Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-04-30

JASPER, FLA, April 2s-When court was
opened this morning. the counsel for prisoners
presented an affidavit setting forth that Savage
could not safely go to trial in consequence OF
the absence of Gen. jenkins, a material
witness in his behalf He averred that he ex,
pected to prove by Gen. jenkins that he had
been violently attacked by the deceased, with.
out provocation, and had acted in self defense.
The court ruled that due time had been
granted to procure the attendance of the wit
ness; that all reasonable diligence had been
exercised to procure his presence, and his ab-
sence being the only excuse for continuance,
that the case must proceed.
At this stage, counsel for the State held a
consultation, and on returning, moved for q
continuance to special term, assigning as
their reasons for such action the facts that the
term for this county must close on Saturday
that it would be necessary to issue venire for
a large number of jurors. which would con-
sumo a day or more that numerous wit
nesses were to be examined, and that it would
be impossible under such condition of affairs
to go to trial, with the expectation Of getting
through with the case.
Judge Vann coincided in the views as ex-
pressed and ordered continuance of the case
to special term, to be held here on the 18th
of next June.
To the credit of Hamilton county be it said
that the criminal docket presented a beggarly
array of cases, and several of these for the
petty offenSe of non payment OF license.
Judge Vann presides with grace and dignity
and rules promptly. He is ably assisted by
State Attorney J. +. White Sheriff Altman
and Clerk Caldwell, of Hamilton, although
young in office. discharge their duties with dis.
patch and accuracy.
The old town of Jasper is situated about half
mile from the depot, towards which all If
the business has naturally gravitated. The
court house is located in a fine oak grove, ard
four noble trees in the rear of the building
shade well of cool, excellent water. Jasper
fg nFaIx nfrrht tnu arwSn H..
Echols being the adjoiuing county of that
State.
Hamilton is one of the white counties Of
Florida, with decided Democratic majority
Most of the farmers raise their own corn, and
the horses appeared to be generally in fine con
dition. Western bacon is used to a greater ex-
tent than it should be in community where
the range for hogs is good, and whore those
ton.
The land is productive and generously repaye
the labors of the farmers.
There are ten or q dozen stores in the main
street, several of which show fine stocks Of
general merchandise. Jasper has wonderfully
improved since was here some years ago, alid
now contains $50 Inhabitants Good order is
r1g1dly enforced by the municipal authorities,
and the town has high character for quiet
and decorum.
In the Hamilton County Times, owned and
edited by Col. j. II. Ancrum, the commu atty
possess journal of excellent merit fully alive
to the wants and interests of the people ID Sc
well sustsined, which is the best evidence chat
it is appreciated.
There are number of neat houses, whose
attractive flower gardens indicate the good
taste and refinement of the inmates. Shade
trees have been planted along the principal
thoroughfares. which will soon vastly improve
the appearance of the town and add to the
comfort of its Inhabitants
The long-cotton gin factory of Smith &
Horne, recently destroy ed by fire, is again In
operation. This firm M lnufactures gin, said
to be decided improvement on the Mccarthy
patent.
The boarding houses of Madames Hately,
Rice. Jackson and Stewart are admirably kept,
and furnish most desirable retreats for weary
travellers.
The thanks of the wri er are rendered to the
good people of Jasper for various kindnesses
and courtesieS. w. III. B.