The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-08-10
ORACLE SAYS ''H|LL"
CoIored AstroIoger Makes
Political Predictions.
David B. Hill 10 Be Next President, and VIM
J. Bryan in 1912. Says COlOred Legis
0I Iator From Craven.
(Staff Correspondence.l

(Staff Correspondence
Goldsboro, N. c., Aug. 9.-For the APP
preciative public 1 thought while at New
Bern enjoying the refreshing breezes, /
would give out few snap shots:
1t is not generally know, but Craven
county has, within her connnes, an
astrologer of note in the person OF Isaac
Hughes Smith, Familiarity known in legls-
latiye circles as 1.-The Colored Gentleman
from Craven" Isaac Hughes Smith, the
astrologer, is also a noted politician and
in New Bern. his home town, runs
banking and loan establishment. Know
ing of the accuracy of his previous fore
cats l dropped in on him in his prl-
vate office down the alley off Middle
street the other day and sought bit
of knowledge at his hands. had heard,
on the occasion of banquet given IN MS
honor. by Recorder Taylor, in 1892, at
Washington, d. c., how Isaac told the
assembled guests, who were all Reed men
that Mckinley would be the Republican
nominee and would sweep the country.
had heard of his subsequent prediction
of McKinley's election for the second
term also; of his private notes of warn
ing to the President to avoid crowds,
that the planets foreboded TO His Excel
lency impending danger, and the like. so
concluded to have him set at rest this
uncertainty as to who would be the next
national standard bearers and which of
the parties would triumph in the next
national election. One might think Isaac
Hughes Smith would be a snap-snap in
the hands of the average reporter, CIV
ing out the information sought I'M
hesitatingly, but that's where you miss
It, This might be true of Isaac Hughes
Smith, but Isaac Hughes Smith, the
astrologer, is quite different individual.
However, after much entreaty, / was
successful and here goes: Smith, who
will be the Democratic nominee in 1882"
and quickly came the answer, David b.
Hill, of Albany" 'Who will be the Re-
publican nominee?" Roosevelt, most as
suredly" Now Smith, which of these
gentlemen will be elected?" asked. and
in no uncertain tones came the reply,
David B. Hill" do you really think
SOP" was asked. ''No, sir, l don't think
SO, know it; fate has decreed it and no
power on earth can prevent it" So
paste this in your hat.
Emboldened by such positiveness ask
ed, "Will VIM. Jennings Bryan ever be
PRESIDENT" To my surprise, Smith re-
piled, YES; in 1912, but all depends upxl
Bryans attitude to the Democracy in
1903 and 1907 Fate has decreed that
Bryan shall be President in 1912; but it
is possible for Bryan's will power to de-
feat the decree of fate" Thanking
Smith for this bit of information that
would result in millions to the humble
scribe, with the promise that Hill should
remember Isaac Hughes Smith in the
days in which he should make up his
cabinet, l bid the astrologer good morn
ing. l consider myself most fortunate,
indeed, in obtaining this forecast. The
sporting element of New Bern, unable
themselves to get this cinch from their
own, can now rest in clover.
Over at Jackson Springs last week I
met the venerable Doctor ThaXton. Of
Durham. The Doctor is in his S5th year
and is a most companionable gentleman
A hobby with the Doctor is rubbing the
spine" for all material ailments, and his
success is phenomenal. Some physicians
boot at the idea, but once in the back
woods with a stubborn case. they Sc
cretly try it and invariably come back
to town full endorsers of the merit OF
Doctor Thaxtons hobby. The treatment
is simple, likewise the remedy. Just APP
ply to the spine with the hand till dry,
a solution of camphorated oil into which
has been incorporated spirits of turpen-
tine and quinine, and in a few days
malaria has taken wings. The effect of
the quinine is too, so very different from
the internal application. | like the ex-
ternal application.
Rev. Alex. McCullum, ga wise negro
from the wilds of Robson" Is raising
cain in these parts among the brethren
and sisters. The fellow claims all man
ner of power from high. Such as
healing the sick, giving hearing to the
deaf and speech to the dumb. He adj
vocates lots of wives. He has succeeded
in landing one poor unfortunate disciple
into the county prison, one Phoebe
Uzzelle, who by the result of her de-
yotion to his teachings, has become hope
lessly insane. McCullum is as black as
the ace of spades, and has a hair-lip. He
has as an interpreter with him, another
coon" named Chas. Leak who claims
Rockingham as his home. They have been
driven from the Snow Hill section and
a like fate awaits them here
C. ]. RIVENBARK.