The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1894-02-22

railroad center. The ranges OF the
mountains are such that it is about
the only available point through
which they can pass from north to
south for u long distance either way.
East Tennessee had some of the
most terrific clashes between the Fed.
eral and Confederate armies which
took place, and thousands of brave
men fell IL rise no more. In these
mighty struggles the Union forces
were victorious, though the price of
that victory was many precious lives.
Many hand to hand fights by the
hardy mountaineers will never be
known. But now these bloody con-
flicts are pas, ard the people Of the
north and Of the south are becoming
better acquainted with each other,
getting To know each other better, and
many Of our southern brethren are
wonderfully surprised to find AZ much
OF humanity and true goodness in the
other As the acquaintance and ia
miliarity increases, brothtriy feeling
deepens and expands snd all past dif-
ferenCes are placer further away IN
the book of f0rgivi"g 70 getfnlness,
and fortunate it il tat such j. the
case. Let the acquaintance and Ms
sociatiOns during another decade he
had, and ali the pna era II the world
could not make the norIh and south
contend against each other a. in the
days that are past.
East Tennesses 10 strictly Republi-
can in politics, and very radical ~
that. The wants Of that section of
the country are capital and enterprise
the iron and coal fields want million
OF dollars and thousands OF strong
men 70 place the sleeping wealth on
the markets OF the world. They are
ready and ADxiouA to join hands with
and help bless al the agencies which
may come 10 aid them in developing
:he great resources OF that section.
Educational facilities are good, and
both white and black are anxious 20
acquire an education. For the man
OF enterprise. perseverance, aud prac
teal experience, it is evidently an ex-
cellent country bus for the chronic
loafer and confirmed gambler it 10
probably no better country than any
other, except that he may acquire
more OF the cast off clothing OF his SUI
periOgs to hide his nakedness. It isn't
q country where pure gold grows on
trees. In fact, there 10 but one tree
there or anywhere else which bears
that fruit, and that is the tree OF in
dustry.
Much more could he written con.
corning what we saw and learned, but
we have Alresdy written more than /
intended, and must draw our letter to
a close. One little occurrence happen
ed whilst was there. which | will re-
relate, about some moonshiners who
we're captured last week, the 2Sth ult
Col Charles M. Taylor, officer of the
revenue department. is making quite
a record in ferreting out moonshlne
stills. He started for the mountains
last week and captured the first moon
shine distilery ever captured in this
county (Washington.) The still was
found on the headwaters of Painters
Creek, six miles south OF Nolachucky.
1t was first class 100 gallon copper
still, and one of the best ever found in
he work. II was located in n good
place, that is for secrecy. and noun
famous country covered with dense
laurel surrounded the place. Two
tubs of mountain dew Corn whi-ky)
aud other stuff pertaining 10 the bus.
moss we're also captured. The opera
t"rs, five of them, were taken before
'ev we're aware Of III. officers and
Equities preseuce. One woman was
ncrded in the number They were
nrought to Johnson CITY, and sent 10
Knoxville Saturday fer trial
Respectfully,
j. ?. REYNOLDS.
! Johnson ty. Feb. |, 1894.