Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1856-10-09
THE BROOKS DINNER.

The Carolina Times, of Monday contains an
extended account Of the proceedings at Ninety
Six, on Friday last, on the occasion of the "Grcat
Dinner given by the people of the fourth Con-
gressional District as token of their apprecla-
ton of the gallant bearing of their Representa-
tive Hon. Preston S. BROOKS. We are inform
cd therein that at least ten thousand South Caro-
linians were present, and that sit was the largest
and most enthusiastic meeting with which it has
ever been the fortune of Representative OF South
Carolina to be honOrcl."
At II o'clock, the nsscmblage was called to or
der by the President of the Day, Dr. S. V. Cain,
and long procession escorted Col. BROOKS to
the stand. attended on either side by Governor
Adams and Col. Beaufort T. Watts, and followed
by Senator Toombs of Georgia, Judge Butler,
Col Orr, Col. A. II. GLADDEN., Judge Wardlaw,
Gen. McGowan, and other distinguished gentle
men. After appropriate music and an address by
DR.. Cain, Gen. Samuel NlcGowan, Of Abbevile'
the Orator Of the Day, was introduced, and dis
cusscd cloquenty the topics which the occasion
suggested, closing his address with the presenta-
ton of golden goblet in behalf of the citizens
of Abbcrillc district. At the conclusion of his
remarks, n silver goblet was presentedby Maj. H.
A. Griffin, in behalf of the citizens of Laurens
and Immediately thereafter n cane made from an
orange branch, by citizen Of Florida, was pre-,
scnted in his name by DR.. Presley, of Abbevilc.
To these enthusiastic manifestations of approval
and regard, Col BRooKs replied in fitting adj
dress, which, rs the eptonc informs US, was char
acterzed throughout by the high-toned, patriotic
and genuinely Southern sentiments in keeping
with the orators proud position and the gallant
career by which it has been won. Spirited adj
dresses were also made by Senator Toombs,
Judge Butler, Gov. Adams, and Col. Orr 4; but we
have not room to comment upon them. Near
the close of COL Brooks address We note the
following paragraph in regard to the Govc:n'
orship, which we think particularly worthy of
mcntion:-
,I must be excused for ailuding to a personal
matter. You have seen that | have been mention
ed as a candidate for the governorshp of South
Carolina Such an Office would reasonably Fill
the measure of any mans ambition, and | should
esteem it the greatest honor TO, succeed my dis
tinguishcd friend who now fills that with so much
dignity: but my first duty is to my constituents
of the fourth Congressional District. You took
me I'D when was uaknown, and, as by miracle,
it seems tr me, elected me to represent you
over men Of more talent and equal patriotism
You tel me to remain where am. Your will is
nv law; and will say in all sincerity, desire
no higher honor than to represent the intelligence
patriotism, and virtue of the old Ninety-Six Dis
trict."
We arc glad to be permitted thus authoritative
" to make known COL Brooks intention to de-
cline the nomination for the Gubernatoriai chair.
We know enough Of public opinion to be sure that,
had lie desired it, the Office of Governor would
have been devulvcl upon him, without dissent
ing voice; and we know enough of the man to
believe that he would have been fully equal to the
discharge of its most exalted and responsible func-
tons Sufficient, however, has been done to indi-
cate on the part of the people of South Carolina
cordial and unequivocal approval OF Col. BROOKS
conduct in the 'Sumncr affair" The masses
have sustained him nobly and triumphantly, with
an enthusiasm, unsolicited and unbought, beyond
the measure of all the dcnunciations heapci upon
him by the North. Nothing further is now neces-
sary to vindcate his character and position, and
he should be permitted to contiruen the discharge
Of the trust for which, with the best qualities of
head and heart, he is so admirably filled. Col.
Brooks position is in the .feld, where men are now
needed to concert action and to act. Let him re-
main there, until the occasion offers for his pro-
motion to higher place, in the sphere of action,
TO which. we undertake to say he will ere long
be called by tic unanimous voice of our people.