmakers Of
Florida are addicted to the fascinating game OF
keno and other amusements OF this chsras ter
They should pass Stringent law on the SUBJ
ject during the session. and no longer allow
keno to be protected by license. r-r
Mr.. B. A. L'Engle. of this city, prominent
young Democrat. and Chairman OF the County
Democratic Committee, is spoken of as the
new Treasurer ia Governor Bloxham's Cabi-
net. 1t is believed here that his prospects are
better than those of any other candidate.
Your Florida correspondent. Dr. Babcock
NJ md
Mr.. K. w. Davis, rising lawyer at our bar
has been made Assistant Clerk Of the Assem-
bly,. Both gentlemen reside in this city, and
tokens cf appreciation. srrft
Great interest is felt here in the approach
ing election for United States Senator, and
general desire is expressed that Mr.. Jones msy
strong, bg-heaTted and big g-brainsd man,
who has raised himself from q lowly
station to his present lofty position.
people, and the people win take him on their
broad shoulders, and again carry him to the
front. The Republicans dislike and fear him
more than they do any Of his party, and il is
again-t him. This is another good reason why
he should be returned. Jacksonville and
Duval county, SO far as the Democrats are con-
csrned, are for Mr.. Jones solid
Preparations for the coming State Fair con-
tinue to progress. Twelve hundred and fifty
dollars have been subscribed by the hotels and
citizens to assist In making 1t success. It was
feared at first that the late freeze had so much
injured fruit and vegetables that but meagre
display would be made Of these articles Later
information makes the injury much less than
was anticipated, and it is thought that The ex- |
hibition will be all that was expected.
The prospect of amusements is very |
good, and many fast nags will be on the |
tracE. The premiums offered are liberal |
and viii induce much competition. IL a |
credltable exhibition of fruit and early veEe-
tables can be secured, a fine effect would be |
produced upon the minds of visitors from !
abroad. They could see what Florida can |
accomplish in the depths of an unususIy |
severe winter, and the impression would be |
strong and advantageous. All interested in |
the prosperity of Florida should labor TO make |
the far a decided success. Much can be done |
by Putnam, Orange. Volusia, Brevard, Sumter, |
and other Southern Counties and their cti- |
zens. in helping the fair, will aid themselves.
The '1ndependent'' Republican candidates /
for the Legislature are contesting the seats OF /
the "Regulars'' of the same party, who re- /
ceived certificates Aside frcm the fact that /