Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1884-04-30
JACKSONVILLE AND FLORIDA.
Gresham's Visit - The Orange Crop
Ahout Exhausted.

Correspondence of the Morning Nelrs.
JACKSONVILLE, FLA, April 2s.-Postmaster
General Gresham and party arrived on satur-
day, and, according to programme at once
took the steamer provided for the occasion
and proceeded to the bar for the purpose OF
inspecting the jetties. The Board OF Traae
did the honors to their distinguished guest
with their accustomed hospitality, and LOST no
opportunity OF impressing him with the I'M
portapce and necessity Of having the obstrue-
lions to the entrance of the river removed
Mr.. Gresham also expressed his intention Oh
doing all in his power to effect a continuance
of the present fast mail line, ana theTe Is
reason to believe that there will be no curtall-
ment of our mail facilities. -.
1t is quite likely that his visit VIII nave an :
other good result, in an improvement IN lne
carriage and delivery of the mails througno lou.
the several districts. The method OF the scr
vice in the interior has given rise 10 many anu
constant complaints.
THE PARTY WENT YESTERDAY TO ST. AUGUs-
Il TINE,
from whence they will proceed to-day TO san
ford and Tampa. THIS route passes over d
fine and prosperous region, ana VIII ehaoie
them to form an excellent idea OF the CROWN.
progress and advantages OF FLORIDA. 1870
~COl. H. S. Haines has taken personal charge
pleasure. In this he will be assisted Dy Jne
people at large. who fully understand the ue-
sirable effects that can be produced by favor
able impressions. -
tracing the attention of officials, ngh IN au-
thorty. Within a year she has had the honor
of Entertaining the President Two members e o.
the Cabinet, and several OF the prohllnenV
Senators.
A host Of writers and heavy capitalists, in
Guiding Jay Gould, William Astor ana others,
have visited the State during the past winter
and have spoken in warm terms of her mani
fold attractions. This testimony from such
high sources is exciting powerful lnnuehce,
and its force is seen in the constant anu Halu-
able accessions to the population and the
large and frequent investments IN real estate.
MR.. GREsHAM's APPEARANCE
at this moment may have some connection
with the State convention, to he held next
Wednesday. Things may shape themselves
at the Chicago convention in June IN such
manner that he might become "a dark morse
of superior running qualities.
A leading Republican has assured me that
the delegates from Florida will be uninstruct
ed, but the Federal office holders have been
diligently at work for the past fortnight, and
their interest would naturally incline them to
favor Arthur. Besides, many OF the negro
leaders are accessible to various inducements,
and can only see the path of duty through
golden spectacles. This VIII account for the
numerous cOntesting delegations that Will
present themselves at st. Augustine. These
patriots have this grand opportunity of play
ing big Indian" and replenishing their
finances only once every four years, and find
vile has been the gathering place Of the clans
for the past ten days. and the artists here
have probably put in all the finishing touches
to the picture that will be hung az st. Angus
tine.
IT IS ASSERTED
that steps will be taken at the convention for
the establishment of daily Republican paper
at this point during the approaching cam
pagn. The names of its editors are not yet
announced. Jacksonville can then boast of
hon an ao1aa ri
and four weeklIes. 1t would seem that all
tastes and inclnatiOns could be accommodated
by such number.
The crop of oranges is pretty well exhaust
ed, and it is difficult to obtain box of first
class fruit. The promise of the coming crop
is very flattering, and with average seasons
there will be an abundant harvest, Just
now there are thousands upon thousands OF
barrels and crates of early vegetables
passing through to Northern and West
ern markets, the returns from which
are quick and satisfactory. The revenue
from this industry IS becoming one OF very
considerable Importance, and the business IS
rapidly increasing. Owing to the lately in
trOduced facilities, many of the Southern
portions of the State have had, for the first
time this spring, an opportunity of shipping
vegetables. This fact Will not only have the
tendency of increasing largely the exporta-
ton of this produce, but VIII have the addl-
tional effect of causing the shipments to COM
mence at an earlier period IN the season than
heretofore. The completion of the road to
Tampa has made an outlet for the chain Of
Florida KEYS to the south of that point, and
many of those islands are most admirably
adapted to the cultivation of vegetables. In
dian river will also enormously augment
this trade just so soon as the canal now being
constructed is completed.
wEHAD DECIDEDLY COOL WEATHER
for several days last week, without any seri-
Gus injury, however, to negotiations. Crops
Of all descriptions are promising. Melons and
roasting ears will come in next month.
The grounds of the State Park Association,
where the State Fair has been annually held
for several years, have been sold to a company
who propose to convert them into a trottlng
park and place for public recreation. 1t Is
hoped that the American Jockey Club can be
induced to meet here hereafter instead of New
Orleans. With the outlay of few thousands
the park could be made very attractive
place, and if the street railway was extended
TO its gates would become quite resort.
Excursions to the Snapper Banks are now
of almost weekly occurrence. These fine and
beautiful fish are taken in great abundance
some eight or ten miles from the mouth OF the
st. Johns, in water varying from ten to
twenty fathoms. They take the bait greedily,
and as one of the broad, crimson cOl0red,
twenty five Founders comes gyrating from
the bottom through the clear water, he presents
a brilliant appearance. With the snappers are
caught grOupers, sea-bass, sharks and other
varieties. When, by casting the lead, you
obtain coral and shell bottom, cast anchor
and out with your lines. for you have found
the proper location. The snapper IS not,
strictly speaking, q game nSn, anu uO6s not
show the fight you would expect, but If you go
out with a pleasant party, and strike the
banks early in the morning, you can have
day of great amusement.
THE UNITED STATES COURT
has completed its business and adjourned for
the term. The Circuit Court for this county
will convene next week, with heavy dOckets,
civil and criminal.
Several of our merchants will indulge in
trip to Europe this summer. With the pres
emf facilities and reduced rates of passage, the
expense is not greater than the cost OF month
or two at one of the fashionable Northern wa
tering places.
The Montgomery route to Savannah is he
coming quite popular, and the line from Fer
nandina is doing a fine business. Many trav-
elers appear to prefer a combination of land
and water scenery.
There were only three deaths reported last
week, showing a decrease Occasioaed by the
departure of the non-residents.
Matters are fast settling down on the usual
quite lively, and promises to continue brisk
during the hot months. The construction of
the various railroads yet in progress and the
heavy amount of building going on through
out the country, warrant the expectation of
prosperous season,
Our fremen propose an excursion to Palatka
this week, and several of the Sunday schools
will have their annual picnics. These are
occasions of much pleasure to teachers as
well as pupils and there are numerous charm
ing places for such purposes within few
miles of Jacksonville. w. II. b
smoking Toharro.