Fhe Monroe Journal
PUBLISHED TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS
VOL.22. No. 2.
MONROE, N. C, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1916.
ONE DOLLAR A YEAR.
"CHURCH MEMBER" REPLIES
TO ItKMAItkS OF OUSEKYKR.
Rather Warmly Resents Reference
to Front Seat Member SuprMwte
Churches Were Made With all
"Hack Seats."
To the Editor of The Journal:
Permit me space to submit a few
remarks in reply to "An Observer."
who does not hesitate to take a thrust
at the front pew christians. His
thoughts are not smart or new. The
front pew christians, or prominent
church folks have been the target for
the world and self-righteous Phari
sees out of the church from time im
memorial. An. idiot can tear down
things material and also christian
character; but it takes courage, brav
ery and brains to build things, and
for eternity. Why not attempt the
impossible and build our churches
with all back neat.. The world and
the "more holy than thou" would
be deprived of a lot of their fun of
making criticism and Jeers at front
pew christians. But they would nose
around and find many other things
to criticise; for If they are looking
for faults and sins and hypocrites,
they can find them. But these christ
ians who can neved be itersimded to
come up to the front, and thereby
vacate a seat for some unsaved one,
are literally "standing in the way of
sinners."
Undoubtedly there has been many
a sinner who has stumbled into hell
over the bodies of so-called, timid,
weak-kneed, faltering, or "I-ani-not-good-enough"
christians who hiM
in filling up the back seats. "Ye will
not enter in yourselves, neither will
ye suffer those who would to enter."
I dare say if we could know, there
would be far more hypocrites occu
pying the back seats: because they
are too cowardly to get near the fir
ing line. They fear the shots from
the preachers' guns. It would be too
hot for him. He would really wish
for a back Beat so he could sneak
out and go to his own where he can
criticise the front pew christians to
the easing of his own pierced con
science. As to thp Incident of the
"Observer" and the colored man. He
may do all his good deeds with the
purest and best of motives but you
said, "We would never find him on
the front pew of any church. We
doubt if you would find him there at
all." Working Independent of God
Is he? So smart, so rmmI, so wise!
Such a lover of humanity! He could
even tell God a better way than the
church. He needs none of the blood
of Christ to save him. "There is
none other nam- under' heaven
whereby men may be saved," as
preached in our pulpits, does not ap
peal to him. He wraps his garments
of self-righteousness about him and
expects to step Into heaven In his own
good name and deeds. I want to
warn such as he that it will be said
to him, "I never knew you. ye are
none of mine." The Observer says I
"happened" to see the Saturday af
ternoon Incident, and he "happened"
to know of numerous other good
deeds that he did at Christmas time,
in an tinadvertised quiet way. But 1
perceive also that he has a nice unlet,
dignified way of letting you and per
haps others know It. Poor infinitesi
mal speck of humanity, "God made
him, therefore let him pass for a
man." I happen to know of another
goodf?) moral man in our town who
ridicules church folks and would not
do this or that, that prominent
church folkB do. He Is so pure, so
clean, so honest In his own sight, he
rarely enters a church and docs pood
deeds too, and brays on his compas
sion for the poor, etc. I also "Imp-
pen" to know this good! ?) man does
not pay his debts, and he adds to this
sin lying. He cannot commit one sin
alone.
I dare say your good! ?l man does
not believe In the thins the church
stands for, sending the gospel to the
heathen, feeding and clothing the
hundreds of children in our orphan
ages, educating the ministry, or chris
tian education, etc. No, he is strict
ly a local missionary, he does his
work here, where he can see (he work
of his own hands and pronounce it
well done, good and faithful servant,
of what? Your good men and the
Observer may say, "the front pew
christian Is hit." Granted. I am
.Sinner saved by grace. My loyalty to
cnristians and to the church to which
I belong constrains me to offer a de
fense against this unkind thrust.
CHURCH MEMBER.
Local and Comments from the Win
Kate Correspondent.
Correspondence of The Journal.
Wlngate, Feb. 3. Mrs. Gennie
Tucker, who has been In the Sanita
rium at Pinehurst for more than a
year taking treatment for tuberculo
sis, has recently returned to the home
of her parents, Mr. and Mrs, Billy
Griffin. The Indications are that
Mrs. Tucker has completely recovered
from her attack of tuberculosis.
