Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-09-16
HOMES In THE SOUTH.
NORTHERN. BORN crrrzENg coHvES-
TON TO BE HELD IN RALEIaH.
A Good Crop Outlook In North caroiina
for Cotton, Corn, Rice, and To-
baoco Conversions Laying
In Monroe, Etc.
,sneo,al ,elerram TO the pispatch.l

Especial telegram 70 the Disps'cn.i
RALEIGH, N. O., September d.
The Convention Of the Northern-Born
Citizens of this State to be held here
during the State Fair looks as though 1t
ia going to be q bigger thing than most
| of the people at first imagined. The
papers throughout the United States
are writing to Mr.. Patrick, Commits
sioner of Immigration, who is doing
most of the preliminary work for the
Northern-Born Citizens Association.
| These letters say they will send repre-
sentatives. A large number OF Penn
sylvsnia editors and quite a num-
Der from other northern States
| write that they are coming. 1t Is ex-
pected that not less than two hum
bred representative daily papers will
have reporters in Raleigh during the
Convention. About one thousand citi-
Gems of northern birth have signed the
call for the Convention. 1t is now
thought that the forthcoming fair will
be the best-patronized in several years.
The assembling Of the Convention, the
visiting editors and capitalists and
home. seekers from the North, will add
largely to the attendance. A number
of prominent journalists will deliver
addresses at the grounds during the
day and in the Senate chamber at night.
wAsHoUT AND IMPROVEMENTS.
A break and washout in the North
Carolina road, near Clayton, which has
been causing SO much delay on that
road for several days, was completely
repaired to-day and all trains resumed
their regular schedule.
There appears to be a regular race Of
towns to avail themselves of advan-
tsges. Goldsboro' will soon have water
works, and last night steps were taken
to establish an electric-light plant at
Newberne.
COTTON, CORN, AND RICE.
Your correspondent has never seen
so much solicitude manifested in regard
to the cotton crop. The top crop is one
of the largest in late years, due to the
admirable weather in August. Some
of the weather in September has been
too cool and rather too showery, but
the prospects are undoubtedly bright.
All, however, hinges on the lsteness Of
the fall. With good season money
will be easier than in five years.
The corn crop is phenomenal. There
is no danger Of distress but if cotton
proves a success farmers will be envia-
bly, bright. Last year there was frost
on the 25th of September, earlier than
in twelve years. Ordinarily frost comes
about October the 18th. Many bolls
are now perfectly grown, and of course
peculiarly sensitive to frost.
News from the rice crop is very salts
factory.
TOBACCO.
AS to tobacco there never were so
many conflicting reports. Some say
chat the crop is poor others assert
that it is remarkably excellent, but in
formation to that effect is withheld.
Some say the proportion of brights is
small others say that cures are very
successful and the proportion Of brights
large. Perhaps it may be stated, after
striking q balance, that it is good ave-
rage crop in quality and color. This
would seem to be the result Of all the
information gathered.
MASONIC CEREMONIES.
Grand Master OF. Masons F. II. Bus
bee, Grand-Secretary d. W. Balm, and
Grand-TIeasurer w. E. Anderson, all
returned from Monroe to-day. Yester-
day afternoon, with the usual imposing
ceremonies, they laid the cornerstone
of the new courthouse there. 1t is to
be of brown sandstone and pressed
brick, and will cost $4,000. Grand
Master Busbee spoke half an hour, aud
afterwards addressed the Grand Lodge.
He was followed by Grand-Secretary
BAN. The people of Monroe, which is
one of the brightest and most progress
i've places in the State, greatly enjoyed
the affair. About twenty-five hundred
people saw the ceremonies. There was
a handsome parade of Masons, firemen,
and military.
CHARLOTTE AND RALEIGH RAIL
WAYS.
Work on the Charlotte street-railway
will begin next week, it is said. Con-
siderable anxiety is felt about the be-
ginning Of the work on that here. 1t
was promised that the work should be-
gin about the middle of this month, so
as to have three miles of track in readi-
ness for use during the State Fair.
LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION.
John w. Graham and j. W. Patton,
two of the members of the State Board
of Tax Equalization, met here to-day
to put the finishing touches on their
work, which has been arduous in the
extreme, and has continued through
many months. 1t is not probable that
their session will last more than few
days, as Graham has engagements
in his congressional canvass to fill.
1t is probable that only one more meet.
ing will be held before the matter is in
shape for final report to the Legislature
to be acted upon. Judge George
Howard, another member Of the COM
mission, has not attended many OF the
meetings, and is not here now.
The Board of Directors Of the peni-
tertiary met at that institution to-day
and transacted great deal Of routine
business. A few convicts will be al
lowed on one or two railways.