f VOl.UME XLil, NO 5 ? ?? ' Today and Tomorrow By FRANK P. STOCKBRIDGE Portugal Travelers returning from the little known country of Portugal report that it is the most honest country in the world. In the hotels the key to your room is hung- on a hook outside of your door and nobody ever steals anything. You can leave your suitcase. your camera or your overcoat on a railroad train or a station platf form or in a parked car on the street, and nobody bothers them. The people are polite and hospitable as well as honest. If a sudden shower comes up, house doors open and the occupants ask passers by to step in for shelter until the rain stops. i'hat sounds like an earthly para disc. It would be perhaps, if Portugal had a stable government. In thej last twenty-six years there have been twenty-six revolutions- Under the! present President. General Carniona.j the little nation is getting alongt nicely. Population Early reports frnio the Census office indicate that the decline in the! birthrate in the past ten years is greater than ever. It begins to look a? if. in another ten years we will have come to an annual increase of only 50U,00G or less than one half of one per cent, in population. And that will have tremendous economic significance. Cities will not grow so fast. Fewer new schools will be needed. Real estate values will not increase so rapidly. Fewer homes will be built. The proportion of elderly people to young will be larger, and old age pensions ami retirement funds will become matters of prime importance. Those are not considerations for the distant future. They are based upon facts which are here, now, and may affect economic conditions very soon. Skyscrapers New York's newest skyscraper. occupy an entire city block ou the Erst River waterfront at the foot of Walt Street, will be 1 Ob stories high. There is no economic limit to height except the congestion ol' Iruttie that cotles from crowding So many p?o i??w i\ sma?: area Cincinnati h^s n now solution forj w the skyscraper problem. A new build-; j '.tip; coing up there will be 46 stories high and wu) be a combination of of-! ficro buildings, hotel and parking gavac e, with two large department stores and numerous specialty shops on the lowei floors. Ip the old days business* men and their employees used to live "over the shop.:? We may Vie coming hack to tha; iii the big cities, with apartment houses in the upper floors to house the people who work in the stores a.'Uf offices below. Insects The other day at r/iy farm home we started to replace a worn door si!]. When we took the old board off we found that black ants had eaten awav the heavy timber which forms the sill of the house itself, for a distance of several feet. We took out more than two quarts of ants and about a pint of ant eggs, and then . had the expensive job of fitting a j nev. timber in place. The war- between man and insects is relentless and unceasing. Along the country roads near my home I frequently meet this summer the U. S. Department of Agriculture "bug men* 'who are spraying trees in the effort to get rid of the Japanese bee-1 flk *- : * r J ..V-, uu< lictvnv llincti pi-M. I 1UUIIU a great colony of tout moths in an olii pasture beyond my woodlot. A new pest is beginning to eat up oak and maple trees up our way; another is destroying the willows along the brook and river. Most of these peats, like the gypsy moth which is killing the New Engr laud elms, and the chestnut blight, , * which has destroyed every chestnut 1 tree in the East, are imported- The Government maintains a plant quar- f antine, but every now and then some new pest slips across the border. ^ Pressure Ice which will not melt ai a temperature of 180 degrees is the latest scientific curiosity. It has been pro- ; Hnced by Professor P. W. Bridgman 1 of Harvard University. Ail that is necessary to keep ice from melting under a flame is to subject it to a pressure of 290,000 pounds to the square inch. Tt JT rc . j-roiraraor orir.gman's experiments with high pressures have given many surprising results. Meny familiar substances change their characters under pressure, much as human beings do. Thirty-nine different metals become better conductors of electricity. Some of the changes persist, after the pressure is removed. What is the good of such experiments? Science cr r ,'t know nor care. Science is " ' .e to discover new facts, leavii ? ii inventors to apply them to hu _ -.n u -s. 5 t BAZAAR C!VF.? 3" VALLE CkOCI^ .