Owing to unfavorable weaher con
ditions last Tuesday night the address
that was to have been delivered by
Rev. L. McB. White of Monroe to the
Y. M. C. A. at Meadow Branch was
postponed to next Tuesday night, the
8th inst.
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Braswell are
visiting Mrs. Braswell's parents, Mr.
and Mrs. E. L. May. Mr. and Mrs.
Brasswell will move out on the farm
near the home of Mr. Braswell's pa
rents. We wish them the very best
success in this the greatest and hap
piest and should be the most inde
pendent avocation that man ran fol
low. Mis Annie James of Pleasant Hill
has been employed aa operator at the
Wlngate telephone central In place of
Mian Walden who recently resigned.
Owing to high water lit the streams
ome of the carriers failed to cover
their entire routes Wednesday. Such
day are pretty tough for the boys
but they get good pay and deserve,
and we don't grudge nor covet their
places.
Mercury today 28 above zero. Jan
uary went out with the temperature
- to 70. It seems that weather con
u.iions are about as uncertain or ca
pricious as some human beings. The
month derives its name from Febrau.
a Roman feast held in honor of Lu
percus, the god of fertility. The name
comes from the word Februm and
signifies purilication. lustration. Well
if water in the shape of rain will pur
ify and cleanse then our section must
be pretty well disinfected for it rain
ed nearly 36 hours with a break.
Mr. R. L. Womble has about com
pleted his fish pond and it is a beauty.
The water covers about two acres of
ground and is fifteen to eighteen feet
deep in the deepest part. Mr. Wom
ble has placed his order with I'ncle
Sam's fish culture department for the
young fish with which to stock his
lake. We see no reason why Mr.
Womble should not make a grand
success in his new enterprise. One
thing sure, the undertaking will be
watched with deep interest. Some of
the young tribe suggest that Mr.
Womble build a bath house and fur
nish suits and charge a small fee for
the privilege of bathing in this nice
clear body of water. Capital idea.
It might be well as a matter of pre-
parednss for Mr. Womble to equip
himself with a couple of good double-
barrel shot guns as defense against
night prowlers. O. P. TIM 1ST.
HOT AFTER MR. PRICK
Mr. Vmiui Says That His Contentions
Are Absurd ami That He Waited
Till the l-ant Minute to Spring
I Hem.
Referring to the article which Mr,
J. N. Price published in the Enquirer
under date of February 3rd, I wish
to say that Mr. Price has very adroit
ly started, at the close of this cam
paign. to poison the minds of th
minds of the voters as to the merit
of the proposition to be voted on
Saturday, by an Ignorant misrepre-
sentation of the fact to be voted on
and an artful appeal against preju
dice.
Mr. Price's discussion of the mer
its of the proposition is too bungle-
some for me to stultify myself by un
swerlng it in detail. The only valid
contention is a contention that th
tax levied under the proposed plan I
In addition to the present lax. The
act Itself shows the contrary as Mr,
Price well knows. It seems that' In
this respect he knows more about th
statute law than the members of th
bar, akd probably he justly deserves
the condemnation which he said in
his last article I would give him wer
he to attempt to advise me on th
law. No money has been paid to th
speakers in his campaign and th
present outlook Is that the funds sub
scribed will be insufficient to meet
the expense. If that is the case
shall have to foot the bill. The rea
son speakers have to take thp slump
Is because such men us otir friotu
Mr. J. N. Trice try either bv lal
means or foul to divert attention
front the merits of the proposition.
Mr. Price was referred to as the
source of the statement that the coun
ty gave the chain gang to Monroe
township nnd that the amount o
propery was so small that no pro
vision was made for payment to the
county by the township for the prop
erty turned over. Mr. Price admits
this Is his last article.
This being the case and this being
the only reference lo Mr. Price I fai
to see bow lie has been dragged into
this controversy.
Waiving the pleasantries of a per
sonal nature which Mr. Price In
dulges in. the fact remains lliat while
he says he Is In favor of good roads
for sonie unknown reason he opposes
the only reasonable proposition that
the people will have a chance to vote
on. For the sake of the trilling oppo
sition which he points out, he is will
ing to perpetuate the present rotten
system of road management, of
which. In his townshjp, he Is one of
the high officials. Of course Mr
Price Is opposed to this plan: it will
prize him loose from the petty an
thority which bo now exercises.
