Savannah, Georgia - History (part 15 of 16)

"III. The mayor and city council of Savannah will continue to exercise their functions as such and will, in concert with the commanding officer of the post and the chief quartermaster, see that the fire companies are kept in organization, the streets cleaned and lighted, and keep up a good understanding between the citizens and soldiers. They will ascertain and report to the chief C. S., as soon as possible, the names and members of worthy families that need assistance and support.

"The mayor will forthwith give public notice that .the time has come when all must choose their course, viz.: to remain within our lines and conduct themselves as good citizens or depart in peace, lb* will ascertain the names of all who choose to leave Savannah and report their names and residences to the chief quartermaster that measures may be taken to transport them beyond the lines.

"IV. Not more than two newspapers will he published in Savannah, and their editors and proprietors will be held to the strictest accountability, and will be punished severely in person and property for any libelous publications, mischievous matter, premature news, exaggerated statements, or any comments whatever upon the acts of the constituted authorities; they will be held accountable even for such articles though copied from other papers.

General Sherman occupied the spacious mansion then owned by Mr. Charles Green, a wealthy Savannah merchant, now the property of Hon. Peter W. Meldrin.

Submitting to the inevitable in the way that true Southerners always do, and determined to make the best of the condition in which they found themselves, the citizens held a meeting in Masonic Hall on the 28th, and, as seemed proper, the mayor, Dr. R. D. Arnold, presided. The call stated that it was ''to take into consideration matters appertaining to the present and future welfare of the city." The following action was proposed and adopted :

"Whereas, By the fortunes of war and the surrender of the city by the civil authorities, the city of Savannah passes once more under the authority of the United States; and

"Whereas, We believe that the interest of the city will be best subserved and promoted by a full and free expression of our views in relation to our present conditions; we, therefore, the people of Savannah, in full meeting assembled, do hereby

" Resolve , That we accept the position, and, in the language of the President of the United States, seek to have 'peace by laying down our arms and submitting to the national authority under the constitution, leaving all questions which remain to be adjusted by the peaceful means of legislation, conference, and votes:'

"Resolved, That laying aside all differences, and burying by-gones in the grave of the past, we will use our best endeavors once more to bring back the prosperity and commerce we once enjoyed.

" Resolved , That we do not put ourselves in the position of a conquered city, asking terms of a conqueror, but we claim the immunities and privileges contained in the proclamation and messages of the President of the United States, and in all the legislation of congress in reference to a people situated as we are, and while we owe on our paid a strict obedience to the laws of the United States, we ask the protection over our lives and property recognized by these laws."

On the 11th of January, I860, council adopted a resolution providing that all city officers and employes should cease to be considered as in the service of the city, and the mayor was authorized to appoint such officers as lie might deem necessary to attend to the administration of the municipal affairs.

When the Confederate troops left a large quantity of cotton was stored in Savannah, some of which was claimed by tin* officers of the United States government to be the property of the Confederate States. Besides 20,500 bales of short staple, or upland, cotton, there were about 8,000 bales of the sea island class. It was all seized by the United States quartermaster and shipped to New York where it brought by

The people for a while endured the hardships of the new rule under which they were governed, and there was distress also on account of the short supply of provisions in store at the time. Added to their annoyances was the destructive fire which occurred on the 27th of January, 1865, by which one hundred buildings were swept away. A building used by the Confederates as an arsenal, and known as "Granite Hall," situated in the western section of the city, soon caught tire from a stable in its rear, and, before the ammunition stored within could be removed, many loaded shells exploded, sending their fragments in all directions, doing great damage; and one piece struck the reservoir of the water works, rendering useless the entire fire department. A negro woman was killed, and several citizens were wounded.

By order of General Sherman, all families of Confederate officers were required to leave the city, and such persons were compelled to register their names within a certain period. Some failed to do so, and on the 28th of March, 1865, the provost marshal issued an order that "the wives and families of Confederate officers who have not registered their names at this office will do so at once."

The order was carried out three days later. The people were taken to Sister's Ferry in the steamer Hudson, and from that point they were conducted in wagons in charge of Col. Edward C. Anderson to Augusta, and it was not long after their forced departure from Savannah that, by the surrender of the armies of Generals Lee and Johnston, the war was ended, and they returned to their homes.

Savannah had passed through the period of war, and suffered in common with other cities of our Southland; but her condition when the end came was not as deplorable as that of many which more fully realized the actual horrors of war.

Chapter Xxxviii Reconstruction

Generosity of Bostonians and Others - Mayor Anderson's Report on Condition of City at End of War - Board of Education Chartered - Roman Catholic Schools Taken Into Public School System - Charter Amended to Include Education of Colored People.

The reconstruction period in Savannah was more disastrous to the people and brought more uneasiness and heartburnings than the dreadful years of war. Such was the condition of affairs, that, on account of the unruly conduct of the negroes, led and encouraged by the notorious Aaron Alpeoria Bradley and others of the race, as well as some unscrupulous white men, at first it became necessary to prohibit political gatherings without previous notice to the mayor as well as to the commander of the military post of twelve hours, which had to be increased subsequently to twenty-four. On the 30th of September, 1867, a meeting was held in Chippewa square which became so disorderly that both the civil and military authorities had to interfere in order to prevent a riot.

Before this state of affairs began, however, some noble people of Boston and New York, learning the condition of the citizens remaining in the city when General Sherman's army entered it, took steps to give immediate relief to the distressed by furnishing an abundant supply of food. Col. Julian Allen, as soon as the necessity of prompt action was seen by him, offered his services gratuitously to go to New York and arrange for an exchange of rice for other provisions for the destitute of the city. Before he could put his plan in action, on the 18th of January, 1865, the steamer Rebecca Clyde arrived with a cargo of provisions and other things necessary to the support of the suffering "as a good will offering from their fellow-countrymen of the city of New York." That act of relief was the result of efforts put forth hv the New York Chamber of Commerce, the Commercial Association, and the Produce Exchange, and the supplies were contributed by all classes of people. The New York and Washington Steamship Company kindly gave the use of the steamer for the trip, and she was in charge of Messrs. Archibald Baxter, C. II. P. Babcock and Frank Lathrop. The articles were distributed through ward committees composed of prominent citizens.

ing provisions, General Sherman issued an order to Albert G. Browne, supervising special agent of the treasury department, confirming the appointment of Colonel Allen, and directed the quartermaster to give the latter transportation, and requesting the collector of the port of New York to grant clearance for provisions for the use of the citizens of Savannah to the extent of fifty thousand dollars. Colonel Allen arrived in Boston January 7th, 1865, and the people of that city met, by invitation through the newspapers, at noon on the 9th, in Faneuil Hall, to take measures in behalf of the object. The hall was tilled with gentlemen at the appointed hour, and many ladies were seated in the galleries. Mayor T. \Y. Lincoln, Jr., presided, and, in his opening address, said: "The doors of Faneuil Hall have not been opened in the last four years on a more auspicious occasion. The city of Boston hails with joy the sentiments of loyalty and fealty to the old flag which Savannah, freed from her thraldom, is now permitted to utter; and as her mayor presided over the formal announcement of her renewed devotion to the country, so I acknowledge that it is fit that, one holding similar official relations to Boston should participate in the proceedings of this meeting." The following resolutions were adopted, and Mayor Lincoln was deputed to forward them to the mayor of Savannah :

" Resolved , That the citizens of Boston have heard with sincere satisfaction of the course pursued by the authorities and people of Savannah, since the occupation of their city by the federal forces under Major- General Sherman; and especially of their distinct and hearty recognition of the duties resting upon them, and of the immunities resulting to them as citizens of the United States - their country and ours.

" Resolved , That we extend to the people of Savannah our congratulations on their deliverance from the irresponsible power of the rebel government, and on the re-establishment over them of lawful and constitutional supremacy.

" Resolved , That we esteem it a privilege to extend assistance to the suffering poor of Savannah, of whose destitution we are informed by the mayor and council of the city, and by the statement of Colonel Allen, made on this occasion.

"Resolved, That we invite the people of Boston to furnish such contributions of money and provisions as the necessities of the case require, and that a committee of thirty, of which the mayor shall be chairman, be appointed by the presiding officer to receive them, and to make distribution as they shall judge proper." in relation thereto, mentioned in their report that they could not "omit from this report the last appeal of Edward Everett in Faneuil Hall - the appeal with which he closed his public labors on earth; in itself one of the most touching which ever fell from his lips." Mr. Everett made his speech on the 9th of January, 18G5, and he died on the 15th of the same month.

The report of collections given above was made on the 13th of January, but contributions continued to be made for several days, and the total amount as afterwards corrected, was $34,495.07. In the letter of the Boston committee to the mayor of Savannah, announcing the result of their labors, this language was used:

"The history of former days is not forgotten. It has rather been deepened by the later trials of our nation. We remember the earlier kindness and liberality of the citizens of Savannah towards the people of Boston in the dark colonial days. We recall the meeting held there on the tenth day of August, 1774. when a committee was appointed 'to receive subscriptions for the suffering poor of Boston,' as to winch it is recorded, 'There are large donations of rice for the sufferers in Boston, and, had we the means of sending it to them, with very little trouble much more would be collected and sent to them. Few have subscribed less than ten tierces of rice.'" The rice was sent to New York, sold there, and the proceeds. £216 Os 5d, were remitted to the Boston committee, and by them applied to the relief of the poor here.

