Augusta, Georgia - History (part 9 of 17)

In his last medical paper, one read before the International Medical Congress in Philadelphia in 1876, Dr. Du^as broached a theory as to the treatment of penetrating wounds of the abdomen which is said to be destined to revolutionize this branch of practice and make recovery the rule and death the exception in these dreadful cases rather than the reverse as is the case now. A wound in the abdomen is commonly regarded as almost inevitably mortal. It was Dr. Dugas's idea that the recognized method of treating such wounds brought on septicaemia, or blood poisoning, and the practice recommended by him was to open the lacerated parts, trim the ragged edges of the wound to a straight edge, and rel\- upon t!ie healing power of nature to reunite the parts. In enforcing this he says, " Is it not lime that we should regard as groundless the fears heretofore entertained with regard to the danger of opening the abdominal cavity ? No change of practice in the class of wounds under consideration can make the chances of recovery less than they are now, and 1 feel confident that by adopting the plan proposed we would so alter the" results as to make recovery the rule and death the exception." Dr. Dugas died in 1884, honored by the people among whom he had so long labored and venerated by the profession he so worthily adorned.

Dr. Lewis DeSaussure Ford was born in New Jersey in 1801, and died in Augusta in 1883. He graduated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York in 1822, and in 1827 settled in Augusta. Here for over half a century he practiced his noble profession with a generous tenderness of heart that makes his name venerated throughout the city. He was emphatically a Good Samaritan. His most prominent trait was benevolence. Day or night, in rain or sunshine, it was only necessary to tell him that a scene of misery and anguish waited his presence, and he hastened to the bedside of the sick poor. Often between the call of Dives and Lazarus, he preferred the latter, where perils were even ; if the latter's anguish were greater than the former, the poor man always had his first attention. It was a guiding principle of his life to do good, and daily as he taught the students he inculcated the lesson of unselfish devotion to duty on them. " The virtue of benevolence," he told them, " lies at the foundation, while it forms the crowning glory of the medical character. Without this heavenborn principle, there can be no enlightened appreciation, no devoted performance of the duties of that profession, whose ministrations have been represented by one not of our profession, as a beautiful, but humble, imitation of those of the Divine Providence." The portrait of Dr. Ford, hanging in the gallery of the city's chief magistrates in the mayor's office, sufficiently reveals what manner of man he was. In his long locks and flowing beard, and wise yet merciful eye. the patriarch shines out. Dr. Ford is preeminently known in Augusia as the good physician.

Dr. Ford was one of the founders of the Medical College, and for a few years had the chair of chemistry. After that he had the professorship of the principles and practice of medicine. In manners he was a most polished and elegant gentleman, a true gentleman, one who always pays a due regard to the rights and feelings of others. His literary taste was highly cultivated. He spoke with ease, and had the happy faculty of lightening the burden of a heavy subject with a bright flash of wit, refreshing and strengthening all who heard. With these qualifications he was a most successful lecturer, and what world of good he worked with the two thousand students who sat under him can be imagined.

Dr. Ford was an eminent expert in epidemic diseases, and both in 1839 and 1854 rendered immensely valuable service by his early and accurate diagnosis of the fever then afflicting this city. His reputation in this particular not infrequently led to his being called to other pioints to observe and decide as to the nature of doubtful or imperfectly developed febrile affections.

During the war he was surgeon of the first Georgia Hospital in Richmond to the close- of the struggle. When called on in 1862 he unhesitatingly journeyed to the Confederate capital, though then sixty years of age, and well entitled to excuse from such onerous duty.

We have said that the speciality of Dr. Dugas was surgery ; that of Dr. Ford was the pathology and therapeutics of malarial fevers. The pages of tlie Southern Medical and Surgical Review, from 1837 to 1845 contain a number of papers by him on this subject, which have become classics of the profession on this important subject. It is said that his contributions to medical knowledge in this department are the most important of any physician in America.

Dr. Ford had considerable taste for public life ; was for a number of years a member of the city council, and in 1846 elected mayor, and in 1847 reelected. In the days when the State government was prostrated at the feet of a major-general in the reconstruction era. Dr. Ford boldly and openly aligned himself on the side of civil rule against bayonet supremacy, and twice addressed his fellow-citizens, urging ihem not to acquiesce in the decrees of the military authorities.

At his death the city council voted to attend his funeral in a body, the leading paper editorially said his history was epitomized in " his unselfish devotion to his fellow men, the alleviation of their physical suffering, the binding up of their spiritual wounds, the promotion of their virtues"; the medical college resolveti that it hatl lost " the revered and beloved Nestor of our faculty."

A third most eminent Augusta physician was Dr. Joseph Adams Eve, born near Charleston, S. C. in 1805, and dying in Augusta in 1886. In manner Dr. Eve was much like his beloved contemporary. Dr. Ford. He was courtesy and kindness itself The Chesterfieldian bow and polite smile of this venerable physician were institutions of Augusta. We once heard a rough fellow aptly express the general sentiment: "Why, Dr. Eve will take off his hat to an)' man living." The potent civilizing effect of urbanity had penetrated the mind of even this uncouth observer, and he said what he did in admiration and honor. Behind the formal outwarii observances of civility lay a kind heart. A tale of distress at once brought Dr. Eve to the rescue.

Having a natural taste f )r medicine, he studied in the office of the celebrated Dr. Milton Antony, the founder of the medical college, and in 1827 visited Europe and attended lectures there. In 1828 he finished his course and graduated at the Medical College of South Carolina. In conjunction with Dr. Antony he established the Academy ol Medicine, which was incorporated, as we have seen, in 1828, and was probably in operation by 1829. It was at first a hospital as well as a medical institute, and was situated where the Widow's Home is now. In 1833. on the organi-zation of the medical college,

Dr. Eve was assigned to the chair of materia medica. In 1839 he was elected professor of obstetrics and diseases of women and children, and held this chair uninterruptedly for the long period of fifty-three years. At the time of his death he was considered by the profession as the oldest active teacher of obstetrics in the world. From his great skill and the many years in which he labored, it may almost be said that he brought half the town into being, and it is a reliable estimate that he attended five thousand obstetrical cases. He was an honorary member of the Boston Gynecological Society, and the American Gynecological Society made him its first honorary member. He was one of the founders of the Medical Association of Georgia, and in 1879 was unanimously elected its president. At one time he edited that famous publication, the Southern Medical and Snrgical Jonvjial. Preferring, as he expressed it, "to wear out rather than rust out," Dr. Eve continued in practice to the last. Of the remarkable strength of his memory we well recall one instance coming under our personal observation. We had occasion, in a legal matter involving descent, to call on him for information as to the dates of the death of several persons, deceased many years before. After a moment's reflection he gave the desired data, but said, to make sure, he would have his old journals looked up. This being done, the facts were found, as he stated, though for forty years, no doubt, his attention had not been called to these cases.

One remarkable fact in the history of the medical profession in Augusta is the frequency with which the sons or near relatives of leading physicians have themselves adopted the profession of medicine. Thus Dr. Edwin L. Antony graduates in 1835 at the medical college; Dr. Milton Antony, jr.. in 1845, and Dr. Decourcy Antony in 185 1. Dr. Henry F. Campbell graduating in 1842, is followed in 1 847 by Dr. Robert Campbell, jr., and in 1872 by Dr. A. Sibley Campbell Dr. John Dent, a contemporary of Dr. Milton Antony, is followed by Dr. John M. Dent in 1856. Dr. W. H. Doughty graduating in 1855, is followed by Dr. W. H Doughty, jr., in 1878. The venerable Dr. Joseph A. Eve saw no less than seven of his name or family graduate : Drs. Edward A. Eve in 1833, Sterling C. Eve in 1861, W. R. Eve in 1867, Joseph E. Eve in 1872, E. J. Eve and W. H. Eve in 1875. and Joseph Eve Allen in 1877. Dr. L. D. Ford had two sons adopt his profession, De Saussure Ford in 1856, and Dr. Lewis R. Ford in 1870. Dr. Louis A. Dugas was followed by Dr. George C. Dugas in 1873, Dr. Alexander E. Dugas in 1875, and Dr. W. H. Dugas in 1879. Of Dr. F'lourney Carter, son of old Dr. John Carter, we have previously spoken.

There could be no stronger testimonial to the personal and professional worth of the physicians of Augusta than this family tendency to pursue the profession of medicine. Of the present faculty ot Augusta it is not in the scope of the present sketch to speak, but in point of skill they lose nothing in comparison with the worthies of the past. As an old writer quaintly puts the

The Press

- Honorable Record - The Augusta Herald - The Const ittitionalist - Colonel Gardner - Southern Field and Fireside - State's Rights Sentinel - The Mirror - The Republic - The Eve/ling Netus - The Progress - The Free Press - The Banner of the South - The Pacificator - The Southern Medical and Surgical Journal - Veteran Newspaper Attaches.

THE Augusta Chronicle is the oldest paper in Augusta, and also the pioneer in the journah'stic field of this city. It was established in 1785^ under the name of the Augusta Chronicle and Gazette of the State. This title, the Chj'onicle, the paper has retained ever since, though from time to time during the century, as it absorbed contemporary journals, the latter portion of the name has undergone change. In 1821 it became the Augusta Chronicle and Georgia Gazette. In 1822 the style was altered to Augusta Chronicle and Georgia Advertiser. \w 1835 't appeared simply as Augusta Chronicle. In 1837, having absorbed the State s Rights Sentinel, a paper edited by the famous Judge Longstreet, author of " Georgia Scenes," it appeared as a daily newspaper, under the styXe o{ Daily Chronicle and Sentinel, which name it retained until 1877, when, having absorbed the Constitutionalist, its rival for more than eighty years, it appeared as the Chronicle and Constitutionalist. In 1885 it dropped the latter portion of this title and took the style of the Augusta Chronicle, which it now bears.

