IV VOLUME XLIII, 5JO. 13 SPURUNG LSFIlil DEM. SOLICITOR IN NEARLY 38 YEARS W r M 1 1 \l/-. r '<>> ? I.. . W. ?1IU nan i which Watauga became a part by ar act of the past General Assembly it will be remembered by older res idonis of the county that this was the first time in nearly thirty-eight that a Democrat has officio tec I in this capacity here. According to J. C. Fletcher, U. S title inspector, who for many years was a member of the local bar, W. C. NewSand, of Lenoir, was the last regular Democrat who was elected solicitor in this district, which at that time was the Fourteenth. The old Fourteenth District was marfp r.r i. of the following counties: Watauga, Ashe, Caldwell, Mitchell, Yancey, Burke, McDowell, Polk, and Henderson. 'Mr. Newland, if Mr. Fletcher's I memory serves him right, succeeded Hort Bowers, who had for several years served in a most able manner. In 1894, J. F. Spainhour, running as an independent Democrat with the endorsement of the Republicans, defeated Mr. Newland. This was in fusion days, and the campaign Was hotly contested. Brother arrayed himself against brother, and the numerous factions fought with "claw and fang" to reorganize the somewhat depleted ranks of the DemocIn 1898 Mr. Spainhour was the "regular ' Democratic nominee, and was opposed by the late Mose Harshaw, of Lenoir, who for several years previous had exemplified him self as one of the leading barristers of the district. A bitter struggle ensued, filled to the brim with exciting crooks and turns, but when the vote was tabulated, Harshaw was the winner by one of the smallest majorities ever given a candidate in the district. It is pointed out by Mr. Fletcher that feeling still ran high against Spainhour, occasioned by his "bolt" from the party in *94, and that many regujara of the Democratic party refusedio g^e Tfiffi their support in that memorable election. Mr. Harshaw served as solicitor ior two terms, retiring from office in 1906. His native wit and ability as an attorney had made him most popular :,n the courts of the district, ar.d many stories are yet told by oldtimers of humorous incidents which took place during this period. The late lamented Frank A. Linney sue W AXIIiCllttll, U1UI lOl Ctgllb V CU1 o fi served the State in brilliant manner. He The General Assembly uf 3 913 re(K districted the State, and Watauga He- became a part of the Seventeenth, to. which comprised most of the "rockribbed Republican counties of North If Carolina. Hi In 1914, Johnson J. Hayes, who is now judge of the Middle District Federal Court, became prosecuting j| attorney, and held the office until 192(1. His law partner, John R. Jones was elected nt. that time, and was reelected by a small majority in 1930. However, the Geheral Assembly of 1931 made Watauga a part of the Sixteenth, and as Democrats put it, "redeemed the county from a district which is apt to remain Republican for time immemorial." Mr. Sperling's straightforward methods of dealing with a docket hame made for him, already, many friends in the county, and members of the local bar predicL for him a brilliant career in the courts of the district. Lees-McRae Wins First Grid Game of Season Banner Elk.? The Lees-McRae Bulldogs eked out a 13-0 victory over Ciossnore in the opening game of the season Saturday afternoon at Crcssnorc.' The first half was uneventful except for "Father Lumpkin" Dillon, Lees-McRae lia'fback, who intercepted a pass and carried the ball 20 yards. Both teams started slowly and no tnnk nlncp flimni* the first half. Bob Agle, Lees-McRae's driving fullback, pushed over a touchdown in the third quarter, carrying the ball through the lir.c, and another in the fourth quarter when lie car' _ ried the ball around the right end. Agle also caught a pace for the ?xtra point, making a score of 13 to 0 in favor of the Bulldogs. Crossnore put up a pretty fight, with Captain "Bed" Farmer as their outstanding player. ADOPT DAUGHTER Bev. and Mrs. L. F. Kent of Valli Cruris returned from Greonshorc Tuesday where they received an 11 months-old girl from the Children': Home Society, whom they have adop ted. The now member of the Ken family bears the name of F.lizabetl Lane. A Non-Partisan f BOOI> Lenoir Negro Is Fair and Square With Court | Luller WelUj ""jro. was ^ assessed trie costs in a whisky case k by Judge Moore last week and couldn't raise the coin. He told His Honor, however, that if he were " in Lenoir he could make the ra??