davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1908-12-23
NEW REGULATION IN CHARLES
TON,


Charleston. Dec. 21.-All liquors i'm
ported for personal use" will now be
seized by order Of Mayor Rhett, and
IL will be up to the consignees to
prove the ownership of the stun be-
fore the county dispensary board, In
lieu Of the policy which has been In
effect Of parties securing immunity Of
seizure by making an afYidavit at the
mayors ONCE that the liquor Is their
own and for personal use.
The action Of Mayor Rhett In dis
continuing the affidavit plan is a rad
ical departure from the methods of
operating the dispensary system and
the step was determined upon today
on account Of the known abuse Of the
aadavit plan by parties who connive
at the violation Of the law and are
willing to render their assistance and
allow the use OF their names to blind
tigers and whiskey drummers.
The county boarl has long contend
ed that tbs af,idavit privilege has op.
Grated against the business of the dis
pensaries. The operation and enforce
ment OF the law will now be wholly
In the hands OF the county board and
the results OF drawing the lines more
closely on the importation OF liquor
VIII be Viewed with interest.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1908-12-23
COTTON FACTS.

To the Editor of The Item:
Please give mo space in your valu-
able paper to reply to the attached
clipping from the Columbia State of
t2-17-0S. as follows:
"Mayesville, Dec. 41e.-N. D. Wom-
BILE. Coast Line agent here. holds the
record for two years for the entire
system for loading baled cotton In
cars. Fifty-one bales were frequently
loaded In 3s-foot Atlantic Coast Dis
patch cars. and II In q larger car. All
agents were notified Of this. The rec
ORD can hardly be beaten on any other
road.
"Six thousand bales were shipped
from this point last year; 5000 this
year."
In Justice to Sumter and the cotton
question. or course. I congratulate the
agent at Mayesviile. S. c.. on never
having had to load those six foot bales
from Wedgeneld. q speciality of one
Of our best citizens gins. but I am
told he has q new patent on his press
tor tho special purpose OF pleasing
Sprunt's buyers. However. to the point
Of this remonstrance with my Mayes-
Vile friend. must Say In justice to
Sumter Atlantic Coast Line cotton sit
uatioA that the writer has a telegra m
from one Of the officials in which he
says he takes OF his hat to Sumter for
getting more bales Of cotton in one
car. namely ss bales. than any other
point on the system. and frequently
SO bales cotton in cars have been sent
out.
Also. feel sure. as you have the
interest OF your town and county
friends and railroad at heart, you will
be pleased to know that the Atlantic
Coast Line has shipped to date $3.50
bales Of cotton and has not one claim
filed to date for missing bale. This
with the $500 bales OF cotton in the
warehouse. speaks we'll for Sumter's
cotton crop and prices and facilities
to handle same.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1908-12-23
Bradstreet's Trade Review.

New York, Dec. 1s.-Bradstreet's
tomorrow will say:
Holiday trade shows further ex-
pansion and most cities report buying
OF this character equal to or slightly
in excess OF last year. In some Seq
tions. particularly the South, holiday
trade is not 80 good as In 1907. The
larger centres are doing we'll and
armies OF shoppers are in evidence,
but many small cities report a rela-
lively light business and demand
shifting to cheaper lines.
I'm regular retail lines unseason-
able warm weather has been a draw
back. particularly Southwest and
South. as for some time past. Whole
sale trade is quieter and except for
some hurry orders to sort up de-
pleted stocks jobbers also report less
doing. Inventories and stock takings
naturally predispose to less activity
from now till after January /. Re-
ports from leading industries are OF
gradual gains and slow progress back
to the normal.
There are some orders for steel
rails from all roads.
There is more demand for lum-
Der, some of this on account of rail-
road buying, with firmer prices for
yellow pine. In the past week there
have been evidences of some lines of
cotton goods, such as bleached fab
RIGS and gray goods, being offered at
concessions as a possible result of the
easing In raw material, but we'll
know makers of cotton dress goods
are firmly held and closely sold up.
Business failures in the United
States for the week were $40 against
29S last week and 500 in the like
week of last year."
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1908-12-23
MUCH CRIME IN SPARTANBURG.
One Killing, One Murderous Assault
Man Stabbed and Two Robberies
Since Friday Night