"We remember that Nathanael Greene, the noble son of Rhode Island, sleeps in your beautiful cemetery. We recall the scene on the banks of the Savannah river, when 'the military and municipality met the mournful procession at the landing in your city; the whole body of citizens joining with one accord in this last demonstration of respect to him who, of all those who have distinguished themselves during the War of the Revolution, was, next to Washington, the one who held, at this moment, the highest place in public esteem.' "

Perhaps in order to the saving of the city's resources and owing to the want of proper facilities for printing, the reports of the mayor of Savannah did not appear in printed form for the years 1864 and 1865; but Mayor Edward C. Anderson, elected in December, 1865, mentioned the condition of the city in this way, after stating that the board headed by himself had been elected by virtue of an ordinance of the state convention: "At that time our city had been set back in her progress by the vicissitudes of four years' civil war. Her finances were disordered and her revenues appropriated by the military tax gatherers then domiciled in our midst. There were then but $2,000 in the treasury, and the outstanding accounts for past due coupons alone amounted, to $371,570. Of this there was funded in new bonds to run twenty years $227,094.90 and redeemed for taxes and ground rents $68,048.35, leaving outstanding $76,426.75. "

Of course, the first matter of importance to the city was the removal of obstructions placed in the river during the war and the deepening of the channel. Before the matter could receive proper attention through

The next item of interest and importance was the question of tin* education of the children. Accordingly an act was passed by the legislature of Georgia and approved by the governor as early as the 21st of March, 1866, through the efforts of a few public-spirited citizens, incorporating "The Board of Public Education for the City of Savannah.'' naming as member of said board Richard D. Arnold, John Stoddard, Solomon Cohen, Henry Williams, Edward J. Harden, John L. Villalonga, John Williamson, Edward C. Anderson, and John C. Ferrill, together with the commissioners of the Massie School, who, by the action of council adopted nearly at the same time, became members of the board, in tln-sc words: "The mayor shall appoint three commissioners of the Massie School, one of whom shall be the mayor, when he is not a regular member of the board of education for the city of Savannah, and the said commissioners may be selected from the aldermen, or citizens, or both, as the mayor may elect." At the time usual for opening the schools of the city that year, October 1st, the board was fully organized, and free tuition was established, the city agreeing to provide an amount annually which, added to the county appropriation and the county's share of the state school fund, was deemed sufficient to meet all expenses. The charter was amended next year, changing the name so as to make the corporation "The Board of Public Education for the City of Savannah and the County of Chatham." In 1867 the Roman Catholic bishop, Augustin ATerot, applied to the board for the appointment of three additional members of that body, representing the Catholic church, one of whom should be a priest. To that request a negative reply was made in which it was stated that "No member of this board holds his seat in any similar capacity, nor is any sect or faith specially represented in it." and other reasons for declining to grant the request were given with this closing remark: "For these reasons the board finds it impracticable to comply with your requests in the shape and upon the terms express, d in your present application." The bishop and other Catholics petitioned council on the 28th of October, 1868, to divide the educational fund granted by the city in proportion to free scholars found in each school, and the petition was by council referred to the board of education, which reported back that it "does not desire and does not feel authorized to mingle in the practical arrangement of the public school system tiedoctrines or tenets of any particular faith or creed with the general topics of school education in this county * * *. The board has i. - right to make discriminations or distributions among pupils or to elassi: \ them according to the religious tenets in which their guardians ma> desire them to be instructed. Any exclusiveness upon such subject* mu*' be chargeable to those who assert and practice it, and not to any comlm rule or principle of the board of education, or to any act of thy > lature or municipal authority." The continued and repeated claim - u the Catholic schools should be incorporated in the public cdm-aiam.,! system brought forth a plan which was submitted to council on th>- l-' of August, I860, ou which majority and minority reports were made, and on tire 2.3th of the same month the majority report was adopted together with the following resolution, ottered by Alderman William H. Burroughs :

"Resolved, That the council adopt the majority report of the committee on education, and that the same be referred to the board of education, with the recommendation from council that the children of our Roman Catholic fellow-citizens lie received under the charge of the public school system at the earliest day possible, and with the further recommendation that as vacancies occur in the board of public education such vacancies be filled so that all classes of our community now entitled to be educated under the charter of the board of public education may be fairly and indiscriminately represented in said board of education." The plan of union is thus summarized in the next report of the superintendent of schools: ''In order to satisfy our Catholic fellow-citizens that there was no intention or desire on the part of the board of public education to interfere with their religious faith, the board was willing to elect only Catholics to positions as teachers in the schools which are composed of Catholic children. At the same time, to prevent the employment of incompetent teachers, it very properly reserved the right to examine into the qualifications of all applicants for places. By the terms of agreement, the introduction into the schools of books containing anything inimical or prejudicial to the Catholic faith was prohibited. On the other hand, it was agreed and distinctly understood between the two parties that religion was not to be taught in the schools during the hours which, by the rules of the board, are set apart for proper school work. After the work of the session is completed there could be no objection to the room being used for religious purposes, provided no compulsion was used to secure the presence of such Protestant children as may be in the schools."

In 1878 the charter of the board of education was amended by the superior court of Chatham county, in accordance with a change in the laws of Georgia authorizing the courts of the state to take jurisdiction in such matters, giving power to said board to take in charge the education of "colored children, or children of African descent, in the city of Savannah and county of Chatham, between the ages of six and sixteen years."

At this time Hon. Samuel B. Adams is president of the Board of Education and Mr. Otis Ashmore is the superintendent, secretary and treasurer.

Chapter Xxxix

Beginning of Cotton Culture in Georgia - Rapid Growth of Cotton Business in Savannah - Savannah Second Cotton Port in the World - Figures Showing Business of Several Decades - Naval Stores and Important Trade - Savannah's Business Record for Past Four Years - Central of Georgia Railway - Its First President, W. W. Gordon - Savannah's Banks - Savannah and the Panama Canal.

When it was well ascertained that the production ot' silk, of which it was hoped that Georgia would export large quantities, was not to be depended on. the amount of rice produced in the territory adjacent to Savannah was considerable. In 1760. the shipment of that grain amounted to 3,283 barrels. But even then the attention of planters was to a certain extent directed to the culture of cotton. Four years later, in 1764, the first shipment of that great southern product was consigned by the prosperous Savannah merchant. James Habersham, to Mr. William Rathbone. of Liverpool, and it consisted of eight bales. It was sent by way of New York and forwarded from that point by Mr. Habersham's agent, a Mr. Dillon, and when it reached Liverpool it was seized by the custom house officers on the ground that so much cotton could not have been raised in the American colonies and was therefore liable to seizure as not having been imported in a vessel belonging to the country in which it was grown. The original manifest of the shipment was preserved for one hundred years, but during the war between the states it was sent, with other valuable papers, to the interior of Georgia for safe keeping, and in 1864 it was burned by some of General Sherman's army.

Tin* excitement beginning with the passage of the Stamp Act and continued until the end of the War of the Revolution put a stop to the commercial business of Savannah, and trade was slow in progress, even after the end of the conflict. In 1786. the value of all exports was S~>8.- 000 less than in 1773. or 8321.377. Even then little cotton was produced, and it has !u'eu supposed anil stated by some writers that the first bale was shipped from Savannah in 1788. bv Mr. Thomas Miller who, from that belief, was known as "'Cotton" Miller; but the truth, as already

Within a few years after the cdose of the war with England it was evident that the culture of the cotton plant would become a business of some importance, and the fact that cotton was produced around Savannah is shown by the invention of the cotton gin by Whitney at the plantation of General Nathanael Greene, called Mulberry Grove, in 1793. Seeing the difficulty of separating the seeds from the lint, Eli Whitney concluded that a device by which that work could be done more expeditiously than by hand would necessarily cause an increase in the production of the staple, and he was right. From the time of his invention Savannah handled much more cotton, and it is no wonder that she has grown to be one of the largest cotton ports of the world. It is well to remember that she exported the first bale, that it was in the vicinity of the city that the cotton gin was invented, and that it was also near her border that the first sea island, or long staple, cotton was first raised in this country. That species was known in the West Indies as "Anquilla" cotton, and Josiah Tattnall and Nicolas Turnbull, on Skidaway Island, experimented with its culture, and successfully produced the lint. Afterward James Spalding and Alexander Bisset grew it on St. Simon's Island, and Richard Leake had a rich experience with it on Jekyl Island.

It is impossible to present full statistics of the port of Savannah for the whole period of her commercial activity from the time that cotton began to be shipped on a large scale. With some exceptions the business increased annually from the very beginning. In 1818 the exports went beyond $14,000,000 in value. With the use of steam as the motive power for vessels, about the year 1817, the commerce of the city expanded. Steamboat lines were established between Savannah and Augusta, and also between Savannah and Charleston, and between 1840 and 1860 much of the commerce was handled by steamers plying between the city and Northern and European ports. We have already given an account of the first steamship to cross the ocean, and it will be remembered that she was called the Savannah and that she made the run from this city to Liverpool. Exceptions to the usual progress occurred whenever a year of disaster came, such as the great tire of 1820 and the yellow fever epidemics of the same and other years. In 1825 the cotton shipments amounted to 137,257 bales, and in 1826 the number increased to 190,578. In 1845 the cotton shipments ran up to 304,544 bales, at which time a large amount of business in the handling of lumber was done; and in 1859 the enormous amount of 409,- 053 bales went out of the port to Northern and European markets.