The Chronicle was first edited and published by John E. Smith, State printer, for a number of years. The paper was at that time a weekly of small di-

' For valuable assistance in the preparation of this sketch we are indebted to Dr. Edward Geddings, dean of the Medical College of Augusta, and .son of the celebrated Dr. Geddings, of Charleston, mentioned in the discussion on yellow fever ; also to Dr. Eugene Foster, president of the Augusta board of Health and Medical Association of Georgia ; and to Dr. Henry F.. Campbell, one of the most eminent phvsicians in the United States.

The next editor was a Mr. Driscoll, a native of Ireland. In the heated political contests of the era of President Adams Mr. Driscoll was a pronounced anti- Anglican, favoring the French side in politics and exhibiting great animosity toward England. The Augusta Herald, The Chronicle's contemporary of that time, was as strongly the other way, and between Mr. Bunce of the Herald, and Editor Driscoll of The Chronicle heavy journalistic firing ensued. Finally, in a tart card, Mr. Driscoll informed his opponent the discussion had better be adjourned " to the Lower Market or South Carolina," and on these hostile intimations peace seems to^have resumed its sway. Mr. Driscoll was a journalist of considerable ability, and as early as 1807 we find a decided improvement in the art editorial. The markets begin to receive attention, local items and general news are made separate departments, and great attention is paid to " leader" writing, as if there began to be a desire to mold opinion as well as record events.

In 1 82 1 Mr. Joseph Vallence Bevan assumed the editorial chair. This gentleman was a man of fine literary attainments, and at one time contemplated writing a history of the State. The General Assembly voted him the use of the archives for that purpose, but his untimely death intervened. Under Mr. Bevan the paper was enlarged and much improved. Its editorials were well written, and the whole paper began to assume something of a modern journalistic air. Under Mr. Bevan The Chronicle began to appear as a semi-weekly.

Toward the end of 1822 John K. Charlton, Andrew Ruddel, and John B. Lennard became proprietors, and Mr. T. S. Hannon, editor. Mr. Hannon made the paper a tri- weekly, but in 1824, at which time William J. Hobby took charge, it was reduced, to a semi-weekly.

In 1825 Mr. A. H. Pemberton became proprietor and so remained for a number of years. Under Mr. Pemberton the paper was nearly of its present size, but in a single sheet. Great attention was paid to its literary department and much space given to correspondents. For some ten years Mr. A. H. Pemberton managed the paper alone; in 1835 1"^^ associated his brother in business with himself, as A. H. & William F. Pemberton. On December 31, 1836, the Pembertons sold out to Mr. William E. Jones, proprietor of the State's Rights Sentinel, who merged the papers, and on January 3, 1837, issued the first number of the Daily Chronicle and Sentinel. In venturing on such an untried experiment in Augusta as a daily paper, Mr. Jones remarked that he did so with some diffidence, but no apprehension. The time, he thought, was opportune and the future would sustain his venture.

In 1839 Mr. Jones formed the firm of William E. Jones & Co., which was succeeded in 1840 by two brothers, James W. and William S.Jones, the former of whom acted as editor for a number of years. Mr. James W. Jones was a writer of great vigor and determination, ardent in announcing and steady ia maintaining his opinions. In the heated pohtical discussions of the day he became involved in a controversy with Colonel James Gardner, of the Constitutionalist, and a duel ensued.

In 1849 Dr. William S. Jones bought out the interest of James W. Jones in the paper, the latter continuing, however, to act as editor. About this time we first find telegraphic dispatches in the paper. The issue of January i, 1849, has a dispatch which is said to have left New York on ten o'clock on Friday night, and to have been received in Augusta on Saturday afternoon. It appears in the paper on Monday morning, or some sixty hours after ; but slow work as this appears now, it was a wonderful ^improvement then. About this time we also find the telegraph was in operation at various points in Georgia, and the Baltimore papers are quoted with very full telegraphic intelligence from Boston and the West.

In 1846 Colonel James M. Smythe, a gentleman still a resident in Augusta, edited the paper, and with great ability, being one of the best informed politicians in Georgia.

During the war Dr. Jones disposed of The Chronicle to Mr. N. S. Morse, of New York. Dr. Jones's name is inseparably connected with TJie Chrojiicle, which he managed with signal ability for a period of over twenty years. He died a few years since, honored and revered b}' all who knew him. His work still lives in the sturdy journal he so long fostered, and his portrait, as that also of his no less celebrated brother, James W. Jones, adorns the walls of the editorial sanctum.

Mr. Morse conducted the paper to 1866. In politics Mr. Morse was eminently a Morse man. During the war he was ardently Southern. When the Federal military forces entered Augusta he burned or secreted the files of the paper for the eventful period 1861-65, ^^^^l became intensely loyal. In personal appearance Mr. Morse was a remarkable compound. His face round as an apple, and bright and rather protruding eyes gave him a boyish appearance; but, as if to disguise this, he wore a mustache of portentous magnitude, bristling stiffly out at either side of his nose, a la Victor Emanuel. In character he was equally composite. His real disposition was that of good humored selfishness, but he affected the wild Western Bill style of deportment to a great extent. One of his manias was a love of bright arms, and we well recall the huge revolver and preposterous bowie-knife he especially cherished. Mr. Morse afterwards removed to New York and managed the Evening News there with wonderful success up to his death, a few years since.

On March 24, 1-866, Mr. Henry Moore and General A. R. Wright came into possession of the paper. In November of this year Mr. Patrick Walsh became connected with The Chronicle. Mr. Moore was a prominent citizen of Augusta, who by his business tact and experience did much to sustain the pa- per during the troubled years just after the wa. Mr. Moore was one of the kmdest and most generous of He it was who ad.aneed the ntonev to purchase The CkronicU from Mr. Morse ^

General Ambrose R. Wright is one of the celebrated men of Georgia Dur mg the war he rose to the rank of major-general, being particular yemi^e;

H H T - r^"' °"''"=' "'"^^^ P^^""-'^ afflicting circumstance He had just been elected to Congress from the Richmond district tl's re iz ng one of the bnghtest dreams of his life, but the exertions of the cavs^ threw him mto an illness which proved fatal canvass eral Wright, the latter assuming the editorial chair. Mr. Wri..ht possessed marked journalistic ability, and soon ranked with the foremost oft e ^M profession In addition to great talent he had an unusual degree of Indus y ad practical e.xperience. His influence had already been felt'throughou 1 1^ S ate. and his writings quoted throughout the country ; the county had s^nl him several times to the General Assembly, and a bright future was before hm when his days were brought to an untimely end oeloiemm

In March, ,877, Tkc Coustitutionalist, The Chronule's rival for some fiftyodd years, became merged with it, and the paper for a number of years hereafe^ appeared as The Chronicle and ConstUuHonaHs,, Shortly thereaf e it became the property of an incorporated company, of which Hon. Patrick Walsrwa and IS still president. Up to about ,887 James R. Randall, the wo Id Jde amous author of -- Maryland, my Maryland," edited The Ch;ouiele w U^si! a

GEORGIA. The Augusta Chronicle and Gazette of the State. Freedom of ^>e press and trial by jury shall remain inviolate. Constitution of GeoTI Angus a. Printed by John E. Smith, printer to the State. Essays art des o Intel ligence, advertisements, etc., will be gratefully received, and ev'ery Wnd of printing performed." The advertisements are, compara ively sp aki , year ,,9, are advertised for, the ration consisting of one pound of bread or flour, one pound of teef or three-quarters of a pound of pork, and : e gil of comnron rum." Notice is given of administration by Robe t Watl ^s the auUior of Watkin's Digest of Georgia Laws," of which w'e speak n^c; of the Augusta legal profession, on the estate of John Walton, one of the th e signers of the articles of confederation on belialf of Georgia. A merchant advertises that he has Jamaica spirits at five shillings and threepence per gal. Ion. " Northward rum," probably what was afterwards called New England rum, at three and ninepence, cherry bounce at six shillings, almonds at one and twopence per pound, coffee at one and nine, and imperial Hyson tea, evidently then a very great luxury, at eleven and eightpence. Curiously enough, while the other quotations are in sterling, Geneva, in cases, is quoted in Federal currency; at six dollars and a half per case. Another merchant advertises he is about to start on a voyage for Europe, and will undertake the sale on commission of " tobacco or merchantable indigo," then staple products in Georgia, the cotton era not having then dawned. George Walton, the celebrated patriot and jurist of Georgia's Revolutionary period, gives notice of somebody's old bay horse having been taken up trespassing in his fields. Mr. Editor conjures and adjures his delinquent subscribers to pay up, quite in the style of the country editor of to-day, and says hereafter no work can be taken from his office till cash down. The local news is scant. Results of the recent election for members of the Legislature from Richmond county, which then included Columbia, are given, by which it appears that the country was then entitled to four members, and that the following were elected by the votes respectively attached to their names : Seaborn Jones, 566 ; James Lewis, 538 ; Benjamin Andrews, 508 ; and Solomon Ellis, 476. None but landowners being then competent to vote, the polls show a very substantial population at the time. Among the unsuccessful candidates were Benjamin Few, Thomas Carr, Jesse Sanders, John Appling, Charles Crawford, W. F. Booker, and Peter Carnes.

