davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-09-21
The Weekly Crop Report.

Washington, Sept. 2O.-Complaints
of cotton shedding still received from
the eastern sections and the northern
portion of the western sections of the
belt, but reports of rust are not so
general except in North Carolina. The
Staple is opening rapidly in all dis
tricts, in some localities prematurely
aid picking is general, although de-
layed by rain in portions of Texas,
from which State as we'll as Georgia,
scarcity of pickers is reported. Dry
weather is causing injury to late cot
tor generally in the central anud
eastern sections, and light, or no
top crop is Indicated III the central and
western districts, while worrs and
caterpillars are causing injury in
Oklahoma, La Ala and South Caro-
lima. In Texas the boil weevil con-
tinue as imagined in the southwest,
coast, central eastern and number of
the northern counties, as the advance
ment of the season permits.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-09-21

terests in Horny county need the road
to develop their country and put them
in position to realize on their invest
ments. 1t will be built because Porry
needs it, not because it will benefit
Sumter, that is merely incidental.
There is another railroad that is need
ed, and needed badly, by Sumter and
this section of the State, and, if built,
the benefit that Sumter would derive
would be greater than we anticipate
will result from the construction of
the Conway road. We need a road to
give Us connection with the Seaboard
Air Liue, and, as badly as we need it,
we see no Immediate prospect of its be-
ing built. A road from Sumter to
Bishopville and thence up the west
ern side of Lynches River 20 juno
ton with the Seaboard Air Line.
Ultimately this road would be extend
ed to Monroe, N c., following the
route of a railroad projected more
than fifty years ago. South of Sumter
the road could be advantageously ex-
tended across Clarendon county and
through the richest, healthiest and
most nndeveloped section of Berkeley
county, to Charleston. The timber
resources of that section of Berkeley
county remain practically untouched
and this alone would furnish a profit
able freight business for railroad
until the other resources of the coun-
try could be developed This is
road that Sumter and this section of
the State needs and it could be built,
as other roads have been built by the
issue, of bonds if some practical busi-
ness man would take hold of the plan
and push it.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-09-21
Weekly Crop Bulletin.

Columbia, Sept. 20.-The week end.
ing a. m., September l9, 1904, had
mean temperature of rs degrees,
which is nearly normal The early
part of the week was warm but the
last four days we're very cool. The
extremes were minimum of 45 at
Spartanburg on the 10Th, maximum
| of SO at Batesburg and Blackville on
the 18th, and Blackville and Kingstree
on the 18th.
The precipitation was confined to
the eastern part Of the State, and was
excessive from Horny to Chesterfield
counties, the greatest amount being
a. 70 inches at Conway. The rain fall
occurred on the 18th and 14th. Tie
other days were generally sair. Prac-
tically no rain fell in the western part
of the State.
The week has been favorable for
teamwork. except ssin the eastern por-
tion Of the State, where the storm of
I the 18th and 14th delayed work and
did great damage to growing crops.
Is There were numerous reports of de-
terioration of cotton due to rustsand
shedding, and, in the eastern coun-
ties, caterpillars are still doing dam
age. Considerable damage is reported
in the northeastern counties from the
storm on the 18th. Cotton is opening
rapidly and picking has become gener-
al throughout the State
Corn is reported to be in good con-
dition generally except in the north
eastern counties where it was damaged
by the storm of the 18th. Fodder
pulling is practically completed.
Rice is not damaged as much as was
first reported; harvesting and thresh-
ing are progressing.
The weather has been favorable for
haying during the past week The
forage crops are good Potatoes are
generally good, but poor in a few
places. Minor crops are very promis
ing.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-09-21
Stateburg items.