My friend Jim knows better than
this bosh that he published in the pa
per. If he did not kaow better he
would not have waited until the last
minute in the hope of precluding a
full answer to his ridiculous conten
tions. Respectfully,
J. C. M. VANN, Sec'y
Good Roads Association.
A Tackey Pally.
Correspondence of The Journal.
Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Rogers de-
ligtfully entertain a number of their
friends at a "tacky party" at their
home In west Monroe township last
Friday evening. A number of enjoy
able games were played and run pre
vailed throughout the evening. Prizes
were awarded to the "tackiest'' girl
and boy. They were won by Miss
Roberta Penegar and Mr. Rov Se-
crest. Those enjoying the hospitali
ty or Mr, and Mrs. Rogers were: Miss
es Etta Secrest, Eva Moser, Maizle
Helms, Guynes Rape. Blonue Secrest.
Roberta Penegar and Rosa Rogers;
Messrs. Vade Rogers, Duncan Gor
don, Judd Rollins, Roy Secrest. Mark
Merorkle. John Inrhester. Pick
Gordon, Webb Howie. Sam Winches
ter. Clarence Secrest. Bruce Helms
and Doff Rape, Mr. and Mrs. Post el I e
Pennlger. Mr. and Mrs. Raymond
Gordon, Mr. and Mrs. tawrenre Long
and Mr. and Mrs. George Fuuder
burk. They all declared It lo be one
of the most enjoyable occasions of
the season. . 1
Miss Etta Bell Stevens of Littleton
is visiting relatives here.
MR. tJHF.F.X REMARK
OX OPINIONS OK MENS.
PRICK AXI LITTLE.
Sy Their Judicial Opinion Are Not
Weighty In the Present Case
Time to i:e Above Trivial Detail.
After Squire Zeb Little's judicial
court (rural) had studied the pro
posed road law for six weeks with the
sole purpose of finding "boogers" and
defects, it doubtless occurred to
Squire Little often during all his la
borious mental strain, that the big
gest "booger"'he could throw at the
average voter and tax-payer would be
to render the solemn judicial opiuion
that the adoption of the proposed law
DOES NOT automatically repeal oth
er road laws already on the statute
books and that, therefore. If adopted,
it would add all the tax provided for
in the new bill to our present town
ship road taxes without making null
and void the legal requirement for
levying the present township taxes,
right along. AFTER the ADOPTION
OF THE NEW LAW. Nothing look
ed quite so good as a means for play
ing upon the prejudices of the unin
formed as this contention that we
would be compelled to operate under
both the old law and the hew law
AT THE SAME TIME. But Squire
Zeb Little and the members of his
rural supreme court of opinions hes
itated about using this "booger" for
feiir that it tt'nulil nluno thorn fn n
laughable attitude, and unless his!hR "Plendid road law,
court takes courage form the bold
and courageous opinion handed down
from Mr. Jim Price's court I don't
believe this Marshville township ru
ral court will have the nerve to ren
der this supplemental opinion. Be
sides, Mr. Little's court well knew
that no board of county commission
ers In Union would ever have the
nejve to even consider seriously a
proposition to levy taxes under pro
visions of both laws, regardless of the
legality of such procedure.
I was fully aware that my friend
Jim Price was against the proposed
road law, but I confess that 1 was
disappointed with the plane upon
which he made his discussion. In this
age of rural mail delivery the READ
ING farmer has become a THINK
ING farmer and old campaign meth
ods of brow - beating and "chal
lenging contradiction" are as Ineffect
ive and as much out of date as the
stage coach is out of date. Emphatic
statements of individual opinions
have very little Influence now with
the modern reading farmers who have
learned to study things and invest!
gate for themselves. I expect that
I am surprised at Mr. Price's posltiv
and emphatic declarations, his insin
uations that an opponent who differs
from his opinion Is "balled up" and
that others have not studied the prop
osition deeply because they happen
not to agree with him in his peculia
construction of the law.