" Happy the babe who, privileged by fate To shorter labor and a lighter weight, Received but yesterday the gift of breath. Ordered to-morrow to return to death."

In the news department is a considerable collection of items for so small a vehicle. Advices of June 5, 1790 - only four months and four days old - from Berlin state that the Duke ot Sudermania had put the Russian fleet to flight before Revel, and rushed pell-mell into the harbor with them, thereby taking it. Paris news of June 21 is that the title of the king is to be Emperor of the French, the national assembly dignifying Louis XVI. preparatory to guillotining him three years later. The assembly also abolished the titles of "marquis, compte, and duke." London advices of June 7 say the admiralty has revoked all protections against impressment, it being indispensable to man the Hannibal, the Royal George, and other ships of the line at once. At Carls- croon the Swedes are cleaving out of the soHd rock docks large enough for twenty men-of-war. The emperor of Morocco falls out with the Spanish consul, and, on the ground that " it was not consistent with the etiquette of his court to hang him in effigy," ties the poor man to the tail of a wild ass, which is hunted till furious, and from this situation the consul is taken only to be hanged. War is brewing between England and Spain, and the latter provides herself with some huge ships, carrying 124 to 140 guns. The Turkish grand vizier at the head of 120,000 malignant and turbaned Turks, is advancing on Widdin ; and the Prince of Saxe-Cobourg - some ancestor of Prince Albert, is to give him battle. New York advices of July 14 - a few days short of being three months old - contain a report of the three United States commissioners to negotiate a treaty with the Creeks, explanatory of their failure, which is attributed to " their principal chief, Mr, Alexander McGillivray." They further report that the treaty of Augusta in 1783 and other compacts with the Indians were conducted as understandingly as possible " where one of the contracting parties is destitute of the benefits of enlightened society." Advices of September 2, from Philadelphia, give the progress of President Washington from New York, then the capital of the United States, to Mount Vernon, in the style of the present court journals of Europe. He was accompanied to his barge by the governor of New York, the principal officers of government, the mayor and corporation, officers of the city, and a number of citizens. " On the departure of him whom all hold so dear, the heart was full, the tear dropped from the eye; it was not to be restrained ; it was seen ; and the president appeared sensibly moved by this last mark of esteem for his character and affection for his person." On the approach to Philadelphia of " The president of the United States, his lady, and their suite," they were met by " a number of respectable citizens, the city troops, and companies of light infantry, who, on this occasion, as well as others, all testified their affection for the benefactor of mankind. Every public demonstration of joy was manifested, the bells announced his welcome, a /en de joie was exhibited, and as he rode through town to the city tavern, age bowed with respect and youth repeated in acclamations the applause of the hero of the western world !" A banquet is tendered his excellency by the Legislature and " by the president and other executive officers of Pennsylvania, at which reason, valour and hospitality presided."

The poet's corner is not forgotten in the Chronicle of 1790. The editor states that an ode to Washington will appear in his next, and in the current issue gives " Lothario's" tribute to " Miss W 11, a specimen whereof is :

" Thy lovely taper waist, how round and small ; Here language faints. I sigh with Jove for Wall, With her I'd live - with h-er I'd wish to fall."

A poet of another character appears among the paid advertisements. He tells in doggerel how some spiteful neighbor had charged him with filching a bell, and how on the trial lie came clear :

From this crude picture of the times, it is quite a change to turn to the Chronicle of the present day, after one hundred and four years of development, journalistic and otherwise During its long existence, the Chronicle has an honorable record. In its centennial edition published in 1885, it thus speaks- " A newspaper one hundred years old ! A gazette that for three generations has. in its each recurring issue, set out the current history of the day, and been read in each succeeding epoch by grandsire, by father, and by son. A contemporaneous annalist of the times, keeping pace with decades and lusters until a century is complete. "Such is now The Augusta Chrojiicle. In the museums of old established governments and in the libraries of journalistic virtuosos may be found here and there such wrecks and remnants of the past as a stray copy of some venerable Gazette or antiquated News-Letter. As rare and curious relics, there still exist London papers which Addison might have read, and German journals wherein Gustavus Adolphus, the Lion of the North, may have seen recounted the valorous deeds of his invincible pikemen. Even in America are sundry ante-Revolutionary Post-Boys, and Mails, and Clarions, full of fealty to his majesty, and scarcely less obsequious to Sir Somebody Highstyle, colonial governor and vicegerent of the crown.

" But all these are among the have-beens of the world. Like the poet's days by-gone, they are but 'death in life.' The chance which has preserved to us, here and there, some mummied Egyptian has spared likewise such antique specimens of typography ; the cerements of the one and the discolored columns of the other speaking the same melancholy language - we are not, but we were !

" It is different with this paper, whose centenary we celebrate. A hundred years ago it told, in feeble fashion, of the world and its ways. Each year of that hundred since - vires acqiiirescit eiindo - gathering new strength as it went along, it still recounted the story of its times; and now, reversing the usual order of things earthly, and finding increase of vigor in increase of age, it tells, each morning, what happened yesterda}'- the wide world over, from China to Peru. The thumb paper of 1785 - brief, jejune, primeval - a mere suggestion of a newspaper rather than a newspaper itself, and our modern daily, panoplied with every appliance of journalistic science, are alike The Chronicle. At no time in that century have its types lain idle or its presses ceased to move. Come peace or war, health or pestilence, prosperity or panic, out at its appointed period came the paper, to say by its bare issual more powerfully than any words could - I still live! There was a time when the dark wing of Azrael hovered over the palid, fever-stricken city, but The Chronicle men of that' day stood steady as a stone wall. Day after day the paper came forth, here with a list of yesterday's dead, and here with words of hope, comfort and courage for the bereaved and terrified living. Then, as the scourge increased in virulence, the printers fell, one by one, at their very stands, until, with an apology - as if, brave soul, he needed to make any - the editor of that day announced lie could only issue his paper intermittently. First there was a lapse of three days, then it was a week, then it lengthened into a fortnight ; then the pestilence redoubled its violence, and the spirit of the people and paper was almost spent. Still, in pathetic tones, the editor exhorts the stricken city once more to hope, and faith, and patience. The cleansing rain, the cooling breeze, the all-important frost cannot now, he urged, be so far off.

" There was another time, when the drums beat savagely for war. Food for powder grew scarce. The cradle and the grave were robbed to fill the ranks. Man, essentially a fighting animal, went mad at the steady roar of the guns and the angry flap of the flags. Persistent industry was a thing of the past, and skilled industry all but unattainable. Add to this that a mighty fleet lay like an iron wall between this land and the outer world. If a tool broke who could replace it? When material was exhausted, what the source of supply? The work of a daily journal is a curious mosaic - grand and beautiful in result, but that result dependent on a thousand ordinarily unconsidered particulars. In this time of battle each of these unconsidered particulars forced itself into notice. The air we breathe is so common we only appreciate its value from its loss. The mechanical appliances of our time are so much a matter of course that we never estimate them truly till we look for them, and, looking, find them not.

twenty odd years since, and Southern journalism fairly starved. But the difficulties of that period daunted our predecessors not. If printers could not be found, the\- were made ; if new type could not be had, the veterans of the past were furbished up and set to work again; if your fine, white, double extra, improved printing paper had become a mere historical reminiscence, there was enough of that memorable, dingy, home-made, cartilaginous, saffi^on-hued product, known as Confederate paper, to take the impress of the type.

"Amid the war, as through the pestilence, The Chronicle came out promptly at the appointed day. And, as with war and pestilence, so with financial panic. Our file room is the mausoleum of many rivals of a day. In the morning they sprang up; in the evening were cut down as grass, and gathered into our barn. Peace to their names; of them we further speak not - parcere sjibjectos. Safely entombed, as they are, in our own private crypts, we refer to them only in order to say that, while these fell by the wayside in the usual financial vicissitudes of a century, we have survived, breasting each panic, shunning each monetary rock and shoal. Some of our fallen contemporaries succumbed to " the pressure of circumstances" eighty or ninety years ago ; some a half century since ; some in more recent times. At each recurring financial stress in the past century, some originally hopeful journalistic project proved unequal to the strain J and, gathering its files, and its material into our garner, we still pursued the tenor of our way - perhaps, though our modesty blushes to assign that as the reason, because of the survival of the fittest."

Some of the editors of the CJironicle, notably in later years when the slavery agitation had ceased to be the burden of newspaper song, have rendered signal service to the cause of humanity, morality, and good government. Mr, H. Gregg Wright was an exceedingly attractive and forcible writer, and systematically devoted his great abilities to discountenancing dueling and lynch law. His ridicule of the one and denunciation of the other were unremitting. He steadily iterated and reiterated the great truth that no people can truly prosper who do not cherish an abiding faith in and reverence for the majesty of the law. His early legal training was of much assistance to these efforts.

James R. Randall, who succeeded Mr. Wright, was the unsparing foe of infidelity and immorality. No fashionable glamour could conceal from his rebuke offenses against modesty and goodness. No high-sounding scientific phrases could delude him as to the real nature and end of atheistical theories. It was his custom to make his editorials on Sunday mornings a sort of lay sermon, in which the beauties of goodness and the loveliness of celestial faith were garbed in the brightest colors of a poet's fancy. There was nothing pedantic or patronizing about these admirable articles. They came from the heart and went to the heart.

