davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-03-06
is COTTON KING?

The Abbeville Press and Banner has
reproduced the article that appeared in
THE ENQUIRER of last Saturday on the
subject of the threatened cotton trust,
and its comments are published in full
elsewhere in this issue.
When THE ENQUIRER's article was
written, it was with full realization OF
the fact that the subject was rather too
deep for the immediate comprehension of
the average individual. We take care to
say here that we do not mean any refec-
ton upon the intelligence of anybody.
We know, however, that our southern peo-
pie, as whole, have only vague idea
of the dazzling ambitions of shrewd fl
nanciers of the Searles stripe, and the gen.
eral conception of the tremendous power
of their combined wealth is even more
imperfect.
Look at the sugar trust, the coffee trust,
the leather trust, tho coal trust, the iron
trust, and other trusts too numerous to
mention. In the case of each of these
trusts, it lies in the power of from one to
half-dozen men to fix the price Of the
respective commodities controlled, and
call it profit, tax or what we will, the
individuals in control 60 as deliberately
about the work Of fixing the incomes
they propose to exact, as does state
legislature in fixing tax levy. The
only difference is that while in the case of
state legislature the matter is regulated
by Difference to- the votes of the people,
the only check to the greed of the trusts,
is fear Of the possibility of revolution.
While it is by no means certain that the
proposed cotton trust will ever be formed,
it's formation will not require as much
money as did the iron trust for instance,
and the details will not be more difficult.
But that The Press and Banner has not
given full consideration to the modus OPP
erandi, is clearly apparent from its deduc-
tions. The proposed scheme, as we I'M
derstand it, does not contemplate the To-
cation of cotton gins in New Jersey. That
state, by reason of the laXity of it's trust
laws, is only thought of as the legal home
of the proposed corporation, which, like
all other trusts, will have its business Off
ces in New York city. And this part at
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-03-06
"SECRET SESSIONS"

In another column is plain, unyar-
nished account of circumstance to
which The ENQUIRER desires to call the
especial attention of the people of York
county. We refer to the article in the
"local" columns giving detailed state
ment of rather unusual occurrence at
and in the office of the county board of
commissioners last Tuesday.
The reporting of the doings of the
county board of commissioners is, in the
opinion of The ENQUIRER, one of the
most important functions of county
newspaper. This board is especially
charged with the matter of levying taxes
and expending the public funds, and on
this account, if for no other, all taxpayers
are interested in its proceedings. For
this reason it has been the custom of
THE ENQUIRER to make it point to
have a reporter present at every meeting
of the board at which it seemed likely
there would be any developments of es-
pecial public interest. 1t was solely and
entirely for the benefit of the public, or
more strictly speaking the benefit of our
readers, that the reporter was there.
1t is hardly worth while to say, prob
ably, that THE ENQUIRER does not send,
or that the reporter does not go, to these
meetings as matter of personal pleasure.
The proceedings are often dull and tire
some in the extreme, and to sit and listen
to them for hours at time for the pur-
pose Of cleaning the comparatively few
developments that may be of especial
interest to the public, is certainly not a
privilege for which great many people
would be willing to pay very large
price in cash.
But to the point. The question is
whether or not the newspaper man, or
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-03-06
CHEROKEE COUNTY.

