The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-03-28

Last N~ightsLarge u Interesting Meet
fng-The old McKethan Factory
Among tho Ihfngs Of b Past-To>
bacco C~ulture-Neyys Notes

Correspondence OF The Messenger
Fayetteville, March %. 1898.
At a meeting OF the Fayetteville
Chamber OF Commerce in the city hall
last night, the following officers were
elected for the next year: President,
Mr.. A. II. Slocomb; Vice Presidents,
Major E. ]. Hale, Mr.. w. L. Holt;
directors. DR.. H. ". Lilly, Captain A.
B. Williams, E. Williamson. ]. r. Will
liams, II. Lenterloh, G. A. Overbough.
H. R. Horne, II. c. Bash. Z. r. Nc
Kithan; Treasurer, Major b. r. Huske.
TIL hall was crowded with representa-
tive business men, and the proceedings
Of the meeting were full Of interest.
The question Of electric lights FOR he
town was brought up. but its discus
sion was postponed, Major w. S. Cook
suggesting a citizens mass meeting
next week, where the difference of opin-
ion as to whether the present electric
light plant mot now in use) be pur-
chased, or a new plant be established,
can be adjusted. There are over
one hundred members OF the Chamber
of Commerce, who pay an initiation
fee of 81, and are assessed q monthly
payment Of rs cents.
Fayetteville people are very hopeful
at this time. They are in touch with
important new enterprises and invest
ments, and can see others of still
greater value almost in their grasp.
One or lore new mills are assured
facts, and additional railroad connec-
lions are almost as certain. A new
company contemplates putting in ope-
ration again the Cumberland Cotton
factory on Beaver creek, which has
been closed for some time.
While all measures OF substantial
progress are hailed with delight, one
cannot help a sigh Of regret over the
demolition Of the old McKithan car
riage factory building on Person street.
Half a century ago 1t was the largest
establishment of the kind In the
Southern states. its output-all Of the
highest class-finding a market from
the Gulf Of Mexico TO the Potomac
river, and its proprietor A. A. McKith-
an, filling his long and busy life with
honor and usefulness by his generosi-
t. and public spirit. The material OF
the building is to be utilized by Mr.. A.
H. Slocomb, acting for Messrs. Ashley
& Co, the New Jersey silk manufac-
turers, in erecting the buildings cf the
new silk spinning mill.
Planters in this section show a dis
position to devote some OF their and
and a part of their time and energies,
to the cultivation of tobacco. Mr.. r.
l.. Williams, will give 1t a large acre
age this year at ~"Cattonade," his plan
tation west of Fayetteville. Men who
speak from years Of experience say
that Cumberland county has thousans
Of acres well adapted to raising the
fine yellow leaf tobacco.
The Chairman of the board OF coun-
ty commissioners, Captain A B.. Will
liams, has a force OF workmen on the
handsome new court house, repairing.
~renovating, etc. The dummy clock
face" is being wisely wiped as a delu-
sion and pretense. The Superior court
of Cumberland county convenes here
next Monday.
Fayetteville people are very sorry
to bid goodbye to Miss Hester Culvert.
Of Maryland, who today terminated
her visit to Mr.. and Mrs. K. j. Lilly,
o. Haymount. Her grace, culture and
loneliness Of character charm ii who
meet her.
Mr.. and Mrs. A. II. Slocomb are two
very welcome guests. Mr.. and Mrs.
Milligan, of Pottsville, Pa. The COM
munity has greeted them on former
visits, and always with much pleasure.