^ and could appear back before the court the following afternoon. The j, jurist told the negro to "go get it/* and as the defendant left the room the judicial mind was convinced that Luther Wells and ?bis case [ were disposed of for good. But the ^ Judge evidently didn't know his negroes, for next morning Luther was back before the court to exi plain that he couldn't secure the money in Lenoir, and to offer _j himself in lieu thereof. Judge j Moore had seen the extraordinary, and instead of imprisoning the | dusky offender, allowed him six montkis, or until next term of court, to pay his debt to the state. ? ; POTATO GRADING AND PACKING TO COMMENCE TODAY Mountain Growers Exchange Issues Letter to Farmers Setting Fortfc Aims os Regards Potato Market Think Best to Market Scuds Be. fore Freezing Weather. Represcn tative of Brokerage Firm Here. There will be no high prices on potatoes this season in the opinion of officials of the Mountain Growers Exchange and they arc of the opinion that the product should be disI posed of early so as to avoid the danger of freezing as well as subsequent shrinkage. Grading and packing is expected to begin today (Wednesday) and a circular letter has been addressed to Watauga producers outlining the plans of the organzation and asking for information as to number of potatoes on hand, etc. The full text of the communication which is signed by Smith Hagaman as president and John W. Hodges as Secretary of the exchange, follows: "We will begin grading and packing potatoes Wednesday, September 30, in John W. Hodges' warehouse. In the spring, leading growers in this and adjoining counties met here; and after full investigation, docided order to market our crops we should work together and have our potatoes graded and packed No; I stock, as is done in other sections of the country, so that we can build a reputation for our products that will enable us to build our business from year to year. Mr. H. D. Andrews, of Mt. Olive, N. C., who devotes his whole time to the marketing of fruits and vegetables, is here I to personally look after the marketj ing. For him to remain here long it ill, of course, he necessary to move the crop fast enough to justify. With business conditions so poor and so many people out of work, which cuts down buying, the indications are that there will he no high prices the coming season, and we believe that we will come out as well or better to market the bulk of our potatoes before freezing weather and save the additional loss by shrinkage and the risk of freezing. "Please advise Mr. Andrews or Sheriff Hodges about what you will have and when you expect to Wart so that proper arrangements can he made to handle them as delivered. We can aiso handle your cabbage. Phone 15G. "A good part of the market, price will be advnnced along as shipments are sold, and a full settlement made monthly. This is the plan decided upon last spring by the growers. Fairly good rates have been secured from the railroads so that we can ship to any market and greatly increase out outlet." .. 1 COMEDY TO BE REPEATED AT COURTHOUSE SATURDAY In response to requests for a second performance, the comedy play, "Melvina's Courtship," presented during the fair by members of the Agricultural and Home Economics clubs. win oe given again next Saturday night at 8 o'clock in the auditorium of the courthouse in Boone. This play was a splendid success and it received enthusiastic approval by the large audience present. A small admissin charge will be made, the proceeds to be used in the departments of home economics and Agriculture of the Gove Creek High School. The public is cordially hivited. OPEN MOLASSES FACTORY Messrs. I. E. Reese and C. F Thompson opened their molasses fac' tory at '{dnbel Wednesday, Mr Thompson, who was a visitor ii Boone last Thursday, stated that or i the basis of contracts already made - the plant will this yhar turn out ir } the neighborhood of two thousanc - gallons of sorghum. A copper evap t orator and sawdust filter are usei i and a superior. grade of syrup i: produced. .. ... . Newspaper. Devoted to th? IE, WATAUGA COUNTY, NORTH C iLOCAL YOUTH TO HEAD LAW SCHOOL AT WAKE FOREST Archie Quail* Receives Signal Honors at Baptist School. Will Re ceive LL. B Degree Next Spring as Well as His A. B. Has Beer Honored by Collegiate Fraternities. Career Not Outlined. News roaches Boone to the effect that Archie Quails, son of Mr. ami Mrs. J. L. Quails of this city, has woo outstanding honors at Walcc Forest College, by having been elected president of the law school, succeeding C. M. McCracken Jr., 01 F&irview. This recognition constitutes one of the highest honors within the giti of the southern college and the local youth is receiving the congratulations of many friends in this region. lie will receive the Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts degrees next spring. Mr. Quails is affiliated with the Gamma Etta Gamma National legal fraternity and a number of other ' fraternal orders. Ke has represented Wake Forest as a debater, and has gained distinction in other phases cf college activities. He is devoting his ' entire thought and energy to prep1 orations for practicing law, and has not as yet given any degree of con sideration as to where he will locate when he shall have graduated. Children from Orphans Home to Be Here Sun. i Mr. O. V. Woosley, superintendent, and seventeen of the children of the Methodist Home in WinstonSalem, will have charge of the evening service at the Boone Methodist Church, on Sunday, October 4th. The children will arrive in Boone at 5 o'clock, and will be given supper by Methodist families. The service at the church will begin promptly at 7 o'clock. The young people of the church are requested to meet the visitors at the church at 5 o'clock and escort them to their various homes. DISTRICT MEETING IO.E.S.CONVENESIN. | BOONE WEDNESD'Y Delegates from Eight Chapters in the Tenth District Meet With Daniel Boone Chapter. Speeches hy Mrs. Mangum, Grand Matron, and W. P. Hcnly, Grand Patron. Dinner Program at 5:30. Scores of delegates from the Tenth District, Order of the Eastern Star of North Carolina, are assembled in Boone today (Wednesday) for their | annual meeting as guests of Daniel j Boone Chapter No. 47. Mrs. Alice j Greer, District Deputy, of Elk Park, is presiding, and a large number of local members are in attendance at the afternoon session which convened at 2 o'clock. The programs for the afternoon and evening sessions follow: Afternoon Program Meeting called to order by district deputy; ritualistic opening, Daniel Boone Chapter No. 47; introduction of distinguished guests; welcome address, Mrs. Mae Belle South, worthy matron of Boone Chapter: response, Mrs. Geneva Arnold, Lineolnion Chapter; reading of minutes of last district meeting; reports of chapters in district; special music, Remmel Porter and Miss Ruth Coffey; draping the charter, Ashe Chapter No. 185; opening and closing the Bible, Hickory Chapter No. 1*55; draping the altar, Taylorsville Chapter No. 115; examination of a visitor, Catawba Valley Chapter No. 147; exemplification of ballot, Hibriten Chapter No. 140; short talks; uuestion period, Mrs. Bessie Ruck Mangum, Worthy CvfttMntrnn f -'?? t mcwuuj; vtiucu iivni labor to refreshment. Supper and entertainment takes place at 5:30 o'clock. Musical numbers will be furnished by Blanche Smith's Orchestra, and vocal selections by a colored quartet. Evening, 7:00 o'clock Meeting called from refreshment ! to labor; introduction of distinguish 1 ed guests; initiation, Cranberry ' Chapter No. 135; funeral ceremony, , Newton Chapter No. f87; musicale. Professor and Mrs. I. G. Greer; reopening of question perim; ?...! address, Mrs. Bessie Ruck Mangum, . Grand Matron; address, Mr. W. P. . Henley, Grand Patron; invitation to . entertain district meeting in 1932; i report of courtesy committee, readi ing and approval of minutes; closing , of District Meeting, i Chapters composing the Tenth Dis1 trict are: Daniel Boone No. 47, Tay. lorsville No. 115, Cranberry No. 135, 1 Ashe No. 185, Hibriten No. 140, Hic3 kow No. 155, Catawba Valley No. l -I, Newton No. 137. -.1"! .U .."IXA'ifef ' ',1 Ui-'U-hh>" i Best Interests of Northwe AROLINA, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1. WATAUGA SHE? 117AO matt