As was expected, the opening of the Central Railroad to Macon brought a large increase in tin* commerce of Savannah. Later still the trade was largely increased by the building of the Savannah and Albany Railroad which has several times changed its name, now being known as a portion of the Atlantic Coast Line System. In recent years the extension of the railroad systems leading into the port have brought so large an addition of the cotton growing section into direct communication with the city that the trade in that commodity is enormous. Savannah has now become the second cotton port in the world. On the 20th of February, 1012. the receipts for the season of 1912-13 reached 2,000,000 bales, and at the end of the season the number was estimated at two millions and a half.

Among the important commercial interests of Savannah is that of naval stores in which she compares favorably with other ports. That business practically began in 1870. By the year 1883 it had assumed an importance which theretofore had not been dreamed of. At that time the president of the board of trade stated that "twelve years ago a barrel of rosin or spirits of turpentine was scarcely known in this market, while today Savannah is known as the largest naval stores market in the world, our receipts for the past fiscal year being 133.130 barrels of spirits and 564.026 barrels of rosin, the aggregate value of which is about .+ 4,000.000, ranking second to cotton in value." The following table shows the receipts almost from the beginning of its importance for the next fifteen years:

Savannah And South Georgia 475

While the export business in Savannah has been increasing wonderfully, the import business has more than doubled in the past four years. The following are the figures for the past four years:

From the arrival book in the United States Custom House, during the year ending June 30, 1912, 1,354 vessels had entered the port. This includes both foreign and coastwise vessels in all classes. This is an average of 113 vessels a month.

Of the 741 vessels entering the port, the net tonnage was 1,955,953, an average of 2,640 net tons to the vessel. Six hundred and nine vessels cleared during the year with a total net tonnage of 1,579,099, an average of 2,593.

The total tonnage and valuations of commerce both inward and outward during the year 11)11 was 2,954,814 tons with tin* valuation of $246,676,077, while in 11)10 the tonnage was 2,920,060, with the total valuation of $224,512,440.

At this point the railroad facilities may be briefly stated as follows: The city is the terminal of the Central of Georgia Railway, controlled by the Illinois Central Railroad, the Southern Railway, the Seaboard Air Line Railway, the Atlantic Coast Line Railway, the Brinson Railway, and the Savannah and Statesboro Railroad, with a total mileage of 16,4<<7, passing through twelve states, but counting all the lines together with their tributaries that number loots up to 22,277. In connection with their systems and the steamship facilities embracing the Ocean Steamship Company, an adjunct, of the Central of Georgia Railway, and the Merchants and Miners' Transportation Company, with steamers of the former plying between Savannah, New York, and Boston and of the latter between Savannah, Jacksonville, Baltimore, and Philadelphia, the business transacted at the wharves east and west of the city and across the river on Hutchinson's Island is immense. Vessels load at all the terminals for London, Liverpool, Antwerp, Bremen, Hamburg, Barcelona, Rotterdam, Genoa, Naples, Trieste, and for all ports of importance throughout the world. The Central of Georgia has its own passenger depot, while the the other lines use the Union Passenger Station.

AYhen the Central Railroad and Banking Company of Georgia was in the height of its prosperity, before the inauguration of measures which culminated in its becoming a component part of the extensive system to which it now belongs, the directors put in operation a plan to honor the memory of its first president. William AY. Gordon. The result was the erection in 1882 of the costly monument which ornaments AA' right square. It is a work of art and attracts general attention. On the north side a panel bears in large capital letters the one word Gordon ; a tablet on which are represented a train of cars and other emblems of transportation and commerce is in position on the east side; on the south another panel bears the inscription:

The cotton exchange was organized in 1872, and the board of trade in 1883. Hon. Joseph F. Gray, the managing director of the former, and Mr. Thomas Purse, secretary of tiie latter, have the hearty praise of the public for their work in the offices they respectively hold.

Savannah has had many banking institutions, of which the earliest were the Planter's Bank, the Bank of the State of Georgia, and the branch of the old United States Bank. Just before the war of 1861-1865 there were a number in successful operation, of which we will mention the Marine, Central Railroad and Banking Company, Planters, Farmers and Mechanics, Bank of Commerce, Bank of Savannah, and the

Timber Cutter's Bank. These having all invested in Confederate bonds and money all surrendered their charters and wound up business at the close of the war, with the exception of the Central Railroad. The last named, under a decision of the companv's directors discontinued the banking business at a later date, so that there is not a bank in the city at this time which was in operation before 1861. Of those now doing business the Merchants' National was chartered in 1 SGG, the Savannah Bank and Trust Company in 1861), the Southern Bank of the State ot Georgia (now the Citizens and Southern Bank of Savannah) in 1870, the National Bank of Savannah in 1885, and the Oglethorpe Savings and Trust Company in 1887. It is authoritatively stated that Savannah has never had a bank failure.

Other banks now doing business successfully are the Germania, chartered in 1890, and the Georgia State Savings Association of the same date, the Savannah Trust Company, 1902; the Hibernia, 1906; the Exchange, the Chatham (chartered as the Chatham Dime Savings Bank), the Commercial, People's Savings & Loan Company. Real Estate & Trust Company, the Liberty Street Branch of the Citizen's and Southern, and the Citizen's Trust Company. The success of all these institutions is seen in the tine buildings recently erected and now in process of erection by them. Savannah has twelve banks doing a regular banking business, and four savings, loan and trust companies, the total capital of which is $4,307,530. Their total surplus and undivided profits is $3,466,991.14.

The banking capital of Savannah has nearly doubled in the last ten years, and with the increase of resources the banks have been enabled to find employment for all their loanable funds at remunerative rates of interest.

The increase in the number of manufactories, although not rapid, is steady. Numbers of new industries were organized during the last year, and in almost every instance, have done a satisfactory business. Savannah's close proximity to almost unlimited sources of raw material, her unexcelled transportation facilities bv land and water, and attractive shipping rates, add to her importance as an industrial center. With the opening of the Panama Canal, and Savannah the gateway of the entire South through which will pass its products to the countries of South America, the'city cannot fail to command the attention of manufacturers throughout the country as the logical point for the establishment not only of depots, but of great factories, which will supply the republics of the South with manufactured commodities. Tins means a still further investment of capital and the further development of Savannah as a financial center.

The completion of the Panama Canal will, in all probability, greatly benefit Savannah commercially. That seems to be the opinion of business men who have carefully considered the matter. In May, 1912. an article by Hr. A. C. Laut was printed in the Saturday Evening Post referring to this subject and commenting on the commercial advantages of the city, in which he said :

"On the face of it, it looks as though the western eurve of the coast cuts off Savannah's benefits from Panama; but take a second look! From being the third largest exporter of cotton. Savannah moved up to the second place in 1 9 1 i . Why? Just because the curve west of the coast brings Savannah closer to the cotton fields than other ports. Savannah has, in fact, today more commerce than her terminals can handle. She is a city that has never had a boom and has never had a bank failure! Nearly nine millions of dollars has been spent in deepening her harbor, with a decrease in freight rates of 87 per cent. For every dollar spent in widening the river and harbor Savannah has received a proportionate increase in commerce. For every foot the harbor has been deepened Savannah's export trade has been really increased. Of her exports cotton is the big item, shipped nearly altogether. of course, in foreign bottoms. Before the big crop of last year rates to Europe used to run twenty-five to twenty-seven cents a. hundred weight. Then the big crop came, and the foreign ships jacked up the rates. Savannah pays forty-five cents now. And the big profit goes, not to the cotton growers, 1ml to the foreign ship owners. What has all this to do with Panama.' Just this: Of late years India. China, and Japan have been taking millions of bales of American cotton. That sounds like carrying coal to Newcastle; but American cotton is used to blend and grade up India cotton; and tiie demand is likely to increase a hundred fold. It will if rates do not act as an embargo. Cotton is a bulky thing for railroads to handle. Across the continent or by the Suez Canal, it costs eighty-five cents a hundred weight to send cotton to Asia. Panama will cut these rates sixty per cent if - another big if - there are ships for the trade.

"Savannah is, as already said, the second largest cotton port of the world. Her exports of cotton exceed the combined exports of cotton of all other Atlantic ports.

"Savannah's rank among the principal ports of the United States in export values is fourth, and second in rank of the ports of the Atlantic coast. She has forged ahead of Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and others of less importance, and is exceeded only by New York.

"From the standpoint of volume of business, Savannah is one of the most important telegraphic points in the South, being ranked only by New Orleans and Memphis.

"Savannah to Panama Canal, 1,835 nautical miles - 705 miles nearer than New York, 610 miles nearer than Philadelphia, and 520 miles nearer than Baltimore. Savannah is also nearer the Canal than either New Orleans or Galveston.

"Savannah's principal exports are cotton, cotton manufactured goods, cotton seed oil and its numerous by-products; rosin, turpentine, lumber, phosphate rock, poplar, gum, cedar, oak, and other hardwoods.

