The Tupelo journal., 1903-11-20

Drouth Is Broken.
The drouth that has prevailed in
the central portion Of Mississippi
since the 18th of September, a pc
Rod of two months, was broken last
week by a bountiful downpour of
rain. 1t was the only ~appreciable
rainfall during this long period,
and came too late to be of any ben
eft to autumnal vegetation, but was
gratefully welcomed in districts suf-
fering from a water famine.
Offers a $3.50 Reward.
Insurance Commissioner Cole has
received notice that the National
Board of Fire Underwriters has Of
fered a reward of $3.50 for the ar
rest and conviction of the supposed
incendiaries who are responsible for
the fire which destroyed three build
ings at Magee, Simpson county, on
the night of September % last.
The offer is good for a period Of one
year.
Big Verdict for the Widow.
The jury in the case of Schmidt
against the Yazoo & Mississippi
Valley railroad gave a verdict, at
Vicksburg last week, in favor of
Mrs. Schmidt for $32 900. This is
the case arising from the killing of
Frank Schmidt in 1901 by the fall
ing Of a cross tie from a passing
train. The widow sued for $780,
900.
Will Locate in Meridian.
The Martin Machine Works of
Meridian have been bought by G. p.
and W. G.. Wetherbee Of Waynes-
boro, who will take charge at once
and organize a new corporation.
Improvements and additions to the
plant will be made. 1t is under
stood the Messrs. Wetherbee, who
are capitalists, will locate in Merid-
ian.
Payment on Cotton Sale.
The secretary of the prison board
of control last week paid into the
State treasury the sum of $27 1902
0S, derived from a recent sale of
State cotton. A good portion of
the sum, however, was in the shape
of warrants heretofore issued, and
the payment did not materially help
the treasury towards securing a bal
ance on the right side of the ledger.
Will Hire Their c%onvicts.
A number of counties in the State
are advertising for bidders for coun-
ty conyicts for the next year. Some
of the counties which have hereto
fore worked their convicts on the
public roads are going to hire them
out next year. 1t is expected that
all the counties which are to hire out
their convicts will get an increased
price, owing to the scarcity of labor.
Fire at TupeIo.
A fire occurred in the Harley
Handle Factory at Tupelo last week.
The fire originated in the engine
room of the factory, but by good
work on the part of the citizens the
main building of the concern was
saved. The loss was light, being
only about $500. The building will
be repaired Immediately.
Will Organize a Home Company.
AS a result of the high rates of
fire insurance in Natchez, a number
of local merchants have set on foot
a movement to organize a home fire
insurance company. Capital to the
amount Of $4,000 has already been
subscribed.
Gin Burned.
Last week the gin belonging to
the Egypt Gin and Mill Company of
that place was consumed by fire.
Cause of fire unknown. There was
also about twenty-five bales of cot
ton burned. No insurance on gin
or cotton.
New Western Union Manager.
j. X. Woodruff, an experienced
telegrapher Of Nashville, has been
appointed manager of the Western
Union Telegraph Company at 1azoo
City, vice w. B. West, resigned.
Accidentally Shot Himself.
D. H. Smith, a prominent planter
of Claiborne county, accidentally
shot himself last week while skylark-
ing with some friends. He is Sc
riously injured.
Little Girl Fatally Burned.
Lena Patrick, daughter of Will
Patrick, a guest of farmer O. P.
Brown, was fatally burned near
Laurel last week while playing near
a bonfire.