The Feliciana Democrat., 1855-10-13
The Barbecue at Hephzibah.


At an early hour large concoursc assembled mum
bering from thousand to fifteen hundred persons.
The meeting was called to order by J. X. Jackson,
Esq, who moved that the Hon. Bythel Haynes, act
as President Of the day, that Nathaniel Cobb W.B
Rogers, Chcslcy Jackson, Simeon Hatcher, b. Jack
son. David Barield, Samuel Lee, William Woodward
and the Hon. i. II. Hatch, act as Vice Presidents
That W NJ Jordan, aud Leonard Brown, be ap- |
pointed Secretaries.
The President of the day, made short address N
which he congratulated the large audience and wei
coined them not only TO the hosptalitics which had
been prepared for tho occasion, but also to the feast
of reason, argument and eloquence, that would be
addressed to them by the able and distinguished
speakers who would soon address them on the great
issues involved in the present political contest. lie
welcomed the ladies in particular aud thanked them
for their presence IN such great numbers. lie knew
they would have II happy influence and add much to
the enjoymen,s of the occasion he bespoke for the
speakers, good order and respectful attention, and
said on all occasions like this it was right and pro-
per we should not forget the great Author Of our cx
istsncc. but should implore his blessing. The Rev.
David NJ. Clancy then came forward and offered a
very feeling and appropriate prayer, which was lis
tened to with most respectful attention.
The Hon. 7. q. Davidson, was first introduced to
the audience and for IN hour and half. made one
Of the most cogent, powerful and unanswerabe ar
guments in defence Of democracy, and against know
nothingism II has ever been lot to listen TO he
referred to the Virginia resolutions Of 1898, and Mr..
Madsons report thereon in 1899, the writings of
Washington, Jefferson, Clay and Webster, to prove
and fortify his Positions he was most happy and fe-
lcitous, both in manner and matter, and must have
carried conviction home to the conscience and un-
derstandng of every one not blinded by prcconcci-
we'd opinions, and party prejudice he closed his first
speech with very pleasant anecdote, and made 1t
apply to the illustration Of the American party to-
wards the foreigners, who now seeking our shores
for protection. .H
i Col. Pond was then introduced on thc'' American
side and made one of his best speeches. Every one
knows Col Pond to be one Of the finest orators iu
the state. Always happy in the choice of his Ian
guagc and expresses himself with great clearness
and forcc his voice is strong and falls npon the ear
without producing the slightest unpleasant sensation
The arguments on his side of the question, were
about as we'll presented they could be, by any one
We are perfectly willing to confess. He made
some severe hits at bis opponent as he went along,
which were particularly delightful to the know moth
ngs present
When he closed, Mr.. Davidson again came upon
the stand and for half an hour, with the ability of
consummate tactitian, turned every thrust made al
him 10y Mr. Poud, completely and trumphanty up
on the latter his retorts were SO happy and eicctu
al, that Mr.. Pond in his reply, during his hall hour
did not attempt an answer, but went on with his frs
speech, where he had left it off, The democrats pres
cnt, felt that their standard bearer, Col. Davidson
more than entitled to the appclation Of til,
old war horse of democracy. II reason, argument
sit. humor, the facts of history, and the principle
, Of the constitution properly expounded entities
man to a triumph then is Mr. Davidson entitled t,
+ it. Of course our know nothing friends will diiIe
: with us. Dinner was then announced and the peo
. Pile made haste to partake of the elegant Dime
!, that had been served in grove near by After th
company had satisfied their hunger, returned to tn
stand, and listened to some patriotic tunes from tn
band of our old friends. Mike and John, the presi
dent of the day, announced that the speaking hat
closed.
o Col. Davidson again addressed the people of til
y Parish, 10 Clinton this afternoon. He took the con
stitution and ritual of the Know Nothings an,
made one of the most convincing arguments agains
the unconsttu;onaity of the organization and til
e dangerous extent of its powers the members
n the order, that have yet heard from any one
t We venture to say, that there not K n. pres
n cnt. but felt the whitening power of his sarca sn
and the mighty force Of his cloquence Us he lai
bare the deformty Of the whole scheme, gotten II
u for the purpose Of destroying the constitution
G subvertng the Government, The democrats wer
,c in perfect ecstacies. They proud of their chan
9 pon and will give him their whole support in tn
= coming election He will be our next represent,
% tive to Congress he liyes and the cectO
comes of In November.