m Fay ette ville 0b server "North Carolina's Oldest NewspaperEstablished 1817" VOL. XXXVI NO. 273. FAYETTEVILLE, N. C, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1921. PRICE: FIVE CENTS, cL FLM P IT fS) rf fo) if FRENCH SEEK BIG NAVAL INCREASE; ENGLAND KICKS Declare Such a Plan Would Upset Whole Plan for a 5-5-3 Beduction ENGLAND WANTS TO ABOLISH THE SUBS Texas Man Says South Believes the Arms Conference Is Big Success WASHINGTON,. Dec. 16. (By Associated Press.) The French delegation has presented a propos-i al lor so great an Increase In the strength of the French navy that the British declare such a program, . If carried on, would upset the whole plan for a 5-5-3 naval reduc tion. Although not yet entirely reveal- el, the British understand the French plan provides for the con struction of ten 35,000-ton super dreadnoughts in the ten years sub sequent to 1925. These vessels of a type similar, to the. American battleship Maryland, would give France a capital ship tonnage of 350.000, as against 315,000 for Ja pan and a preponderance of the "New Port Jutland" type craft over all nations. Italy, although indicating disap proval of such a building program, is said to have told the arms con ference Hhat If France constructs ten such ships, she must carry out a similar building program The combined French and Ital ian fleets thus would be some 200, 000 tons stronger than the British or the American allotments under the revised figures agreed on yes terday by the Big Three. Conference Success1 WASHINGTON, Dec. 16. For mer Representative Slayden, Dem ocrat, Texas, called today to cow' gratulate President Harding "on the wonderful success" of the Washington conference as "view ed by the people of the South." Mr. Slayden said as he left the White House that he had in his travels throughout the South, par ticularly in Virginia, found the peo pie pleased and contented with the accomplishments of the confer ence. Abolish Subs WASHINGTON, Dec. 16. (By Associated frers.) Arthur J. Bal HELP-TO BRIGHTEN WARD 1-5 AT OTEEN Miss Clements of the Red Cross at Oteen asks Fayetteville to send its Christmas cheer to the" men in Ward 1-5 Instead of Ward 1-4 as in 1919-1920. Ward 1-5 is for surgical cases, and very few visitors are allowed, so attentions frm outside are greatly appreciated. These soldiers do not need to have a special appeal made for them. What they are and where and why is sufficient. Because there Is so little time in which to act, will all who can give jelly please mark carefully Oteen and send it to the Rest Room by Monday night. Money marked Oteen, or checks made to Treasurer of Oteen Fund may be left there or mailed to me by Monday night. Last year the boys in Ward 1-4 (Fayetteville's ward) won the prize for the best decorated, they enjoyed doing it and were proud of their work. Others must do the decorating for the boys in Ward 1-5. Let's make it all the jollier and more beau tiful for that reason. LIZZIE LAMB, Treasurer Oteen Fund. SENATORS AGREE TO STAY UNTIL NEXT TUESDAY Thirty Members of State Senate Agree to This in Order Pass Act i iwui, ncau jl mt3 X3MIIHI1 UHiega- tion, gave notice today that Great Britain would propose to the arms conference the total abolition of submarines. by MA XABERNATHY RALEIGH, N. C, Dec. 16. Thir ty members of the senate on roll call agreed to - remain over until Tuesday morning in order to pass the Municipal Fnamce Act after the senate had complied with the request of the house , for the re turn, of the act and the bill, validat ing the school tax levies for the past year. The Municipal Finance Act had passed second reading and this was reconsidered and the bill sent back. (Senator Varser explained that the bill will go on second reading in the House Friday, third reading Saturday and then return to the senate for first reading on Satur day, second reading Monday, and third reading early Tuesday morn ing. Stubbs did not think this le gal as It woul put the bill on third reading in the house Saturday and first reading In the senate the same day, but Varser said numer ous supreme court opinions held that this was all right. By a strictly parsian vote the house passed the Townsend bill re storing the town limits of Rose- boro to the original line before tlie SEVENTH GRADE PUPIL IS WINNER HERE THIS WEEK TRIED FOR ASSAULT In Recorder'!? Court this morning B. L. Dixon, deputy sheriff and a i member of the Law and Order . . . League of Grays township, was tri- ureurge weiseiS Writes ed on charges of an assault on W. On His Favorite Char acter in History and Wins MUCH INTEREST IS BEING DISPLAYED Many are Given Honor able Mention; Writes Essay On Robert Morris J. Brocklngton when the latter went to Dixon's