Spartanburg, Dec. 14.-There has
been much crime in Spartanburg and
adjoining counties since last Friday
night. In this county there has been
one homicide, one murderous assault,
and one stabbing. both Of which may
prove fatal, and two robberies, while
In Laurens county, just across the
Spartanburg line. there has been one
homicide.
George Mintz. a young white man,
who knocked Mrs. Sallie Green in the
head with an axe at her home in the
upper section Of this county, robbed
her Of SIT and then made his escape,
was arrested in Piedmont yesterday
by Constable Hayes. of this city, and
lodged in jail this morning, Mintz
made a partial confession, admitting
that the money he had on his person
came from Green's home. though he
said he had confederates. Mrs. Green
IL in a serious condition and is not
expected to live.
Saturday night, while on their way
to a colored frolic, Charlie Dorroh
shot and killed Jesse Leake, near
Switzer. seven miles from this place.
Both had been drinking and fell out
over some trivial matter. when Dorroh
raised his gun and shot Leake through
the breast.
At Cowpens yesterday morning, one
white man was stabbed several times
in the breast by another white man,
who made his escape. Both were en-
ployed on the Carolina, CIinchfield
and Ohio road. They disagreed about
some grade work.
negro named Kilgore was shot and
killed by Grifr Sparks on Walter
Gray's Face. not far from Woodruff.
in Laurcns county. The particular.
are not known.
Mrs. Thomas, an aged white lady os
this city. was held VI by a negro man
on SDring street Saturday night ANA
robbed of her money. Mrs. Thomas
lad been shopping n the city and was
on her way home.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1908-12-23

residence, The Ruins"
Mr.. Hall Ramsey spent Saturday
and Sunday at the home Of his pa
rents. Mr.. and Mrs. s. H. Ramesy.
Mr.. ]. Singleton Moore is spending
few days at 1.-THE Ruins"
Misses Bessie Barnwell. and Aimee
Moore are expected at their respective
homes Friday. Dec. 18th. to spend
the Christmas holidays. The former
Is attending st. Mary's college and the
latter the Summerville high school.
Mr.. Murray Moore. and the Misses
Moore. of Statesville, N. c.. are ex-
pected to arrive here Dec. 18th.
Mr.. and Mrs. Screven Moore, have
issued very pretty invitations to their
"Silver Wedding" which will be cele-
brated on the evening Of Dec. 18th.
Mr. Henry Moore and Miss Frances
Moore will return from Charleston.
In time for this happy occasion.
The many friends Of Mr.. and Mrs.
Moore congratulate them on the 25th
anniversary Of their marriage, hoping
the years may glide smoothly on, un-
I'll they reach their golden wedding
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1908-12-23
Runaway Accident In Oranrcburc

orangeburg. Dec. IA runaway.
In which "a prominent Orangeburg citi-
zen narrowly escaped injury. occurred
here this morning. Mr.. II. II. Jennings
was driving tempered horse
along Russell street. having a COM
panion In the buggy. when some OF
the harness broke. thoroughly fright
ening the animal. which commenced
to run. The occupants were thrown
from the vehicle. wheel passing over
Mr.. Jennings's body about the middle.
A few slight bruises are the only ex-
ternal indications OF arv injury, and
II is hoped that there is no internal
disarrangemens.--News and Courier.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1908-12-23
McMASTER AFTER so. LIFE.
ITS LICENSE TO OPERATE IN
THIS STATE IN JEOPARDY.

State Insurance Commissioner, Al
leging that, on the Showing Made
Concerning the Seminole Deal, the
Company Is "Not Safe and Relia-
bic Concern" Directs it to Show
Cause On January 18 Why it's Lii
cense to do Business i'm This State
Should not be Revoked.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1908-12-23

X. b. Clement, prominent farmer
and magistrate on Wadmalaw Island.
in Charleston County, has been in
dicted in the United States court on
the charge Of peOnage.
Mrs. j. II. Thornwell, widow of the
late Dr. ]. II. Thornwell, died at her
home at Fort Mill Thursday.
The State Sunday school convention
will be held in Orangeburg on Feb
ruary 16. II, and IS.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1908-12-23
Contract for WOHOrd Library.

Spartanburg. Dec. 21.-The con-
tract has been let to f.. l.. Hertzog for
the erection OF the Wofford college
library building, the structure to cost
$4,000. Work Is to be begun jan
uary I.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1908-12-23
TINDAL.

