The American patriot., 1855-08-18
Barbecue at Whittaker's Springs.

At an early hour a considerable crowd had
gathered at Whittaker's Springs, to hear what
could be said in defence of the much SLAM
dered cause-Native Americanism. Randall
Hunt and Texada were not present as was an
ticipated and advertised.
Col. Preston Pond, was first called to the
stand. He held the attention Of the audience
for nearly three hours, as well as any orator
could have done. He travelled over the whole
ground of the Native American doctrine, and
discussed the various points with clearness
and force which far exceeded his acknowl-
edged ability He took up the constitutional
question, and showed that the reform sought
for in the naturalization laws was not in con-
Aict with any provision of the great magma
charta of American liberties. He showed
clearly the political corruption of the foreign
influence, and argued the necessity Of the re-
forms sought for by the new party.
He spoke Of the Abolition question, and
showed that the foreigners en- masse were en-
bued, from their early youth, with principles
and sentiments antagonistic with southern
slavery. That by much the larger portion of
the foreign emigration was to the northern and
western States, and that unless this thing was
stopped, in few years the Abolitionists,
through the accumulation of foreigners in the
northern States, would obtain the numerical
majority over the southern people; the conse-
quence of which, to the interests of the South,
would be most lamentable.
He took up the Nebraska bill, and proved
that it was voted for as an abolition measure,
on account Of that clause in the bill which
granted the privilege of voting to the foreign
er who had been in the territory only two
weeks. The Abolitionists boasting, that by
thus manufacturing freesoil votes by the whole
sale. the constitution of the State when adopt
cd, would be Abolition throughout.
He also argued the secrecy Of our working,
making much better defence than we thought
the thing susceptible Of
There was not point made by Col Pond
that he did not discuss to the entire satisfaction
Of the attentive audience. As much as his
political opponents may attempt to detract
from his abilities, Col Pond is the most bril-
liant ard effective orator the Florida parishes
can boast of-the people of East Feliciana are
Justly proud of him-and if he is not elected
he will but fall victim to the lowest species
Of party intrigue, which is levelled against him
by his opponents.
Col Beal, the Native American candidate
for Secretary of State, was next called out.
He commenced by saying that all the old par
ty issues which had hitherto existed between
the old Whig and Democrat parties were obso-
lete ideas-they had passed away and were no
more
He then proceeded to discuss the action Of
our State government relative to. the tlistribu-
ton and management of our swamp lands,
showing that many errors and blunders had
been made in this thing and that the constitu-
tional provisions respecting these lands never
had been carried out.
His argument was conclusive and it is to be
hoped that the serious attention of our State
officials, whoever they may be, will be called
to those matters that the evils under which
we have labored for the last two years relative
to the swamp lands, may be removed.
Col Beal is as gallant on the stump as he
is on the tented fields, and we never heard q
word disrespectful of any of his opponents fall
from his lips. The same may be said of the
other orators.
Col. Bea' addressed the people in speech
of some half hour in length, and then an ad
journment was had for dinner.
In honor to the managers of the barbecue
be it said that most bountiful supply of every
thing substantial calculated to regale the inne
man was spread before the people, to whicl
ample justice was done. The barbecue,
meats were very fine-as fine as we ever par
took of, on an occasion of the kind
Dinner over, Judge McWhorter was calle,
to the stand, but he spoke very few minutes
He had been quite sick the night before, an,
excused himself
Capt. Allen of West Baton Rouge was mex
called out. He is fluent and talented youn
man. He understood well the ground he stoo
on, and he sustained his position with all tn
force that reason, truth and talent couple
with an excellent delivery could bring to bea
Being compelled to return home that evenin
We came away whlo the Captain was speaking