Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-11-02

midable. Republicans pat him on the
back. seeking TO create dissensions which
may inure to their benefit. The con-
gressionsl campaign is conducted with
great spirit and vigor-the Mckinley
bill. the force bill, and the making Of
Senators and Representatives by the
party in power, so as TO secure party
ascendancy irrespective OF the popular
will, being the main issues.
EXTRAORDINARY PROGRESS.
Florence, which before the cutting OF
the canal around Mussel Shoals by the
Government WAS the head OF nayiga-
ton on the renness, river. and known
only for its good society, able lawyers,
and astute politicians, has risen from q
population Of 1906 in 1920 TO 1000 at
the present time, and from $500, 600 of
taxable values in 1887 to $4,000, 900 in
1890. Il has a State Normal Col
lege for both sexes, and the Synodi-
cal Female College in successful opera
ton. Public spirit is seen in the new
CITY Hall. threc-story brick building,
with massive stone-foundatiou and stone
trimmings, and a three story brick pub
lic-schOol building, with all the modern
appliances for water, heating, and for
yeniilating. This cost SD, 600, and an
other for negroes is under contract at
cost of 1850. The Baptists, under the
leadership OF Dr. Hawthorne, have had
erected one OF the handsomest build
ings IN the South as a college. It cost
49,. 600, and is veil adapted TO educa-
tional purposes The manufacturing
and mechanical interests are in accord
with the improvements just mentioned.
Across the river from Florence and
united by two railroad bridges are Tus-
cumbia md Sheffield. whose growth /
have not time to speak Of. In Sheffield
reside Bishop Hay GOOD, the accom-
plished agent OF the Slater fund, and
little Miss Keller, the deaf and blind
girl. the Laura Bridgman of the world,
the most remark ible intellectual phe-
nomenon have ever seen.
RIVER NAVIGATION.
Reference has been made to the
Mussel-Shoals canal. which at an early
dav is to be opened with appropriate
celebrations A steamer recently passed
from Knoxville TO Florence, and when Il
few locks and the drawbridge have re-
ceived their finishing touches there viii
be unobstructed river navigation from
New Orleans nearly TO the North Caro-
lima and Virginia boundaries. For this
great work the country is indebted TO
the indomitable perseverance Of General
Joe Wheeler. who during his con-
eressional career has secured an appro-
priation OF over 81, 100000 for the river.
General Wheeler is a candidate for re-
election and his defeat would be ca
lamity.
GOOD COUNTY ROADS.
One Of the most hopeful signs OF the
times in Alabama and Tennessee is the
attention which is given to country
roads. A road congress has been held
in Nashville. The newspapers are pub
fishing editorials and communications on
the subject. The Agricultural Expert
ment Station OF the University of Ten
nessee has issued bulletin, prepared Ivy
Professor Carson. in which the large an
nual loss occasioned by bad roads and
the advance in value that would follow
from their improvement are brought out
with great clearness. 1t is shown
that the whole cost OF hauling
comes out of the farmers pocket
and the matter is discussed as a
mechanical problem, and by suitable
tables is exhibited the effect produced
on the traction by the different grades
and kinds of roads. Good county roads
being of vital interest to community
various counties are taking systematic
and efficient measures to secure them.
Some counties give two fifths or three
| ffths OF the cost Of road, and property
owners along the road subscribe the re-
mainder. Special leyees in some cases,
are made for bodybuilding, and the
revenue is expended and the work Is
done under the supervision OF a compe-
tent engineer. 1t may appear absurd to
many. but in the opinion of this writer
our southern States hardly need any re-
form moro than improved county roads.
l.,