home to try to collect a bill. Testimpny of the State was that Dixon seized Brock ington by the coat collar, threw him to the ground and ordered him to leave his premises. Defendant denied having cursed Brocklngtou, and said he became angry because Brockington contradicted him. Dixon was scored by the State for assaulting Brotkington when he (Dixon) was an officer of the law and sworn to keep the peace. The court found defendant guilty and fined him $25 and costs. An ap p;.il t" Sup ri r :' urt was taken. Jim Natt, colored, was tried on a charge of stealing" a quantity of clothing. He was found not guilty. Caldwell Will Speak in This City Tonight limits were changed during the Closing rays im last session wimn E. C. Caldwell,, grand councillor a large amount of property belong of the United Commercial Travel- ing to Representative Owen was ers for the" Carolinas, will speak taken out of the town limit, tonight In the offices of Chamberl When the bill come up. Byrd of Commerce at 8 o'clock. AH moved that it be tabled but the manufacturers, jobbers and sales- democrats were watching for it men are urgently requested to be 'and insisted that the motion to present as Mr. Caldwell's subject; table It be withdrawn until expla The "Observer Composition" contest was won this week by George Wlesels, a seventh grade pupil in Miss Mildred Frye's room of the Central School, the subject being "My Favorite Character in History." The school authorities have tho roughly enjoyed the response of the pupils to the request that they write on their favorite characters in history literature. It Is inter esting to observe that practically each child wrote on some charac ter in history. While it is true that some of the greatest charac ters who have ever lived have liv ed In fiction, it is gratifying to know that the school children are really turning their serious atten tion to the men in history who have been brave, 'honorable, and unselfish. Here is a list of a few the theme subjects: Robert Morris, a merchant in the Revolutionary times; Robert B. Lee, the great southern general; George Wash ington, the FatheR of his Country; Henjamin Franklin, one of our most noted self-made men; Thom as A. Edison, a great contemporary American scientist and inventor; LaFayette, the brave and unselfish Frenchman, who endeared himself to thel hearts of all Americans dur ing the Revolutionary war; John Paul, a Revolutionary hero; Ser geant Jasper, another Revolution ary hero; Abraham Lincoln, the great preserver of the Union; and so oh. Parents may rest assured that children cannot go very far wrong when they are looking with wor shipful eyes upon the deeds and lives of the greatest men the world has produced. There is perhaps no greater influence that comes in to the life of the child, than the influence of our leading characters in history and literature. The wlpning theme follows: "MY FAVORITE CHARACTER IN HISTORY "By George Weisels "Seventh grade pupil in the Cen tral School "My favorite character In history Is Robert Morris, a wealthy Penns ylvania merchant, who during thel Winter o 1776 and 1777 reallyi rn narlne that memorable stand saved our army and our cause. Lf the famous English general at F. E. Brunson and R-. D. Brun Bon were tried on the charge of assault and reckless driving. The evidence of the state was that de fendants were driving up the hill this side of McNeill's bridge on Lumberton road and turned to the left to pass two cars ahead when they ran into the car of J. D. Hall, who was descending the hill on the right In the car with Hall were Oscar Faircloth and Miss Mabel Tatum. Faircloth Iwas seriously hurt while, both cars especially Brunson's were badly damaged. The court found probable cause in the case of R. D. Brunson drlv er'of the car, a lad, and bound him over to Superior court in the sum of $200. The case against F. L. Brunson was dismissed. The Bran sons are from Robeson county, while all the occupants of Hall's car are from Cedar Creek township, this county. DEFINITE MOVE IS ON TO WIDEN THE CAPE FEAR Bill Introduced in Con gress Recently Calls for Survey of River CROOK REPEATS SLICK -TRICK ON MERCHANTS HERE This Time Member of Observer Force Re ceives Goods Ordered by Crook The other day the Observer car ried a local story of a man who was practicing a swindling game bv going to various stores, order ing goods and directing that they be sent to a certain family or a certain house in the oity, pretend ing purchaser, taking part of the troods with him and promising to be at the house and pay the bill when the balance of the goods got there. Yesterday the swindler again worked the game, the goods going to the home on Adama) street of C O. Bland, of