"Owing to the curvature of the South Atlantic coast, Savannah is nearer the great granary of this continent, and nearer Omaha, Kansas City, St. Louis, Memphis, Nashville, and the West generally, than either New York, Philadelphia or Baltimore.

"In recognition of the commercial importance of Savannah the Federal government has expended in continuous improvement of Savannah river and harbor over $8,500,000, and the beneficient results of the improvement are; Forty per cent, increase in the size of vessels; thirtyseven per cent, decrease in ocean freight rates; and twenty-live per cent, decrease in the cost of marine insurance.

"The present harbor depth enables vessels to go to sea in perfect safety at 30 feet. The board of government engineers has approved plans and congress has made the necessary appropriations for providing a depth of 33 feet at mean high water from the city wharves to the ocean bar, and this work is now being carried on.

"For every dollar that has been expended on the Savannah river and harbor there lias been an annual increase of $10 in commerce. For every foot of increase depth in Savannah harbor there has been an annual increase of seven million dollars in commerce.

"The major part of the commerce of the port of Savannah is 'through' commerce; therefore the benefits flowing from the improvement of Savannah river and harbor are not confined to Savannah, but are so far-reaching as to be almost national in extent.''

Interesting Items

List op Members of Council Continued - Visit of General Grant- Savannah's Sesqui-Cen.tennial - Tasper Monument - Death of IIon. John Screven - Savannah and the Spanish-American War - South Bound Railroad - Public Library Established and City Hall Built - Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences - Railroad to Tybee Island.

Hitherto we have named in full the members of the city council of Savannah from the time of its incorporation to and including the year 1866. Believing that names of the men who guided the affairs of the municipality during every period of its history should be preserved, we continue the list from that point.

In 1867 the lion. Edward C. Anderson was mayor, and he had as colleagues in the hoard of aldermen Martin J. Ford, John L. Villalonga, "Wm. Hunter, Alvin N. Miller, Wm, IT. Burroughs, Matthias H. Meyer, Henry Brigham, Edward C. Wade, Francis L. Gue, Geo. W. Wylly, James J. Waring. Chas C. Millar, and Frederick W. Sims.

Hon. John Screven was elected mayor in 186!), together with aidermen Alfred Haywood. Samuel T. Scranton, John O. Ferrill. Richard J. Davant, John Schwarz, Moses J. Solomons, Andrew M. Sloan, William H. Tison, Michael Lavin, George N. Nichols, James O'Byrne, William M. Davidson, and Augustus P. Wetter.

Col. John Screven was again elected mayor in 1870, and was assisted by aldermen Robert II. Footman, M. J. Solomons. G. N. Nichols, A. Haywood, J. 0. Ferrill, M. Lavin, John Schwarz, Edward C. Anderson. Jr., AT. II. Meyer, John T. Ronan, Christopher C. Casey and John R. Dillon.

Col. John Screven was elected for the third time in sueees.smn in 1871, as mayor, with a hoard of aldermen composed of A. Ilavwuo.i. R. II. Footman. John Schwarz, J. O. Ferrill, Marmaduke IIamiI'..i: George Cornwell, William Hunter, Francis J. Iluckert. Wiki a t McLeod, William S. Basinger. Christopher White and A. G. McArthur. The term of that board did not expire until January, 1873, when tie v were succeeded by the following:-

Mayor, Edward C. Anderson; and aldermen, John A. Douglass. John McMahon, Edward Lovell, Thomas H. Harden, II. Brigham. A. P. AVetter, John Cunningham. AL II. Aleyer, J. L. Villalonga, F ramus Blair, Isaac Brunner, R. I). Arnold. G. Moxley Sorrel, S. II. Rckman. and Thomas Ballantyne, who served until 1875, when the follow imr took up the reins of government:

Edward C. Anderson, mayor; and aldermen, John McMahon. J. L. Villalonga, F. Blair, M. H. Meyer, E. Lovell, H. Brigham, Thomas Ballantyne, John A. Douglass, R. D. Arnold (who died on the 1.0th of July, 1876, and whose funeral was one of the largest ever seen in tiecity), S. H. Eekman, John Cunningham, G. M. Sorrel, John M. Williams, Fred. M. Hull and James F. Watkins.

Serving from 1877 to 1879, the hoard was composed of John F. AVheaton, mayor; and aldermen. Samuel P. Hamilton, John Schwarz. William II. Tison, Henry F. Willink, Daniel G. Purse, James II. Johnston, Edward Lovell. C. E. Groover, William Duncan, J. J. Waring. John R. Hamlet, J. K. Reilly, John C. Rowland and George C. Freeman. From 1879 to 1881 the board stood as follows:

Mayor, John F. AA'heaton; and aldermen, S. P. Hamilton, Michael J. Doyle. G. C. Freeman, AVilliam Duncan, John Schwarz, Joseph A Roberts, AVilliam E. Guerard, Charles C. Hardwick, 1). O'Connor, Simon E. Byck, Jacob J. Abrams and A. J. Aylesworth.

From 1885 to 1887 : Mayor, Rufus E. Lester; and aldermen. Boh, -r* D. Bogart, AVilliam Duncan. John Derst, S. P. Hamilton, J. R. HanA t. Herman A Ivors, George J. AI ills. AVilliam B. Alell, George X. Nielm's P. J. O'Connor, I). R. Thomas, David AVells. and James R. Sheldon.

From 1887 to 1889: Mayor, Rufus E. Lester; and aldermen. L" 1 Bogart. William Duncan, George S. Haines, Herman Alyers. Jo!m -1 AIcDonough, G. J. Alills. AV. B. Alell. G. X. Nichols, William !- LJohn Schwarz, I). R. Thomas, David AVells and Charles S. Elli>.

After one term of successful service, John Schwarz retired in 1891, and John J. McDonough succeeded liim with a hoard of aldermen comprising William P. Bailey, W. G. Gann, J. A. G. Carson, G. S. Haines, R. F. Harmon, R. B. Harris, Peter W. Meldrim, G. J. Mills, Herman Myers, James McGuire, William I. O'Brien, W. F. Reid, Walter G. Charlton and Merritt W. Dixon.

Re-elected in 1S93, Hon. John J. McDonough had an aldermanic board named as follows: William M. Bohan, W. G. Cann, M. W. Dixon, William Duncan, G. S. Haines, R. B. Harris, Thomas II. McMillan, G. J. Mills. Herman Myers, W. I. O'Brien, Thomas Screven, David Wells, Thomas A. Folliard, Walter G. Charlton, Charles D. Baldwin and George II. Remshart.

Hon. Herman Myers succeeded John J. McDonough as mayor in 1895, and he was ably supported by a board of aldermen comprised of Hal If. Bacon, J. J. Carolan, Louis A. Falligant, William Garrard, Edward C. Gleason. George A. Hudson, Henry Ivolshorn, C. A. Lamotte, Thomas Screven, George W. Tiedeman, W. J. Watson, Harry Willink, Daniel B. Lester and Adolph Leffter.

Herman Myers became mayor again in 1899, and the aldermanic board contained the names of George W. Tiedeman, Thomas Screven, J. P. Williams, David Wells, John Schwarz, James M. Dixon, II. II. Bacon, Joseph G. Jarrell, G. J. Mills, D. R. Thomas, Isaac G. Haas, St. J. B. Graham, Michael J. Doyle and John J. Horrigan.

Re-elected in 1901, Herman Myers had as his board of aldermen for two years James M. Dixon, Hal II. Bacon, W. C. Fripp, John J. Horrigan, Edwin 51. Frank, E. A. 51. Schroder, Francis Fitch Jones, John F. Canty, Robert L. Holland, W. J. Watson. Daniel D. Thomas and Robert L. Colding, but Alderman Fripp did not serve out his term and A. J. Garfunkel was elected in his place.

For the two years from 1909 to 1911 the same hoard served, except that during that period changes were made whereby J. II. II. Entelman, Robert 51. Hull, Abram Vetsburg, Craig Barrow, and II. S. Meinhard took the places of the same number of aldermen who retired, and served for a portion of the time; and it should he borne in mind that in the lists of this sort printed in this work wherever more than twelve names occur in the board of aldermen during any year the reason therefor is that some of those regularly elected retired before the expiration of the term and others were chosen to till the vacancies occurring in that way.

In January of the present year, 1913, Richard J. Davant was elected mayor, with the following board of aldermen: W. J. Pierpont, W. II. Wright, E. A. M. Schroder, John W. Daniel, John E. Foy, Henry II. Livingston, William W. Williamson, J. C. Slater, George B. Elton, William A. Pigman, II. L. Kayton. and II. B. Grimshaw; and they will serve the city until January, 1915.

The present market house, begun in 1870, was finished in 1872. We have given a history of the market places from the incorporation of Savannah to that time ; but the first Savannah market was built in Wright Square. Acts were passed in the Provincial Assembly in relation to the market in 1755, 1758, 1759, 1763 and 1764. The act of 1763 authorized the removal of '"the buildings and stalls now erected and used for a market in the centre of a Square of the said town of Savannah, called Wright's Square," and commissioners were ''authorized to lay out a proper space or quantity of ground in a square * * * called Ellis's

It was considered the proper thing to extend a special invitation to Gen. U. S. Grant to include this city in his southern tour in the winter of 1879-80, and council formally invited him on the 24th of December to stop over in Savannah, which he did, and he was cordially received.