The Gaffney Ledger, OF Thursday, con-
tains certified copy of the act incor-
porating the new county OF Cherokee as
passed during the session OF the general
asse bly, just closed. The act, as passed,
differs in several important particulars
from the bill as originally drafted, and,
ge nerally speaking, is quite an improve
ment.
In the first two sections the county is
set up and created, and the boundaries
fixed, etc., in accordance with the provis-
ions of the original bill.
Section 81 authorizes the governor TO
call an election for state senator and the
various county offices, said election to be
held on the 4th Saturday in March, 1897.
The governor is also authorized to ap-
point treasurer, auditor, supervisor OF
r egistratiop, magistrates, etc. The sala-
ries of the respective offices are fixed In
section 4 as follows: Clerk, sheriff, pro-
bate Judge and treasurer are not to be
limited to stated salaries as at irst pro-
posed; but are to be allowed the same
fees as are allowed in other counties, ex-
cept that the treasurer will not be allowed
to receive over 500. The county auditor
is to receive 500 from the county and S4OO
from the state the supervisor Is to receive
$500 salary and 300 clerk hire. The coun-
ty superintendent of education is to re-
ceive 500 per annum, and magistrates
are to receive from 80 to $75, and their
oonstables the same.
The original bill asked for three repre-
sentatiyes. But this request was not
granted. Only two representatives are
allowed. Ono Of these comes off of Spar
tanburp, and the other of Of Union.
York's representatives remain the same
az heretofore. The first election for rep
resentatiyes is to be held on the Tuesday
following the first Monday in November,
1898. :.
The new county is continued in the
Fifth congressional district and placed IN
the Sixth judicial circuit. Where the
parties to suits pending in the old coun-
ties are residents Of the new county, the
suits may, upon the demand OF the clerk
of the court of Cherokee county be trans
ferred from the old counties to the said
new county.
The original bill provided that auditors
and treasurers Of old counties should be
compensated for necessary work done for
the new county in the event the county
supervisors could agree upon the price.
The act, as passed, provides that auditors
and treasurers ''shall have reasonable
compensation" for services performed.
The original bill provid ed that the
boundaries of Cherokee, Gowdeysville
and Draytonsville townships should re-
main unchanged. The. act; as passed,
allows the changing of these bou ndaries
in the same manner that the boundaries
of other townships may be changed.
The act, which was approved on Feb
ruary 25, 1897, took effect on the day Of
it's passage.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-03-06

into the street, and at the point of his
revolver stopped the driver of a pass
ing cab, and putting their comrade
aboard carried him away. Martin
Haines, a banker, encountered two
men and two gups at Eighteenth and
May streets. "Put down your guns
and will give you all I've got" The
footpads lowered their revolvers and
Haines started to run. Both fired at
him, one bullet going through his hat
and the other through his body. He
was found lying on the sidewalk and
carried home. The police are doing
all they can to stop the reign of ter
ror; but instead of getting better, the
matter seems to be getting still worse.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-03-06

1t is rare thing that two individuals
will tell the same story exactly alike.
Such may be the case with the story OF
the 'secret session" incident in. another
column. The only individuals cognizant
of the facts from actual knowledge, are
the members of the county board OF
commissioners and the reporter. THE
ENQUIRER bears willing testimony to the
fact that the members of the board are
men who, though like the rest of US, may
be mistaken, are at the same
time disposed 10 be honest and fair, and
if there is any dispute about any of the
statements made, we will accept as cor
rect any version upon which a majority
of them may agree.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-03-06
ROCK HILL HAPPENINGS.
At the Presbyterian Church Last Sunday
Peoples b. & L.-Colored H. q L. Re

At the Presbyterian Church Last Sunday
People,s b. & L.-Colored II. & L. Re-
organize.
CORRESPONDENCE Of the Yorkville Enquirer.
Rock HILL, March 4.-Rev. Alexan-
der sprunt has returned from visit to
Henderson, N. c., where he was once a
pastor. Rev. R. L. Grier, OF the Asso-
ciate Reformed church, occupied his pull
pit last Sunday, both morning and even
ing. Mr.. Grier is very acceptable
preacher and is very we'll known per;
sonally to our citizens.
Mr.. Sam Smith, with his sister, MISS
Ida, from near Carp, spent last week
with the family of Mr.. ]. ]. Thomas,
near this place.
During the past week, Mrs. j. r. Allen
has been quite i'll with pneumonia. We
are glad to say that her condition is some-
what improved.
We regret to learn that Miss Hutchison,
Of Winthrop, is quiteil
At the last meeting of the board OF dl-
rectors of the Peoples Building and Loan
association, it was decided to open the
books for subscriptions to the second Sc
ries of stock. The first issue, authorized
for 500 shares, was taken so readily that
the charter was amended so as to allow
subscriptions up to 1000 shares. The
company is evidently popular one.
The members of our (coloredD Hook
and Ladder company, not long ago, deci-
ded to disband. They did so. under the
irritation brought about by the failure to
secure registration certificates. 1t has
been explained to them that the suffrage
laws are not framed by the city authori-
ties, and that the hook and ladder COM
pany is purely Rock Hill affair. With
this before them, the company has been
reorganized and will, no doubt, do valua-
BILE work if we are ever so unfortunate as
to need them.
At meeting held in the library this
afternoon, it was decided to organize a
chapter of the order of the Daughters OF
the Confederacy, in Rock Hill. Miss
Lizzie Sherfesee was selected as cores
ponding secretary and will at once get
matters in shape for regular organization.
Miss Sherfesee is the daughter of devot-
ed veteran and a more appropriate selec-
ton could not have been made. G.s.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-03-06