Under the editorial charge of Hon Patrick Walsh, the CJironiclc has not only maintained the salient lines of the polic}' pursued by Mr. Wright and Mr.

Randall, but has been of incalculable value to the material interests of the city. The advantages of Augusta as a cotton market and manufacturing center have been enforced and illustrated in so many ways, with such forcible arguments, and by so much patient, well-directed, and persistent labor, that the growth of the city in these particulars is heavily indebted to Mr. Walsh's sagacious policy. The Augusta Herald was established at a later period than The Chronicle, but before the close of the eighteenth century, and was for a long time conducted by John Bunce and then William J. Hobby. The Herald was a strong Federalist sheet in the days of John Adams, the Black Cockade era, and so on, and many were the editorial skirmishes growing out of these antique politics between it and the Chronicle. In course of time the Herald gave way to the Constitutiojialist, first issued as a tri- weekly in 1822. From about 1850 the Constitutionalist was edited with singular ability byjames Gardner, one of the most influential politicians of his day. The contest of this gentleman for the Democratic nomination for governor in 1857 is one of the most celebrated in the political annals of the State. Mr. Gardner was ultimately defeated by Hon. Joseph E. Brown, and returned to the charge of the Constitutionalist. Under his management the influence of this paper throughout Georgia was wonderful. Mr. Gardner continued to conduct it till towards the close of the war. At that time Mr. James R. Randall became editor, and for some of his vehement articles the paper was silenced by the military authorities. Publication was soon resumed, and Mr. Randall continued to edit it until its merger into the Chronicle and Sentinel \n 1877.

For a number of years The Southern Field and Fireside, an agricultural and literary paper of a high order of merit, was published in coniunction with the Constitutionalist. It lived through the war, a most crucifying ordeal for a Southern newspaper, especially of a literary character, and was finally sold in 1865 to a Mr. Smith of Raleigh, N. C, where it was continued for a time. Some of the most eminent of the Southern writers contributed to this publication.

The State's Rights Sentinel, originally established by the celebrated Judge Longstreet, author of "Georgia Scenes," has already been mentioned. After^a short existence it was merged in The Augusta Chronicle and Georgia Advertiser, which then became The Chronicle and Sentinel, a name it retained for forty years. The Alirror and Republic were also papers which flourished for a time in Augusta. A very interesting account of Augusta journalism was written some few years since by Colonel James M. Smythe, for a number of years editor of the Chronicle and Sentinel. We quote a portion :

" Readers will excuse the writer for any allusion to himself, for that is made necessary by his connection for a time with The Chronicle as one of it^s editors, and with four other newspapers which were published in the city of Augusta' He moved from Washington Ga., to Augusta in the spring of 1846, and'^commenced his work on the Chronicle and Sentinel on the fourth day after his arrival.

The Chronicle had been a leading paper in Augusta for sixty years. The writer remembers how often, when a boy, he saw the tall figure of Mr. Philip C. Gieu moving about in the office of the Washington Neivs. At tiiat time we doubt if there was a place in Georgia in which, for the number of its population, there could be found so many persons of culture, refinement, learning, and all that could add a charm to social intercourse in the town and surrounding country. There were the Gilberts, the Alexanders, the Toombs, the Campbells, the Telfairs, the Longs, the Remberts, the Tolberts, the Abbots, the l^airds, the Hills, the Ervines, the Sims, the Popes, the Barnetts, and many more, making in the town and country a refined and intellectual population unsurpassed in any section of the State or country. It was such a people who induced Mr. Gieu to remain so long as publisher of the Washington Neivs. But with all that learning and intelligence, there was not 'patronage enough to meet the ambitious longings of so able a journalist as Philip C. Gieu, and he moved to Augusta and established the Constitutionalist, which existed separately as a powerful journal until its connection, a few years since, with the Chronicle.

" We cannot omit a reference to that journalistic star, which, for some years long ago, emitted its splendor under the management of the late gifted John G. McWhorter. The beams of the Mirror shone brightly for a time under the management of Major Thompson, the gifted author of " Major Jones's Courtship."

" Confined to a brief space, we must omit all extended notice of the long ago papers, and confine our remarks to what we saw and experienced after our removal to Augusta. Colonel James Gardner had become the proprietor and editor of the Constitutionalist. We frequently crossed swords with him in political discussion, but, as old college friends, however, we may have intrepidly and vigorously advocated the views and principles of our respective parties, we met as friends and exchanged civilities. Rash, passionate, and presumptuous as Gardner was as an editor and politician, in our discussions he exhibited uniformly to us a marked courtesy which was similarly extended by us to him, so that we never needed an umpire to settle our differences and disputes. During the latter part of the year 1847 ^^^ thought we saw something apparently cruel and perfidious in the course of the Whig party at the North, which excited our distrust and apprehension. There were some differences between the writer and the proprietors of The Chronicle which led to a mutual desire for separation. The writer did not doubt the integrity of the Southern Whigs, but the Northern Whig sentiment we believed was becoming abolitionized, and after retiring from the Chronicle the writer established a paper of his own called the Republic. Some Whigs charged us with being about to desert the Whig party. Many Whigs and a good many Democrats came to the support of the Republic. Day by day we received letters with names and money; and to be brief, the Republic obtained near 4,000 subscribers in about three years.

Time sustained the truth of our suspicions. The Southern Whigs saw the di lemma they were in. Charged by some Whigs with being a deserter, we sold the Republic and its h'st to Colonel Gardner for $7,500. and became one of the editors of the Constitutionalist and Republic, at a salary of $2,000 per year It .s sufficient to say that the Whigs all joined the Democratic party Some of the Whig leaders said to us : - Smythe, you saw the truth a little sooner than we did, and we must all unite and go out of the Union and establish a Southern Confederacy.'"

Colonel Smythe speaks very handsomely of The Evening Nezvs, saying- A few years since Messrs. W. H. Moore, James L. Gow, and John M Weigle formed a copartnership to establish in Augusta a paper entitled The Even mg Nezvs. We had confidence in their success ; first, because we had learned enough of Mr. Moore to kuow that he possessed much, ability as a journaHst and writer, and in Mr. Gibson's aptness to sustain him ; and, secondly the people of Augusta were very generous in sustaining papers which were printed in Augusta. We found this latter opinion out thirty years ago in the generous liberality which they extended to the writer. They subscribed with great lib erahty for his paper, and filled it with paying advertisements. It turned out as we expected, and The Evening Nezvs has been established upon a generous and hberal basis. Nearly everybody takes the paper, and a glance at it shows how ,t IS appreciated as an advertising medium. It is eagerly sought for upon Its merits as a newspaper, and its superiority as a society paper "

Mr. John M. Weigle. one of the founders of The Evening Nezvs, has since retired from that journal, and now publishes a very readable weekly called The Progress.

Just after the war Mr. E. H. Pughe established The Tree Press, which flourished for some years, and was noted for its enterprise in the collection of news and the typographical neatness of its appearance.

The Banner of the South was also published for some years after the war by Hon. Patrick Walsh. It was a literary and religious weekly, and to it Mr James K. Randall and Rev. Father Ryan contributed some beautiful poetry - The Conquered Banner" of the latter, and "Why the Robin's Breast is Red" by the former, first appeared in this journal. Mr. Walsh also published for a time about the close of the war. The Pacificator, a publication on about the same line as its successor, The Banner of the South.

The Southern Medical and SurgicalJournal, spoken of more fully in that portion of this work devoted to the medical profession, was published in Augusta from 1845 until some years after the close of the war, and was of high repute in its peculiar field. ^

Two papers are published in Augusta in the interests of the colored population. One is the Sentinel, a political journal, edited by Prof. R R Wrightthe other, a religious paper. The Georgia Baptist, edited by Rev. W J White'

TJie Georgia Baptist is untiring in its efforts to elevate and improve the colored people mentally and morally, and wields a great influence among them.

In 1885 TJic Sunday PJuvnix began publication. It was well printed, well edited, and a very interesting and readable sheet, but the experiment of a purely Sunday issue does not seem to succeed except in a large city, and \.\\q P/urnix soon suspended.

For a time the labor interest published The Globe and Lance, which was edited with vigor, but having only a limited constituency, was discontinued about a year since.

Tlie Augusta Gazette, started as was generally supposed as a rival to the venerable Chronicle, soon went the way of the other competitors which have entered the lists against that ancient paper at various periods in its prolonged career.

No sketch of Augusta journalism would be complete without some account of those who, while not in the editorial department, have been remarkable for long and faithful service. Mr. John L. Stockton, now deceased, was for a number of years manager of the Constitutionalist. He was a man of many peculiarities and even eccentricities, but was gifted with sound judgment and much executive ability. The difficulties under which Southern journalism labored during the war were extremely trying, but Mr. Stockton not only maintained the Constitutionalist in good working order, but kept up the Field and Fireside, a much more difficult matter.

Captain George B. Adam was for thirty years bookkeeper of the Chronicle, and only resigned that position because elected treasurer of Richmond county and bookkeeper of the Augusta, Gibson and Sandersville Railroad Company. During the yellow fever epidemic of 1854 Captain Adam remained at his post in the Chronicle office. During the war he was absent in the field commanding the Clinch Rifles, one of the city's historic companies, but at the conclusion of hostilities resumed his position of trust and confidence.

Mr. Edward C. McCarty, and his brother. Mr. Jeremiah McCarty, the former now bookkeeper, and the latter collector of the Chronicle, have been in the employ of that paper for a quarter of a century.

