The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-08-11
THE cELEBRArror.


Temperance Celebration came off at Big
Steel Creek Church, in this county, on last
Friday. The number Of persons present
was estimated at from 1900 to / 500.
At half past 10 o'clock a procession was
formed under the direction of Col. VIM.
Grier, consisting of several hundred Sons
and Cadets of Temperance, together with a
large number Of ladies as "aiders and abet-
tors" in the cause, all arrayed in beautiful
regalia, and preceded by the SAKE Horn
Band, marched to the stand in large
grove, where an immense eoncourse of per
sons had already assembled to witness the
exercises of the occasion. Prayer was of:
fered by Rev. J. B. Watt, after which, the
presentation of Bible to White Hall Divi-
sion took place; this duty was performed
by Miss Maggie Spratt, on behalf Of the
ladies, in few very appropriate and hand
some remarks. The Bible was received
and thanks returned to the fair donors by
Mr. VIM. Marks, or behalf of the Division.
Col. Beattie, OF S. c., was then intro
duced, and entertained the audience in a
speech of about an hour and half Our
position was so remote from the speaker as
to prevent us from hearing, distinctly, all
he said; but his speech seemed to be, mainly,
defence of the governmental policy OF
the Order of the Sons of Temperance.
Mr. Prestly, also of S. c., was then intro
duced, and delivered a short speech.
The worthy Marshal then announced
that the hour for dinner had arrived, and
that everybody was invited to eat; an in
vitation which, SO far as we could see, was
generally accepted without apology. Not
very far from the stand stood a long table
groaning under the good things fife, and
seemed to invite the conflict. The forces
moved rapidly upon the ground, and took
up their position in order-the ladies occu-
plying the centre and right wing, while the
left was composed of the raw militia
men, boys, and squalling children. The
word was then given: all is ready" and
then came the "wreck of matter and crush
Of worlds" high above the shouts of the
victors rose the din of battle; while the
breaking of chicken-bones, and the hand-to-
hand work with boiled hams, showed that
{" the conflict was thickening." Finally,
the opposing powers gave way, an the
conquerors remained upon the field. After
the smoke of battle had cleared away, the
crowd again assembled at the stand, where
short and appropriate speeches were made
by Rev. J. B. Watt, DR. Parks, Rev. MI
Nicholson and S. P. Smith, Esq. These
gentlemen have done much to advance the
cause of temperance, and their efforts Oh
this occasion were duly appreciated.
Before the close of the exercises, Master
Alexander Trotter, youth Of IA years
son of Mr. Thos. Trotter of this place, wa:
called for, and responded to the call il
a short speech, which, for manly delivery
and gesture, and for correct emphasis, we
have seldom heard excelled, even by those
who have been engaged in the bushes.
for years.
Prayer was then offered by DR.. Parks
and the exercises of the day closed with ar
invitation from Col. Grier for all those
from a distance who wished to stay al
night in the neighborhood, to repair to the
nearest houses, which were ready for thei
accommodation with the latch-string hang
ing out.