The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1903-06-12
IN THE LAND Of FLOWERS.
A Former Editor of The Times
Writes Letter Telling of His
Ira, els i'm the Land of
Flowers.

Dear Mr.. Editor:-I can hardly
realize that three years have elapsed
since | LAID down the editorial pen
and vacated the sanctum sanctorium
of The UNION TIMES. But a little
reflection reminds me that such is
the case.
While | was at home l enjoyed
the weekly visits of THE TIMES, but
l have not seen a copy since 1 left
there In March, in fact, have not
seen any South Carolina papers since
that time, except two copies of The
State | accidentally got hold of at
Tallahassee few days ago. l was
shocked when | read of the explosion
that occurred in Mr.. Scaife's store.
| was grieved to think that a poor.
innocent man, although unknown to
me, was killed without warning. I
hope he was Christian.
Florida is state of great possibil.
tiles. | have travelled all over this
State from Jacksonville to Kew
West and thence to this point, which
is near the Georgia and Alabama line.
Down on the East coast is the most
enchanting part of the State. St
Augustine is lovely city, and it
would indeed puzzle the most gifted
writer to describe the magnifcence
of some of the Fast Coast hotels.
The Ponce de Leon. the Poinciana
and others are striking examples of
what money and human skill can
accomplish. I was told that Ger.
tain Congressman went to Miami
and stopped at Poiuciana. After
being conducted to suite of rooms
he told the porter to bring him a
daily paper. The porter soon re-
turned and the Congressman handed
him a nickle. The porter put bis
hands behind his back and said,
"Scuse me. boss; nothing less than
a quarter goes here" The Con-
gresham gave him the quarter, and
took the elevator down to the cigar
stand where he bought cigar, He
selected fayorite brand and paid
the usual price, ten cents. The
clerk was not satisfied, however, and
said, fifty This Jared the afore>
said Congressman and he retired to
his suite of rooms to count his money.
lie seemed to think he was a little
short and began to plan how he
could get away Immediately without
compromising his dignity. In his
desperation he secured a telegraph
blank and wrote an urgent telegram
calling him back TO Jacksonville.
He went down to see the clerk and
asked what his bill was. The clerk
replied, Nothing, sir; you are our
guest; we never charge congressman
or senators"
Then the aforesaid Congressman
went out looking for the fool-killer.
| spent several days i'm Tampa as
the guest Of Carl w. Hill, who for
merly worked with Allan Nicholson.
MIR. Hill has been in Tampa little
over two years and has succeeded in
building up a good business. He
runs several job presses and employs
four or five printers
At Evinston | met a young man
named Foster. He was from Spar
tanburg and has been in Florida
only few months. At Ocala | met
an old man who was born near Glenn
Springs and who knew the older
people living in Union. / don't re-
call his name at present.
l had the pleasure of meeting
Thomas A. Edison and his daughters
at Punta Gorda, Mr.. Edison is a
handsome old gentleman, and his
daughters arc very beautiful and at
tractive. Their amiability is perhaps
their most attractive quality. Mr..
Edison has q winter home at Ft.
Myers and when 1 met him he was
going North.
| spent few days in Tallahassee
where the legislature is in session.
l visited the capital daily and
watched the nroceedinus was