Mr. John Anderson, foreman, has spent his life in the composing room of the Chronicle, excepting the four years of the war when he served as a valiant soldier under the Confederate flag. Mr. Anderson began as an apprentice boy, and rose step by step to the important position he now holds, one of prime importance in the organization of a newspaper.

Chapter Xxvi Social. Secret, Literary, And Benevolent Societies

The Drama - Commercial Cluh - St. Valentine Club - Scheutzen - Gun Club - Irish Organizations - Jockey Club - Tournaments - Bicycle Club - Athletic Association - Poultry and Pet Stock Associations - Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - Origin and Good Work - Widow's Home - Women's Christian Temperance Union - Ministerial Association - Orphan Asylum - Library - Sheltering Arms - Hayne Circle - Confederate Survivors - Drummers - Grand Army of the Republic - Catholic Knights - Masons - Odd Fellows - Knights of Pythias - Good Templars - Miscellaneous Organizations - Colored Organizations.

AS early as 1790 the drama seems to have been an established institution in Augusta. An actress named Wall was a great favorite, and in the poet's corner of that day is eulogized as ' sweetest syren of the Augustan stage." It does not appear, however, that there was any theater building till 1798, when one was erected on the river bank, or Bay street, near Elbert, or the old courthouse there situate, was so used. This was destroyed by fire in the fall of 1808. The fire was supposed to have been of incendiary origin, and the city council offered a reward for the detection of the criminal. In December, 1808, Robert McRae, Richard Wilde, Daniel Macmurphey, Samuel Hale, Abraham A. Leggett, Henry L McRae, John U. Shinholster, Joseph W. Jarvis, James Wilde, Zachariah Rossel, Daniel Savage, Willoughby Barton, Albert Brux, Thomas I. Wray, and John B. Barnes were incorporated as "The Thespian Society and Library Company of Augusta," and appear to have rebuilt the theater in the same place, where it continued till 1823. Tradition relates that the elder Booth, Thomas Althorp Cooper, and other noted actors performed there. From an aged citizen, now deceased, we have heard one reminiscence of this ancient dramatic seat. Having labored for nearly a score of years on his invention, Mr. William Longstreet, in 1808, exhibited a steamboat on the Savannah River opposite Augusta. From lack of means or skilled workmen, Mr. Longstreet was unable to construct his machinery of iron, according to his original design, and compelled to rely largely on wood. The use of this material and the natural defects of all infant discoveries, made the boat present a crude appearance, but in spite of these drawbacks it demonstrated that a vessel could be propelled through the water by steam. As usual, the inventor came in for a fair share of that ridicule awarded the world's benefactors at first, and an actor of the day, catching at the ludicrous side as usual with his calling, sang a song in the old theater, a verse or two whereof has been preserved :

Tradition relates that Mr. Longstreet was in tiie theater when this precious effusion was first warbled, and nettled alike at the song and the titters with which it was greeted, rose from his seat, fixed a glance on the son of Thespis, which caused the notes to die away in his throat, and majestically strode out of the building.

On the burning of the Bay Street Theater in 1823, Dr. McWhortcr erected another on Ellis street, near Centre, which was destroyed in the great fire of April 3, 1829, which laid a large part of the city in ashes. In this theater Joe Jefferson played at the outset of his now famous career.

In the next year William W. Montgomery, Thomas I. Wray, Jacob G. McWhorter, Francis Ganahl, and Benjamin Baird were incorporated as the Augusta Theater Company, and built another theater on Ellis street, between Jackson and Campbell, for many years known as the Augusta Opera House, though originally termed Concert Hall. This theater was, in turn, destroyed by fire in 1881, and, though rebuilt, was finally devoted to business purposes, the theater taking up its quarters in the Masonic Hall, as rebuilt in 1881. On the destruction of this building by fire in February, 1887, a new Theater Company was formed, and a handsome new theater erected on the corner of Jackson and Greene streets For some years past Mr. Sanford H. Cohen has been the recognized head of theatrical amusements in Augusta. His abilities as a manager have been so successful that no difficulty was found in organizing the company which owns the present theater, a building up to the best order of modern theatrical architecture and appointment.

The Commercial Club was founded in 1883, and is a solid organization, occupying among the gentlemen of Augusta about the same position in point of social reunion as the English clubs.

The St. Valentine Society is an organization which, like the famous Mardi Gras associations of New Orleans, confines itself to an annual celebration of the carnival. The St. Valentine ball is the social event of the Augusta season, and admission thereto is a certificate of standing in fashionable society.

The Deutscher Freundschaftsbund is a social and benevolent organization, instituted in 1875, by the German citizens of Augusta, and has also an annual ball, which is a social event of great interest with its members and their compatriots.

The Deutscher Scheutzen Club of Augusta is an organization on the model of the Scheutzen clubs, common among the German population, devoted to marksmanship with the rifle, and good fellowship. The club has very handsome and well appointed grounds near Augusta, which not only serve the purposes of the association, but are largely patronized by picnic parties, society celebrations, etc. The club is a universal favorite in Augusta, and has conferred a great public benefit not only by providing a suitable pleasure ground, but by practically demonstrating that true cheerfulness and joviality are en- tirely consistent with temperance, good order, and decorum. The club has a monthly target practice, and once a year a grand fest, lasting two or three days, and a decided gala event, not only for the club, but the general public.

The Augusta Gun Club is a social organization established in 1884, and now a chartered company, its objects being the promotion of skill with the shot-gun and the protection of game. During the spring and summer months it practices weekly at clay pigeons, a species of clay disc which when thrown by a spring technically called a " trap," darts through the air at high speed, and with a motion somewhat resembling that of a swift-flying bird. This club had an act passed by the Legislature in 1886, to forbid hunting at improper seasons of the year in Richmond county, destruction of game by trapping, etc., the operation of which statute has been exceedingly beneficial. The club has grounds near the Schuetzenplatz.

The Emmet Club is a social and patriotic organization among the Irish citizens of Augusta. It has a large hall in the city at which its meetings are held, and which is the assembly room and headquarters generally of the other Irish organizations of the city, the Hibernian Society, the Land League, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Great interest is taken by the Irish citizens of Augusta in these various organizations. They are all strong in number and devoted to the memory and interests of the beautiful Green Isle.

The Gentleman's Driving Park Association and Augusta Jockey Club are devoted to the sports of the turf Augusta has always been noted for its love of fine horses and high mettled racers. As early as 18 10 there was a race course (a quarter mile track) at the then foot of Centre street, now Green street. Later on, the course was about where the Baptist Church now stands, at the intersection of Green and Jackson streets. Still later, the LaFayette race course was established in the southwestern portion of the city, and as the growth of population encroached upon that also, a new track was laid out on the fair grounds, in the southeastern portion of the city. On this many famous trials of speed have been had and exciting tournaments or tilts held. The rules of tilting, with saber, are as follows :

Rules for Tilting - First. Right cut. - Seven inch head, supported by a white pine peg, tive-eighths inch diameter, exposed three inches, on a post six feet three inches high, to count I

After the time flag drops, the count will be for or against the tilter, and he will not be allowed a new start under any circumstances, unless the track be obstructed, or head or ring

There being no prescribed method in " Upton " for discharging, the rings may be disposed of by an upward or downward motion, at the option of the tilter.

The Fair Ground track was afterwards devoted to the Gentlemen's Driving- Park Association, and a very fine one-mile race course was established by the Exposition Company on its grounds in Woodlawn, just in rear of the Schuetzenplatz and Gun Club grounds.

The Bicyle Club was organized in 1886, and has a good membership of wheelmen, some of thein celebrated for proficiency. They have a fine track on the old base ball grounds of the Athletic Association.

The Athletic Association for some years maintained as fine a base ball club as was in the Southern League, and many exciting games were witnessed on its grounds in 1884 and 1885. The celebrated game of thirteen innings Augusta vs. Atlanta, finally won by the former after a terrific contest, was witnessed by an excited audience of several thousands. Though not now in active operation, the association developed and fostered a strong taste for athletic sports in Augusta.

The Richmond County Poultry and Pet Stock Association is a flourishing organization whose objects are indicated by its name. It has done much to improve the breed of dogs and fowls, and given several very creditable exhibitions. Of one we have heard an amusing account from the orator appointed to deliver the opening address. The affair was unusually successful ; exhibits of every character had poured in beyond all expectation, and an immense audience had assembled. As the orator arose to open the exposition every bird and animal seemed to do its utmost to drown his vole. Tl,e A^gTb^,;;!^ every note from tl,e sliarp yap! yap! of the excitable spaniel to the deep bay of the mastiff; the game cocks crowed with unutterable fierceness- the pi/ eons cooed, ducks quacked, turkies gobbled, geese screamed, and' pea-fowl screeched. Even the little birds almost burst their tiny throats chirping and tw,t.ermg; and for a moment our friend stood aghast, but being not easily daunted, and takmg in the humor of the situation, went on with his speech in dunib show am,d an uproar probably no speaker ever confronted before

One of the most estimable organizations in Augusta is the Georgia Society for the Prevent.on of Cruelty to Animals. This was incorporated in , 873 and owes ,ts existence to the kind heart and untiring energy of Miss Louis; W K,ng a daughter of Hon. John P. King. Though cut off in the bloom of her youth. th,s gentle lady has left a blessed memory behind her in this and some o her works of beneficence and compassion. Through her exertions the society was organized, and the Legislature prevailed upon to pass laws to prevent or pumsh acts of cruelty to the brute creation. It is now an oft-ense against the aws o Georgia, " cruelty" being defined as "any willful act, omission, or neglect vvhereby unjustifiable physical pain, suftiring or death is caused or per-

Through M,.ss K.ng's efforts the city council of Augusta also legislated upon he subject, and made it an ofl^ense cognizable in the Recorder's Court to overload any beast of burden, or to work one when bruised, maimed, sick or lameor to cruelly beat or ill use any such animal. Under the operation of thes^ enactments dog fighting and cock-fighting and the shooting of live pigeons or other b,rds at gun club matches are unknown, and beasts of burden are seldom tl-used. While thus invoking the strong arm of the law to protect man's humble dependents Miss King also relied strongly on persuasive measures, and as long as she hved ofl-ered annual rewards to the dravmen and wagoners for the best kept animals, and gave prizes to the school'children for compositions on the duty of kindness to the brute creation Miss King was indeed, an angel of mercy. The seal of the society beautifully typifies her' noble and gentle soul. It represent a seraphic form waving a sword of fire before an inhuman monster of a man about to strike his overladen horse, who has fallen in the shafts, with a huge cudgel over the poor brute's helpless head The society for the prevention of cruelty to animals is still in full operation. It keeps a skilled and experienced agent constantly on duty ,0 prevent or report nfractions of the law, and has established branch organizations in most of the leading cities of the State.

