Political Opinions Not Counted.
James M. Dickey, Superintendent National Cemetery, Corinth, Miss.—In 1881 I was a resident of Lamed-Pawnee county, Kansas. From March 1, 1882, to March, 1884, was stationed at Barrancas, Fla., near Pensacola. From April, 1884, to the present time have been a resident of Corinth, Miss.
My observations during this time have been somewhat limited, but in the material progress the agricultural classes have made considerable advance. The old-time theory that cotton was the only crop to be raised with profit has been discarded. Corn, potatoes, tomatoes, strawberries, grapes, fruits, etc., and nearly all classes of products that the truck gardener can raise will find remunerative sale. Climate and healthfulness are exceptionally good. I have not been under the care of a physician during the period of nine years.
Churches are Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian and Christian. Schools of Corinth are public, graded into primary, intermediate, grammar and high school. Seven months, with two months additional of pay school, to such patrons as may elect to send.
The one great and all important question that has been asked of me by visitors to this place is: “How do the people treat you? Are you ostracized from society?” etc. My answer has been, and I have no reason to change it, that a person’s habits and deportment are his or her passport or entree to society. It makes no difference in North Mississippi whether a person came from Georgia or Michigan; the social reception is the same.
The political liberality of the citizens is as good as anywhere. While having their own honest convictions, they respect the convictions of others. My political views are in a minority, but during all this time no one has questioned or impugned my motives or convictions or hindered the rights of suffrage.