Stateburg, Sept. 2O.-Cotton pick
ing is in full blast. The pickers are
being paid so cents hundred for the
"heecy staple' now.
The Stateburg High School opened
yesterday, with Miss Anna P. Burgess
as teacher.
MI. Tom Price, of Charleston is at
Mrs. E. N. Frierson's
Miss Anne M. Barnwell spent Sun
day at home. Miss Lily M. Holcombe
was her guest for the day.
Misses Annie Rees and Lee Moore
leave today for Winthrop College.
Mr.. Frank P. Burgess, now employ
ed in Bishopville. spent Sunday at his
home. He spoke of the rushing
business" done in our sister county.
Mrs. ". B. Nelson and son Edgar,
are visiting Mrs S. E. Nelson.
Mr.. EARLY Melette, of Bishopville,
spent Sunday with relatives.
Mrs. S. r. Cain returns to her home
in Pinopolis today, after a pleasant
visit to Nj. and Mrs. S. H. Ramsey.
Mr.. Warren H Burgess of Sumter,
was the guest of Messrs. Matt and
Henry Moore OH Sunday. 49,. --
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-09-21
FIRE IN BISHOPViLlE.
Boarding House Burned at an Early Hour
This hiorning-The Loss Heavy.
Special to TIE Daily Item.

Special to TIE Daily Item.
Bishopville, Sept 21.-The large
residence owned by Mr.. o. Levy and
occupied by Mr.. T. D. Jones, who
conducted a boarding house, was de-
stroyed by fire at 5 O'Clock this morn
ing. The house and all its contents
we're destroyed, there being no time
after the fire was discovered to remove
the furniture or effects of the board
ers, and the occupants were lucky to
escape with their lives and few ar
ticles of clothing that they could Sc
cure in their hurried flight from the
burning building.
The house was valued at 81. 500; and
was insured for 81, 500.
Mr. T. D.. Jones lost his'furnitrue
and household effects, valued a $500,
insurance $3.50.
The boarders all lost more OF less
heavily.
Prof. Thomson, $50; Mr.. Lorick,
5000; Miss Wilson $500; Miss Hattie
Roland, 500; Miss Fair, $500; Mr..
Sigh, S25.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-09-21
MORE ABOUT COTTON WILT.
Bureau of Plant Industry Writes Con-
gresham Lever Concerning Disease
in Sumter County.
~ Q

Congressman A. +. Lever, who has
interested himself in the effort to have
government expert sent to this coun-
ty to investigate the cotton wilt dis
ease that caused considerable damage
in sections of Sumter county, sendsSus
the following letter which is self ex-
planatory:
. Washington, D. c., Sept. 10, 1904.
Hon. A. F. Lever, Lexington, S. G.
Dear Sir: Referring again to your
letter of August 8 in regard to the
cotton wilt disease in Hagood, S. c.,
we have to inform you that our Mr..
Orton, who has investigated this
disease, was unable to visit Mr.. San
ders on account of the pressure OF
other duties. Since much Of Mr..
Orton's time has been spent in South
Carolina, be is acquainted with your
local conditions and has written Mr..
Sanders instructions for controlling
the disease that will enable him to
avoid much future loss, and it is real
ly unnecessary for him to 60 to Ha-
good.
Our Investigations of the cotton wilt
have given Us quite definite informa-
tion in regard to the cause of the dis
ease, which has been proved to be a
soil fungus which persists in the land
for many years. Although no direct
remedy has been found, it has been
shown that it is possible to breed va
rieties resistant to the disease and
several such are in process Of develop
ment. 1t is our intention to push this
line of work as rapidly as possible,
in order to relieve the farmers by the
substitution of these improved varie-
ties for those susceptible to the wilt
which they are now cultivating. One
of these strains%Will be distributed in
small quantities next year. 1t is not
entirely resistant, but it is so much
superior to the ordinary as to be pro-
fitable on infected land.
Very truly your,
A. F. Woods,
Pathologist and Psychologist.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-09-21

Mr.. A. D. Belts delivered al ad
dress Sunday evening at Magnolia
Street Church on the "Christian
Liie.'' 1t was full Of force and
earnestness. His illustrations we're
pathetic and soul inspiring. He held
the entire congregation spell bound.
M. Belts leftMonday morning for Spar
tanDurg, to resume his work at Wof-
ford College. His many friends in
Sumter wish him success in the noble
work be is engaged i'll.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-09-21

Secretary Reardon has secured sub
scriptions to the Fall Festival Fund
totaling nearly s21O0 and still has
many business men and corporations
to see. If he has been able to raise
that much within the limited time he
has had at his disposal to canvass the
city, it seems reasonable to suppose
that a thorough canvass would raise
the additional s2,O 600 that is needed.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-09-21
Error in Returns.