The Woman's Exchange and the Industrial Home are institutions which owe their origin to the charitable impulses of other ladies of Augusta. The ob ject of the Woman's Exchange is specified in its articles of organization as follows: "The object of this association shall be to to enable women to sell their handiwork of all kinds, or to enable them, for the betterment of their condition, to sell such valuables as remain to them, or to assist them to get employment for the support of themselves or their families, and for all kindred purposes." The exchange, though of recent origin, has already proven potent for good.

The Industrial Home is the work of mercy and compassion itself Here the unhappy victims of man's accursetl deceit and brutality are given a refuge, the institution being intended as a reformatory refuge for fallen women, and under its protecting roof are a dozen or more poor unfortunates who in the evening of a misspent life are sheltered from the outer blasts.

The Woman's Christian Temperance Union is another form of feminine effort to do good. Each Thursday the members meet to implore the Divine blessing on their efforts to stay the evil of drunkenness. In every way, by letters, by tracts, by addresses, by memorials, by protests the union is heard in favor of temperance and temperance measures.

The Young Men's Christian Association has been in existence in Augusta for a number of years. At one time it languished, but was soon reorganized, and is now on a firmer foundation than ever. It has a strong membership, and is about to erect a fine hall on its own ground. In connection with the usual reading-room and hall for devotional exercises, it has a well equipped gymnasium for the use of members.

The Ministerial Association of Augusta is composed of the pastors of most of the churches in the city, and from the character of its membership is an exceedingly strong and influential body. Its remonstrance against fashionable follies has been found of powerful effect, and in works of charity it is a most efficient instrumentality.

The Sheltering Arms is a most beneficent institution under a most appropriate and endearing name. In the huge factories of Augusta whole families work, and the province of the Sheltering Arms is to care for the infants and very small children while the mother is at the loom.

In 1852 the Augusta Orphan Asylum was incorporated, Thomas W. Miller, Henry H. Cumming, Edward V. Campbell, John Milledge, Artemus Gould, Lewis D. Ford, and John R. Dow being the incorporators, with power to conduct an institution for the care of orphan children, to provide for their maintenance and education, and bind them out at a suitable age to some useful trade or calling until majority. In 1855 operations were begun in a rented house with four orphans. In 1855 Mr. Isaac S. Tuttle, a philanthropic citizen, left his residence at the corner of Walker and Center streets as the asylum, and endowed it with $50,000 of other property. In 1859 Dr. Newton, Mr. Tuttle's stepson, left the asylum a further benefaction of $200,000, and, under authority of an act of the Legislature, the city council g.ive it the use of two hundred shares of Georgia railroad stock. From the organization of the asylum up to 1870 Mr. Artemas Gould managed its finances with such skill that in that year when he resigned the capital of the institution was $348,071. The old Tuttle mansion proving too small, a new and very handsome building was erected in the southwestern part of the city, near the Georgia railroad, in 1873. The edifice is four stories high, surmounted by a lofty cupola, and is surrounded with ample grounds laid out with shrubbery and flowers. The house and grounds cost $173,759.11 ; the property in income-paying bonds and stocks is $244,- 2 17.23, making a total capital of $417,986.37. The institution has from a hundred to one hundred and twenty-five inmates, supported at a cost of something less than one hundred dollars per head per annum.

The Young Men's Library Association was founded in 1848. We have already mentioned that in 1808 "The Thespian Society and Library Company of Augusta" was incorporated, but the literary feature seems to have yielded to the dramatic. In 1827 Henry H. Gumming, George W. Crawford, Thomas J. Casey, Augustine Slaughter, John P. King, James P. Waddel, James Moore, Peter Bennoch, and Robert R. Reid were incorporated as "The Augusta Library Society."

For a number of years the library association had its rooms on the northwest corner of Mcintosh and Ellis streets, but since 1884 has been housed in a building of its own on the corner of Broad and Jackson streets. The library now numbers some 7,000 volumes.

In the hall of the library the Hayne Circle holds its meetings. This is a literary coterie of some five or six years standing, named after Paul H. Hayne, the poet. It is a somewhat informal organization, though having a corps of officers and an order of exercises, but has a strong hold on its members, and is a recognized literary power in Augusta. Ordinarily some novel, play, or other literary production is selected as a central theme. An analysis of some of the leading characters is assigned to members of the circle, who are appointed some weeks in advance, and expected to prepare and read papers on the themes assigned them. After the regular papers are read, a symposium is had, or a general running discussion wherein the merits of the contributors and the views generally of the circle on the work selected for consideration, are in order. This is a sort of literary free for all, and is often a bright encounter of wits. Each member is then called on for a quotation from some author, the selection being left entirely to his or her taste. Assignments for the next meeting are then announced by the presiding officer, and any necessary business transacted.

The Confederate Survivors Association consists of Confederate veterans. Every man who served under the Southern colors is admissible on being vouched for by two comrades and giving in his rank and command. Quart- eriy meetings are held, and on the 26th of April each year, Memoral Day, the association has its annual meeting, and after the transaction of business drinks in silence and standing a toast to the Confederate dead. At the funeral of each member, a detail, and sometimes the whole association, attends with a warworn, tattered, and smoke-grimed stand of Confederate colors. The maimed members, those who have lost arm or leg, are the color guard.

The Travelers' Protective Association (Post C, Augusta division) is a society of traveling salesmen, commonly called " drummers," organized for purposes of social intercourse and mutual assistance in matters appertaining to this important commercial instrumentality.

The Catholic Knights of America have two divisions in Augusta, St. Joseph's branch No. 62, and St. Patrick's branch No. 66, both strong in membership and well sustained.

The Masonic fraternity is exceedingly strong and influential in Augusta and has an ancient history. In 1796 the Grand Lodge of Georgia was incorporated; the act reciting that "William Stephens, grand master; James Jack.son, past grand master ; William Stith, deputy grand master ; James Box Young, senior grand warden; Edward Lloyd and Belthazer Shaffer, past grand wardens; Ulrich Tobler, jr., grand warden; George Jones, past grand treasurer; James Robertson, grand treasurer ; David Bridie Mitchell, past grand secretary, and John Blackstock, grand secretary of the Grand Lodge of Free Masons in this State, have, by their petition stated, that there has existed, and still exists in this State, divers lodges or societies of Free Masons, on an ancient establishment since the year one thousand seven hundred and thirty-five, over which there is a presiding or superintending Grand Lodge, composed of the petitioners as members."

Prior even to this early date there were Masons in Augusta, since in 1790 they were voted the garret of the Richmond Academy as a lodge room.

In 1824 Samuel Hale, Thomas I. Wray, Augustine Slaughter, WilHam W. Holt, B. D. Thompson, John W. Wilde, and Robert R. Reid were nominated commissioners to conduct a lottery for the purpose of raising $20,000 to be appropriated to the building of a Masonic Hall in the city of Augusta.

In 1825 La P'ayette visited Augusta, and being a Mason, was welcomed in an address by John W. Wilde, grand commander of Georgia Encampment No. I.

In 1827 the General Assembly passed an act, which after reciting that the money provided for by the act of 1824 had been raised, enacted that the Masonic Hall should be for the use of all the Masonic bodies of the city, and appointed Samuel Hale, Augustin Slaughter, Thomas I. Wray, Birkett D. Thompson, John W. Wilde, Robert Raymond Reid, Alexander McKenzie,

William T. Gould, William Duncan, Thomas G. Casey, Jonathan S. Beers, James C. Morgan, Francis Ganahl, and their successors as "the trustees of the Masonic Hall in the city of Augusta." The act states that at that time the Masonic bodies in Augusta were the Consistory of the Sublime Degrees, Georgia Encampment No. i, Adoniram Council No. i, Augusta Chapter No. 2, Social Lodge No. 5, and Webb's Lodge No. 19.

In the early part of 1828 the Masonic lodge room was on Mcintosh street, but on June 2 of that year the Masonic Hall was opened, Governor William Schley delivering the address

In 1877 the trustees were authorized by a two-thirds vote of their whole membership, approved by like vote of all the Masonic bodies in the city, to issue $50,000 in bonds for the purpose of erecting a new hall, and in 1881 the old one was taken down and a new one erected. This was destroyed by fire in February, 1887, but in its stead was at once erected a third, and still handsomer edifice, which is one of the architectural ornaments of the city.