So intensely shocked were the people on the occasion of the attack on the life of President James A. Garfield that on July 6, 1881, council adopted a resolution declaring that "the mayor and aldermen, speaking for all classes of citizens, have heard with intense horror of the attempt to assassinate the president of the United States," and "hoping that the life and services of the distinguished victim will be spared to the country and his family," and. on his death, resolutions of regret were adopted and it was ordered that tin1 council chamber be draped in black for thirty days, a meeting of citizens was held for the purpose of taking action expressive of their feelings, at which time tiie business places were closed.

In February, 1883, the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the colony of Georgia was celebrated in a proper way, and the occasion was much more elaborately observed than was the one hundredth anniversary in 1833. Governor Alexander II. Stephens was present, and made an impressive address, his very last, in the Savannah Theater, and during his stay in the city he was taken ill and died shortly after his return to Atlanta, where the. funeral services were attended by the mayor and aldermen of Savannah on the' 8th of [March. Four days before, that body adopted resolutions feelingly expressive of the loss of such a man to the state and to the world.

On the 27th of November, 1885, the citizens met and did honor to the memory of Vice-President Thomas A. Hendricks, and Mayor Rufus E. Lester issued a proclamation requesting the suspension of business generally on the 1st of December, "during the hours of the funeral services of the illustrious dead, that proper respect might be paid to the memory of one whose life and character commended him to the esteem and affection of his countrymen."

On the 14th of September, 1886. an earthquake did considerable damage to many buildings in the city; but the effects were far less disastrous here than in Charleston.

The occasion of the visit of Postmaster-General Walter Q. Gresham in 1884 was considered of such importance that he was the guest of the city, and council gave him a reception which was arranged by a committee consisting of Aldermen Edward 51. Green, George N. Nichols and Daniel R. Thomas.

The following year, on the 24th of January, the lion. Carl Selmrz was likewise honored, and Aldermen John Derst, S. P. Hamilton and Andrew Ilanlev made all the preparations for his entertainment.

On the 22d of February, 1888, the monument to Sergt. William Jasper, erected through the exertions of the Jasper Monument Association, was unveiled, and the oration of the day was delivered by Gen. John P>. Gordon. At that time President Cleveland visited Savannah. On learning of the contemplated tour of the president, city council, on the 6th of August, 1887, adopted a resolution inviting him, Mrs. Cleveland, and the members of the cabinet, to visit the city, and the invitation was sent on the 14th of February. 1888. The time of the visit of Mr. and Mrs. Cleveland happened to be the same day as the unveiling of the monument, which was designed by the distinguished sculptor, Alexander Doyle.

In the same year Gen. Robert II. Anderson, an ex-officer of the Confederate army and then the chief of police of the city, died, on the 8th of February. So popular was that gallant soldier and efficient city officer that bis funeral was made a public event and t ho whole city was in mourning. All offices were closed, and the police barracks was clad in sable for thirty days. Council adopted resolutions of "grateful appreciation of his merit and efficiency as a public servant who lived without stain and died without fear and without reproach," and his work as head of the police force is thus mentioned in the report of tho committee appointed to draft the resolutions:

"General Anderson was eminently fitted by education, experience, and inclination for the high duty assigned. He formed and managed his department upon the basis of military discipline. He introduced a spirit of soldierly cohesion. He cultivated respect for rank, and imbued his force with a true esprit dr corps. The members soon recognized and approved a discipline which, if exact, was just and impartial and maintained the integrity of the body. The dignity of the commander pursued its calm and even tenor without degenerating into the familiarity of the companion, but it yielded always on occasion to the sympathy and kindness of the friend. Not only the efficiency of the body was sedulously sought, but the rights and comforts of the members were steadily maintained. The result was the attainment of a force equal if not superior to any in the land." In the beautiful cemetery of Bonaventure a monument was erected by the force which he had so successfully commanded, and its dedication on the 22d of February, 1894, was attended by city council and by nearly the whole population of Savannah.

Because of his great labor in behalf of the improvement of the harbor, council, on the 16th of May, 1888, tendered a vote of thanks to United States Senator Joseph E. Brown.

By invitation of the same body the legislature of the state visited the city in October, 1889, and the members were entertained at the public expense. In December of the same year the citizens met at the call of Mayor John Schwarz, to take action on the death of Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederate states, and the resolution calling the meeting contained this language: "The exalted and representative character of the distinguished dead, his eminent public services, and the affection felt for him by our people, all recommend a public recognition of the sad event."

In June, 1890. council appropriated $1,000 for the entertainment of the Alabama Press Association which visited the city on the 17th of that month; and in January. 1896, the city took steps to entertain the newspaper men of Rhode Island and others in the party stopping in their passage through Savannah to pay tribute to the memory of Gen. Nathanial Greene. Mayor Herman Myers invited the Georgia Society of Sons of the Revolution, and the Savannah Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution to co-operate with him in entertaining the visitors, when ceremonies suitable to tin* occasion were observed at the monument to that hero of the Revolution.

Council, in 1890, assented to measures put on foot to honor the memory of two distinguished Confederate officers. On the 7th of February, as recorded in their minutes, "in recognition of the distinguished character of Gen. Lafayette McLaws," it agreed to "tender to those charged with the duty of erecting a tablet or monument to his memory any site in the public domain or reservations that may lie mutually agreed upon, the site to be conferred by ordinance"; and during the same year the same action was taken in regard to a memorial of Gen.

Francis S. Bartow. The memorials, through the great efforts of Capt. Daniel G. Purse, were provided for and were executed in the form of bronze busts on stone pedestals, and were first placed in Chippewa square - that of General McLaws facing north at the Hull street side of the square and that of General Bartow facing south at the Perry street side of the square. These monuments have since been removed to the positions they now occupy in the lot in which the Confederate monument stands in the parade ground south of Forsyth park.

In November, 1899, the state division of United Confederate Veterans was held in Savannah, and council appropriated $500 towards paying the expenses of the. entertainment of them.

On the occasion of the death of Col. John Screven, who had been thrice mayor of the city, council ordered his portrait in the mayor's office draped in black for thirty days, and appointed a eommitte to draft resolutions. That committee reported on the 24th of January. 1900, in which it was said "Savannah has lost a distinguished son whose life was characterized by pure principles, exceptional attainments and rare culture. As a citizen he was ever public-spirited. Of liberal education, he was broad in his views and unrestrained in his actions by narrow prejudices or petty ambitions. Governed by a high sense of duty, in his public career he exemplified the wishes and accomplishments that marked him in private life. He carried to every post of activity a scrupulous regard for what he conceived to be to the highest interests of the community with which his entire life had been identified. His three elections to an office (mayor) held in high honor demonstrated the esteem and approbation of his fellow-citizens."

The Lawton Memorial building, on the southwest corner of Bull and Anderson streets, was begun in July, 1897, and was opened to the public on the 2nd of (March, 1899. It was erected in response to the wish of Mrs. Sarah A. Lawton, widow of Gen. Alexander Lawton, as expressed in her will, as a memorial of her husband and her daughter. It is intended for public use, and is in constant demand for lectures, concerts, and other entertainments. For a long time it has been used on Sundays as a place of worship by the Westminster Presbyterian congregation.

Admiral George Dewey was the guest of the city from March 20th to the 22d, 1900. The city gave many of its young men to the army during the trouble of the United States with Spain at this period, and on the 28th of (May, 1898, council adopted a resolution naming Mayor Peter W. Meldrim as chairman of a committee, the others to be appointed by him, to go to Washington and negotiate for the securing, if possible, of a United States military camp here. For that purpose the sum of $5,000 was appropriated, and on the 27th of October the amount was increased to the extent of $1,500. In the late summer troops began to move tltfOUg-li the city, and in the fall the Seventh Army Corps, under Maj.-Geiri Fitzhugh Lee, camped in the city. The ladies determined to provide for the troops a substantial dinner on Thanksgiving day when they bountifully fed with choice food all the troops quartered here, estimated to be not less than fifteen thousand. President McKinley, his cabinet, Generals Wheeler, Shatter. Lawton, and many army officers besides were gathered within the city's limits during the month of December, and on the 17th a review of the troops was held in the park extension, or parade ground, all the soldiers, over twelve thousand, passing before the president and the other distinguished visitors. A banquet was given that night at the De Soto hotel.

Of recent years much has been done by the city to encourage the building of railroads intending to bring trade hither. In March, 1890, council provided for the transfer of certain lots to the South Bound Railroad Company at a reasonable price, on condition that the railroad be built and in actual operation between Savannah and Columbia, South Carolina, within two years. The condition named was complied with, and on the 21st of January, 1891, all the lands in question passed by title to the company. The South Bound railroad was opened for business in 1892, when the merchants of Columbia and stations between that city and Savannah were invited to this place and were entertained as our guests, the committee of council appointed to look after their comfort being Aldermen John A. G. Carson, George S. Haines and William I. O'Brien. That road is now a part of the extensive Seaboard Air Line System.

