Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-09-30

opalite, soap stone. zircon and gold
The precious stones which wdre shown
in abundant specimens at the Tallulah
exhibit were amethyst, beryl, sapphire,
cairn gown, rhodolite. hiddenite, garnet,
emerald, ruby. topaz, rutile and chalce-
dony.
With such showing as this It is easy to
imagine that when the railroad extension,
now practically decided upon, strikes
from Tallulah Falls through Rabun Gap
to Franklin. N. c., and thenee out to
Murphy, capitalists will fall over each
other in the race to give to the world
these marvels.
Almost as alluring as wealt h-bringers
and quite as beautiful Is the vast store
Of hard woods which this sectibn boasts.
The exhibit Of them by Rabun and Macon
was the other object Of paramount beauty
at the fair. Mr.. John F. Earl, of
Clayton, Rabun county, had per-
haps the most numerous and beauti-
fully selected specimens, but the beauty
and interest of Macon county's wood show
rather surpassed that of Geotgia, since
the North Carolina woods were brought
In the cross section of the tree, thus
showing bark and size and grain, finished
and unfinished. and making a more impos-
ing effect Mr.. W. B. Mcclure. OF Frank
lin, was. I believe, chiefly responsible for
North Cardinals excellent display. 1t
would be an education in native hard
woods for the people of Atlanta and mid
die Georgia If Mr.. Earl and Mr.. MCGUIRE
would bring their exhibits to Atlanta.
Since nothing in the way OF minerals
and woods has been heard of Habersham
county It must not be supposed that that
beautiful old county was unrepresented.
She does not boast of these specialties in
the same degree as do the mountain coun-
ties, but in manufactures she led all the
rest, while in farming products and stock
she stood high. and in the exhibit of art
and woman's work, furnished large and
creditable per cent
AS to the womans work. can say little
more than that as usual 1t drew the crowd.
The most interesting feature was the splen-
did display of handweaving. such as that
for which the Georgia Federation has
been so successful in finding sale.
It would be impossible to close without
speaking of the greatest benefit of such
occasions. particularly in remote regions,
the gathering together Of the people to
hear the discussion by wise and thought
full and loving speakers Of great, vital
questions.
1 only had the privilege Of attending one
such session and count 1t indeed priv
ilege to have sat among these strong. Wig
orous, able, earnest people as they hung
in rapt attention upon the words OF such
men as Commissioner Glenn. Hon. Hoke
Smith and Mr.. w. G. Brantley while they
urged upon them the necessity for more
and better education for their children.
At the close of the exercises ii was an
nounced that Habersham county had or
dered vote to be taken in behalf Of a
local tax for educational purposes.
There can be little doubt that the tax
will be voted and that Rabun county will
soon do the same.
Superintendents Grant and O'Kelly, OF
the two counties are constantly circulat-
ing the idea among the people and they
will receive in this crusade for better edu-
cational facilities the able teaching OF
the Rabun County Woman's club and the
Habersham County Woman's club, organ
lied on Wednesday, for the effort of all
kinds in behalf of their respective coun-
ties.
Surely the Blue Ridge and Tallulah Falls
exposition has been already productive OF
great results. and another year will bring
forth more wonderful ones.
The company has been made a perma-
nent one, and 1t is hoped that each sue
ceeding year will see greater and greater
gatherings and rewards.