YORKVILLE, s. c.:
SATURDAY,. MARCH 6, 1897.

One of the resolutions passed by the
house of representatives on adjournment
was as follows: "That the house recog-
nizes the valuable services rendered by
the reporters representing the daily news
papers and express hereby its apprecia-
ton of their courteous and impartial re-
ports of the daily proceedings of the
house." From this it appears that not
withstanding the fact that the present
house has come in for an unusual share of
public criticism, it has not desired to con-
ceal anything, even its shortcomings,
from the public,
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-03-06
THE ROUND BALE.

Being especially interested from a bus
mess standpoint, upon the appearance OF
the article in THE ENQUIRER Of last Sat
urday on the subject of the threatened cot
ton gin trust, Mr.. Sam M. Grist, of York
Vile, dealer in cotton ginning machinery
wrote to the Munger Cotton Machine
company at Birmingham, Ala, for such
information, as the company was able to
give in regard to the matter. While in
reply the Munger people do not lose any
opportunity to praise their own goods, at
the same time they probably throw some
light on the subject, and their letter is
given in full for what it may be worth:
1--WE note your request for information
in regard to round bale system. While a
reply from us might appear prejudiced,
vet we will be candid with you and state
what we know thus far. We know that
the round bale press has not yet been
adopted as a success. The people who
are backing that system have good deal
of money and are making strenuous
efforts to bring that press before the pub
lie. We know of two presses OF that
make that were used by people who have
discarded same and put in our system
after giving the press thorough trial.
In fact, one of the parties states that he
will institute suit against the round bale
people for losses he sustained III trying to
make that press work with his ginnery.
The round bale people do not sell these
presses; but simply place them with some
ginners to be operated on royalty.
They have not as yet worked to any great
extent in the way of pressing cotton for
commercial purposes, and nearly all the
work that has been done thus far has
been experimental.
"For your further information, would
state that if it comes to matter of ac-
cepting cotton compressed at gin, we
have just perfected press that will COM
press cotton into our press boxes directly
from the gins. This press packs a square
bale, and will pack square bale of as
great, if not greater, density than cotton
that is compressed by the present system
of compressing cotton. There are obJec-
tions to compressing cotton at the gin,
which objections are made as much
against the round bale system as our
square bale system-principally the ques-
ton of sampling. Some people claim
that bale Of cotton cannot be sampled
when compressed at the gin. With our
improved system we believe that this OBJ
lection will be overcome, from the fact
that the cotton ginned on our system has
such an even grade that it will do away
with the various classes of cotton. Our
system so thoroughly mixes the cotton
that the sample is of the same quality
through and through the bale, hence, a
sample from the gin could be used in
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-03-06

While The ENQUIRER appreciates
the kindly spirit of the county board res
olution tolerating the presence OF a re-
porter at meetings with the understand
ing that the reporter does not publish
anything that the board does not want
published" it is only fair to the board and
to ourselves to say, that this resolution
does not enter into the controversy
What the reporter shall and shall not
publish, is a matter that is purely within
the discretion of the editor, and no outside
interference will be permitted. If the re-
porter makes mistake, our columns are
open for correction, and if anybody is
wilfully slandered, there are adequate
remedies, both personal and legal.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-03-06

THE ENQUIRER is informed that some
of the people of Fort Mill township want
the proposed bridge located at Dinkins's
ferry, some want it at Harris's ferry, and
still others want it higher up the river.
We do not understand that there is any
undue feeling over the matter, however ;
but, on the contrary, there appears to be
a general disposition to submit to the will
of the majority, which is right and prop
er. AS has been suggested before, let the
board of commissioners decide as to the
building of the bridge. That is the first
important question. The matter of loca-
ton is of secondary Importance and can
be easily adjusted.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-03-06
MCKINLEY AND HOBART.
New President and Vice President of the
United States.