A resolution was adopted in council on the 22d of September, 1890, to sell the city's interets in lands on Hutchinson's Island to the Middle Georgia & Atlantic Railroad Company for the small sum of $2,500. The land was estimated to contain five hundred and sixty acres, and is on the eastern side of the island. Certain requirements had to be accepted by the company before title should pass from the city, and they were not complied with; but an agreement was made between the city and the Georgia. & Alabama Terminal Company on the 19tli of October, 1898, on precisely the same terms, the title to be made whenever the company should lay on said island the terminal track from the terminals proposed to be built to the point of crossing over the Savannah river, and other evidences of a determination to improve the property. The deal was made effective, and the extensive structures now known as the Seaboard Air Line terminal resulted from it, the amount expended on the same being far in excess of one million dollars.

In 1892 and 1893, sales on most reasonable terms were made by the city to the Macon, Dublin & Savannah Railroad Company, and to the Florida Central &, Peninsular Railroad Company of lots in Springfield plantation.

The city sold to the Savannah Union Station Company, on the 27th of September, 1900, for the purchase price of $9,822.50, a lot on the northwest corner of Gwinnett and West Boundary streets, on which the substantial and well-arranged Union depot was erected.

forth efforts to provide the city with a suitable city hall and a public library - both of which he felt were demanded without delay. In his annual report for the year 1903 he refers to these important matters in such a clear and distinct manner that his words may with the greatest propriety lie used here in describing tiie successful conclusion of his efforts in those directions: "The need of a new. modern, properly-equipped and large enough public building to meet the requirements of the municipal government of a growing city has long been acknowledged. * * * In Savannah no one carries a visitor to the city hall time has at last arrived in the onward march of Savannah, when the spirit of its citizens should approve, and its financial condition permit, of the erection of a hall that would be an ornament to the city and a satisfaction to its people, and which would meet the increasing necessities of the government for a century to come, I recommended in my last annual address that council take steps to this end. The suggestion met with an immediate favorable response from this board and with general approval from the public. A special committee of five was appointed. Plans were advertised for. A number were received, which, after thorough examination by the committee, were rejected. Architect IT. AY. AVitcover of this city was then engaged to prepare plans under the direction of the committee. As a result of his work, suitable plans were adopted, and bids advertised for. which will be submitted to council at an early date, with the recommendation of the committee.

"The hall it is proposed to erect will cost about $150,000. Its general appearance is well known to the public, and it is unnecessary to refer at length to its beautiful exterior or the admirable arrangement of the interior. The building will be one in which all citizens will feel a direct personal pride. It will typify the twentieth century Savannah, the Savannah of indomitable energy, of pushing progressiveness, guided by an invincible determination to place the city on a parity with its sisters of all sections in everything that contributes to the material well-being of its people - that spirit which has developed here so rapidly in the past few years and which, we confidently believe, is destined to insure a future of unparelleled development." The building was finished and the final payment of $63,484 paid on the contract in 1906, in which year Mayor Meyer said: "Of the new city hall, it is necessary to make more than a passing reference. AVe can justly regard it as one of the monuments »of this administration. A'isitors from all parts of the country have, during the past twelve months, praised it. Not only has it given the municipal government a home worthy of a city of Savannah's importance, but the building of the hall out of the city's regular funds has been an excellent advertisement for the city's financial condition and has indicated to the world Savannah's spirit of determination to advance at least in keeping with the progress of its sister cities, if not to excel them in many ways."

"No single event of the year gave me more personal satisfaction than the final establishment on a more satisfactory basis, of a free public library. Cities throughout the country have for many years possessed such a valuable adjunct to the public school system. Savannah has been woefully deficient. In 1901, it will be recalled, I engaged in correspondence with Mr. Andrew Carnegie looking toward the establishment of a library here for the people. The burden placed upon the city government by the Carnegie plan was considered too heavy. A publicspirited citizen then inaugurated a movement whereby a certain number of citizens pledged themselves to a payment of $100 a year for a period of years. This also fell through. Then came conferences between representatives of the Georgia Historical Society and the city of Savannah, which resulted in the library of the Historical Society being placed under the control of a board of ten managers, five representing the city and five the society, and opened free to the public on June 15.

Continuing the subject in his report for 1906. lm said of the library that "it gives promise of becoming a great factor in the intellectual life of the community." That prediction is being literally fulfilled. The library is now maintained by the city, which appropriated the sum of $10,000 for its support for t lie year 1012 and continued the appropriation for the year 1913. The total income for the former year was $10,916.42, during which period 94.837 books were given out for home use. and 99.489 persons visited the rooms. From its establishment until two years ago Mr. George J. Baldwin was the Chairman of the Library Board, and he did much to help in the development of the institution. He found that the duties were beginning to conflict with other interests, and retired from the Board in 1911, since which time Mr. Otis Ashmore has held that position with dignity and ability.

The building used for public library purposes was a gift to the Georgia Historical Society from the late Mrs. Margaret Telfair Hodgson, daughter of Governor Edward Telfair and widow of William Brown Hodgson, and is a memorial of her husband, being known as Hodgson Hall. The society is also the trustee of the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences, which institution was established in accordance with the fourteenth item of the will of Miss Mary Telfair, the last surviving child of Governor Telfair, by which she gave, devised and bequeathed "to the Georgia Historical Society and its successors all that lot or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon, fronting on St. James square (now Telfair Place) * * * the same having been for many years past the residence of my family, together with all my books, papers, documents, pictures, statuary, and works of art * * * and all the furniture of every description of providing more effectually for the accomplishment of the objects contemplated * * * I hereby give, devise and bequeath to the Georgia Historical Society and its successors one thousand shares of the capital stock of the Augusta and Savannah Railroad, of the state of Georgia, in special trust, to apply the dividends, incomes, rents and protits arising from the same to the repairs and maintenance of said buildings and premises," etc. The academy was opened in 1885, since which time the property has been greatly improved and a large annex added to the buildings, forming the main picture gallery. The collection of works of art is composed of many pictures, mostly original, of great value, and copies of many of the best known sculptures. From the time of its opening until his death in 1905, the only director of the institutiton was Mr. Carl L. Brandt, N. A., whose services have been recognized by the board of managers by the placing on the walls of a bronze tablet bearing this inscription :

Since the death of Mr. Brandt the academy has been without a director, but it has the goodwill and friendship of Mr. Gari Melchers, the famous American artist, through whose good advice and valuable suggestions it has not only been greatly improved in its internal arrangement and construction, but has acquired many pictures of merit and artistic worth, by painters of world-wide fame, which could not have been obtained except through' his efforts.

In addition to the above, Mr. Thomas P. Ravenel is the society's recording secretary and treasurer, and Mr. William Harden is librarian as well as treasurer of the Telfair Academy trust fund and custodian of its property. This institution stands on the spot where Sir James Wright, governor of Georgia lived, and where lie was arrested by Major Joseph Haberskan in January, 1776.

In our remarks on the origin of the railroad first called the Central Railroad and Banking Company of Georgia, now the Central of Georgia Railroad, we failed to give sufficient credit to one man who, throughout the whole discussion of the subject until the final accomplishment of that great work did not at any time fail to give the matter his hearty encouragement and support. That man was Thomas Purse. At the beginning of the proposed work he said it was needful to the upbuilding of Savannah, and insisted that no step backward should be taken, while others became discouraged and threatened to desert the cause. Without his aid and counsel that great highway of commerce would not have been built at that early date. In later years, his son, Daniel G. Purse, proposed the building of a railroad from the city of Savannah to Tybee Island, and he was not only discouraged by those from whom he looked for co-operation, but the idea of a roadbed being constructed* over the long stretches of marsh which characterize the territory through which the road was to run was ridiculed, and he was told that the whole scheme was unfeasible. Unmoved by the adverse opinions freely offered. Captain Purse was sure that the road could be built and that it would in the end be a paying investment, and organized a. company to make his idea a success. The work of construction began on the 9th of August. 1886, when, in a formal way. Master Thomas Purse, son of the captain, in the presence of spectators, with a small silver spade, dug up the first particles of dirt, on the place called Deptford plantation, then owned by his father and being on the direct line of the proposed railroad, which received the name of the Savannah & Tybee Railroad, afterwards changed to Savannah & Atlantic Railroad, and now an adjunct of the Central of Georgia Railway.

Churches And Organized Bodies

Churches of Savannah - Benevolent Societies - Other Organized Bodies - Streets and Squares - Oglethorpe Monument - Midway Church and Monument to Generals Screven and Stewart.

The reader has had the facts in relation to the early history of the two oldest Savannah churches presented to him in detail, and we will now pass on to the other churches and their organization.

We are not able to give a full history of the Lutheran church for the reason that the early records are missing. The Rev. George White, in preparing his Historical Collections of Georgia, attempted to get the facts, and, failing to do so. gave a very brief account of the subject, which is about the only definite information we have. The church in Savannah was probably established about the year 1753. through the elforts of Rev. [Messrs. Rabenhorst and Wottman, the services being at first conducted in German. Through the inability of the congregation to follow and respond in any other than the English language, the church did not grow, and for many years no services were held. In 1824 a reorganization was perfected, and in 1843 the building on Bull street, between State and President, was erected at a cost of about $15,000. The edifice has been very much altered in recent years. Another church of that denomination has within recent times been organized, and a building erected for worship at 1415 Bull street, called St. Paul's church. The mother church is now known as the Lutheran Church of the Ascension.

