The weekly Anglo-African. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1859-1861, 1859-09-10

in. On the east side were the names vi
ex-Presidents; at either end, north and
south, was platform and band of music,
anu in the middle the speakers platform;
and all around were distributed appropri-
ate notices and colored drapings. The
tables alone were sight worth coming to
see; $500 dishes were spread with an Or
der and system most surprising. Down
ing, of course, was the hero of this depart
ment.
A little after - o'clock, the procession
entered at the north gate, under an arch
beautifully decorated, and over which was
inscribed, "WeIcome Home" AS they
marched to their places, the band struck up
the truly appropriate air, "Home again"
The effect was indeed touching. noticed
in the procession several colored persons,
present by invitation, being neither bunch
ed together nor placed in the rear. All
being seated, the Mayor arose, and in a
feeling manner welcomed them to their
home-the place where civil and religious
liberty was first demonstrated. He payed
a glowing tribute to Roger Williams, John
Clark, and their associates.
Mr.. J. Stanton Gould, of Hudson, sent
a thunderbolt into the crowd. He regretted
that all the States had not practiced what
they preached-the true principle of liber-
ty-liberty to all men, irrespective OF reli-
zion or color. The wit and general ac-
ceptability of this gent eman's speech did
much to suppress few Kisses which some
foolish persons had ventured; but finding
themselves alone, they ceased.
Twenty-Five hundred persons were seat
ed at dinner, and 800 fed standing. The
tent was 286 feet by IS. There was an
adjoining tent Sc by 60, from which the
tables were supplied. The afternoons en-
tertainment lasted until 4 o'clock, when
the company separated to meet again at 8
o'clock in the evening. was on hand ten
minutes before the hour, but three or four
thousand people were already present and
were still coming; SO was pretty well
satisfied that there would be a small chance
for reporters. Speaking commenced short
ly after, but although had crowded my
way to the platform, 1 found my arms
pinioned to my sides in the complete jam.
[ remained until between 10 and II, when
the company, after partaking of refresh
ments, retired to their homes to brood with
pleasant recollections over one of the great
est festivals that Newport ever knew.
Downing indeed deserved credit for his
part in this affair. am delighted to see
what giant of genius he is here. Moth
inc can be done without Downing. In
spite of the efforts of Magnolia Banne
ker" and his associate shrubs and daisies to
detract from his fair reputation, George
Downing is going ahead-growing, if pos
sible, more and more popular every day
amongst the wealthy and influential who
flock to this place, showing conclusively
the great mistake that colOred men cannot
elevate themselves here in this country.
His beautiful and spacious gothic structure,
towering above the surrounding palaces,
commanding the best view of land and sea
for miles around; his large and fashionable
business, commanding the notice and re-
spect of every sojourner here, is indeed
fact of which we should be justly proud.
The wealth and intelligence of the col
ored people visiting here this season aston
ished me beyond expression. Most ofthcm
are engaged in some lucrative vocation at
home, and come here in the heat of summer
with their wives and daughters, as do the
whites, after long seasons of busy care, to
while away few weeks in delightful rec
reation amidst the sweet bowers and exhil-
Grating atmosphere of the Sea-girt Isle"
We had hop" herelast evening at the
" Phoenix" the first have attended, being
rather too busy to favor invitations show
cred upon me from the prominent palaces
of the city. Another thing, desire no in
timacy with any of Judge Taney's family,
whom understand are rusticating here. l
have dignifed one chop" with my pres
ence. Well, all being ready, l adjusted
my " duck-bill, high fellow, l tell you
some went even so far as to call it " per-
feet scouudrel." had made mistake in
deed-that was not the style; the collar
now claiming the fashion is sort of dog
collar-a narrow band, tapping in front,
and fitting close to the neck. Astring of
delicate fabric takes the place of necker-
chief (rather suggestive, Think Now
instead of winding it around the neck, as is
done, would recommend that one end be