^pS' SOCIETY The Va! "'nman's Auxiliary and ' sionary Society are givm* _ ai on Saturday, i August 9th, at 3 p- m. op the lawn \ of the Metnouisi Church. Many useful things will be offered for sale, also refreshments. All are cordially invited. /ATA1 A Non-Partisan N boon: MEETING CALLED TO DISCUSS THE LOW BEEF PRICE Livestock Grovrers of Watauga Are Asked to Gather in Boone Next Wednesday for Discussion of Their Common Problems. District Extension Agent Will Be Present to Shed Lig-'it on Situation. Mr. Smith Hagaman, president ol the Watauga County Livestock Association, has called a meeting to be held in the courthouse in Boone on Wednesday afternoon, August 13, 2.30 o'clock, for the purpose of dcyisine ways and means of improving the acute situation, caused by the extremely low prices of beef ( attic this season. Mr. Hagaman is anxious that all cattle growers of the county rally to the call. The men* ing is called following correspondence with John W. Goodman, District Agent North" Carolina Extension Department, Raleigh, and it is expected that O. F. McRary, agent for this section, will be present to offer suggestions calculated to relieve the situation. A part of a letter from Mr. Goodman relative to the general problems now facing the beef cattle growers follows.: "From all the information we are able to gather relative to the sale ! . > ^.F ? -- ,.u..v.?ai Byb yw 11nllic l Iil);. Much interest has been manifested locally in the predictions of State po- p litical leaders that Mr. Doughton j would seek the seat ti? the United States Senate now occupied by Senator Lee S. Overman, in 1932, how- ^ ever there is no definite information ] forthcoming as to whether or not he , has such ambitions. It is felt, how- ^ ever, that with his unparalleled \ strength in the west he is in a po- ? sition to make a strong bid for the | t higher post. J f Dr. Curtice Will Be Speaker to Sheep Men t Dr. Cooper Curtice, of the United !' Slates Department of Agriculture, !' Bureau of Animal Industry, is spend- 1 in;* the Week in Watauga County, and J will deliver an address to the sheep J growers of this region in the audi- 11 to Bum of the Cove Creek High School Saturday afternoon at 2 " o'clock. Smith Hagaman, president of " the Watauga Livestock Association, " who is co-operating with Dr. Curtice c ! locally, insists that all those inter- v I ested in the sheep industry be pres' ent and hear an able authority dis- e i cuss their problems from many an- P gles, especially as regards the eon- : trol of disease and parasites which ? have caused such havoc among the P flocks in many sections. ) P Dr. Curtice comes to Watauga jP County under the direction of Prof. n Ear! H. Hostetler of the State Ex- '' periment Station, Raleigh, and has p visited the different communities of ^ the county in company with Mr. Ha- *' gaman. He expects to stimulate in- " terest in sheep raising and to givt j-' ! out information not. known to the h. average small producer. He will ex- ti amine some sheep which may he af- " [Dieted, as time permits. ' ! Dr. Curtice is a nationally recog- y nized authority along this line and ' his visit may be expected to be of " [ untold benefit to Watauga farmers- P' He goes from here to Newland where : he will be engaged during the com- ' ! ing week. ? tr Mr. McLPade Accepts J,r Position at Isaacs' T ? tl Mr. K. r Mtuaiic ims accepted the imposition of manager at the Isaacs! t.i Department Store, having entered iff I upon his new duties last Friday. The I n remainder of the personnel of the j store force will remain the same.' with the exception of the owner, Mr. !i S Isaacs, who on account of fail- lf ing health has decided to relieve him- p self of active business duties for a u period of time and get a much-need- p ed rest. Mr. McDade has been a citizen of S Boone for the past four years, dur- n ing which time he managed the Spain- ti hour store. Since coming here he t< has acquired a wide circle of friends tl throughout this and adjoining coun- p ties, who will be glad to know that s hi? IS ?