the Observer force.. A delivery wagon carried a lot of goods to Mr. Bland's house for a, Mr. Williams, who the delivery man said, had bought them and was to pay for them when deliver ed. The supposed Mr. Williams had carried a lot when he gave the order. STATE FORESTRY MEN WILL MEET AT WILMINGTON Annual Meeting: of Asso ciation Will Be Held Friday, January 27 CITIZENS SHOULD GET BEHIND PLAN Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce Is Working Hard to Pass the Bill KIWANIS PRESENT CHECK TO BURNS AT MEET TODAY Favette ville 's Wonder Eleven Guests of Kiwanis This Afternoon "At that time, the merchant would not take the worthless paper money in exchange for supplies, and the soldiers would not accept Waterloo many years ago to the more than famous stand taken by Fayetteville's Wonder Eleven at Chapel Hill when New Bern and it af pay. Washington would have i Winston-Salem both were within will be one that will be beneficial to all. Mr. Caldwell is a forcible speak er and it will be interesting to hear him. UL8TER OFFICIALS IN LONDON TODAY nation of the bill could be made. This was done and all democrats voted for the bill and all republi cans against It. The senate passed on final read ing the Everett bill clarifying the revenue bill regarding the right of railroads to appeal to the state courts. The house passed the senate bill increasing the pay of Adjutant General Mettsfrom $3,000 to $4. 500 placing tha't office on a parity with other state offices. LONDON Dec. 16. Sir James Craig, the Ulster Premier and Col one! Spender, Secretary of the Ul ster Cabinet, arrived In London to day for consultations regarding the Ulster position in the pending Ir ish settlement. Sir James told OrtiiTiem AcVa fnr connection with the Important, question of Ulster boundaries which the treaty stipulated ere to be fixed by a commission. Gold Bond Issue been compelled to disband his army, and even with hie bravery and skill, we would have lost, had It not been for Robert Morris, who raised $50,000 in gold on Ms own personal credit to pay the soldiers and supply the army with food, clothing and ammunition. "This act on his part set an ex ample for other men of means, and most of them gave all they had. It also put new vigor Into the hearts of the soldiers, and we all know the end.. We are now a free coun try I Perhaos but for Robert Mor- the very shadows of the Fayette- vi'le goal. Dr. T. M. West paid high tribute to the team which won the state high school football cham pionship this year, at the meeting "f the Fayetteville Kiwanis Club held at 1 o'clock this afternoon at the K. of P. hall. The Wonder Eleven, the lads that are the heroes of Fayetteville todav, were the honored guests of the Kiwanis Club at the meeting this afternoon. In anpreciation of the wonderful work done by Coach Robert Burns BAND CONCERT AT CAMP BRAGG SUNDAY WASHINGTON, Dec. 16. The Southern Railroad asked the Inter state Commerce Commission todav (Tor permission to issue and sell Trapolino to Direct Consolidated Band at Camp Next Sunday rls, the United States would ,til i here this year, the Klwanlans pre- ba an Enoii.h r.oionv sented him witn a cnecK lor it. The contestants who deserve honorable mention are as follows: Donaldson School a donation from the members of the club. The Kiwanis Club will Join the Rotary Club and the Elks in the (Special to The Observer) CHAPEL HILL, Dec. 16 The Eleventh Annual Convention of the North Carolina Forestry Associa tion will be held in Wilmington, N. O., on Friday, January 28, 1922. The program is being arranged so that several of the most important forestry problems now before the people of the State, such as high way planting, county cooperation in forest fire prevention, State or Federal forest control, etc., will be brought up for discussion by some of the leading authorities on these subjects. A plan Is also on foot to organize an excursion the following day in to the long loaf pine forests of New Hanover county. Within ten miles of Wilmington are to be found some of the best second growth longleaf pine forests in the State, and the opportunity will be given for out of town delegates to visit, them. Wilmington is a popular winter resort and as all the hotels are liable to be well. filled throughout January, all those who plan to at tend this meeting nhould make their reservations well in advance. The Wilmington Chamber of Com merce is heartily cooperating with the Association and suggests that reservation be made during the first week in January. Rooms may be secured at the Orton, Wilming ton and the Coast Line hotels, all of which are run on the European plan. Cafes are run in connection , with these hotels and there is an Definite plans