Bishopyille, Sept. 19-In reporting
the official count of the votes cast in
Lee county, a mistake was made, Civ
ing, r. M. Smith a majority for trea-
surer. The correct figures were:
F. T. G. Perrin $40 and E. M.
Smith 652. Mr.. Perrin being elected
treasurer by a majority Of l5S.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-09-21
The Goldman Brand.

it honest statement ever made This shoe
not built for STYLE but for service and the yongser who sue
ceeds in kicking pair of them months will be 50
tired of the job that he will not attempt it again
We have them also in ladies' but of course they do no
kicking but great deal Of walking and talking Any
shoe stand talking but takes the best of material to
stand walking, and that's what you get TIE Goldman
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-09-21
The season for
Barefooted Boys and Girls

practically at end and the heart of the shoe dealer made
glad consequence for their parents will be looking
around for the most desirable place which buy their shoes
We have practically
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-09-21

Tho Ss.sater Watchmasa was founded m
1850 and the True Southron in 1866. The
Watehmus and Southron now has the COM
binedt circulation and influence of both of
the ola papers, and is manifestiy the best
ADVERTISING medium in Sumter.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-09-21
E. p. Reed s Co.. Line.

Here where suit the fastidos female Our
increased business this line very gratifying 1t
binaton that is hard to bea-comort durability and style
Their patent leather Boucher gotten this is the
swellest shoe we have seen. Ask to see it.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-09-21
New to Offer in This Lii

We believe in sticking old friends and when we tell the
mothers and fathers of these barefooed boys and girls that
there shoe in which they invest their money that will
give better results than
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-09-21
Mems Shoes.

Our friend Reynolds met with the misfortune of having his
factory destroyed by fire last winter but found excellent
substitute in "TRE KING QUALITY" We sold these goods
quite freely during the spring and summer and if anyone
found fault with them has been reported U.s. The
brand would indicate that they good enough for the royalty
and if that be they ought satisfy the most astidous Of
our patrons
Our Winner Shoe at $1.5O is a very popular num-
Der We buy them by the thousand pairs We carry of
the largest stocks Of shoes the State and if you honest
footwear, this is the place to get it.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-09-21

The railroad from Conway to
Sumter will eventually be built, and
by eventually we do not mean some
indefinite time in the dim future,
but within the next few years. 1t
will be built because the people who
have large property and business in
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-09-21

There's Dysentery-Colic, too,
And Cramps; but this remember do
Though enemies all babes must
meet.
"TEETHINA" will them all de-
feat
"TEETHIINA" Overcomes and
Counteracts the Effects Of the Summer
Heat, Aids Digestion, Regulates the
Bowels and makes teething easy.
Costs only 25 cents. Sept. 21-2t
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-09-21

Georgia has a railroad man who
knows his business On the railroad
commission and he is making rates
that the railroads cannot dodge. He
knows how to make rates because he
was trained in the railroad service
and goes about it in business like
way. The result is, the people of
Georgia are beginning to reap the
benefit of reduced freight rates made
on just and business-like basis. In
this State we have elected politicians
of all sorts and descriptions to serve on
the railroad commission and no one
has yet been able to hnd wherein they
have accomplished any practical good
for the people who pay the freights.
One good man with a practical knowl-
, edge of the railroad business, and the
ability to make and adjust freight and
passenger rates, would be worth more
than is now paid the three commits
sioners who draw pay for doing little
| or nothing. Such man would COM
mand a large salary in the railroad
service, but the State could afford to
pay as much or more than the rail
roads to secure his services. Unless
| the Office of railroad commissioner
can be filed by man who knows
something about railroad business it
should be abolished
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-09-21

White men who play negro's game
with negroes do not deserve better
fate than befeH those Illinois white
men who were killed while playing
rraus with negroes near Cairo.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-09-21

The Democrats Of New York State
seem to be unable to agree on can
didase for Governor. and some OF the
leaders are disposed to call in Judge
Parker so ace as a feferee to settle
the despute BY naming candidate.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-09-21