Mr. Price is not a lawyer and not
withstanding his "challenge for con
Irailiction," no court in this country
would be disposed to accept the Judl
ciul opinion of a layman who has lit
tie knowledge of fundamental law, it
matters not how emphatically ho may
declare that he KNOWS he is right
Men of all ages of advancing tivili
zuiion have clung to error and have
declared emphatically that they wer
correct when thev were not correct
They veto honestly i.'.istaken.
it is not my purpose to render a
legal opinion as to this measure
When the late Henry II. Adunifl draft
ej this new road law (by copy of the
Iowa road law) he stated positively
that if the law Is udoptcd it will au
tonmticall) repeal the present road
law of this county. The other law
yers with whom I have talked are of
the same opinion. Regardless of the
legal phase It will not be presumptu
ous for me to say that a common
sense construction of the law will
have the effect of annuling the pres
ent law, and those who udmiuistc
laws, after all, are governed by prae
ileal common sense. . For Instance,
if the application of the new law does
not automatically repeal the present
road law as it relates to levying tax
es. neither can it repeal the nrovi.i
ions of the OLD LAW In the twllon
that abolishes four days of free labor
and provides that nobody under 21
years of age shall be compelled to
work the roads, for the old law says
thetv shall be six days of compulsory
labor between the ages of IK and 4 0.
Arguing it then upon Mr. Price's
method, the adoption of the new law
can not abolish four davs of free la
bor because the old law has not been
formally "repealed." And if you can
argue that this provision will be in
effective you can go further and con
tend with equal force that NO PART
OF THE NEW WILL BE LEGALLY
EFFECTIVE simply because the new
act does not formally declare that "all
laws In conflict herewith are repeal
ed." and therefore If we adopt it by
referendum vote no part of It can be
inforred. I am inclined to believe
that the opinion of the late Mr. Adams
was more in harmony with practical
common sense, and I presume that
his long lire of legal and legislative
service placed him In better position
to render a correct legal opinion than
ordinary country magistrates are ca
pable of rendering.
The chain gang feature, which Mr.
Price discusses, is merely Incidental
nnd Im nothing a; all to do wlin th
nerits of this road law, which such
world-renowned authority on rural
conditions and rural economics as
Henry Wallace declares to be the best
road law ever enacted (as It Is now In
force in lowal and which Mr. Adams
declared privately to be best ever
written. Mr. Page, who Is known to
be one of the best informed men
mong all the men who are really
doing things" In North Carolina, de
clared after reviewing the law that
with the exception of a few minor
changes that might be suggested, It
looked to him like the best road law
he had ever seen.
I feel like making an apology for
taking up this much space in reply to
those who have discussed with
GKAVE WARNINGS the Incidental
and trivial details of this famous
foad law. With an important eco-
nomlc proposition like this, that has
for its purpose the elimination of a
burdensome mud tax that amounts to
approximaely two hundred thousand
dollars a year, which farmers of this
county are paying, (and many of
them unconsciously paying) and
which is already diverting a large
proportion of the wealth which we
are creating Into the trade channels
and industries of other counties, leav
ing us an unsatisfactory portion of
uniilJ n.nti nnfcp n nnflr,a ... ,,
,w .v. F, t
nf ih. ..i. ....... j
i.i .r uin urewwu iu uir u ruiriiuMUcv-
ly Important economic significance of
the new road law and better rouds
wnut ia. . .
criticlsms of ulii.
th..K whn h.v. wi.h Pn(in
faiiert ih. r. . .nv.hin;
belter than what we already have.
Again I would emphasize the import
ance of considering the measure upon
its merits as a proposition to build
BETTER ROADS in I'nion county,
free from the confusion which op
ponents have attempted to create by
misreading, misunderstanding, or by
mislnterpretating minor details of
u is unfortunate ttrat the cam
paign for good roads can not con
tinue sixty days longer, but regard
less or the result of the election to
morrow the cause of good roads has
been advanced sufficient to pay a
hundred-fold over the cost of this
educational campaign and it puts us
nearer the time when Union county
will begin to lighten the mud-tax
burden as other progressive counties
are doing. J. Z. CREEN.
Something Ought to Be Done.
