The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1910-07-28
A Sojourn In The Sunny South

Being an old resident Of Belfast, and in.
terested more or less in the people there,
wish to contribute letter to The Re.
publican Journal. Your correspondent
left the old Bay State the last of October,
1909, for a winters sojourn in the Sunny
South. Pine Bluff, N. c., my destination,
is situated in the sand hills 600 feet above
the sea level and has a most delightful
climate in which to spend the winter
months. There are very good hotel ac-
commodations and plenty of desirable
cottages for rent. The drinking water
is of the purest. The atmosphere has a
very soothing effect upon the nerves and
many have been greatly benefited by a
winters sojourn there. Oaks and pines
are most common, although there are
many other varieties. Rattlesnakes and
moccasins are seen occasionally. There
is King snake which kills the RATHER
and is not allowed to be killed. A young
colored girl dispatched RATHER seven
feet long, having sixteen rattles, during
my stay at Pine Bluff l found the people
very cordial and warm-hearted. They are
mostly northern people. The native South
erner met found very hospitable, but
there are very few in Pine Bluff now.
| took drive to the old McCloud es-
tate, on which is an historic dwelling in a
somewhat dilapidated condition. There
is wonderful sycamore tree in the yard,
so large that it affords dense shade for
the whole yard. The aged host and host
ess greeted me very pleasantly, and after
being seated | caught glimpse of a
small pitcher, which the host informed
me was for small change as compen-
sation for relating the old, old story of
civil war days, when Gen. Fitzpatrick and
men remained there over night on their
way to Richmond. The good people told
me they were much alarmed at the APP
proach of cavalry but We're assured that
no harm would be done them. The host.
however, led his horses to the swamp in
hopes to save them, but they were carried
away in the early morning.
The old custom of drawing the color
line is still strictly observed, even in the
new small places. | was told of an Incl
dent that occurred during my stay. A
northern lady and a colored maid entered
drug store and ordered soda. The clerk
refused to serve the maid, and the lady
suggested she should drink what remain
ed in her glass, to which he consented.
After the glass was emptied he dashed it
to the floor in very angry manner The
lady then gave him lecture he will not
soon forget. There is very good class
of colored people at Pine Bluff l was
told that the laws of North Carolina are
very stringent, and breaking and enter
ing is punished by death.
Southern Pines, Pinehurst and Aber-
deem are all accessible by the Seaboard
air line railway. Southern Pines and
Pinehurst are very beautiful winter re-
sorts. Pinehurst is much more exclusive
than Southern Pines. There are sani-
tariums there and no one need be associ-
ated with tuberculous patients, although
the people are germ crazy in that part of
the State and if one has slight cold they
are stunned like grim death. 1t was my
pleasure while there to attend the re-
union of Maine association, and it was
very pleasant to meet so many OF the
genial people of the old Pine Tree State.
| was particularly interested in the re-
marks by Mr.. Gardner of Waterville,
who spoke feelingly of the dear old State
we all love. He referred to North Caro-
lima as the new Pine Tree State in speak
ing of the great progress the South has
made in the last few years.
Your correspondent had intended re-
turning in May, but l was easily per-
suaded to remain as wished to see some
thing of the summers in the Sunny South,
but found the weather very facilitating.
l left Pine Bluff July Sth. arriving at
Portsmouth, Va, at $50 p. m. and
ferried across to Norfolk in time to board
the steamer Gloucester, which left Nor
folk at p. m. 1t was calm going down
Chesapeake Bay and all were happy, but
on getting out to sea there was heavy
swell and many were sick. There We're
many fine musicians on board, which add
ed much to our enjoyment. The second
night out was very foggy and bells and
whistles kept up their weird sounds all
night, causing much alarm among the
passengers and many were up and dressed
ready for emergencies. There were
boats passing us all the time and the boat
stopped altogether number of times.
One boat came within fifty feet of US, and
it was very thrilling experience as we
were liable to be struck at any moment.
About nine in the morning the fog lifted,
the sun shone out, and it was clear and
beautiful as we steamed into Boston har-
Dor, a welcome haven.
CARRIE A. PIPER.
Children Cry
FOR FLETCHER'S