The Russians are reported to have
forced the japanese to eyaeuate Lao
yang, but this was brought shout by
the dead Russians whom Gen. kuro-
patkin left behind when he started on
his loot race TO Mukden.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-09-21

Nj. Ragsdale, Of Florence county.
Who vas defeated for Congress in the
Sixth District by Mr. J. e. EllerDe
sof Marion is another editor TO have
his political aspirations blighted..
This has been very bad year for
editors IN politics and none of those
defeated should feel badly. It does
nss seem TO have been a personal mat
ter, but s widespread opposition to
eaecsing newspaper men to Office.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-09-21

The Republicans have put ous a
slate ticket for State officers IN New
York State and the Democrats are
more confident Of carrying the Empire
State than ever before The Repubi-
can machine Will support the nomi-
noes as vigorously as it can, bat the
independent voters are said to be tired
of the Republican machine rule and
ready to turn to the Democrats for re-
Lief.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-09-21

The United State Government apv
pears to have handled the case Of the
Russian cruiser, Lena, that put into
San Fra1lcicso, With frmness and dis
cresson. The Enssian Government
viii probably not enter q prosest, for
the United States officials have adj
hered to the letter. of the law and this
G:oTernment is able to enforce its rnl-
ing. s
The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1904-10-19
The ENGLISH Ence

1t was an American who. meeting an
Englishman In Il country hotel in the
States, opened conversation sympathet-
ically with the words. Cheer up! 1t
may not be true and If IL Is true II
may be all for the best" And he was
surprised to find that the Brlton's look
of acute gloom was normal and not the
result of any more than ordinarily bad
news. The prevailing notion of the
American with regard to the English
man IL that he looks las II his only
friend ON earth was n yellow dog, and
he had lost the dog" For years the
inhabitants of the States have been
scrutiniZing the faces OF British Wis
itors TO try TO ascertain whether their
resigned expression is due to n recent
bereavement. confirmed misanthropy or
simply to supereillousness. According
to u weekly paper, some Americans at
tribute the English face to the English
climate "They did not look actually
sad" said an American lady TO the
writer. "or happy or preoccupied, but
they one and all had an expression of
resignation-the only state of mind pos
sible with an English climate" This
Is an ingenious explanation. Centuries
of rain and years of fog may have had
their effect on our looks. There IL. In
deed, certain dignity In the idea
London Globe
The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1904-10-19
PROVERBS ABOUT CARS.

A ear in the desert is only n man.
The ear himself can get muddy If
he steps in the mud.
Even the crown of the ear cannot
cure headache.
The cars crows cannot have more
than two horns.
A drop of water IN the eye OF the
ear costs the country IA great many
handkerchiefs.
When the ear makes you Il present
OF an egg he expects of you Il hen.
The ear can disturb the earth, but
he cannot move 1t from Its axis.
The ear knows not misery because
he doe, not live Ia II cabin.
The arm of the ear Is long, but II
cannot reach to the sky.
The voice of the ear has an echo
even when there are no mountains.
The ukases of the ear are worth
nothing If God says not "Amen."
The horse which has once been
mounted by the ear neighs continu.
ally.
The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1904-10-19
How the Famous Surgeon VcIpenu
Treated a Free Patient

The famous surgeon Nelpeau was
visited one day at his house during the
consultation hour by marquis re
nowned for his closeness. Velpeau In
formed the marquis that mn operation
was urgent and that the fee would
amount to 1000 francs. AT this the
marquis made a wry fnce and left. A
fortnight later DR.. Velpeau, while max
Ing his rounds In the Hospital de la
Charlie, had his attention attracted
by face that seemed familiar to him.
In answer to his inquiry 1t was stated
that the patient was footman of n
nobleman In the Faubourg ST. Ger
main The surgeon found that his
case rescmbed In every particular the
somewhat unusual one for which the
marquis had consulted him a fortnight
previously He refrained, however,
from making aSy comments.
Three weeks after the operation,
when the patient was about TO be dis
charged, Dr. Velpeau called him aside
and exclaimed: Monsieur | am ex-
tremely battered and pleased to have
been able to cure you. There is, how
ever. small formality with which
you will have to comply before | can
sign your exeat-that IL, you will have
to sign Il check for 1000 francs In be.
half OF the public charity bureau Of
your metropolitan district" The pa
tents face became livld. you can do
what you like about It," continued the
doctor. but II you refuse all Paris
will know tomorrow that the Marquis
de D. adopted the disguise OF a foot
man In order to secure free treatment
at this hospital and to usurp the place
which belongs by right to pauper."
OF course the marquis paid.
The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1904-10-19
WHOLE NO. 1868
PRESSED TO DEATH.
Fearful Punishment That Obtained
Under Old English Law.