About a week ago there was a lit
tle old wonian, clad in a black dress
and wearing a button with the in
scription, "Prison Missionary," on it.
soliciting funds for a refuge home at
Marshville. Nobody paid much at
tention to her. not knowing exactly
what kind of charity she was seeking
aid for. or mlsrusting her mission al
togeher. But It develops that she has
established some sort of refuge, iu
which she has the care of several ba
bies. The following, atken from The
Marshville Home, goes Into more de
tail: "Ther Is situation In Marshville
which, according to what we hear
Is deplorable. We have intended for
some days to investigate this sittia
non ror ourselves in order that we
could properly stute the facts. We
refer to the Rescue Home, Orphan
Asylum, or whatever you may term
it. located In the vicinity of the
cemetery. It Is said that there are
now housed there some five or six
persons. Including two or three
babies neither of which is yet a year
old. We have been told that poverty
and want predominates there, that
the house Is kept in an exceedingly
dirty, filthy, condition. It has been
said that conditions there are unfit
for any person to live in. Yet some
one has taken It upon themselves to
gather a few unfortunates and house
them there under the guise of a Re
treat. Orphanage, or what not. From
what we huve seen these people must
be taken care of through free will
contributions by the citizens of
Marshville, and maybe elsewhere.
The matron, director, or whatever
she may be termed, Is unable to care
for a single unfortunate if we are to
judge by outward appearance and the
point we wish to make Is this: Would
not it be the act of mercy a service
well rendered for the proper au
thorities to take the matter in hand
and return these persons to the coun
ty to which they belong and let them
be cared for as human beings ut the
expense of such county. This seems
to us the proper thing to do. We
know that the little tots are there.
and those in charge are said to be
unable to provide suitable treatment
either physically, mentally or spirit
ually. Let's not let them suffer lon
ger in our midst."
Four Xew Varmints
Some strange varmints are roam
ing the woods of north-easten Union
and western Anson. A ollizen from
that section reported In The Journal
office a few days ago that great ex
citement prevailed. A writer in The
Ansonlan thus tells of them:
"A large number of men with guns
and dogs have been chasing four
strange animals In the Deep Springs
community. In Lanosboro township.
while the women nnd children re
mained at home behind locked doors.
Several people have seen the strange
animals and a number of shots have
been fired at them. Some think they
are wolves, others mountain lions.
They are swifter '- any dog and
are making war on fowls, cats and
other small varmints. One of these
animals came on a porch and carried
away the faithful family cat before
he owned could get his gun and
shoot It. Much excitement prevails
n that community.
Llght Work.
A shabby old cottage on the out
skirts of a village was suddenly
transformed by paint and paper Into
an attractive little house, and a sum
mer resident who knew the occu
pants to be a poor widow and her
ne'er-do-well son, was curious about
the change.
He Inquired about It at the gate.
"Yes, sir." replied hte old lady.
mlllngly, "my son's In work now.
Makes good money 'e does. too. All
e has to do Is to go twice to the the
circus every day and put 'is head in
the lion s mouth. The rent o' the time
'as to "isself." Tit-Bits.
Items from Indian Trail Route.
Correspondence of The Journal.
Indian Trail, Route 1. Jan. 31.
There Is an old saying that if you see
a luzard running o:i a fence rail you
will be industrious throughout the
year. Well. I saw one running on a
" ,a8l..??,"r1d1alr aD,d.1 ho ,,U! !fa
dition will hold good in my case. But
if this old traditional saying does not
hold good. I still have an old rabbit
foot in my vest pocket thai may ef
fect my conduct during 1916.
Our Industrious young teacher.
Miss Lessie Plyler, was unable to at
tend the teacher's meeting in ."Jon-
roe last Saturday on account of the'
Dad weather.
Miss Mamie Dixon is visiting hr
sister, Mrs. J. W. Roberts, in W'ins-
'Oll-ftatein
Them la
I mere is
a family in the Furr
T ,a eimira-
j ti t?,' v f Pi"T " 7
are four little children who are de-
an education because of lack of stif-
nctent clothing. Besides this
some
of the children have been sick and
have lacked adequate medical atten
tion. But do uot blame the children.
The father is either the victim of
circumstances or either drinks, and
throws his money away for other
vices. I was a visitor in this home
several days ago and it was real pit
iful to hear those poor little children
crying for something to eat. If their
want is traceable to their father's in
satiable desire for liquor, then he is
guilty of "criminal folly." Or any
other man who allows his family to
suffer on account of his appetite is
guilty of the same crime. I do not
say that the father of the children
is directly responsible for their
plight, but if be is, I think some pun
ishment ought to be meted out to
him.