=
United States.
William Mckinley and Garrett A.
Hobart, were inuagurated president
and vice president of the United States
on last Thursday.
There were tens of thousands of Wis
itors in Washington, and the pomp
and pageantry of the occasion was
greater than has ever been known be-
fore.
President McKinley's inaugural ad-
dress was quite lengthy, but contained
nothing sensational or even of strik-
ing interest. He repeated his we'll
known argument for "protection," "
decried the idea of issuing bonds in
time of peace, and announced that he
would call an extra session of congress
TO convene March Is.
The daily papers each devote from
one to a half-dozen pages to accounts
of the Inauguration but, after all, the
story is at best rather dull and tire
some.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-03-06
ended to, the balance of the scheme is

ended to, the balance Of the scheme is
equally simple.
Take it this way. Leave out of consid-
Grafton the 81 or So advantage in profits,
etc. Admit, for the sake of a clearer
understanding, that the cylindrical bal
ing machinery has an advantage of say
only Is cents bale over the ordinary
press now in use. Admit also, that all
patents on cylindrical baling machinery
are controlled by q single corporation,
and that that corporation has capital
sufficient to buy so per cent. of the cotton
gin plants in the south. Now, under these
conditions, what is to hinder the trust
from going to a ginner with the propo-
sition, "Use our machinery and join the
trust with US, and we will guarantee you
a better profit; or we will set up beside
you with our superior advantages and run
YOU out of business ?" 1t is understood,
of course, that this proposition is backed
by the power to carry it out. What would
the private ginner do? Then suppose
the trust should thus reduce the number
of gins to barely enough to gin and pack
the entire cotton crop during year, how
long would it take to inaugurate the sys-
tenn of buying cotton from the farmers
only in the seed, at the gin? And with
this system once in vogue, how long
would it be until the farmers had no
more interest in the difference between the
price of seed and lint cotton than they
now have between the price of lint cotton
and manufactured goods? And with this
interest obliterated, and the trust con-
trolling the entire cotton crop, does it not
appear that the trust would eventually
secure pretty strong lien on the whole
people of the south?
Aswe have said before, we do not want
to alarm anybody. 1t is not necessary
that anybody should be alarmed. 1t il
within the range of easy possibility that
this question will not have to be dealt with.
We do nc. know positively that Searles
and his crowd have any ideas in this d.
rection. But we are not going to deceive
ourselves into believing that the proposed
scheme is not practicable, for in the light
of the achievements of other ambitious
capitalists, we believe that it is. If such
scheme is on foot, and nothing is said of
it in the papers, our people will probably
not understand their danger until after
they have passed under the yoke of the
trust. The only safeguard in a case OF
this kind is publicity, for if the people OF
the whole south are fully advised of the
facts in the case, they can be depended
upon to deal with the whole paatter in
such manner as is best calculated to en-
sure their present and future protection.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-03-06
LOCAI. AFFAIRS.
INDEX TO NEW ADVERTISEMENTS.

The Atlanta Constitution and The En-
quirer will be furnished one year for
$3.50, besides giving you chance in
The Constitutions missing word con-
test by which you mag secure $1,000
without any extra outlay.
T. Baxter McClain-Has the agency for
the sale Of Masury's paints, which he
guarantees to be equal to the best.
They are claimed to be we'll adapted to
all purposes for which oil paints are
used.
Grist Cousins-Offer you one dozen or
anges for Is cents, or two dozen for 25
cents one dozen lemons for Is cents (;
hams and hamlets at 10 cents pound
and peanuts at 5 cents quart.
M. E.. Nichols, Administrations 10Th
of March, will sell at acution, at his late
residence, the personal property be
longing to the estate of Joseph NJ. Mich
OILS, deceased.
Grist Cousins-Want the opportunity Of
showing that they can do as good horse
shoeing as any shop in Yorkville. They
have one-horse wagon for sale at S25.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-03-06
THE PENSION BOARD.

