Part I 5 Oct 1900 “Blakely and Bluffton” “We spent one day at Bluffton this week, mingling with the crowd in attendance at Early superior court. Judge Sheffield and Solicitor-General Irwin were in charge, and were disposing of the business of the court with their usual ability and dispatch. Congressman J. M. Griggs was there Monday and addressed the people. He presented the various issues agitating the public mind in a manner that held the attention of his hearers and marked him a close student of the great questions of the day. Evidence of his popularity with the masses were notable on every hand. An air of prosperity pervades the atmosphere about Blakely, and merchants and farmers greet you with a cordial cheerfulness that suggests the conclusion that the good old times of which we have heard so much have at last returned. The merchants have laid in unusually large stocks of goods, and seem to be doing a fine business. New York Smith is as jolly as ever and seems to be in a good humor with all mankind. He has extended aid to hundreds of farmeers in that section this season to make a crop of 10-cent cottton, and adjudging from his cheerful mood they have doubtless shown a due appreciation of the favor by meeting their obligations promptly. Mr. Smith carries an immense stock of all kinds of dry goods and general farm supplies, besides a big line of fancy goods. He buys direct from the manufacturers and is thus enabled to offer his customers advantages in prices that are not to be had every day. During the few years he has been in Blakely he has built up a trade that speaks plainer than words of the inducements held out to the trade. He also has extensive farming interests, and is in a position to sympathize fully with the tiller of the soil in the obstacles that beset his way. One of the largest and most solid dry goods establishments in Blakely is the Empire Store. The firm is composed of some of the most substantial and successful business men of that section. With almost unlimited capital they buy everything direct from first hands, securing such low prices as enable them to compete with many of the larger cities. Everything is bought in large quantities and in such variety that they can meet the wants of every customer. They carry a big stock of fine goods, as well as all the staples, and are prepared to meet all the demands of the most precise devotees of fashion. Major T. F. Jones, than whom there is not a more successful business man in Blakely, is the general manager of the business, and clever Charley Robinson is the head clerk, and this in itself is a recommendation that is generally appreciated by the wide acquaintance of these popular gentlemen. With such an establishment at their doors the trade of that section have no need to send away from home for anything in the way of dry goods. Home pride should prompt them to continue the liberal patronage they have heretofore extended it.