The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-05-26
BY AUTO no UNION.

Editor Daily Item.
We have just finished our labors
at the annual session of the Grand
Lodge Knights Of Pythias and ]
thought would send you short re-
port Of the proceedings.
We (Bros. Shelley. Bryan, r. E.
McFadden and myself) left Sumter
Monday morning in my car and
reached Columbia for dinner. where
Bro. Bryan "blowed" up a nice Dime
for us. On our way we have taken
special observations of the fields of
crops. and from what we could Judge
the crops are looking fairly good, and
the general tone of the farmers is
very optimistic. What struck me 80
forcibiy. Is that on the entire stretch
Of $50 miles from Sumter to Union,
no field or crop compares favorably
with that Of Sumter county. and we
felt proud to come from q county
whose predominance is SO pronounc-
ed. not only from its geographical po-
sition. but from the development of
thrift and progress. not only from an
agricultural standpoint. Lut also from
q political. social and mercantile po-
slticn. ....
We went In to pay our respects to
Gov. Manning and were heartily
greeted by our old fellow townsman.
We found the governor a very busy
man. especially at this time. when our
National Government has added SO
much work in addition to his other
duties. .t,t.......
During the session of the Grand
Lodge very few items Of importance
have been considered and passed, on
account Of the curtailment Of time
70 one day. but have accomplished /,
great deal In cementing friendship.
and the awakening Of patriotism. Next
year we will meet in. Columbia.
We have received. the best friend
ship and hospitality from the knights
OF Union and the citizens and ladies
Of this thriving city on the Piedmont
hills. which Unionites pride them
selves in calling the Pearl Of the Pied
mont. The delegation from Sumter
u very appreciative Of the courtesies
extended to them. Ni
The only hindrance IN the. extern
sive program Of the day was OCCASION
ed by q heavy rainstorm and hail.
which would have been ruinous' in
our part Of the country, but am told
II not considered dangerous in this
hilly and, clay lands. This is the
heaviest hail ever saw and my heart
almost failed me at the prospect for
the moment, but when was told 1t Is
not So serious ], was quite relieved.
Knowing tha results OF last years
foods. and the country being under
the critical war strain. the supply Of
food being short, and on top Of all
these things. seeing that nature. it
self is trying to increase our burdens,
by trying to destroy the toll Of the
farmer and supporter OF our nation,
You can readily appreciate my feel
iugs at the sight Of storms and hail.
but as we are bound to submit in all
things natural to the directing hand
Of all, we should be satisfied 1t was not
worse. ,e...,.., =.
am marooned here on account Of
yesterdays rain, as It Is almost impos-
sible to climb the red clay hills after
q RAIN. but as the sun Is shining this
morning. I may be able to get away
sometime during the day. may
reach Columbia tonight and then will
80 north by way Of Raleigh. N. c..
and Richmond. Va. to Baltimore and
New York. tl.
. II is very interesting to go about
the country this time and observe the
actions OF the people towards the is
sues Of the day. and the trend Of
opinion in the different sections Of
the country. which gives one an idea
OF the average inclination towards
'Americanism.
8. L. Krasnoff.
/ Union, S. c., May 20.