rrniun nil' hh nui lniEJJ ii> FEDERAL COURT | -1 Denial t-Vat Sheriff L. M. Farthing and Deputy W. C. Norris Were , Fined in Federal Court on Cont tempt Charges Is Denied by Judge -I Hayes. Erroneous Reports Had Been Carried in Newspapers. The report which was carried by I The Associated Press in the newspa5! pers last Thursday to the effect that ? j Sheriff L. M. Farthing and Jailer W. C. Norris had been fined $300 ; and $100 respectively in the Federal Court in Wilkesboro on a contempt charge, brought forth a denial Fri! day afternoon from Judge Johnson . J. Hayes, who stated that the dis- ^ ' patch was erroneous and that no . ' date for hearing evidence against t Watauga officials had been set. ; The indictments against, the local officials were the result of charges brought on account of alleged irreg- 1 ularities in the handling of a Fed- } eral prisoner, Cecil Critchcr, during his recent prison term served here, and District Attorney E. L. Gavin, ' who lodged the indictments, says that nis case rests on information 10 tile1 effect that the prisoner was allowed J to lea\e the jail on occasions. S\mi-j lar charges are said to have been j brought against the Sheriff of Alle-i ghany and his jailer, and the satne story tells of their having received like fines. Whether or not this is true a is not known here. Demands Retraction ^ The Wilkes Patriot, in its Monday (] edition, also carried the report of the j, conviction of Sheriff Farthing and | Mr. Norris, and John E. Brown, at- }, torncy for the defendants, dispatched ^ the following telegram on Tuesday l; night: tl "Editor Wilkes Patriot, v North Wilkesboro, N. C. t "Your paper of September 28th h carries the story that Sheriff L. M. tl Farthing and W. C. Norris of Wa- ^ tauga, have been fined by Judge tl Hayes. This is false and I am expect- j' Ing a retraction. a "JOHN E. BROWN." v . ' ED STOKES TO BE ; jTRIEDlAGAINFOR I: FATAL SHOOTING: h Grand Jury Returns Bill Against ^ Cove Creek Man for Slaying Of j Ivy Greene Last Spring. Had Been Freed by Judtice of (jthe Peace. | * w;il T_: ?1 II-.-1 c?I U ...mm MS 1 > ICU VIHH spring j Term of Court. ' n Ed Stokes, Cove Creek citizen was P i arrested last Wednesday evening and ^ f placed in the county jail, after the ^ .grand jury had returned a bill against S | him in connection with the slaying ? of a neighbor, Ivy Greene, the fatal 11 ! shooting having occurred on the 21st j of last May, in the community in a 'which both men lived. Solicitor Spur- y i ling announced Thursday that the 1 | trial would not be enetercd into durj ing the term then in session, but I j would come up at the spring term t j of Watauga court. s | Stokes was released under a bond 1 of $5,000, signed by Ed. S. Williams, j. Myra Williams, G. W. Moody and s J. D. Stokes. c Once Acquitted 11 Stokes, it. will be recalled, answer1 ed the charge of firing the shots f\ which ended a neighbor's life, before Justice of the Peace J. S. McEridc on the 4th of June, and was acquitted after direct evidence ot c self-defense was introduced. Be- h cause of the overwhelming evidence d I in iftvov 01 tne aetenilant in ttie|s lower court it had not been gener- h ally believed there would be a grand r, jury investigation. b At the preliminary hearing Char- o lie McConnell, the only eye-witness, i: gave testimony that he was aecom- n panying Greene and the evidence in- d dicated that the slain man was look- a ing for Stokes, and the latter had a evaded him, changing his course to i avoid a meeting. They came face to h face however, and Greene was said h to have accused Stokes of poisoning s his dog a few years previous, and cursed him when denials were forth coming. Greene's anger was alleged to have waxed so hot that Stokes asked him to lay aside the shotgun 1 he carried. Instead of complying with \ this request, it was sworn, Green c began raising the gen toward Stokes* head. He was again told to drop the t weapon and when he continued to raise it. Stokes fired, the load tear- i ing away a portion of the thigh. L03S i of blood caused his death after he had been taken to the Banner Elk hospital. < It is remembered that a number 1 of witnesses testified as to the bad t blood which existed between the two men. and evidence was introduced f of threats which the slain man had made against the life of Stokes. ! 