Tindal. Dec. 22.-The Providence
Sunday school will have a Christmas
tree at the church on Monday night.
December 2S. The children are all
looking forward to fine time on this
occasion.
Mr.. Wesley Hodge and Miss Sallie
Kelly were married at the home of
the bride on Sunday afternoon. Rev.
J. r. Funderburk performing the
ceremony. 7.
Mr.. r. w. Winkles. who has been
very sick for several weeks passed, is
improving.
Nessrs. b. r.. Hodge and w. L.
Osteen spent Saturday In Sumter.
Mr.. Elijah Hodge and family Of
the Privateer section spent Sunday
In the neighborhood.
Mr.. b. J. Pack returned yesterday
from Bennettsville where he has been
spending q few days.
Mr.. and Mrs. c. n. witherspoon
spent Monday in Sumter.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1908-12-23
IOuTY CORRESPONDENCE.
,rIcE TO CORRESPONDENTS

Mall your letters 10 that they will
ach this office not later than Tues
y morning. When the letters are
csived Wednesday II is almost an
possibility to have them appear In
. paper issued that day.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1908-12-23

Dark Corner. Dec. 14.--Not much
ing In this corner at this time. Only
cLaurin's saw mill In still turning
Z lumber and shipping II at a rapid
q Some few are cutting and ship
q cord wood. Others are building
houses and others are repairing
onea.
tr Joe N. Ards is moving to Mr.
= H. osteen's Brooklyn place. Mr..
II. Johnston expects to move to
WOOD soon on DR.. salley's place.
ere are others speaking Of moving
nIch will let you know later.
No httle visiting 10 being done.
7. n. osteen and daughter Miss
q. spent last saturday In your
Ed Bartlette. Mr.. and Mrs. Ben
- and Miss Nan Gsddinss OF
od visited Mr.. AMI Mrs. w. J.
sstsrdsy.
Eddie and MiM Lissis Kolb,
~ visited at w. ,. Ards yes
xr. Editor, Christmas is near
snd I wonder how many will
- they should. I Am fear
u bs spent entirely different
II Il should be. But I hope
Z Be- celebrated with booss a.
lines the case.
lite more on this subject at
line.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1908-12-23
WISACRY.

Wisacky. Dec. 21.-We are having
nome very changeable weather just
now but as q whole II has been fine
weather for gathering crops.
All the fall oats are up and looking
hne. ~ff ~ ftNt
The usual moving II going on
now with the colored people, many
Of them in this section will not be
able 60 rent land and farm another
year on account OF the low price of
cotton.
y Mr.. J. II. Ledingham and Miss An
Aie Williams have returned from a
pleasant visit to relatives at st.
Stephens. v
Mr. J. 8. williams and litsle son
Nathan from Tiihmonsville have been
In our midst recently.
Messrs. Myron Smith and J. c.
Ledinsham. accompanied by Misses
Katie and Florrie Mae Smith will
spend the holidays with relatives and
friends In Kershaw.
The Ivanhos School will close to-
morrow for the holidays and the
teacher. Miss Tisdale will leave We'd
nesday for her home In Manning.
Miss Maudie williams. Of Win
throp College will be at home the
2ard for the holidays.
Butchering hogs will be the order
OF the day now for some time. Many
OF the farmers have raised a lot OF
nne hogs
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1908-12-23

. home folks are
students who are
different schools
holidays a hearty
n will 60 to CO.
business.
ls very sick.
away and Mrs,
Dr.. and Mrs. II.
at an informal
esday and en-
ry much.
Z Dauglas. Ga.
with his pa
IT Friday night
Q auspices OF
,ov party will
for the bene-
onging TO Mr..
rday night.
Will have a
2 noon. and
irsday night,
=. Henry 8.
sousin. Mrs
r hospitable
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1908-12-23

orners Dec. 11.--'Bverythtnl
this corner.
nice Ostesn had Christina,
lsee At her school (Reid's,
y night and thnrs vas {
sams night. 20 I have beer
pit g. K. Nisbits near Ram
- . shooting match n
shop near RsnIssy's las
also one ~ Pinswoot
. nns turksys Was lost Of
fAAss heard that . IN,
b shot or at learsk klsy,'
sristmas day.
.. Ardis and Doug Weeks
oe ~. Ards yesterday.
Ma wash Scott OF Can,
'itsd yesterday at the lat
Mr.. Pink weeks.
nditor. I promsssd q
sing moro about Christ
does Christmas stant
stand for mirth frolic'
getting under the infiu
drink. and doins thing,
,tot would hardly b.
what is too bad for {
crasy from the use o.
do? I think Christina,
. q different thing thar
'oserved and should b,
nkfulness and in max,
~. not In making 9th
~ 10 often the case q
ide. when 90 man,
ee their dear boy,
a. two or three o'cloci
Oh. how my ole
those poor old moth,
y to your many read
. consider what the,
how viii the end o.
'membering that al
'ell and nothing els,
pc your readers vii
letter for I expecr
sst Christmas I vii
So let us try ant
Merry Christina,
OF more than one
~ q Merry Christ
sw Year and many
Q is the desire Of
Old sidra.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19