The large number of societies at present can only be briefly mentioned. They are Master Masons, Social Lodge, No. i ; and Webb Lodge, No. 166;* Royal Arch, Augusta Chapter, No. 2, and Georgia Commandery, No. i ; R. and S. M. Adoniram Council, No. i ; Scottish Rite, Enoch Lodge oi Perfection, No. I, 14th degree; Augusta Chapter, Rose Croix, No. 2, i8th degree; Augusta Consistory, No. I, 30th degree; and Council of Kodosh, No. i, 32d degree; also a colored society, A. Y. M. Benneker Lodge, No. 3.

The Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows in Georgia was established in Savannah in 1842. The Grand Lodge of the State was incorporated in 1843. ^^ Augusta there are Washington Lodge, No. 7, established in 1844; Miller Lodge, No. 10, in 1845 ; Richmond Lodge, No. loi, in 1883, and Augusta Encampment, No. 5, shortly after. There are also two colored lodges, Boaz Lodge, No. 1686, and Star of Bethlehem Lodge. The Augusta Odd Fellows have long occupied a most prominent place in the order in the State, almost all the grand masters for nearly a half century being from this city.

The Knights of Pythias have the Vigilant Lodge No. 2 ; Endowment Section, No. 118 ; Fountain City Lodge; and Augusta Division No. 6, U. R. R. of P.

The Knights of Honor have Pendleton Lodge, No. 220; Shepard Lodge, No. 721 ; and Benner Lodge, No. 1259. There is also Louise Lodge, No. 141, D. of P., Knights and Ladies of Honor.

The Knights of the Golden Rule have Castle Richmond, No. 41 ; the Order of the Golden Chain, Augusta Lodge, No. 26 ; Royal Arcanum, Ford Council, No. 34 ; Chosen Friends, Social Lodge, No. 2 ; Knights of the Golden Eagle, Ivanhoe Castle, No. i ; and Red Cross Castle, No. 4.

There are also societies and orders in many avocations, among others Augusta Division No. 202, Order of Railway Conductors ; Locomotive Brotherhood, Augusta Dental Association, Typographical Union, Knights of Labor, Bricklayers Union, etc., etc.

The colored societies in Augusta are exceedingly numerous, and a sketch of their origin and progress will be found of interest. On emancipation the colored population was confronted with an exigency it had not known in slavery. If the freedman was sick there was no one interested out of his immediate circle of family and friends to care for him ; if he died, none to decently bury him, and family and friends were as poor and helpless as himself In this emergency they established benevolent societies. A monthly fee was required, whieh was for the purpose of helping one another when sickness or death came. These societies met with every sort of trouble. As the membership grew in numbers the treasury swelled, and upon this money avaricious eyes were cast, and it was diminished in various ways, the failure of the Freedman's Bank swallowing up much of it. Then politics crept into the societies and many collapsed. Others struggled on, and as politics were weeded out began to prosper, and encouraged by this example other societies sprang up, until now there are about twenty-five strong organizations with a large membership, and working much good. The city has but few negroes to bury, and in nine cases out of ten they are either expelled from the societies, or never belonged to them.

The plan of operation is about the same in all of them. A person joins and pays his initiation fee of one dollar, and monthly dues of fifty cents. During the sickness of a member he or she receives a weekly benefit of two dollars and fifty cents, and in case of death twenty- five dollars is devoted to funeral expenses and thirty dollars to the widow. In some societies when a member is sick there is a committee to furnish nourishment and medicine, all of which is paid for by the society. The societies are not confined to grown people, there being some for children.

Morning Stars of Benevolence, Union Waiters Society, Joint Club, Georgia Benevolent Association, Devoted Brothers and Sisters, Sons and Daughters of Benevolence, Brothers and Sisters of the Evening Star, Brown Beneficial Society, Trinity Moral - two societies, Thankful Moral, No. i, Brothers and Sisters of the Morning Star, Watchman's Banner, Banner Light of Georgia, Stars of Bethlehem, South Carolina Benevolence, Mutual Benefit Associa- tion, Brothers and Sisters of Love, Lillies of the Valley, St. Phillip's Benevolent, Mutual Benefit Association, Mutual Aid Society, Bonds of Hope. Sons and Daughters of Jerusalem, Young Mutual Aid, and Young Brown Beneficial. The Union Waiters Society is an old organization, and strong in numbers. The Moral Societies have also full ranks and have great influence. By means of festivals, picnics, etc., in addition to the regular dues, the society treasuries are well replenished.

Chapter Xxvh Educational

Early Educational System of Georgia - The University - The Academy - The Poor School - Early Appropriations - School Population - Academies and Schools of 1828 - Course of Instruction - The Educational Commission of 1836 - Common School System of 1837 - School Fund from 1823 to 1838 - Common School System Abolished in 1840 - Poor School Fund of 1843 -Large Increase of Fund in 1852 and 1858 - The Perfected Poor School System - Outbreak of War Prevents Fair Trial - The Academies - Their Number and Curious Names - "The Turn Out " - Codification of the Laus in i860 - Educational Benefactions in Augusta- Old Schools - The Houghton Institute - Augusta Free School - Richmond Academy - Educational Clauses in State Constitutions of 1861 and 1865 - Education During the War - Constitutional Provisions of 1868 - System of 1870 - The Richmond County System.

AT a very early period in its history the State of Georgia paid great attention to collegiate education. In 1784, in providing for the laying out of Franklin and Washington counties, the Legislature set apart 20,000 acres of the best quality in each county, " for the endowment of a college or seminary of learning" and vested the title thereto in the governor for the time being and a board of seven trustees. In the next year they created a State university by an act passed with great formality, and introduced by a pompous preamble. While now only archaic and curious in itself, it is of present use as showing the extreme importance attached to intellectual development in Georgia, even at that early day, when men were just out of the throes of the Revolution. It begins thus : " By the representatives of the freemen of the State of Georgia in General Assembly, and by the authority of the same. An Act for the more full and complete establishment of a public seat of learning in this State.

"As it is the distinguishing happiness of free governments, that civil order should be the result of choice, and not necessity, and the common wishes of the people become the laws of the land, their public prosperity, and even existence, very much depends upon suitably forming the minds and morals of their citizens. Where the minds of the people in general are viciously disposed and uiiprincipltd, and their conduct disorderly, a free government will be attended with greater confusions, and with evils more horrid than the wild, uncultivated state of nature : It can only be happy where the public principles and opinions are properly directed and their manners regulated. This is an influence beyond the sketch of laws and punishments, and can be claimed only by religion and education. It should, therefore, be among the first objects of those who wish well to the national prosperity, to encourage and support the principles of religion and morality, and early to place the youth under the forming hand of society, that by instruction they may be moulded to the love of virtue and good order. Sending them abroad to other countries for their education will not answer these purposes, is too humiliating an acknowledgement of the ignorance and inferiority of our own, and will always be the cause of so great foreign attachments, that upon principles of policy it is not admissible.

"This country, in the times of our common danger and distress, found such security in the principles and abilities which wise regulations had before established in the minds of our countrymen, that our present happiness, joined to pleasing prospects, should conspire to make us feel ourselves under the strongest obligation to form the youth, the rising hope of our land, to render the like glorious and essential services to our country.

''And Whereas, for the great purpose of internal education, divers allotments of land have, at different times, been made particularly by the legislature at their sessions in July, one thousand seven hundred and eighty- three ; and February, one thousand seven hundred and eighty four, all of which may be comprehended and made the basis of one general and complete establishment. Therefore, the representatives of the freemen of the State of Georgia, in general assembly met this twenty fourth day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven Jinndred and eighty-five, enact, ordain and declare, and by these presents it is ENACTED, Ordained, and Declared, ist. The general superintendence and regulation of the literature of this State, and in particular of the public seat of learning, shall be coinmittcd and entrusted to the Governor and Council, the Speaker of the House of Assembly and tlie Chief Justice of the State, for the time being, who shall, ex-officio, compose one board, denominated the Board of Visitors, hereby vested with all the powers of visitation, to see that the intent of this institution is carried into effect, and John Houstoun, James Habersham, William Few, Joseph Clay, Abraham Baldwin, William Houstoun, Nathan Brownson, John Habersham, Abiel Holmes, Jenkin Davies, Hugh Lawson, William Glascock, and Benjamin Taliaferro, esquires, who shall compose another board, denominated the Board of Trustees. These two

The act then made many regulations for the new institution, and provided further, that -'All public schools, instituted or to be supported by fun or pub,, mon.es th.s State, shall be considered as parts or members of the UnicentlrLd'"^" °^ "'"r'f T' '° ~"''""'" "*= ""'""'^'y ""= educational cent r and supemsor of the State; but for many reasons this purpose failed of

The general school system of the State was this: wherever there was a local academy the State would grant some sort of subsidy for it, support an for the dt.ldren of the poor who could not pay any wer^TpTrse and spasmodic appropriations for poor schools. There were thus two funds the academical and the poor school fund. The policy of the State was tha; education was the duty of the parent, and the appropriations horn I^me to cordmg as parents were partly, or wholly, unable to perform this duty At divers times efforts were made to consolidate the academical and poor school funds, and to establish a general and uniform system of free educatLi but tlte desuetude. The academy and the poor school were the features of the educa lonal system of Georgia un.il ,868. when a general system of free education became a constitutional principle. Some further review of the old system may be of interest. =yMcin thorize7h^ T '^°''"T ""' ""P"""^'' '° g'-a-" -y person or persons auhorized by the several counties of the State one thousand acres of vacant land for erecting free schools.