The first record we have of thy Baptist church is of a building erected in Franklin square about 1795. In 1794 there were in Savannah a small number of worshipers of that denomination who were organized and began to plan for a house of their own. They were led by four devout men, Messrs. Jonathan Clarke, George Morse, Thomas Polhill and David Adams, who were joined a little later by a minister from Wales named Reese, and they succeeded in raising a sufficient amount to build a church, said to have been (50 feet long by 50 feet wide, with a steeple and gallery. They did not grow rapidly, and it was not until 1799, when tin1 Rev. Henry Holcombe was called and took pastoral care of them a little later, that the congregation became active and zealous. They obtained a charter in 1801, and worshiped in the building ^in Franklin square until 1833, when the building in Chippewa square was erected. In 1847 the church split, and the second congregation purchased from the Unitarians the building on the southwest corner of Bull and York streets, where they held services until February titli, 1859, when a reunion of the two bodies occurred. The building of the second church was sold to the Savannah Volunteer Guards for an armory. Other Baptist churches are Duffy Street, Fourth church, and Southside.

Although .John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, was such an important figure in the early history of Savannah, the church he really founded did not have a footing here until the year 1807. It is related that the Rev. Hope Hull came to the city in 1790, and preached some sermons in the building of a Mr. Lownv, used as a chairmaker "s shop, and that he met with great opposition and was maltreated. Again, in 1796, an attempt was made by Jonathan Jackson and Josiah Rundle to establish a church, but the result was no better than that attending the efforts of Mr. Hull. A third endeavor was launched by a Mr. Cloud, who met with no better success; but. on his arrival in 1806, Rev. Samuel Dunwoody gathered together a sufficient number of interested persons to enable him to build a house in the succeeding year, which was called Wesley chapel. Wesley himself said in his journal that "the first rise of Methodism was in 1729, when four of us met together at Oxford. The second was at Savannah in 1736, when twenty or thirty persons met at my house."' Somewhere it is stated that as early as 1785 Beverly Allen tried to organize a Wesleyan church in Savannah, and other names besides those already given have been used in connection with attempts to found a church here: but it is agreed that no building was erected before the year 1807. It is also asserted by some that the structure called Wesley chapel was not erected until 1813, and that at that time the congregation was led by Rev. James Russell. The house was situated on the northeast corner of Lincoln and South Broad streets, and was used as a church until 1866, when it was sold and a private residence took the place of the house of worship. It was the same congregation that finally succeeded in collecting the funds with which the elegant memorial building called Wesley Monumental church was built in Calhoun square, the corner-stone of which was laid in 1872 by Dr. Loviek Pierce.

Trinity church, located on Telfair Place (formerly St. James square), was begun in 1748 and finished in 1850. There are also Fpworth and Grace Methodist churches. On the death of Hon. Robert M. Charlton the Bar Association of Savannah requested the lion. Edward J. Harden to deliver a public eulogy on that gifted and. highly esteemed citizen, and the trustees of the new Trinity church promptly and freely offered the use of their building for that purpose. The offer was accepted, and the eulogy was delivered there in 1854.

It has been stated that by the charter of the colony of Georgia "inhabitants of all sorts, Roman Catholics only excepted, from all parts of the world, were invited to possess this promised land." Even after the state of Georgia passed forever out of the control of the British crown, people of that religious faith failed to take measures to establish.

that religion on this soil. The first time we hear of any actual steps taken to erect a building for church purposes is an ordinance dated May 30, 1709, by which provision was made in laying out certain parts of the town commons, and one lot was reserved for the Roman Catholic church "about to be established in this city." It is probable that the first church building was in Liberty square, and was called the Church of St. John the Baptist, and the first priest who regularly served the parish was L'Abbe de Mercier, who was succeeded by L'Abbe Cori. The next church was erected in 1839, on Drayton, McDonough and Perry streets, whither the congregation removed at that time from Liberty square. Rev. J. F. O'Neill was the priest at that time. The building was given up on the completion of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist on the east side of Abercorn street at the corner of Harris, the corner-stone of which was laid in 1874 and the building dedicated in 1876. The diocese of Savannah, of the Roman Catholic church, was not created until the year 1850, by Pope Pius IX, and comprises the state of Georgia. In that year, on the 10th of September, the Rev. Francis Xavier Gartland, vicar general of Philadelphia, was consecrated first bishop of the diocese, and just four years afterwards, September 20, 1854, he died of yellow fever. He was succeeded by Bishop John Barry, of Augusta, Georgia, who was consecrated August 2, 1857, and lived about two years longer, dying on the 21st of November, 1S59. The next bishop was Vicar-Apostolic of Florida, Augustus Verot, who resigned in 1870 and returned to Florida, where he died on the 10th of June, 1876. On the resignation of '1 lie last named, Bishop Ignatius Persico, of the diocese of Charleston, South Carolina, was transferred to Savannah March 11. 1870, but on account of failing health he held the office only two years. He was succeeded by Rev. William II. Gross, who was consecrated April 27, 1873, and held on until 1885, when he was made sub-bishop of Oregon. Ilis successor was Rev. Thomas A. Becker, transferred from Wilmington, Delaware, May 16, 1886, but who died July 27. 1S99. when the Rev. Benjamin J. Iveily, who had been made rector of the Savannah cathedral July 12, 1896, was promoted to the bishopric by appointment April 19, 1900, and was consecrated on the 3d of June following by Cardinal Gibbons, in St. Peter's cathedral, Richmond, Virginia. A

Other Catholic churches in Savannah are St. Patrick's, organized in 1865 ; Church of the Sacred Heart, more recently formed, and St. Benedict's.

In 1827, a number of the members of the Independent Presbyterian church, including Messrs. George G. Faries, Lowell Mason, Joseph Gumming and Edward Coppee, petitioned the Presbytery of Georgia to receive under its care the petitioners and their families and to organize a strictly Presbyterian church connected with the presbytery; and, at the same time they wrote a letter to the pastor and session of the Independent church stating their reasons for wishing to withdraw and asking for dismission to the new organization, which they confidently expected the presbytery to effect. The desire of the petitioners was granted and tin1 new church was founded as the First Presbyterian church of Savannah. The congregation worshiped for about six years in the building then standing on the southwest corner of Bull and Broughton streets, known as Lyceum Hall, and in 1833 moved to their new build- mg just completed farther up Broughton street, between Barnard and Jefferson. In 1656 they began the erection of a church in Monterey square on the lot bounded by Bull, Taylor, Drayton and Wayne streets, and began to hold services in the lecture-room, which was first completed. The massive auditorium was not finished until 1872, the work on it having been interfered with by adverse circumstances, not the least of which was the financial condition of the people before, during and immedately after the war of secession.

After the war the congregaton of the Independent church organized a mission church on Anderson street which later united with the Savannah Presbytery and changed its name from the Anderson Street Presbyterian church to Westminster Presbyterian church. A new and handsome edifice is now in process of erection.

The Protestant Episcopal church was represented in Savannah solely by Christ church until the year 1S40, when St. John's parish was organized. The first house of worship erected by that people was on the south side of South Broad street, just west of. the corner of Barnard, built at the time when the diocese of Georgia was created and the Rev. Stephen Elliott was consecrated first bishop. In 1853 the present building of the English Gothic style of architecture was built. Since its erection two other Episcopal churches have been established - St. Paul's, on Abercorn and Thirty-fourth streets; and St. Michael's, on Henry street, east.

In 1831, through the instrumentality of Joseph Penfield. a church for seamen was erected on Bay street, between Abercorn and Lincoln, named Penfield Mariners' church. It was subsequently given over to the care of the Savannah Port Society, which was organized in 1843, "for the purpose of furnishing seamen with regular evangelical ministrations of the gospel and such other religious instructions as may be found practicable." The lot and building were sold after the war of secession, and sailors now worship in the chapel connected with the Seamen's Home.

There are a number of churches for the colored people of Savannah, the most noted of which is the First African Baptist, organized in 178S, the first pastor of which was Andrew Bryan. For many years its pastor was Rev. Andrew [Marshall, probably the most esteemed colored man who ever lived in Savannah. He commanded the respect and regard of all classes of citizens, and when he died, in 1856. Ids funeral was attended by white as well as blacks, and was one of the largest known to the people of Savannah.

In connection with the subject of religious instruction and education, it is well to say something about institutions not considered within the strict list of church organizations. Thus, it is a fact worth preserving that in the district commonly known as Yamacraw the Moravians who for a while did missionary work among the Indians and of whom we have because of their short stay here'said but little, erected a house of instruction which they named Irene. The instruction given there was of a religious character.

John Wesley was aided in bis work by his colleague Delamotte, a teacher who added to the catechising of the children by "Wesley cn Saturday and Sunday afternoon lessons in reading, writing and casting accounts.

The work done at Bethesda, and carried on for a long time by "Whitefield, is kept up to this day, and is well worthy of better support than it has had at any time in its history. In addition to what has already been said elsewhere in this work of that institution, it is proper here to say that it is cared for by a society incorporated in 1786. known as the Union Society, and the names of the men given in the charter should not be forgotten. They wrere "William Stephens, president; Leonard Cecil, vice-president: David Montaigut, secretary; James Bulloch and George B. Spencer, stewards, and Mordecai Sheftall, Oliver Bowen, John .Morel, Peter Deveaux. James Habersham, Joseph Habersham, Joseph Clay, Frederick Herb, John Richards, Benjamin Lloyd, James Fields, John Waudin, James Milledge, Samuel Stirk, Raymond Demere' and George Handley.