for the establish ment of eight feet of water In the Cape Fear river, so that Fayette ville may' enjoy water transporta tion, was started by the introduc tion of the following bill on De cember 12, by Congressman II. L. Lyon of this district. The secretary of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce received a letter with a copy of the bill en closed from Congressman Lyon and from indications derived there from thinks that this bill will be favorably received and that action will soon be started to the com pletion of this worthy project. A copy of the bill is reproduced below so that everyone may see what steps are being taken to have this project rushed through to com pletion: 67th Congress 2nd Session. H R 9509. In the House of Representatives December 12, 1921. Mr. Lyon introduced the following bill; which was referred to the committee on rivers and harbors and ordered to be printed: A BILL Authorizing the secretary of war to make a survey of the Cape Fear river above Wilmington, North Carolina. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Con gress assembled, That the secre tary of war be, and is hereby, au thorized to -make a survey of the Cape Fear river above Wilmington, North Carolina, for the purpose of ascertaining the feasibility of pro viding an eight-foot channel from Wilmington, North Carolina, to Fayetteville, North. Carolina, and to make a report upon same at the earliest possible date, showing the amount of necessary appropriation to nrovide saldj depth of channel. This matter Imust not be allowed to rest here, but evpry one in Fay etteville and along the Cape Fear river should do everything in their power to make this eight foot chan nel a certainty! The secretary of the Fayetteville Chamber of Coiiimprce will be very glad to receive any suggestions about this bill and will be glad to BUSINESS DISTRICT BADLY DAMAGED BY BLAZE LAST NIGHT Loss Estimated at Over $152,000; Short Circuit Be lieved to Have Been Cause; Fire Sweeps Down One Side of Main Street Destroying Seven Buildings; No One Injured (SPECIAL TO THE OBSERVER) L'OSKKOIU), Dec 1G Fire believed to h-.y. been started by a short circuit originating in t'L , . . way leading up to the recently, newly equippet. sonic lodge rooms, caused damages estimated to over $152,000 here last night. The heart of the business district of the towi was practically gutted, telephone communication Mas stopped temporarily and the town was without lights all night. Owing to the fact that the town has no water system, citizens were badly handicapped in fighting the blaze, which had gotten a good start before it was discovered. A bucket brigade- was quickly formed and the entire town tinned out to fight the blaze. j As far as could be learned no one was injured during the fire. Seven of the main business build ings and several offices were entirely destroyed. , The flames swept down one side of the main street in town. The buildings on the other side of the street were damaged to some extent by the in tense heat, but the flames were kept from spreading to that side by the heroic efforts of the volunteer fire fighters. - , , , : . Burns All Night MANY OUT OF TOWN SHOPPERS ARE HERE Numbers of out-of-town peo plewell dressed, nice-appearing men and women are seen in this city everyday going In and out of the stores, presum ably shopping. Doubtless they have been reading the adver tisements in the Observer of our merchants, and surely they are finding that Fayetteville is the' place to do this shopping every day in the year. excellent Y. W. cT A. cafeteria rewrdta near by. Accommodation at good boarding houses can also be secur ed. The North Carolina Forestry As sociation was organized in 1911 and since that time it has been one of the chief instruments in bring ing the people of the State to real ize the need for forest conserva tion. It Is planned to celebrate the full ten years of useful endeavor by holding such a meeting that the second ten years will be started with greatly renewed enthusiasm. It is hoped that all men and women of North Carolina interested In the progress of forestry will plan to attend this meeting and do their part to bring about better forest conditions in our state. same. The Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce Intends to stay behind this matter and push it to a com pletion so that Fayetteville may be able, in the near future, to en 1oy water transportation and take Its rightful place as a distributing center of this portion of the state. Let us all get behind this mat ter and if you are not already a I member of the Fayetteville Cham ber of Commerce, join today so that this . matter may be satisfac torily brought to a close. This