Under the old English law il pris-
oner stood mute and failed to plead to
the indictment jury was impaneled
TO determine whether his conduct came
from obstinacy or from n natural Inn
pediment. According to Blackstone, IL
the prisoner was found to be obsti.
nately mute and the indictment was
for high treason ii was settled that
his silence was equivalent to convic-
tion and that Judgment and execution
should follow. This same rule applied
to petit larceny and misdemeanors, but
upon appeal or indictments for other
felonies or petit treason, according to
the ancient law, the prisoner was not
deemed convicted; but, because of his
obstlnacy, he received 1.-The terrible
sentence Of penance or peine" and was
pressed TO death.
Blackstone thus describes this pun
ishment; "'rhnt the prisoner be re-
manded to the prison from whence he
came and put In n low, dark chamber
and there be laid on his back on the
bare floor naked unless decency for
bids: that there be placed upon his
body as great weight of iron as lie
could bear and more; that he should
have no sustenance. save only ON the
first day three morses of the worst
bread, and ON the second day three
drafts of standing water that should
be nearest the prison door, and In this
situation this should be alternately
his daily diet till he died or (as an
GENTLY the Judgment ram till he an
swered"
During the trials for witchcraft In
New England respectable citizen be-
ing so accused knowing TINT by rea-
son of the excitement of the times a
plea OF not guilty and trial would re-
suit In n conviction with eontlscation
of property, and the same judgment
would follow II plea of guilty, refused
to plead, thereby preventing II conyic-
ton and enabling his family to retain
his property. The court ordered that
he be pressed because of his obstinaey.
The order WIS carried out and the
victim dled.-Chicago News.
The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1904-10-19

we always did 1t at home, With the
G. A. II. at the head OF the procession
and the children carrying the flowers
and wreaths. | didn't lose anybody
close In the war, as near as l carrre-
member, but 1t meant lot to Dick
Merrill's folks"
Francesca looked up suddenly.
Amt he ever told your Mrs. Miller
said In surprise. WELL mebbe he
thought the war was tender subject
with you southerners. Why, his grand
father enlisted and took his three boys
with him. All four of 'em are buried
among the unknown dead somewheres
south of the Mason and Dixon line.
Mary Ann Merrill-that's Dicks moth
er-she somehow couldn't make things
go, and she wound up in the poor farm.
Yes there We're plenty of folks that
took TO the poor farms after the war.
But Dick. he wasn't the kind TO stay
there Blood Will tell, and he had
more of his fathers blood than his
mothers in him. When | see him, SO
straight and good looking. so well
dressed and carrying himself as If he
expected TO own New York before he
got done, | say that blood will tell
every time. There's some folks that
even having their whole family wiped
out by the war won't down, and that's
the sort Dick is. My laws, there's that
bell again. Don't you want any more
toast2 Well, you'd better come down
after awhile and well have little
lunch. None of the boarders will be
home before dinner time"
But one of the boarders did come
In very soon, lie had florists box
In his hand, and he walked quietly into
Mrs. Miller's sitting room, where
Francesca. looking bit pale from her
headache but very sweet and gentle,
rose at his entrance.
"0h, Dick. have you come back for
me2 Is II too late to COZ
II guess we won't go. Francesca.
You see, | didn't understand these
are violets for you instead"
"Oh, but we will go, you and | to-
gether. dear. 1t was | who didn't un.
derstand, and we must have common
interests. dear heart. We can't afford
to let the old feud come between us of
the third generation. Wen scatter
those violets over the graves of the UNI
known dead,"
And 80 they went forth into the beau
tlful spring sunlight. and Mrs. Miller,
peeping from behind the curtains Of
the basement. smiled as il sight of
them had made the whole day glad for
her.