The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1903-05-06

total loss practically nothing Of value
being saved. When the fire was dis
covered it was far advanced and the
family barely escaped with their lives
and a few articles of clothing that we're
within reach.
The buildings and contents were
insured for $500 which does not nearly
cover the loss. The origin OF the ire
is unknown, but is thought by Mr..
Chandler to nave originated from the
kitchen stove pipe.
The banks began On the lst to
close at 2 o. m., instead of 3 p. m.,
as heretofore.
Real estate is still active and prices
keep up. Several large deals have
been made recently.
Health Officer Reardon should IN
augurate crusade against mesqu1-
toes. Now is the time to start.
The street committee has under con-
sideraticn the purchase OF large
Quantity of crushed rock and gravel to
be used for street improvement.
Lee county has almost as many
prisoners in Jail here as Sumter coun-
ty has. Lee county will soon establish
a lawbreaker's hotel Of her own.
The damages resulting from the
barsting of the fly wheel of the saw
mill engine at the Lukens Lumber
Co., plant have been repaired and the
mill is now in readiness to start.
Reports that very heavy and destruc-
tive hail storms occurred IN various
parts Of the State Monday have been
received, but so far no report has
come in that the storm was felt in this
county.
Dr.. II. j. McLaurin reports that On
Thursday afternoon he saw a large
tri-colored balloon passing across the
Northwestern portion of the city. 1t
appeared to be at an elevation OF at
least ], 800 to 2,000 feet and was moving
rapidly in a Northeasternly direction.
Strees Supt. White has completed
the annual cleaning out OF bitches and
drains leading out Of the city every
ditch and drain except the lower por-.
ton of Turkey Greek Canal, south OF
Calhoun street has been given a thor
ough cleaning
Mr.. John R, Haynsworth of Sumter
has been employed to make survey
of the road to Salem. He began the
work yesterday, but not enough has
been done yet to be able to give our
readers any idea as to course.
ming Farmer.
ssThe revival meeting which has been
in progress at the First Baptist Church
during the past two weeks closed Mon
day night. Quite number have been
received into the church on profession
of faith and they we're baptized at
the services Monday night.
The apprehension expressed by many
before the primary was ordered that
the "dear people, would not take
enough interest in the election to 60
to the polls is proven unfounded by
the heavy vote polled yesterday. Which
goes to show that political prognostica-
tors can't always read the signs Alright.
There is today enough idle money on
deposit in the banks Of Sumter to
build big cotton mill or establish
some other important manufacturing
Industry, and the hustling go-ahead
business men of other places frequent
" express surprise that the business
men of Sumter do not utilize their
opportunities and money to make this
city a big manufacturing center.
There are very few prisoners in jail
for trial at the approaching term of
court, but many VINO are under in
dictment who are cut on bond, and
there will be a heavy criminal docket.
The following are IN jail for trial:
John Brooks, grand larceny; Joe HllL
breaking railroad car; Dock Baker,
burglary and larceny; Amos Single
ton, assault and battery with intent
to kill
The agitation for the early closing of
stores during the summer months is
spreading throughout the South and
the movement has the backing of a
strong public sentiment. Sumter was
a pioneer in the early closing move
ment and for the past fifteen or sixteen
years all the stores have closed at 6 p.
M, from May 1st to September 1st:
Not merchant of any standing would
go back to the old system Of keeping
the stores open until late hour.
The primary for Clerk of Court yes.
terday was one of the liveliest special
elections ever held in Sumter and
there was as hard and steady work
all day to bring out the vote as ever
seen in this city. Hacks and carri-
ages were kept going from the
time the polls opened. Every vote
possible was brought out, and for
special election with only two candl-
dates in the race the vote was surprls-
ingly large although it fell short OF the
full strength Of the two clubs.
Mr.. Kelly who has had charge of the
sewerage survey for Mr.. j. l.. Lud-
low. of Winston-Salem has completed
all the field work and has returned to
Winston-Salem. Some time will
be required to work up the
survey notes. make the maps
and prepare the plans and estimates OF
the sewerage system, but as Mr.
Ludlow has six months in which to
submit his estimate there is ample
time. Mr.. Kelly says that Sumter has