is oniv one of the matters that the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce 130.000.000 4n mid bond to bear teacher: Lillian Walker, sixth interest at six and a half per cent. lade, Mrs. A. L. Thompson, teach- to mature Anril 19SK. The road proposes with the funds thus ob tained to pay $22,588,000 for re- Joel Snyder, fourth grade. Miss: vnovfl to Provide Christmas baskets Vera Bennett, teacher; Frances lfor ,he Door of the community, it Pope, fifth grade, Miss Ruth Jones, I was decided at the meeting There will be a concert by the Camp Bragg consolidated band Sunday, December 18, 1921, from 3:30 to 4:30 p. m., weather permit ting, in the band stand. The pro gram follows: i 1. . ' March Land of Moa Lithgow. Overture Siege of Rochelle Balfe. s . Suite ' Balet Egyptian (a) Allegro Non Tioppo. (b) Allegretto. (c) Andante Sontonulo. (d) Andante EspreMivo. 4. Cornet Solo For All Eternity Mascheroni. E. Selection ' Greenwich Village Follies 8Ione. 6. Finale African Lake. Band Director, Waldolph Trapolino. demption of outstanding ' short term notes and 12.355,000 to extin guish a government loan. The bal- Central School Edith Fortson. fourth grade. A, Miss Nan B. Williams, teacher; Charlotte Holland, fourth grade, B. Mrs. W. Q. Davis, teacher; Francis ance, the application said, will be Tyler, fifth grade. A2, Mrs. Curtis held in the treasury of the corpor-i Benton, teacher; Dorfs Hardy, fifth tion as reimbursement for capi- grade B, Miss Lucy Gaston, teach- tal betterment expenditures alrea- er; Margaret Hobhs. sixth grade A, dy made. LITTLE BRUIN SAYS k. i wri i it f I kl LUdi sr forNoirtn C Miss Margaret Whitehead, teach er: William Marshe. seventh rrade AI. Min Mamie Gray, teacher; Helen Kelly, seventh grade B, Mrs. W. Q. pavis, teacher. The following teachers of the Central school acted as Judges: Mrs. Curtis Benton, fifth grade A, teacher; Miss Lucy Gaston, fifth Itrade B. teacher; Mrs. W. Q. Davis fourth grade teacher. The mibiect for this week was "My Favorite Character in History or' Literature," the subject an nounced for next week is "The Best Christmas I Ever Had." Weather for North Carolina: Increased cl -udioeM followed by rain Saturday and In west portion tonight; warm, fresh northeast. shifting to southeast, winds. Maultsbv Funeral Is Held Here Thursday The funeral of D. S. Maultsby, who died in Portsmouth. Va., Tues day, waa held at the residence of his brother, T. H. Maultsby, in this citv, Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, conducted by Rev. H. A. Humble, pastor Hay Street Metho dist Church, assisted by Rev. T. H. Sutton and Rev. C. E. Manes The rall-bearerg were: E. A. Poe, Q. K. Nlmocks. Dr. J. H. Judd. idicates Dr. J. W. McNeill, R N. Prior and "There are at least two such svn H. S. Sedberry - dicstea." Dr. Kohloss said, "alleged ito be operated bv men who stand Rotarians Will business wsv and 'otherwise, while TTpIn Poor Out not Personally engaged, they furn- ,fellow who ar doinr the work.1 SAYS MOONSHINE SYNDICATES ARE OPERATING HERE Prohi Director of North Carolina to Take Steps to Break Them Up WASHINGTON, Jjpc 16. Opera tion of gieantlc moonshine syndi cates in North Carolina was re ported to Prohibition Commission er Haines today by R. A. Kohloss, Prohibition director for the State. The Federal Convmiswiofler gi instructions that every possible step be taken to break up the syn SIXTH DISTRICT BANKERS ELECT OFFICERS HERE Interesting Meeting Held Here Yesterday: Or ganization Is Formed A meeting of the bankers of the sixth district was held in the Fay etteville Chamber of Commerce Rooms on Thufcvlay afternoon Dec. 15th, 1921 at 1 p. m. Banks from Cumberland, Robe son and Harnett counties were rep resented and Mr. C. S. Hicks was Is engaged in and every man In pitted Temporary Chairman and ajruc.inr .,...,.1... ail.l w . Williams elve his influence to the Chamber Mr 1'acy w,mams of Commerce, so that Fayetteville Secretary. may soon take its rightful place Upon motion Mr. C. S. H'cks of In the business world of North ithe Rank of Harnett, Duke Bank Carolina. of Lillmgton was elected Secretary Friends Mystified at Suicide Today RAN FRANCISCO, Cal., Dec. 16. Friends of Congressman Elston here and at his home in Berkley, across San Francisco bay, express ed themselves as mystified todav by reports from Washington indi cating that he ha dtaken his life. Mr. Elston occupied a respected place in the community and his ca reer, both as an attorney and as a member of Congress, was re garded as successful. He was serv ing his fourth term in Congress. Associates here agreed that Mr. Elston was disappointed keenly ovr failure of legislative plans which would have placed the pro posed Pacific naval base