3CR^ st North Carolina 1931 Big Frost 39 Years &go, September 29th Tuesday morning the country roundabout was covered wibi the first frost of the season, and the whiteness of the landscape in the early hours indicated that the hoary visitor brought along all his chilly legions. No freezing has accompanied the first chill days, and practically no damage -Has been done as regards farm products. On September 29tn, 1892, or exactly thirty-nine years ago to the day, so the ancient files of The Democrat reveal, the first big frost of the season was noted. That Jack Frost should make two of his initial visits on the exact day almost two-score years apart pro~ rides, to say the least, a rare coincidence. jk AAA DI reiin e nr ULIOULU VI APPLES ON LARGE WATAUGA ORCH'RD ricld of Fruit at Valie Cruci* School Orchards tho Heaviest of All Time It In Believed. Picking Starts Today and Most of Fruit May Be Marketed from Warehouse Doors. School in Healthy Condition. Rev. L. F. Kent, rector of the Vele Cruets School for Girls, when shed tho fust of the week about he prospects for apples in the exensive orchards owned by the instill tion, said that never in the history f the school, perhaps, had the yield teen so uniformly heavy. He believes hat a safe estimate would place the arrest at from 30,000 to 30,000 ushels of the finest fruit the mounnin climate produces. Mr. Kent says; hat the picking of the gigantic crop; rill begin today and it is expected hat practically all marketing will e done direct to the trucks from he packing houses. Starks Delicious, Vincsap and Black Ben Davis are he varieties which compose the ma!>r part of the immense orchards, nd the timber is literally breaking rith its luscious load. School in Fine Shape The Valle Crucis School is in an xtremely healthy condition, accordtig to the rector; the institution is ut of debt, and notwithstanding the lepression there are as many girls nrolled. as is usual. There are 38 Cttrdfiig- and 60 day pupils, and sevn states are represented in the stuent body and faculty, as follows: Forth Carolina, South Carolina, Vtrinia, Maryland, Minnesota, Georgia, 'lorida and Ohio. The opening of the school was on he 17th of September, and the l'aclty is with one exception the same s last year, and consists of the folnving members: Miss Isabel Graves, rincipal; Miss Virginia Bouldin, liss Latitia Ricovd, Miss Basom, liss Virginia Sally, Miss Jane Dar-I rin, Miss Adelade Smith, Miss Viola | Itaraes (matron). Miss Alma Potts,i lis3 Blanche Gilbert (assistant to natron). The dormitory and school buildings s well as the home of the Rector re being repainted, and the plant /ill present a decidedly more pleasng appearance. Recent Visitors Hon. Haywood Parker, prominent tsheville attorney and chairman of he diocesan committee on church intitutions, was an over-Sunday visior at the scliocl. Rev. George Ilulburt, who was emporarily connected with the chool some years ago, is now assorted with Rector L. F. Kent in nission work. 4ANY PRODUCE MEN MAKE INQUIRIES AT LOCAL HOTEL Mr. J. L. Quails of the Commer ial Hotel, tells The Democrat that n the past two nights thirteen prouce buyers, traveling in tnicks, have topped at his house, and the foljwing days have gone about in earch of potatoes, apples and cab Hire. Mr. Quails regrets that in mast uses he is unable to give the buyers iiformatiou as to where the eomlodities may be secuved. He is not ealing in produce himself, but is nxious to be of service to his guests 3 well as the farmers. and says ll'.at f producers will advise him or his iotel of their holdings, quantity, etc. e will be glad to keep a record of amo and send the truckmen around. MAYOR'S COURT Following arc cases disposed of by Jayor Morctz which have not prcdously been carried ip The Demorat: Graham Teague, driving while inoxicated, not guilty. P. H. Hodges, drunkenness, ten lays suspended sentence to become n force if arraigned again in sixty lays. Defendant pays cost Cle.ve Johnson, drunkenness, ten lays suspended sentence to take ef'ect if arraigned again in 60 days, 'ays the cost Edgar Cook, reckless driving, not ruilty. Robert Winkler, affray. Bound to ?uperor Court. % $1.50 