*? J * ... .Un.v..u.ivu ivvai liaut g circles and will remain a citizen of c this city. Mr. McDade is thoroughly p familiar with the various branches of a merchandising, is a fine business i, man, and the local store is being con- r i gratulated upon ha ring secured his s | services. J a The ninth annual farmers field day s and picnic will be beid ax the Iv- 0 bacco Station near Oxford, Thurs- day, August 7. 3eat Interests of North w tOLlNA, THUKSUAX, AUGUST :hoes From f the Editors State newspapers continue to arrive carrying 'voluminous articles concerning this section of country, following up the visit of the editors here recently. Watauga is getting ?ier share of favorable comment at the hands cf the journalists, and following are some of the selected clippings: WILKES PATRIOT The Wilkes Patriot, in closing : ather lengthy editorial or the moun ains, says: "... But Boone was the clidia: o a perfect day, for at Boone, si; he program said, a 4chicken dime rould be served,' and a tired am lungry gang watched eagerly th. ounding of every curve for a < it; imits' sign that would prepare than or their entrance into this lit. icaven in the valley. "They were not prepared, howevci or the bounteous feast that awaite hem. Chicken dinner it was, an nen some*, they had a little bit o very thing: angel-food cake. kivere nd uhlcivered hies. Watauga cheese andwicher. country-fried chicken >utter milk. *ne very thing"A jolly fat guy named Gragg wa naster pi* ceremonies, while bashfu Job Rivers, veteran newspaper man old the crowd to make themselve. a ome?and they did. Josiah Willi an Jailey was fished out oi the crov. or a short talk, as was Joseph lis Dan el's, young Gary Dowd and Miss Be trice OoBb. Near - Congressman 1 ?. Greer pleased the crowd mightil; nth several folk-soiigs, and then, t< heir regret, the pencil pushers wed old ^to skeedaddle. Boone had don< ts part, and more. "This wasn't their convention, bu hey wanted to show the coek-oyei irorld what mountain hospitality wa ?and they won. Some of the mem >ers of the press may forget abou angerous curves. and beautifu cenery, and wonderful roads, bu mt a mother's son of them will foi ;et the wonderful hospitality o >00nc and its citizenship. "Boone had no axe to grind, askc< 10 favors, save simply to call at ention of the visitors to the need o completed pavement of No. r a year and sold to Mr. Rivers. . . Rivaling the tree in interest on le outside is an old Washington andpress on the inside, used to print le first issues of the Democrat. This as the center of attraction for the ress Association visitors. Since the ews-Herald has one of its own (Mr. osephus Daniels reported us in the ews and Observer as 'claiming' to sffsess one) this was not a novelty > us. If Mr. Daniels will come to [organton we can show him proof f our claim to the right to belong ? the hand press brigade?at least 1 the possession of one of the old rcsses. "The trip over the Yonahlossee rail from Blowing Rock to Linville, lence to Newland. Banner Elk, Val: Cmcis and Boone heergars descripon. It was a treat even to us 'mouniin boomers' and a revelation to cur ewspaper friends from the East." THE FRANKLIN PRESS Lyles Harris, editor, has the fol>wing to say regarding- the recent ress Association meeting* in his y?1, able publication. The Franklir ress: "Last week the North Carolina rate Press Association held its an ual meeting at the Green rark Hu? si at Blowing Rock. It is difficuli n firi/1 o/lAnnn*A - Amu ?uvi|i'atv **wius tu exprtb: he pleasure that members of thi 'ress Association had at this famou; ummcr resort. Besides the ver; ood business program of the asso iation itself, there was the heart} ospitality of Blowing Rock. Boom no thg community at luige. The fell a these parts surely know how t< aake visitors feel welcome and ti how them a good time. "The town of Boone, nine mile: way, entertained the boys at n mos umptuous dinner served out in thi fir. by the Cuir lndip* of that city (Continued on Page 4) OCR4 est North Carolina ? 7, - S2BS |8| | _ ? 11?i n r 71 -| in Race for Governor | JUDGE TOM L. JOHNSON n fl | ?