The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-20
LAFAYETTE DOES
 4 BIG BUSINESS Cotton Situation Has Not Caus- ed Much Excitement PEOPLE ARE PRACTICAL The Lafayette Railroad, Which is Own ed by the Citizens of the Town,
 is Doing an Enormous
 Business.

Lafayette, December 19.-(snecial)- Ire cotton crop i'll this section of the country is about oh a par with the major portion of the state. About 10000 bales or a little over will comprise the total number for the sean when all Is in. The prices paid, however, are a lit tie better than in some places as cotton sold today for F and 12h cents very readily. There is neither pessmism or optimism shown here but with commen- dable practicability the people are ac- cepting present conditions Thesuniversal feeling is one of thankfulness while a full crop would have bettered things they might be a great deal worse than they are. In fact, if Lafayette has ever experienced hard times it doesn't show any sign of them.
 The Lafayette railroad which is owned by the citizens of the town is doing an immense business. It is operated be- tween this city and Opelika and trains make two round trips every day. The road bed is being improved, equipment is being enlarged in every respect and satisfactory dividends have been de- l try fast settling up and is considered a valuable piece of property. The trains make connections at Opeika with the trains of the Central of Georgia and one well patronized.
 New Opera House.
 The new opera house was opened on last night. This building erected at a of ir aIx furnished and has a seating capacity of 500. It is considered one of the best houses of it's kind in the state and a large audience witnessed the opening per- formance of Keeping the Harvest and appeared highly satisfied with both play and playhouse.
 Politics are being freely discussed at least so far as probate judge is con cerned, State Senator James D. Nor man has announced himself as a candi- date and has a host of warm friends in the county. A prominent politician said today in speaking of the senator that MT. Norman had won some hard fought battles in the past and would put up a good fight However" the politician continued it Is impossible to say what the senator's chances are as he has some very powerful and highly es- teemed opponents"
 
 announced himself as a candidate also and W. J. farrell the county superin- tendent of education, is mentioned as a probable candidate also. Judge A. J. Driver the incumbent of the office, has not said whether he will endeavor to succeed himself or not but it is generally conceded by his friends that he will do so.
 National Politics.
 Regarding national politics the con- 1 sensus of opinion is that the next Presi- dent will be a democrat. 1t is generally i believed in LaFayette that regardless of i the republican nominee whether 1t is l Hanna CT Roosevelt, a house divided ] against itself will fall. The merchants 1 here are all doing healthy Christmas 1 trade. The stores are up-to-date and handle a large and varied block of goods adequate for the demand which is being made upon them.
 Some merchants have already ordered their spring goods and from what your correspondent heard in the hotel office the orders which have been placed are of a very substantial nature and bespeak a continuation if not an exeeedance of the present healthy times
 Like many other hustling towns along the Central of Georgia railroad. La l Fayette owns and operates its own cleo tric light plant. Under the management of J. A. Cochran, who is considered an expert, the town is well lighted and satisfactory service in the residences Is given. The court house is one of the most imposing buildings of its kind in the state and would be credit to city much larger than this. The farmers 1 all seem in a more or less hopeful frame l of mind and are preparing to celebrate Christmas. Money Is being spent and the majority of renting farms in the community have tenants who seem 10 be- lieve that next year will be a prosperous i one