The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1896-12-16


Rev. lrl Hicks predisted blizzard
for the 9th and l1sh irstants assuredly
came a week ahead of time.
The Legislature will have three
troublesome questions before it. 'o-wlt:
The remodeling of the dispeDsary law,
the formation of new counties and 'be
fight against the State Colleges.
The Republicans, having counted
noses apd discovered that it will be i'm
possible to pass high tariff law at this
session of Congress, have decided to
postpone the payment of their debt to
monopolisss who bought the Presidency
for Mckinley. The country has been
given TO understand. however, that the
power is all that the Republicans oeed.
A young man possessed of good
health, yet minus an income assuring
suppor, for life, but who will uot work
because he is oot provided With job
that suits his peculiar taste, is not
knocking at the door of Independent
competence. but is loiteriog on the
higway of trampdom. Lsziuess is often
mistaken for unappreciated genius-by
the genius who does not lack apprecia-
tion of himself.
Rev. Dr.. Parkhurss was decided
opponent 70 the free silver movement
and Bryan 10 the recent election and
was as Enthusiastically outspoken and
vigorous 10 denunciation of Bryan aud
the cause he champioDed. His stand
naturally endeared him to the Repub-
licans aod goldbug Democrats aud he
was lauded orstiutedly by monopolistic
press, but since the election the rever-
end gentleman has turned his attention
to the grinding exactions of the mouop-
olies and trusts and let them have full
benefit Of MS Incompatible invective.
This procedure does not meet with ap-
proval 10 the circles that so recently
lauded him as veritable Daniel, and
he is now denounced as demagogue
and ssrife-stirring meddler of anarch-
sstie tendencies, with ideas as Danger
ous co tbe sway Of soulless corporations
as Bryan. As Mr.. Parkhurss is nov
enlisted In the best cause he has ever
cbampiooed the conflict between him
and his erstwhile friends will be inter-
estiug if uo'blog mo'e.
The contest before the Railroad Com
mission over rates oa fertilizers seems
to be caused not 30 much by desire to
fraue just and audiscrinioatiVe tariff
but the wish to devise scheme that
will enable the Charleston fertilizer
companies to sell their goods 10 the To-
terror of .he State, a: the doors CT other
factories, at the same prices as these
interior factories. There are two sides
to the question. however. and as the
Charleston prices fix prices elsewt ere,
i. is charged that uuless rate is uade
that will equalize freights between
Charleston and interior points, the 10
terror mills will sell their goods a
prices equivalent to the Charleston
prices apd the freight from Charleston
added, thus securing to themselves ali
additional profit at the expense of the
purchaser of fertilizers. The question
is complicated and difficult of adjust
ment on basis that will be both just
and satisfactory to all interests involved,
but there should be basis Of settle
meus jus; to railroads, fertilizer mills,
and consumers alike and We believe
that with reasonable amount of effort
it could be ascertained The wrang-
liog aud acrimcny between the COM
missioners lead us to believe that there
is more political Iog-roIliog mixed up
in the matter than Intelligent knowledge
Of the question. aud We fear that set
t!emeut will not be reached.
The statement made by Comptroller
General Norton that there will be 90
extension of time for the payment OF