_? { J Gubernatorial Aspirant Pays Visit to Watauga s Judge Tom Jconson, of Lumbcrton, States That His Chances Are Bright for Democratic Nomination in 1932. : Judge Tom L. Johnson, of Lumf j henon. who is receiving considerable! -! -1 'Jsm t - - ip-i59Lo.i-i.jk ui!yu?i?uat cTTi' cuate as a nossiblc candidate for Governor in ( 1982, was a visitor to Boone Satui3 I day. When questioned regarding his e candidacy for the high office. Judge L> Johnson stated in no uncertain terms that bin name would he in the run| ning, and expressed the belief that ' his chances for the nomination are. s at present, extremely bright. Judge Johnson "was born at Leic* ester. Buncombe County. For 28 i years he has been living at Lumber^ ton, Robeson County, and during this time he has built up a remarkable 1 record of public service. He is one of the leading Democrats of the see" tion. is a man of keen intellect, mag; netie personality, and recognized * ability as a barrister and a business > executor. |! lie was cbnjr.man of the Beard of Education of Robeson County for lb years and resigned this place to accept the nomination to -the State Senate from his district in 1025. He (was author of I he State Banking Act, ' i enacted in 1925. In 1928 hv WaS I again_elccJjid_ to .the Sennte and was unanimously chosen as president uf l? j that Jhody, which carried with it the position of Democratic floor leader. V He was author of the State-wide Au1"! - < - l: ' ? - sLrauan oaiioi law enacted in ?'J2i), '} and used for the first time in the! ~ primary of June 7, 1930. 1 On March 3, 1929, Judge .Johnson t! was appointed to the Superior Court -jbench by Governor Gardner, where '"I he has since been serving as a spe' leial judgek' i It is the opinion of the Judge's ,y friends in Watauga that should he 1 Jrgceive the nomination and ultimate v i election to the post of honor, he has rial! the requirement necessary to carry on the arduous duties of a s| Chief Executive. Mott Revival Services to ' | Begin on September 7th Noted Lay Evangelist Will Preach at j Boone Baptist. Church. Rev. P. A. Hicks, Pastor, Extends Invitation to All ? Marshall L. Mott Jr., lay evange' list of Winston-Salem, will open a 1 series of revival services at the Boone Baptist Church on Sunday, j September 7, according to a letter M received by the pastor. Rev. P. A. ] Hicks, recently- Under former plans the Mott revival meeting was to begin on September 21, but the eminent evangelist in working over his 1 schedules finds that the first-named date works better into bis plans. Mr. Mott, a former attorney at ! law is looked on as one of the most i Esa cm orators 111 tne state, | and since he entered the evangelistic, field some three or four years ago 1 has done a great work. At present! he is conducting a revival meeting at! Mocksville where, he states, large: crowds are in attendance and interest! is running high. Rev. Hicks is anxious that as many! Watauga people as possbile hear Mr.; Mott during the meetings here, and! gives assurance that his forceful' preaching will be greatly enjoved by! all. ! Episcopal Missionas Now Being Conducted t Captain William Smith. of the . American Church army, is holding i a mission at the Episcopal Church at i Valle Crucis, which is expected to last, for three weeks. Rev. Rufus i Morgan from South Carolina will be the special preacher next Sunday - iiiorning. and the Rt_ Rev. K. O Eiot ley. Bishop of Upper South Caro i lina, will deliver the message on Sun? dav morning, the 17t.h. On the 2 Jth > the Rev- Henry B. Phillips, of Colnmr bia, S. C., will be the special - preacher. Rev. Lane Banton, of Newark. ; Ohio, is in charge of the Episcopal c Mission lb Ashe Count.v for the i month of August, and Rev. Henry i D. Phillips is the visiting clergyman at the Siringfellow Memorial Epis3 copal Church, Blowing Rock, during t j August. ? Rev- Reginald Mallett, of Greens.|boro, is in charge of All Saints Epis. j copai mission at Lit!vi!!? fcr the ! month of August lT r-i? , % $1.50 PER YEAR ^ -f*frtlj T~~TTT-. ~ ^S!. r --. W3 >& ^~VTE~S VIS0R LI \ TAKES ISSUE WIT d NEWSPAPER States That Conditions at Convict Camp Have Been MisrepresentedNo Whipping Allowed by Law. State Inspector Makes Examination. Discharged Guard Blamed for Revolting Rumors In iasl weeks issue of The Democrat there appeared an article which, near its close, made reference to certain unpleasant conditions rumored to have existed at the convict camp 011 Route GO just east of Deep Gap. s While rx> definite statement was made in the article concerninf? the treatment of convict? held there, or no accusation lodged