In ,792 such counties as had not then received i:i,ooo from the proceeds o the sales o the confiscated estates of loyalists were to have that sum fo the support of the county academy.

and support of free schools throughout this State." The governor was authorzed to invest the same in bank, or other profitable stock. The preamble of this ac states that -- the present system of education in this State is n"t wel alculated for the general ditfusion. and equal distribution of useful learning '

In 182. the sum of $500,000 was set apart, "the one-half for the support and encouragement of free schools, and the other half for the permanent endow- ment of county academies." It was provided that this appropriation should be called the school fund, and should be composed of bank stock as follows : l^ank of Darien, $200,000; the State Bank, $200,000; and bank of Augusta, $100,000. It was directed that inquiry be made what each county had then received from the State in confiscated property or other endowments for educational purposes, and upon receipt of such information the interest on the school fund should be divided out among the several counties of the State on a basis to be thereafter arranged.

In 1822 an effort was made to establish a poor school system. It was provided that the Inferior Court of each county should appoint certain superintendents, not to exceed in number one for each militia district, to supervise "the education of the poor children of said county." These superintendents were to make out a list of the names of the poor children of the county from eight to eighteen, and transmit the same to the governor, but no child was to be enrolled whose parents or estate pay a tax exceeding fifty cents over and above their poll tax. On receipt of the enumeration the governor was to divide $i2,O0O among the counties, in "proportion to the number of poor children returned as above. It was provided that, on receipt of the county quota, the superintendents should cause such poor children to go to "such schools as may be convenient in their respective neighborhoods," but no child was to be "sent to school and paid for out of said fund, when such child has been taught reading, writing, and the usual rules of arithmetic ; " nor was any child to "be sent to school at public expense more than three years." The superintendents were also to take a general census of all children in the county, "as well poor as rich, and female as well as male, between the ages of eight and eighteen," and transmit the same to the Legislature.

In the same year provision was made for an additional endowment of the county academies. One- half of the bank stock dividend, and all moneys in the treasury arising from escheats and reverted property, were to be divided out among the counties, so that, including the cash or other endowments previously received, each county should have $2,000; the residue then to be distributed in proportion to the representation from each county; where there was more than one academy in a county the money was to be pro-rated according to the number of their respective scholars; where there was no academy, the Inferior Court was to apply the fund, in its discretion, to educational purposes.

In 1823 it was enacted that out of the bank dividends should be annually distributed among the counties in proportion to the free white population therein, the sum of $20,000 " for the purpose of educating such children who are destitute of the means of education." The Inferior Court was to appoint three trustees for the county who were to give bond in the sum of $1,000 each, and receive, apportion and disburse the poor school fund, and locate and regulate the schools.

In 1824 the Senate directed its committee on public education and free schools to inquire into the relations of the Senatus academiais and the county academies. The committee reported that by the charter of the university it was made the duty of that institution to remedy the defects and advance the interests of literature throughout the State in general ; that it was also the law that all public schools instituted or supported by the State were under the superintendence of the university ; that it was the duty of the president, or some member of the faculty thereof, to annually visit and inspect each academy, but that this regulation had been found impracticable To obtain accurate information, therefore, on the subject the committee recommended " that hereafter it shall be the duty of the trustees of all academies in this State, which derive a part or the whole of their support from the State funds to make an annual report to the senator of the county in which the academy may be, of the following form :

This was adopted. For a number of years the senators, there then being a senator to each county, communicated to the Senate committee on education the reports made them by the trustees of the academies in their respective counties. These reports, however, were extremely meager, and we find constant complaints that some of the trustees totally neglected their duty, and the majority of those who made returns did so in an unsatisfactory manner.

Despite the unsatisfactory and unsystematic manner in which the state of the academies was reported to the Legislature, the academies themselves seem to have been carried on with a reasonable degree of efficiency. In 1826 Governor froup says in his annual message that " our academic institutions continue to flourish." In the same document he speaks of the poor schools, thus : " It is recommended to you to consolidate the poor school fund, to augment it, to secure by sufficient guards its faithful application, and to diffiise its benefits as extensively as possible among the poor and indigent. These are the classes of the community who in their means of livelihood fall below mediocrity, and who, on this account, as well as on account of their numbers, have the strongest claims for that assistance which will enable them by the instruction of primary schools, to discharge in peace and in war, with most usefulness to themselves and advantage to the country, all the duties of good citizens."

The house committee on public education and free schools made quite an elaborate report on educational matters at this session. From this it appears that the State University at that time was conducted by a faculty consisting of a president, a professor of natural philosophy and botany, a professor of chemistry and mineralogy, a professor of mathematics, a professor of ethics and belles-lettres, and two tutors. The committee report in favor of a professorship of modern languages. The report then proceeds to say: " Tiie manner in which the funds heretofore set apart for the endowment of county academies and for tlie encouragement and support of free schools, and the effects produced ne.xt demanded the examination of your committee. The school fund consists of five hundred thousand dollars, and is made up of

" The several acts which have been passed upon the subject of county academies, commencing with the charter of the university in 1785, and terminating in 1824, obviously contemplate an efficient endowment of at.least one academy in each county. With this view that charter made each county academy a branch of the university, and subjected them to supervision accordingly. In furtherance of this view, also, was the act of confiscation and amercement in 1792, authorizing commissioners from each county to purchase in confiscated property to the amount of ;^ 1,000.

" The aid contemplated from this source was uncertain and precarious, even in the hands of the most fortunate, and with many was wholly inoperative. The amounts realized were small, and in but few instances beneficially applied. The present existing laws have affixed an estimate of this intended munificence by holding the intended beneficiaries accountable for only one-eighth of their nominal purchases. Under the new scheme of endowment now in progress, the older counties have been made to account for their ancient purchases. An equal participation in the fund distributed in 1824 and 1825 has been denied them, that they might be brought to an equality with their younger sisters, and then draw equally from the common parent until the receipts of each should amount to the sum of two thousand dollars.

" This being effected, each county will be considered as specifically endowed, and thenceforward the profits of $250,000 in bank stock will be distributed amongst all the counties in the State, in proportion to their representation. For the last political year ending on the first day of November, the distributive share amounted to the sum of $215.38. This is receivable at the treasury upon the joint application of the trustees of the incorporated academies in each county, and to be divided between them in proportion to the number of scholars usually taught in each. For a policy thus enlightened, and a munificence thus liberal, no further requital is demanded on the part of the State than that the participants of her bounty should keep a just and accurate account of the manner in which the same should be disbursed and applied, and make report thereof annually through the Senatus academicus to the Legislature. The pro- priety of such report is dictated by a sense of obligation, but its necessity is the positive requirement of the law. But notwithstanding these things are so, your committee regret to state that in the range which they have taken through the several reports made by the senators to the Senattis Academicus, they discover but slight traces of that particularity required by law, and which is so essential to a due course of legislation upon a subject so important. It was not to have been expected that any plan of endowment amidst a new and varying population would have made any near approach to perfection ; hence the necessity of regular, detailed, periodical information, not only from each county but from the whole of the incorporated academies in the State. Information short of this would be short of the laws already in force, and insufficient to enable the State to dispense her practical and well aimed aids, and enforce due accountability on the part of her agent. To enforce a compliance with the laws in this regard, your committee beg leave to accompany this report with a resolution which they hope may be adopted, to wit :

"Resolved, That no trustee, or commissioners of any incorporated academy shall hereafter be permitted to draw any funds from the treasury of this State, until they shall have presented a full and fair statement of the manner in which all sums previously drawn shall have been disbursed ; and that his excellency the governor be requested to enforce strictly the provisions of this resolution."

The resolution was adopted. On the subject of poor schools the committee says: "By the act of 1821 poor schools were intended to be endowed by the profits of the one half of the school fund, which has already been shown to consist of a half million of dollars. Instead, however, of confining this department to its distributive share of the bank dividends it has found a better provision and safer reliance in the increased liberality of the Legislatnre expressed in an act of 1823. This sets apart the sum of twenty thousand dollars to be distributed annually amongst the different counties of this State in proportion to the number of free white population in each county. Your committee have annexed a tabular statement showing the population of each county, and the amount which they are entitled to receive respectively. The sums thus provided have been eagerly sought after, but the evidence of fidelity in their application and utility in their disbursement has not been furnished in a manner satisfactory to the minds of your committee. From some counties imperfect reports have been received, from others no reports at all. The several agents may have been faithful; if they have, the fact should have been made to appear, as well for their own credit as for the needed information of the Legislature ; if they have not, then the information was the more necessary to enable the Legislature to apply the corrective. In the absence of such information your committee are unable to determine whether the benefits intended by a charity, so kindly and so amply bestowed, have been or are likely to be realized. The subject is one of great interest and complexity and of novel introduction among our citizens." The report then proceeds to say that the committee could not, for lack of time and requisite data, formulate a free school system, but recommended that Messrs. Campbell, Hull, of Clark, and Holt, of Richmond, be appointed a committee "to digest and report a plan of free schools suited to the condition of the poor school fund and of the dependent population of the State." The tabular statement annexed to this report shows that the then 58 counties of the State had a free white population of 233,305, and that the poor school fund was about 82 cents per head. The largest sum allotted any county was $1,603.72, the smallest $54.72.