to the doorway and found the page sitting in at tendance on rather a thin and hard cushion.
 Why, my boy,' said the Sultan kindly you must be worn out Have you been there all day?"
 All day, your Majesty" the page replied respect fully and since your Majesty asks mel am little tired"
 Come in," said the Sultan. holding aside the cur- tain. You shall rest awhile"
 "What!-wth your Majesty, Tn the throne-room? 7? the boy exclaimed in amazement
 Certainly. No one need know, answered the Su- tan, kindly Are you afraid of me?'
 No, your Majesty" said the page, for the Sultan smiled very cordially; and the page entered the throne-room.
 added, the boy hesitated. So the page sat down upon soft silk cushion.
 he bade the boy help himself to the delicious fruits and ices, "and while you refresh yourself should like to read them to you"
 So, while the boy enjoyed the fruits and ices the Sultan for the twentieth time at least, read aloud his precious lines youth.
 When he had finished, he turned to the page, say ing: Now should like your opinion of the poem." But, your Hghness, l am too young to criticise your verses" replied the page uneasily
 All nonsense answered the Sultan, but pleasant ly enough. 'I see you have an opinion. desire you to express it freely Nay more than that. com mand you to do so.'
 serious But if I should incur your Majestys dis pleasure, may I beg that you will visit your wrath upon me alone? I have mother and sister who dependent upon me-
 .They shall be cared for" said the Sultan, in solemn tone If the need arises. But you make me suspect that my lines do not meet with your ap- proval"
 "On your head be it, Commander of the Faith full" exclaimed the unhappy page By the Prophet as promised my mother that would tell truth, the lines the yeriest bosh and nonsense! They mean nothing. They do not sound sensible. They unmusca the praying of lost donkey! There! I have said the truth A man dies but once! Remember, then, your words
 Allah be prased!' cried the Sultan, I have found pearl! And all the men of my court declared the lines perfect, beyond praise Now have found the honest man I sought"
 
 page, "I more than boy!
 Enough" said the Sultan. "The years will find you wisdom we'll age; but honesty comes not even with long ages if the seed be not already plant ed Say not word"
 The Sultan clapped his hands, directed all the courtiels to be summoned. and in their presence pointed the page Chief Councillor and Grand High Vzier of the Realm for life, at the same time invest ing him with the order of the Golden Sunburs of the East and whole of smaller decorations of diff ferent coors.
 Copyri0ht by Tke Century Compoay
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19

The Vizier started abruptly that his turban fell of, and then be- too, looked at the ceiling until the Sultan should choose to go on.
 But, though that is all plain sailing" the Sultan went again, there is yet difficulty. That is to find a competent critic who will show my faults and point out any little that may creep into my hasty lines. Now if you yourself Ben Rifraf should prefer to undertake this responsible post you do so.'
 My sovereign master" said Rifraf, hastily, q am an old man. Let for the realm for that trade I have long studied. 1 would prefer that other should become Critic and Poetical Adviser "a younger man."
 aSo be it." answered the young Sultan but let at read to you set of verses which happen to find in my caftan. I would like your judgment upon these lines before you betake yourself to your proper duties Shall it be so?"
 The Vizier by the look in the Sultans eye that the request was a command, and he replied in Oriental phrase that he most honored by the Sultans condescension.
 So the young Sultan drew out roll of manuscript and read as follows:
 Youth is the season for hope;
 Hope befitteth the young
 Youth has the vigor to cope
 With the that the singers have sung.
 Youth has the sparkle of mirth;
 Laughter delighteth the soul
 Spring is the youth of the earth
 Merrily let carols roll!"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19

accounts straight"
 No doubt,' interrupted the Sultan; but have important matters"
 More important" the Treasurer began so amazed that he forgot his manners.
 .Verily," said the Sultan, overlooking the little breach of etiquette "As the Vizer has doubt in- formed you intend to devote my own time, for the present. to poetry He told you so did he not?"
 Something of the sort your Highness,' replied El Shekels, uneasily hoping that the Sultan wouldn't ask him to repeat the Viziers joking remarks. In fact the Vizier had hinted that the young Sultan thought himself genius
 q suspected as much' said the Sultan And you surprised perhaps?"
 Your Hghness is the ruler" responded the Treas urer, politely but I was surprised, I admit And, to tell the truth if you will pardon for saying so must say that, as rule there isn't much money to be made in poetry. I speak simply as a treasurer, your Hghness, not critic.''
 But wish your opinion a critic,' the Sultan answered. "The question of providing funds shall you, for the present. unless should appoint you to the new office mean to create-that of Chief Critic and Poetical Adviser"
 Your Highness is most gracious; but, if it be your will prefer to remain Treasrrer.'
 'sAs you please" the Sultan replied. "But mean while happen to have in my caftan copy of verses that have just conireted If you spare the time sye shall glad to have your opinion Cf tten
 So drawing forth the precious manuscript, the Sul- tan began,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19