at meda in his home district. Ala- Commission to Take Definite Action Now PARIS, Dec. 16 fBy Associated Press. The a'Hed reparations commission, meeting today to con- At the meeting of the Fayette- Dr. Kohloss reported the capture sider the German notice of inabil AT FEDERAL COURT Sheriff N. H. McGeachy and Offi cers Kelly, Benton and BIndeman have returned from Raleigh, where they went to attend Federal Court. ville Rotarv Club held last evening nd destruction of m stills in sixty ii was oecidea inai me ciud wouia days in North Carolina join witn tne iks ciud ana me Kiwanis Club in providing Christ mas cheer for the poor of Farette ville and Cumberland county. Other important business mat ters were transacted by the-club THEATRE BURNS MOTTLTRIB. Ga.. Dec. 1 Fire early today destroyed the Capitol Theatre, resultimr in an estimated and the meeting was an entirely u, of 5o,0O0 with $ 6.000 Insur successful one. Itoca. ' ity to psv the next two install ments in full, and renuestlng exten sion of time, virtually agreed that the commission itself should take definite action on the request in stead of referring the question to the allied governments. It was announced that the com mission would meet again this afV ernoon to discuss the matter. of the organization A constitution and by-laws were drawr uo and accepted by the or ganization and an Advisory Com mittee, consisting of Mr. A. B. Mc Millan of the National Bank of Faypftevilio. Mr. T. O. Evans of the Bank of Maxton and Mr. M. T. Molrs of the Bank of Whiteville were duly elected. A Resolution approving the co onerative marketing in the State of North- Carolina was presented and adonted. Several of the bank ers gave interesting talks of the every day problems of the bank ing world, and Mr. E. R. MacKeth n. Mavor of Fayetteville gave a short talk on a vital ouestion af fecting the banking interests of North Caijolina. Col. Jas. R. Young, of Raleigh was to have addressed the meeting: but was unavoidably detained and could not be present. The meeting adioumed to meet some time in the spring. The fire was discovered about 11:15 o'clock last night and it burn ed -practically. the entire night. The business district today is a mass of wreckage. Two stores that were occupied bv A. R. Harris & Son were com pletely destroyed. One store occupied by F. A, Caison and Company was complete ly destroyed. The stores occupied by T. W. Rowell, George Thomas, Ed. Bill iard and the Butler Furniture Com pany were all destroyed. -- Practically none of the goods or stocks from the stores mentioned above were saved. Tho damages to the above men tioned stores was estimated this morning at $150,000. Fronts Damaged The fronts on the stores on the other side of the street were prac- tically all wrecked and destroyed. The stores damaged in this man ner were: Clarke Drug Store. W. A. Watson & Son and Dr. O. E. Underwood's office. It Is estimate ed that the damages to these places were $2,000. The law office of E. Q. Robert son suffered slignt damages, esti mated at $100. The dental office of Dr. D. P. Bollard was also slightly' damaged. Damages estimated at $10,0. Damages to the Masonic Tpm pie which was over one of the stores destroyed, are estimated to be $300. The temple had lust re cently iieen newlv equipped. Mrs. E. E. Wyatt, who lived over one of the stores, was completely Temporaryiburned out. Harris Heavy Loser A. R. Harris is believed to bo the heaviest loser. He owned two or three of the buildings which were destroyed and it fir believ vl that the goodi destrovpd in b! stores were worth $30,000. All of the stores had son -suranoe, hut none were . . " full amount. The loss by buildings v mated this morning as folio. A. R. Harris, two stores, $2 F. A. Caison, two stores, $1S George Thomas, $10,000. A. J. Simmons. $10,000. Butler Furniture Company, $12, 000. This does not include the loss from destruction of stock and goods In the stores. SUNDAY SCHOOL IS NEARING COMPLETION CLOSING COTTON E. J. Wells, cotton merchant re ported local cotton middling today at 16 12 to 17 cents with 100 bales for sale. New York closing cotton is as follows: December 18.00 January 17.81 March 17.76 May 17.43 July 16.9S The Sunday school building ot the First Presbvterian Church, on Bow street, is ranidly nearlng com pletion. The walls are up and the roof is being put on. The building Is large and presents a fine ap pearance from the street. THIS SECTION HAVING FINE WEATHER NOW As a citizen remarked the other day. It seems that the -weather couldn't be bad for any length ot of time in this Sandhill section if it wanted to. This morning it was really cold, but the afternoon run rendered the atmosphere' de lightful and Spring-like, . .