Mrs. Sallie Hathcock. who spoflt
some time with Mrs. J. W. Hartsell.
has gone to Peach land for a visit to
her kin-people.
Mr. Cnlvin Mills and family of
north-west Monroe township have
moved into our midst, occupying the
widow Smith's place.
Miss Delia Pressley of Charlotte
visited her cousin, Miss Eva Benton,
last week.
On Sunday, Jan. 23. a hog of Mr.
Calvin Mills got out of Its pen and
wandered Into the stables, where
Mr. Mills was currying and rubbing
down his horses. The hog received a
kick from one of the horses on the
leg, breaking it. Of course It had to
be killed and butchered right away,
so Mr. Mills, with the assistance of
Messrs. John and K. W. Griffin, pro
ceeded to butcher the hog. Of course
these gentlemen did not hardly like
to break the Subbath, but under the
conditions thought it excusable,
Mr. M. C. Simpson of Charlotte
spent last week here with her parents.
Mrs. Kinsley Benton came very
near being the victim of serious
burns one day last week. She was
standing near the fire place when her
dress caught from the flames, but by
the timely aid of her eldest daugh
ter, she prevented the flames from
spreading.
Mr. W. II. Benton has been afflict
ed for the past two weeks with some
sort of serious pulmonary trouble.
I am not a doctor and am therefore
not in a position to slate the exact
nature of his trouble. Some peopl"
call it the night-mare and some call
it the night-horse. At times he foams
at the mouth and at other limes
swoons away in a trance, from which
his people cannot arouse him for
long periods. His parents are doing
everything possible to ease his suf
fering and for the last few nights
lie has been resting easy.
We should not kick at Messrs.
Beasley Brothers lor not getting our
Journals on time for I had un Inter
view Willi them some time ago in I
which they stated that the trouble I
must be with the postal employes as
the papers are mailed on time from
the office every Tuesday und Friday.
Be patient, friends, the trouble will
be remedied in due time.
Squire H. M. Furr has returned
home from a visit to his brother.
Mr. Ransom Furr. at Thachery. Vn.
Mr. D. W. Austin recently visited
his brother, Dr. J. A. Austin, in
Charlotte.
Well, Sunshine. I believe you have
been deported to Join Student In
Scotland county, and Wild Rose has
been selected as the victim to repre-
sent your section or the county. Come i x.t.niiu.pnn annuallv eer V.tUt per
again. Sunshine, and let u know hour.
where thou art. J At least 70 .cr cent of all (his
Little six-year-old (.alther Hartsell waste is preventable; in other words
is some fisherman for a boy of his1 It is either due Horn causes, that
years. Recently he caught s big . could be prevented or from careless
bunch, enough to give a family of 'ness. A a imtri
six a big
meal oi uif iiisn v. aier
dainties.
Miss Elsie Mills and her brother,
Mr. Martin Mills, have both comruct-
ed a severe cuse of qneumoiila. Hero 1
Is hoping they will both soon get well
f'and be up and about. t
Mr. John Benton has returned
from a visit to his friend. Mr. Fred
smith, at Midland.
Mr. Brue Hartsell has returned
from au extended visit to friends and
relatives at Wlngate.
Mr. Lee Rowell of Ellerb' ' spend
ing some time with homefolks here.
FAIRNESS.
!! . .... mi , ,
To Every Member of the First BnplM
Church of Monroe
A great movement is on foot to In
stall a pipe organ and provide ade
quate Sunday School equipment.
Last night the church organized 30
committees. They are at work today.
Tonight (Friday) at 7:30 every mem
ber of the church (young and old) Is
invited to come to the church and
hear the report of these committees.
There will be a similar meeting ev
ery night until every member of the
church has donated. Come let all
come. L. M. WHITE, Tsslor.
m;;is WITHDRAWS.
Say That If We Stay In the MikI He
Will se Some Tax and Hum U
tiive Xu Free tabor.
Some of my friends in the rural
sections seem to be inclined to criti
cise me as a townsman who uses the
public roads very little for exhibiting
too much zeal in behalf of good roads.
Their plea has aroused my intctest
in self and has put me to thinking
and viewing the proposition from an
other angle.