"Oh your Hghness, what thoughti what musicl How exquisite your rhymesi Soul and roll-why, it's deed if I may be permitted to praise without the suspicion of fattery."
 Then you really like the little lines?" asked the Sultan, with smile-a peculiar smile.
 Like them? Why, they should be embroidered with gold thread silken scarfs! Your Highness is right. You Poet Let me attend to the petty business of governing and you give yourself en- tirely to the sublime art of composition
 "So be it," said the Sultan. Until notify you to the contrary will leave the reins in your hands. Now as you will have plenty to attend to, will you kindly summon the Chief Treasurer you go out? Thank you. Good morning!"
 In few minutes the Sultan heard the jingng of the golden curtain-rings and behed the face of the Chief Treasurer, sedate and dignif1ed of mid dle age.
 Enter Adhem el Shekels." said the Sultan, kindly land be seated would confer with you'
 My lord. the treasury is well supplied, and the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19

When this ceremony was over, Silleh ben Rifraf prostrated himself before the throne
 Speak, Ser Rlfraf" said the Sultan.
 "Woui your Majesty deign to inform his humble slaves what has caused the merited elevation of his favorite?" Ben Rifraf inquired.
 Most willingly" responded the Sultan. q read my verses to this youth he has given upon them the wisest judgment of you all
 But words cannot say than said" Ben Rifraf ventured to say Did not praise your Highnesss genius?"
 "Of truth you did replied the Sultan "Yet were the verses the veriest trash, as ye well knew"
 Most true Sultan" came the chorus from the whole court for they the tide had turned
 And courage to tell this truth found only in my page whom have made Chief Councillor Enough The audience is at end!"
 Then just before the band struck up inspriting march, the voice of Ben Rifraf was heard reciting we-known proverb, which in its original Arabic looks like procession of earthworms, but which means in plain English, "After-wit is everybody's witt
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19

land so far to the east that it is very warm when the sun rises and quite chilly at sunset, great Sultan died His successor happened A to be nephew who lived at some distance
 far away even from that distant land, that
 he wasn't at all intimate with the late Sultan. When he arrived at his capital he was conducted at once the palace, and spent the first day two in resting from his journey, and making the acquaint- ance his courtiers and buying becoming clothes. When the Sultan arose late on the third day. he had decided to begin his reign So he sent for the old Vizier, to have private conversation with him in the throne-room.
 Both sat down cross-legged, in attitude that would give American citizens the cramps, and the Sultan opened the little powwow thus:
 "Silleh ben Rifraf think it is high time that T. that is, we-began our reign.
 Your will is the peoples law, Rifrafs safe an- swer as he bowed like china image.
 .'Yes For instance I have long desired to be a poet said the Sultan looking amlessly at the ceil ing
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19
7in1nzy Toole and LL,iiie LLvse.

By Louisa Fletcher Harrington. Said Timmy Toole, T wish I knew As much as Willie Wise. He always has his 'rithmetic.
 And wins the spelling prize" Said Willie Wise, ''If could play Baseball like Timmy Toole And win the tennis-match, I'd be The happiest boy in school!"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19
"Youth is the season for hope."

and on he went reading in fine, declamatory voice, as if trying bring out the best points in the
 Your Highness, the lines above praise" said the Treasurer. "I hardly know which part to praise most" (And that true, for he hadn't paid very close attention) But am your wisdom has led you aright Your talents far beyond my poor criticism. Let another be your Chief Critic; l am content to remain Treasurer"
 Tt shall be as you say" the Sultan agreed; 'at least for the present. And, you go out, will you be kind enough to send us the-ah, what officer comes next to you in rank?"
 ''The Minister of Justice" answered the Treasurer; ives, will see that he comes at once.'
 Well" remarked the page at the door, the new Sultan certainly makes the officers happy! How they do grin when they come back!
 Stronger and stronger became the pages curiosity to know what it was that made all the courtiers well satisfied with themselves
 Strangely enough, the pages curiosity was grat1hed most unexpectedly.
 It was getting late and the Sultan had all the prominent officials of the palace. At length he came