The Republican., 1916-02-24

In the tranfer to General Anderson
of an estate that was, in truth a prin-
cipality, the subject of these notes. re-
! served, as has been stated, four hundred
and ten acres called Mont Alto" near
Frankville. In addition to this home
place, he obtained a Land Office grant
to an unknown quantity under the title
of Alexander" intended to cover pos
sible vacancies between several large
tracts that were supposed to connect
in that vicinity and east of the railroad.
On the wide and graceful formation of
the high mountain slope, constituting
the Mont Alto homestead, commanding
for five or more miles an inspiring view
OF the b. & o. R. R., hugging the
meanderings of the Savage Mountain
range, a large square clearing was
made within the lines of the Mont Alto
reservation. Near the center of this
clearing location was chosen, superb
in the grandeur of Its extended and
varied scenes, as the site of the future
residence. In contrast with the country
homes of that day, this residence crown
ing so lofty height stood out as a
stately pile. Circled by wide verandas
and tastefully finished under gables,
passengers on the trains laboring up
the steep grade through the long sweep
of view, looked with admiration upon
the imposing structure. Such was the
creation of a home built by this strange
genius for the solitude he sought, and
where he could indulge his love of books
or, undlsturbed, watch the majestic
mountains and valleys alternating IN
der play of lights and shadows.
His State Warrant for the mentioned
tract Alexander" struck me as OBJ
scure in purpose and vague as to loca-
tion apt to become bone of contention.
The Governor was Insistent that a Joint
survey, be agreed upon between US,
beginning at a given point, would
disabuse my mind of an impress
sion that the location of Alexander
must clash with the lines and overlap
the belongings Of GenL Anderson.
This little cloud, thrugh not so large
as a mans hand in the sky Of our amity,
was disturbing. While the facts seem
ed too substantial to be dissolved in
argument. it was futile for me to at
tempt their support in a discussion with
one so resistless in equipments at every
point of debate. He was learned in the
law, experienced in locations and, per
haps, without superior in familiarity
with the requirements and rulings of
the Land Office; and for a STRIPPING to
contend with such an authority upon
vital point would be wanting in both
judgment and respect. My hope was
to avoid the survey so long as polite
conduct could sanction or reasonable
excuse could be found, trusting to time
for an adjustment more saIutary and
less apt to terminate in rupture.
Following a brief interval a letter
was received requesting a confer
ence on specified day at Frankville to
consider the advisabllitY of moving the
railroad station, less than a mile, down
the grade near the present location of
the Crabtree siding. The suggestion
was free conveyance from me, as
agent, to the R. R. Company of the
ground requisite for the proposed
station, switch and yard. Apparent
benefits to every interest involved taken
with a desire to accommodate him,
made it pleasure on my part to accede
to this proposition.
After quick concurrence in the de-
sign for an improved and more accessi-
BILE depot, we were walking down the
west side railroad track when he stop.
ped with deliberation, waiting for me
to end what was being related; then
pointing down a precipitous fall of
rough ground in distance of seventy
five or more feet from the railroad
limit to Savage river, stated in care
fully measured terms: Right here, sir,
your men, he knew of my having
been soldier in the Confederate army
plotted for nv DEATH
Such an imagination on his part was
distressing to me, but to my earnest
protestation, he replied; hearing that
| was on coming train. they turned
the rails to precipitate the engine with
its coaches down this fearful cliff for
my destruction. My declaration that
no motive could have existed for so
heinous an act against him, and the
wanton cruelty in the death and injury
to so many innocent persons, only
elected the answer, 1.-The reason is un-
known. but their purpose was sure"
No train was wrecked there. and the
belief grew in his suspicious mind from
a disordered condition of repairs he
chanced to see without understanding
foreman of the road explained that to
me.
But how strange! Can it be that to
oL o:~H kol I'll A..