It is true that, havii.g been raised
on a farm myself, my Interest, and
.eal did get the upperuund of my sel
fish interests and I proceeded to argue
the question from the standpoint of
the farmer. But since my friends
have called my attention to this sui
cidal policy for a townsman to pur
sue, I have about come to the conclu
sion that it is not very much to my
interest to have good roads. I own
neither horse, cow, calf, bicycle, au
tomobile nor anything that travels on
legs or wheels, do nearly all my rid
ing on the train and ran go through
the woods when I wish to take a
stroll to see my friends In the coun
try. If those who think I nm taking too
much interest in good roads want to
haul one bale of cotton over rough,
muddy roads where they could as ea
sily haul five bales over good ones;
if they want to spend a whole day
making a trip to town instead of mak
ing it within a few hours; if they
stick up in the mud and have to prize
out with pine poles; what does it con
cern me? And as to the tax, if a man
who owns $400 valuation of taxable
property prefers to work the roads
four days in th year to paying $1.45
extra road tax, and upward in pro
portion to the valuation of his prop
erty, what business is it of mine?
Perhaps he enjoys being in bondage
for that length of time, as the free
labor system Is a sort of recreation,
swap yarn system anyway. If the
school boys are kept out of school to
work the roads, what care I? Their
daddies huve managed to exist and
perhaps they can do same thing.
And by this old method of throw
ing more mud in the already muddy
roads with "free labor" I will save
some tax money, for I live in un in
corporated town where the street
are worked entirely by taxation, and
"free labor" in the rural districts
saves me from paying to help work
the roads. The business men in Mon
roe, Waxhaw and Marshville und oth
er incorporated lown will also save
some tax money by retaining the pre'
ent "free labor" system. The town
ships through which the railroads
run will retain all the corporation
tuxes instead of its being divided
among all the townships of the coun
ty. The cotton mill, oil mill and otu
er corporation tax will also be retain
ed in the townships in which these
enterprises are located.
What I want is better streets ii
Marshville. What Monroe wants (.
better streets In Monroe, and so with,
all the other towns of the county.
Let's get busy with civ own place
of abode and let those who don't
want our assiKtanro alone. They have
to do their own hauling nnd driving,
and if it were not IVr the sake of
those in the lural sntlons who d
want conditions held red I would he
willing to apologize lor ever making
an attempt lo use my Influence for se
curing better roaiN in Union county.
L. E. HUG GINS.
Fire lnsectioii Here Monday.
In order to assist in reducing the
waste in this State, The North Caro
lina Fire Prevention Association ha
been organized and during the past
four years lias inspected nearly all or
the principal ciius and towns' in the
Si.iie. Monroe is the rext cilv on !h
list Tor inspection, and Ihe As.soeia
lion will meet heic on Wednesdui-.
the flth instant.
In oriler to have cur city put in
good condition as to order and clean
liness, it behooves each citizen to be
slir himself and have a thorough
cleaning up. At this inspection every
mercantile building, church, anil
.-ehcol hou;e will be inspected from
basement to garret, and every defect,
as oll ns the question of careless
ness, will be noted..
Dlil you . ver slop to think what
the fire waste is in llii.i rouiitrv? The
annual loss is hbotn D5il,(l0O,o0o.
Here in our own Si.iie Dim nm 1.. i
dollars und cents me thirty times per
capita more than in Italy. It oo?t
the United States more to sui tain it
national ash henti limn (.,,,,.,
spends on her standing armv Our
(ire waste
tariff duties. Now. whv u thU ,.
(Why should Americans', one or the
, most shrewd and progressive people
or the world, be handicapped bv ntch
a terrific wnsio of .iih --.I r .i...
energy which produced It?
" ".".. MUM tl tlUT
The explanation may be given In
four words carelessness and lark of
knowledge.
tiennans Bring lllg Mw Into Amen
Iran Port.
Much to the surprise of the world.
' German prize crew bove Into frie
port at Newport News Tuesday with a
big British liner which had been cap
tured somewhere in the Atlantic near
the African coast. No one knew that
a German raider was aaywhere on tha
seas. But a mysterious one had cap
tured several British ships, includfnr
the big liner. Appam, which latter
they sailed Into port. Nearly fv
heundred people were aboard amf
were prisoners of the prize crew r
22 which brought the ship to port.