The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1908-07-02
TRIP TO BIRMINGHAM.
MIR. l.. N. Bellinger Writes More
About His Trip.

Mr.. Editor:-In our last article
we had not quite reached the city OF
Birmingham, but under cover of the
night, was in reverie of thought
as to what might occur passing
through the dark tunnel by night
And here we are, all at once hurled
into the mysterious Mystic City; a
stranger in a strang place. Not so,
the Rebel yell resounded and we
were assured that we were with
friends. And then as the noise grew
less there was shout of welcome
from the welcome committee, saying,
"Only be patient until we can come
to you; there is place for all. -
But where could rest, food, and shell
ter be found for this great surglng
crowd, that had rushed in here from
every State and section OF our Sunny
South? So thought my travelling
companion, and we, for the night en-
deavored to find lodging in board
ing house that had been recommend
ed as a good stopping place. Such
it may have been but we found only
such accommodations as are offered at
Sprawl's hotel to wearied, tired
travellers. Here we were content to
rest till morn. My bed companion,
an old veteran, Mr.. Marsh Hair, OF
Williston, remarked well we have
Jared worse" Yes, yes. Who can
not recall a dark, stormy night, the
very food gates of Heaven turned
loose, the thunder roaring, and the
vivid lightning flashing only to mark
our calvary trail Then we could
shout mount your horses boys and
shake your brides Free If we
could only rest our head pillowed
on a hard saddle, blanket on the
cold lap of earth, our couch, friend
" stars keeping watch by night, how
sweetly did we sleep; much better
than at Sprawl's hotel.
AS I could not sleep, it was easy
to get up and vacate our room, for
we were occupying the dining room,
on rock bottom, spread out ION the
hard floor, thin mattress interven-
ing. Here / and my good friend
parted company, he to look up son
that lives in the city, and / to search
for better quarters. Our hostess
was busy about removing our bed
furniture and preparing for an early
meal, and were informed for our
lodging $1.00 for each. Someone
asked how about breakfast, then
there was q slow response well, II
you gentlemen will wait we will give
you breakfast Surely we waited
and you may call it supper or break
fast, or both. After all we were very
near even with our good lady the
hostess.
And now for the first time since |
have left home / had to trim my
sails, catch my bearing, and strange
to say, all alone and quite at sea In
a crowded city. For. while we
promiscioasly. wandered, admiring
this magnificent city, its wide streets
and broad avenues. It was very evil
dent to my mind that the civil engi-
neer in his plan and original concep-
ton had seen the grandeur OF this
great city ere the first brick had been
laid. For all the streets and avenues
are of uniform width and are at
right angles to each other, all OF
which adds so much to the beauty
and complete suitable fitness in every
respect. VI COuESS I'D UiAAiohI AA6uso
and gorgeous decorations proclaimed
the city was in her brightest colors.
See those lofty skyscrapers, how
they tower far above other buildings
of ordinary height and count the
stories, seventeen In number.
As l had some thing else in view
Ca visit to Montgomery did not
see much of the reunion. But let
us stroll around to headquarters. "
See that large bulletin that covers
so much space in large letters, all
the grand state divisions. But
most CONSPICUOUS to me was those Of
Texas and South Carolina. The for
mer had a large representation.
Strange to say you may pass through
this immense throng of people and
not meet one that you know.
I see that I am taking up too much
space, so if agreeable on some, fu-
ture occasion, may have something
to say about Montgomery.
l.. N. BELLINGER.
Bamberg, June 80, 1908.
Meeting in Bamberg.