against those in charge, it seems t b a t the "printed word" struck a sore spot i in the person, of Qnnorvia.. i D. R. Lida, who called Monday to I ask for an explanation of the origin | of the ramarks, as welJ as to offer t an explanation for of the ru! mors that have been flying thick ami fast in these fi&r'ts for the y;ast several weeks. Mr. Lida, to \> eg":r with, voiced rib objection to the ivbVd 'Avhippiiig boss" which appeared in the .story, and stated that no prisoner had ever been whipped in his camp since it was moved to its present location, j fie further revealed that the right I to use the whip was taken away from t supervisors by an act of the Genera' Assembly of 1024 and, so far as he knew, the law had never been violated. Solitary confinement on iiin Hed rations is* it appears, the only method of punishment allowed to be administered to State prisoners. Another revolting rumor which had to do with strapping the hands of Convicts high over their heads and leaving them on tip-toe for hours at a time, was branded as an unwarranted falsehood by Mr. Lida- According to his statement, no such treatment was ever accorded a prisoner. tin* only phase of punishment even remotely resembling this being manacling the blacks to a wall with hands in a more or less comfortable position for a few hours at a time. Mr. W. 11. Whitley of Raleigh, I x..ici iiiopctLoi iui one oiate welfare I Department. was a visitor at the con' vict camp last week-end, and Mr. I Lida is of the opinion that his report j on conditions found there will he sat! jstattbry to prison officials. The 80! odd negro convicts are said to he in I sound condition physically, and that | food furnished to them is good "such | It was also stated that the two : guards. Freeman and Gosnell, who were bound to court last week on charges of possession and intoxication. were hailed out by Mr. Lida. This was a mistake, although The Democrat did not question the source I of its information The prisoners were i furnished bond by another member of the construction force and were not returned to their duties as guards, as was stated, but to other wovk on the jobIt is the belief of the supervisor iha? a guard who was discharged recently for neglect of duty spread the gruesome stoiies to "get" even" with him for losing his job. Mr. Lida's story was logical from start to finish and casts quite a different light | on the unpleasant situation. iJosephus Daniels to Be College Speaker I Hon. .Josephus Daniels, editor of | the Raleigh News and Observer, who, I with Mrs. Daniels, is enjoying a brief stay at the blowing Rook Hotel, will ! deliver an address in the College Au| ditorium this (Thursday) morning at I 10 o'clock, to which the general pub| lie is invited. For several years the prominent I journalist and statesman has talked I to the students at seme time during | the summer, and while the subject, of his address today was net revealed, it is expected that a large number of town and county people will avail themselves of the opportunity of hearing him. BOONE MAN TO APPLY FOR COMMERCIAL PILOT'S LICENSE Korton Gragg, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Gragg. of Boone, leaves Monday for North Wilkesboro, where : he will resume his study of aero' nautics under the expert tutelage of ! Pilot Ed Newkirk, in charge of the 1 flying field there. Later in the mmitu : he will pro to the Charlotte Airport to add additional hours, of flying I time, and about the first of September exports to take the examination for commercial pilot's license. Young Gragg already has to his credit more than eighteen hours at the controls of a plane, is an enthusiastic booster* of the newly-inaugurated method of travel, and will, when he has received his "wings," be the first fuii-fiedged aviator ir. this county. Following necessary schooling, the local birdman will enter the U. S. Army Air Corps. NOTED MINISTER WILL DELIVER TWO LECTURES Elder R. L. isbell, of Lenoir, will I deliver a lecture on his recent trip i to the Holy Land at the Howard's * Creek Raptist Church Saturday night j August atn at 8 oVioeB. The revsr I end gentleman is an able speaker and his travel lectures have been widely j acclaimed. Mr. Isbell will also preach at the Advent Chnrch in Boone at the I i?(r und evening hours next j Sunday