Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-03-19
Echoes From Guifport.


Echoes From Guifport.
"HOw do you like Gulfport ~
IS the question asked BY SO many
since my return from the city by
the sea-" that ! will answer
through the columns ofthe EAGLE
40 that all may gain an idea OF the
possibilities and advantages OF
the place. L was delighted, charm
ed with the place, and many OF
the people, and unhesitatingly as.
sert my belief that Gulfport is to
be the greatest city of the south,
and that too, in the near future.
The question of a deep water har'
Dor is no longer a question, it is
a fact. / walked out on the pier,
extending a mile and a halt into
the water, upon the afternoon OF
my arrival, and counted twelve
large Observation-Disclosures from
Holland, Germany, Spain, Italy.
Portugal, ond other foreign coun-
tries, loading with pine lumber.
aud none were drawing less than
% feet. when loaded. Two dredg
es, owned by Captain Jones, were
ut work, deepening the natural
channel, and this work is to go on
until the port is one OF the finest
in the world.
Besides the facilities gained by
deep water. for foreign trade, Gulf
port is destined to become a great
railroad center and terminus. The
7. & n, and G. & 81. are already
ia operation connecting the infant
city directly with New Orleans
Mobile and jackson, and a road
from NatChcZ direct TO this port
is in course of construction. This
will bring it in connection with
the Mississippi delta, the greatest
cotton producing section in the
y T2Tld d,i and sdls fot bsgbm nils \ sn 81 faafatIq2 .
ports numerous industries.
The pine forests north OF Gulf
port are seemingly inexharstible,
and sawmills are in operation III
every town. The land when
cleared of its native growth OF
pine, produces Irish and sweet
potatoes. many vegetables, melons
and fruits. Oyster canneries, aud
fisheries are another ineXhaustl-
BILE source of revenue for the IN
habitants. Besides these, the pos
Sibillties for success in poultry
raising, creameries and dairies,
truck farming and sheep raising
are inviting. The average day
laborer is paid Si,25 a day far his
work. The lumber men who load
vessels on the pier, receive fifty
cents per hour. In every line of
work, the labOrer receives excel
lent pay, and au air of thrift, pros
perity :and enterprise pervades
the place.
Capt. Jones. the capitalist, the
maker of the place, is the embodi.
ment of true. philanthropy. His
motto Is, make money and do
good with it," and this be is doing
might and main. He gives
employment to something over a
thousand people, paying them
good round sums for their labor.
md not the miserable pittance
generally deemed sufficient, By
he average capitalist, to remune-
ate the Tread winner. Captain
Zones and family live plainly, aud
freely with the people.
By word and act, and without
this truly great man has
hown his love and sympathy for
lis fellow men, and the deep love
nd great admiration felt for him
y rich and poor. old and young,
reat and small, is freely and en-.
enthusiastically expressed. Were
Their millionaiers and billionaires
he him, the war between capital
nd labor would practically cease, !
nd love and confidence between /.
he two classes take its place.
Captain Jones has a firm and !
faith in the great possi !
of Gulfport. and his time,
aud money are being used {
r her upbuildiug. I
l was glad to tind Oxford so {
ell represented in Gulfport. and {
learn Of the popularity and ad.
ration of the people for two of G
II home girls, Mrs. Frost Roane I
rice, and Miss Virgie Mostly. '
RS. Price is as happy as the day Il
long, in her dainty cottage by ?
sea, and wss untiriHg ia her 0
to show me the advanta- .
of the city, Her husband is u
e leading dry goods merchant 0
the place, and a courteous, af- P
bic gentleman.
Miss Mosby is much beloved as
5eacher, and her many splendid j,
aiities of heart and mind appre. = =
tied. Through her I became 9
quainted with Mr.. and Mrs. J. al
Ballenger, formerly of Calhoun e
unity. Mr. Ballenger is now tue S
nored mayor of The place, and a ed
capitalist. His refined, cl
eomplished wife, gave me tie 81
of a ten mile drive on =
beach, which was one OF the pi
IS of life nothing can take away By