Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1856-10-08
THE BROOKS DINNER.

one which assembled on that OCCASION; and this we
believe was put by some at ten thousand. The re-
portes of the 3d however, agreed upon 6000 fair
estimate.
The day was bright and agreeable one, the place
selected for the dinner extensive and we-arrangcd,
the stand for speaking admirably located at the foot
of an inclined plain thoroughly shaded by grove OF
handsome oaks, the stand itself amply and strongly
built, The barbecue pits in the background skfuly
manned and managed, and every thing conducted
from the start in the most remarkable good order This
indeed was kept up throughout the day; for down TO
o'clock in the afternoon We had not heard drunk
en- whoop, nor a drunken face.
BY 10 O'clock almost all had arrived the ground,
eager witness the entire ceremonies Of the OCCASION
little after that hour an avenue Of human beings
was formed, from the '96 Hotel 10 the Stand, somc
two hundred yards in length and from two TO five thick
on either side. Through this living street, Hon.
PRESTON S. Brooks, arm in arm with Gov. ADAMS
and attended bya number Of distinguished guests, ap-
preached the platform 10 II, the whole cortegs
preceded by the Edgeield Brass Band and directed
by Maj. z. w. CARw1LE, acting Chief Marshal OF
the day Then came the rush Of the vast multitude
exercises and actngs of the hour commenced in good
earnest.
After few appropriate Introductory remarks by Dr.
CAIN, President Of the Day, General SAMUEL Nc
GowAN advanced TO the desk and delivered, in most
impressive manner, the Grafton the COMMITTEES OF Ar
rangements had devolved upon him. twas altogeth-
er the happiest effort had ever heard from this gen.
tleman, and produced marked effect upon his i'm.
mensc audience He spoke the gratitude, 50 strong.
ly manifested by the passing demonstration, MS the
rightful meedofa faithful representative He drew
distinction between the personal compliment it oon.
veyed and its bearings solemn duty imposed upon
spirited constituency He ably skelched the history
Of the Slavery agitation, in the course OF which he
alluded in truly eloquent terms 10 the war which
brought us new territory from Mexico. During his
comments upon the Kansas.Nebraska bill, q voice from
the crowd exclaimsd-"L Let us fght"-repeang the
expression several times with vehemence. lie spoke
Of the present Presidential struggle, and in regard to
our dnty in the matter, remarked" Whilg we shall
certainly cast our vote for BUCHANAN, worthy
standard bearer Of The sound democracy, will also
to the knif. against that mixed rabbe of Free
MONSTERS FreesOiles, Freenegroes and Freebootcrs,
who would blast anti blacken in ruirs the fair fabric
of American Liberly.''-This sentiment was warmly
received. General MCGOWAN further depicted the
SUMNER affair in manner at once feeling and graph.
ic; and, in conclusion, presented 10 Col. Brooks
splendid golden goblet from the citizens Of Abbevle,
massive silver one from Laurens, and several sticks
by other gentlemen. We understand that pair Of
C>r ,la
CuL's acceptance but this was managed in private.
After Gen. MCGowAN's address and the presena.
tion Of complimentary gifts, Hon. p. S. Brooks made
his appearances upon the front part OF the platform
and received with shouts and hnzzas Of cnthusi.
asiic. Much affected by this unnisakeabe manifes-
talion Of most heartfelt apprUbaiion lie began his
speech IN words Of gratitude whiclrhs deep emotion
scarcely allowed him to express. But gradually warm
ing with the thoughts that filled his bosom lie nj
length took up his train Of argument, and for more than
an hour enchained the attention of his hearers in one
Of his best and most tasteful efforts We have before
us many notes taken down at le time; but, fearing
should Go injustice TO the speaker by any meagre
report Of his remaks, we will no; now make use ol
them. In The conclusion Of Ills Speech Col. RRooKs
said: The crisis is indeed upon us. The plans oil
Black Rcpublicanism are laid or our ruin and tlegra-
,ion before the world. And my fellow. citizens, will
you submit, 10 their rule! No, you will not. Your
honor, your pride, your interest, your home Affections
your religin yuur best hopes Of the future all pranp,
and will compel you 10 meet The danger. How will
yuu do it! answer tear up The already ,atiered
Constitution scatter its fragments TO The winds, and
FORM A SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY. (Great
D,,ta .,.o
break up this Union. We need and must have sou;ll.
er cooperation 10 ensure safety and our triumph
That co operation circumstances are rapidly bringing
about. As for South Carolina, let her, in the Ian
gage Of one whose ability is not rightly valued by
his State, sand armed knight, with her lance
couced and every feather qniyerug in her plume
He was for the Suuih's doing something decisive to
sever the Union. If Fremont were elected, good
opportunity might arise 6: If We strike, let ns make
rush and strike the first blow lie was ready, and
osr military gentlemen around him We're equally So
totake command of any lurc.s in any field thai might
b. assigned him, if ii became necessary 10 assert orr
rights in battle array.
Cnl. BROOKS ended with classical compliment, TO
the Ion. ROBERT TooNGs, Of Georgia, who had hon
Aud amidst dcafening cheers of welcome that gentle
man arose for tho first lime before Carolina audience.
Mr.. looMES hegan in choice terms Of compliment 10
the Stale of SonIh Carolina and al once launched out
nv speech of great power and effect uron The pnli,i
cal topics of the crisis. To say that he came up 10
the expectations Of his audience, woud not he enough
lie rose high ard higher above them he proceeded,
until excited by his own rapid and clear reflections
he pn forth series of sentiments some pun,ed, some
eloquent, all inimilabe, which were received by
the entire assembage with round after round of up.
roarious applause. The sienograplers ceased 10 take
notes. the crowd drew closer and closer together the
babbers on the outskirts stopped talking, even the
ladies' fans became moonlcss, and all were intent
upon the fine features and flowing oratory of the great
Georgia Senator. In the words of one who listened
to Inn with absorbed attention, he made "more ten-
strikes in quarter Of hour than any man ever did
before in South Carolina" TO zee and hear him
high qualification to all present; and thousands
will re.welcome Georgia's distinguished son to our
midst fever circumstances shall induce him to ma Ike
one OF us again.
Dinner was now proclaimed, and the necessary
business Of eating at once commenced. Four tables,
each one hundred yards long, were in readiness for
the multitude generally; while three other tables in q
difTeren, part Of the grounds awaited the ladies, their
attendants and the invited guests The feast was
abundanlly and superbly prepared. Every one had
enough, and all were satisfied. 1t was, in fact,
noble barbecue, munifcenlly provided and thoroughly
cooked. At the bidding Of Mr.. CoorER, the chief
superintendent of the cooking department, we walked