The county pension board held its
final meeting in Yorkville on last We'd
nesday.
During this year there have been "a
n ew applicants-S widows and 66 soldiers.
The list as it now stands consists of 4 in
class A, 16 in class B, and 34S in class G ;
a total of 1858 applicants. The increase
over last year has been in the neighbor-
hood of 40 per cent.
The action of the county board will
have to be revised by the state board, and
it is not worth while, of course, to print a
list of the applicants until after the state
board has acted.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-03-06
ABOUT PEOPLE.

Miss Jennie Hart is visiting friends
in Virginia.
Miss Bessie Barron has returned from
q visit to Rock Hill.
Mr.. G. C. Randleman and family are
visiting in Yorkville.
Mr.. H. G. Strauss has gone to the north
ern markets to purchase his stock of
spring and summer merchandise.
Mr.. NJ. F. Jones, of the Ganson Dry
Goods company leaves for the northern
markets today.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-03-06
PROPOSED ROAD TAX.

At the request of The ENQUIRER,
Treasurer Neely has very kindly furnish
ed statement as to the respective
amounts that would be available for road
work in each township in the event of
the levying of the proposed 3 mill tax, as
by the county board OF
commissioners. The statement is as fol-
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-03-06
Earle Sworn In.

Earle Sworn In.
Joseph H. Earle was sworn in last
Thursday as United States senator to
succeed Senator Irby, whose term has
expired.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-03-06
THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.

TIL Il SOUNII SoMmASSAoNASAsS
AS the board of county commissioners
was still in session when the last issue
of The ENQUIRER went to press, it was
not practicable to print the proceedings
fin full. Other important business was
transacted during the session.
It seems that the county has found 1t
practically impossible to rent an engine
for use in running the rockcrusher on the
road work. 1t was necessary, therefore,
that the county should have an engine OF
its own, and committee was appointed
to buy firstclass portable one OF l2-horse
power.
At a recent meeting of the board, the
general assembly was asked to make a
special levy of one mill on the dollar for
road work in this county. 1t became
apparent sometime ago that this levy
would probably not be allowed, and
etter was written to the York delegation
asking about it. The reply came in
letter signed S. H. Epps, chairman, and
was to the effect that the delegation mad
unanimously refused 10 recommend the
levy.
In order to prosecute the work on the
Ebenezer road, it appears that two more
mules are necessary. Commissioner Mil
Ter informed the board that the people OF
bis section would guarantee the sum OF
$50 toward the purchase of these mules,
and perhaps more, and that when the
work was completed, would turn the
mules over to the ownership OF the coun!
ty. The proposition was accepted.
The condition of the Jail was discussed,
and a co mmittee, consisting of Supervi-
sor Culp, and Commissioners Brice and
White, was appointed to take charge OF
the matter. The committee has made q
ontract with Mr.. +. A. Gosman to make
the repairs to the amount Of $500. The
repairs consist, among other things, OF
heavy iron bars, six inches apart over the
ceiling, iron gratings to number OF the
doors and especially weak places, and q
c contri vance whereby all the cell doors
may be closed at one time by the work.
ing of lever on the outside. The work
is to be pushed forward as rapidly as pos
sible, and paid for next January.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-03-06

selling bale that was compressed at the
ginnery. Our compress can be manu-
featured at a much lower cost than the
present congresses. We hope to be able
to overcome the objections that are being
made at present, and to be in position 10
"We are candid with you in our state
ments above, and you can rest assured
that the rum ors about the round bale
press are at present nothing but talk.
We have no fear of the round bale being
adopted for few years yet, If at ALL"