Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1911-12-01

Of Eden. large fields of alfalfa. bermu-
da and other grasses wired in, with hun
dred of head of fine cattle, horses, hogs,
mules, and sheep gracing over this vast
area ready and waiting for that ''bless-
ing in disguise" The people have
comfortable homes, pleasant surround
ings, better stock, much better roads,
better churches. better school houses,
better barns, better facilities for
making crops. better control of labor.
and believe the people are doing bet
ter every way than they were 40 years
ago.
One thing that made me feel sad
while travelling over this great county
among the great people was the neglect
Of the cities of the dead, the cemeteries
where some of the best men and women
that ever lived. are quietly sleeping un-
til the resurrection morning. Trees
grass and weeds are growing over the
graves, an air of neglect and something
saying ''no bodycares for me-" l will
criticise no more, hopeing more inter-
est will be shown by my next visit.
Apother feature that did not make me
feel happy. several of the old homes
not being occupied by white people and
In few instances not living represen-
tative in the county.
While in the county. I can't omit
calling attention to one Of the prettiest
flower gardens it was ever my pleasure
to see and walk in. We rarely ever see
such rich selection of rare and frag-
rant flowers even in the floral garders
of the city where they are grown chief
ly as source of revenue. The one l
speak of was only few miles east of
Macon and it seem to me where the
soil is SO peculiarly adapted to culture
some one would engage in the business
as a means Of pleasure and profit.
Much has been written in regard to
the negro problem but from what ! saw
in Noxubee the matter will soon be
solved, doubt if you have more than
half as many negroes as you had ten
years ago, l only saw four of the old
colored people that belong to my neigh
bors. only four that belonged to our
family. My mothers cook fifty to sixty
years ago, old aunt Jane, about 100
years old, her son so, one daughter 70,
ard her son-in-law 7s, who nursed me
when child. It was great pleasure
to meet those old colored people but
the ties and warm feeling that exist be-
tween the white man and the black in
ante bellum days will soon be matter
Of history.
Before leaving the country I want to
speak Of the success made by one Of
my neighbor boys who was In his early
teens when l left Noxubee. His parents
were my special friends; after looking
at his fine stock, his crop and preparing
his cotton for market, asked him how
much lsnd he owned and what it was
worth per acre. At $40 per acre his
landed state was worth about $50, 000
could mention others who have sue
ceeded well and have made nice little
fortunes farming. but the above exam
pie Is sufficient to show the boys who
want to go to town that it is often best
to stay in the country and farm. ]
asked this successful friend to what did
he attribute his success. he replied, my
mother-in-law, her good judgment, her
good advice and council and my atten-
tion to what she said. One Of the high
est compliments to mother-in-law
ever heard. She was very excellent
woman, one of Noxubee's best. Boys
you will always do well if you will stick
close to your mother and mother-in-law
: arid heed their advice.
Il II now drive into Macon with my niece
| while she is calling few minutes with
friend, l saw queenly looking woman
across the street making some proper
ations for flowers. | was constl aimed tt
cross over, | found her an excellent
talker, she told me more in few min.
utes about Macon than any one else die
the entire time. never met her before
did not meet her again sorry die
not. After leaving her and driving dowr
the street / felt like had met an an
gel unawares be the way side.
l am now in the business part of the
City. progress and energy every where
commodious brick buildings for busines,
extending far back to where itu to bt
private residences. I saw a few of ths
old boys, some younger and some Older
than myself. 1t gave me great pleas
ure to meet them and hear them relate
their experience in life; Of course any
one would feel sad to miss'the old land.
marks, the great and good men who
use to be q blessing to Macon.
One of the good women Of Macon went
driving with me ard showed NE the
sights of the city | was agreebly sur