In 1801 the Savannah Female Orphan Asylum was incorporated with the following as the first board of directors: Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, Mrs. Ann Clay, Mrs. Jane Smith, Mrs. Sarah Lamb, Mrs. Margaret Hunter, Lady Ann Houstoun. Mrs. Frances Holcombe, Mrs. Hannah McAllister, Mrs. Susannah Jenkins, Mrs. Ann Moore, Mrs. Phoebe Mosse, Miss Rebecca Newell. Mrs. May "Wall and Mrs. Martha Stephens. The corporation is still living and is doing a great and a noble work.

The Savannah Widows' Society was founded in 1S22, and is actively engaged in its good work, which it has carried on without interruption. It was aided by the city in the granting of two lots on South Broad street in 1834, on which houses were erected as homes for aged widows until the bequest of Mrs. Dorothy Abraham became available in 1859, and the Abraham's Home on the northwest corner of Broughton and East Broad streets was built.

Lack of space forbids us to further comment on the benevolent institutions with which the city abounds; but we must not fail to mention the Georgia Infirmary for colored people, which originated with the gift of land and money for the purpose by Mr. Thomas F. Williams and Air. Richard F. Williams.

In later years came the Telfair Hospital for Females, founded through the bequest of Miss Mary Telfair; and the St. Joseph's Infirmary (now St. Joseph's Hospital), Little Sisters of The Poor, and St. Mary's Orphan Home, supported through the labor and means acquired by the devoted Roman Catholic people of the community; and the Episcopal Orphan's Home, conducted by the ladies of that church.

Clubs and societies are so numerous in Savannah that it is possible for us only to mention a few of the best known, as the Oglethorpe, Savannah Volunteer Guards, Georgia Hussars, Harmonic. Savannah Yacht, Savannah Golf, and the German clubs. We name also:

The Savannah Ride Association; the Hibernian Society, organized in 1812; the St. Andrew's Society, founded in 1790. There are others, but we must forbear, as the number is too large to specify them.

Too much cannot be said about the system of streets and squares of Savannah. Laid out in such manner as to render them most capable of being further beautified by the proper planting of trees and ornamental plants as well as by the modern methods of paving, the authorities have caught on to the fact that by the use of such means our city could and should he beautified, and the result accomplished in recent years is simply wonderful. The extension of the taxable limits has brought with it those large tracts of land which, by drainage and otherwise, have become most attractive to citizens and visitors and are now numbered among the beauty spots, which a few years hack were not even dreamed of. The county commissioners of Chatham county have co-operated, to the delight of all, and our public roads, extended in all directions, are magnificent drives freely used and admired without stint of praise. The international automobile course is the best in the world, and it now seems likely that it will never again have a competitor. The fact that it was chosen for the Grand Prize races of 1908 and 1910 and that it will be used for the same purpose in the fall of 1913 justifies that prediction. The winner of the international grand prize in the race of 1910, David Bruce Brown, said of it: '"1 am free to say without favor or prejudice that this course is the finest in the world."

of Savannah as a resort for travelers. The city is constantly being beautified by the laying out of roads and the erection of buildings architectually picturesque.

1912 - Hotel Savannah built; Collins Hotel begun; plans for Hotel Georgia adopted. The oldest hotel in Savannah is the Pulaski House, which has entertained many distinguished persons. The DeSoto. standing on the spot once occupied by Oglethorpe Barracks, is a first class hotel, and is well kept. It was built by a company whose stockholders spent a large sum in its construction.

The erection in 1910 of the monument to the memory of Georgia's founder, James Edward Oglethorpe, was an affair in which not only Savannah but the whole state was deeply interested. In response to suggestions made from time to time, particularly in later years, of the patriotic societies, a charter was granted on the 18th of May, 1901, to the Oglethorpe Monument Association, formed of representatives of the Colonial Dames, Sons of the Revolution. Daughters of the American Revolution and Society of Colonial Wars. Subscriptions to the fund for building the monument were made by those societies and by individuals and on the 12th of July, 1905, a joint resolution to provide for state aid in the matter was introduced in the Georgia house of representatives, which was favorably reported on by the committee on appropriations with the recommendation that the sum of $15,000 be set aside for the purpose. After considerable opposition, the legislature passed the resolution, and it was approved by Governor Joseph M. Terrell on the 16th of August, 1906, and he appointed the following commission to carry the resolution into effect:

Hon. J. Randolph Anderson, chairman; Hon. P. A. Stovall, Hon. A. A. Lawrence, Hon. Walter G. Charlton, Col. J. II. Estill, Col. A. R. Lawton, of Savannah; Capt. Robert E. Park, Hon. Allen D. Candler, Hon. W. G. Cooper, of Atlanta; Hon. Joseph R. Lamar, of Augusta; Hon. II. F. Dumvoodv, of Brunswick.

Colonel Estill died during the administration of Governor Hoke Smith, who appointed Capt. R. J. Davant of Savannah in his place. While Governor Joseph M. Brown was in office, Captain Park and ex- Governor Candler died, and two Savannah gentlemen, Messrs. Wymberley J. De Renne and J. Florance Minis, took their places.

Through the appeal of the commission the city council of Savannah appropriated $15,000 towards the erection of the monument, and the services of Mr. Daniel Chester French, the eminent sculptor, were secured to execute the work. Mr. French engaged as his assistant the well-known architect of New York, Mr. Henry Bacon.

On Wednesday morning, November 23, 1910, the monument was unveiled with imposing ceremonies. The invocation was made by Rt. Rev. F. F. Reese, Bishop of Georgia ; an address was made by Hon. J. Randolph Anderson, member of the legislature and chairman of the Oglethorpe Monument Commission, followed by a speech by Acting British Ambassador Hon. A. Mitchell limes, closing with one by Hon. Walter G. Charlton, on the life, character and service of Oglethorpe; when the unveiling was done by Gov. Joseph M. Brown, assisted by the president of the Georgia Society of Colonial Dames of America, Mrs. J. J. Wilder. After the dedication a parade and grand review of all the troops by the governor was held in the parade ground.

There are many persons in Savannah who are in some way associated with the history of Liberty county and especially interested in the old church known as Midway church. That church has a history which is honorable and interesting. Many of its members fought for the liberty of America in the War of the Revolution, descendants of whom are living in Savannah and elsewhere who have held and still hold positions of honor and trust. Ex-President Roosevelt is an example, and the wife of President Woodrow Wilson is the granddaughter of one of the pastors of that church, the Rev. I. S. K. Axson, D. D. During the revolution Brig. -Gen. James Screven who was a patriot of the most decided courage and virtue fell near the sacred edifice, pierced by eleven wounds inflicted by the British and died from those wounds. Here also Gen. Daniel Stewart, equally patriotic and honored, a native of the county, took part in the fighting which secured the independence of the states while a very young man, and lived to see the country free and happy as an acknowledged power among the nations of the world. Tardy justice has been done to the memory of those two noble characters; who lie buried in the cemetery belonging to that historic church, and in a very short time after these words are written a monument provided for by congressional appropriation will be erected jointly to commemorate their illustrious lives. The sum appropriated is $10,000, and the contract for the monument has been given to the McNeil Marble Company, of Marietta, Georgia. It is to be fifty feet in height, and the material selected is granite from Elbert county.

Chapter Xlii The Legal And Medical Professions

The history of the legal and medical professions in Savannah must he very briefly told in this work. The material for the writing of those branches is so rich and abundant that its free use would not be possible here. The colonial records show how the first county was established and give the names of the men holding positions in them ; but we do not find any evidence of the fact that lawyers of special legal ability resided here until many years after the colony was founded. When Sir James Wright, in 1773, made a report on the condition of the province in September of that year, Anthony Stokes was the chief justice, James Edward Powell was judge of the admiralty, and Charles Pryce was attorney-general, but in his absence James Hume acted in that capacity. He also mentioned that three assistant judges sat with the chief justice, but gave no names.

In February, 1779. we find that Stokes was still the chief justice, that of the assistant judges "all dead except James Deveaux who is in Georgia and I believe a Rebel." Charles Pryce was attorney-general but absent and "protempore James Hume, Esq., in London," and James Edward Powell, judge of court of vice admiralty, in London. The following were named as attorneys-at-law: James Hume, John Mullyne, George Barry, Henry Yonge, Jr., Philip Moore, Mr. Panton, Mr. Moss, Mr. Wood, and Mr. Jenkins, and several others, but it appears that not one of them was at that time in Georgia. In May, 1780, Stokes was chief justice, Martin Jollie assistant judge, James Robertson, attorney-general, John Simpson, prothonotary, and clerk of the Crown, and the following attorneys-at-law were in Savannah: Win. Jones, Win. Stewart, Thos. Gibbons, and Samuel Farley. In August of the same year Governor Wright wrote of John Glen that he was "the late Rebel Chief Justice of this Province." little as to the time of service of any of them. Col. Noble Jones is referred to as acting chief justice, as well as Henry Parker, Jonathan Bryan, and others. In 1759 Win. Grover was chief justice, but was later suspended from office. In 1780 William Stephens was elected to that office, and lie had been attorney-general before under Chief Justice John Glen.