PER YEAR m STONE Gp IS 25 TO Qft VTAIX 1\T DFM i ?iv i iim? hi r A\T 1WITDK7D miTNT Ui^ H1?J1U| JI IUU11JL ) Deep Gap Man Sentenced By Judge Moore for Slaying of Mattic Bentley Last April. Insanity Pleas Fca ture Defense Arguments. Court is Adjourned Friday. The Complete | List of Judgments. Clint Stone, 35 year old resident I of the Deep Gap section was sentenced to a term of not less than 25 nor move than 30 years in the state prison by Judge Walter E. Moore in Watauga Superior Court last Wednesday afternoon, after having plead guilty of second degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Mattie Bentley, a neighbor woman on last April 30. His plea was immediately accepted by the state. Messrs Trivet to and Holshouser conducted the case for the defense : under the assumption that the de: fendaat was insane, and Dr. J. B. jHagarnan. county coroner, when pla i ceu on ure stand, was lree to admit that Stone's mentality was low. but j expressed the c onviction that he was j not insane. Bingham, Linney and Bingham and W. R. Lovill assisted | Solictior L. S. Spurling in the prosecution. At the instance of the Solicitor Judge Moore bad secured the summoning of a venire of 100 citizens and from that group and the regular panel a jury had been selected to hear Stone's case. Stony Fork township, the scene of the killing, was not included when the Sheriff summoned the veniremen. The murder, according to the story of the confession as related by the prisoner to Deputy Sheriff Clint Morris, soon after the tragedy, came | about after the defendant had been j enraged by letters alledgf dly written by the Bentley woman, demanding sums of money from him. An argument ensued as the two met on a mountain top near the Ashe-Watauga line that April morning and the woman fell, riddled by two charges from a 12-guage shotgun. There I were no eye-witnesses to the slaying j but Stone was taken into custody following the inquest and at the preliminary hearing before Justice Hahn Officer Nurris testified as to the confession. Adjournment Friday Superior court, adjourned Friday afternoon, after having disposed of what is regarded as a very heavy docket, as dockets go in Watauga ] county. Following is the list of the judgments which were not reported I in the last issue of the Democrat: Ransom Potter, liquor; 4 Months (Please turn to Page 81 Bowie Optimistic as Campaign Progresses Hon. Tam Bowie, of West Jefferson, an outstanding candidutc for the Democratic Senatorial nomina| tion, spent a few hours in Boone | Friday, and while here discussed his j campaign with party men who a;e I championing his cause in Watauga. Mr. Bowie has just, returned from an extensive tour of western counties, where he states sentiment is entirely satisfactory to his candidacy. The Ashe County man is receiving scores of letter daily from nil sections of North Carolina, all of them | bearing "good news," and the potenjtial Senator is beaming with a qualI ity of optimism that may spell disaster for his three "opponents in the j coming primary election. | Mr. Bowie, who is often referred to as "the Lion of the Mountains," 1mm is an aggressive campaigner, a fiery orator, an'! possesses a personality which is calculated to array behind him a militant legion of supporters. Appalachian Wins First Conference Grid Game The Mountaineers of Appalachian | State Teachers College eked out a 1G to 0 victory over l.tnoiv Rhyne | College at Hickory Friday night in ir,.. ? -e , I nT5 .fptnmft ox me i-iixic ftlX j C(inference. ] The score came in the first quarter when Hughes fumbled a punt on the 10-yard line and Triplett skirted right end for the counter. The kick for extra point was blocked by the Bears. The Bears bad plenty of offensive power but wore unable to furnish the punch in the pinches, due to an I ineffective passing attack, j With the exception of the beginning of the first quarter and ne ir the end of the last, the game wa3 played in Appalachian territory. MR. HEWITT ENGAGED IN MAKING AUDIT FOR COUNTY Mr. 0. W. Hewitt of A. M. Pullen and Company, certified public accountants with headquarters at Richmond, Vn., is now engaged in making an audit of the books of the county, including the records of the Board of Education, and all depart