The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1867-08-27
BARBECUE AND MASS MEETING OF
FREEDMEN IN RICHLAND DISTRICT.
CONSERVATIVE SPEECHES Dy GEN. SCOTT, cHApLAr
FRENCH AND OTHERS

FREEDMEN IN RICHLAND DISTRICT.
CONSERVATIVE SPEECHES BY GEN. SCOTT, CHAPLAIN
! FRENCH AND OTHERS.
The planters in the vicinity Of Gudsden and
Kingsyillo have long been anxious to have the
freedmen in their employ properly instructed in
their social and political duties. This subject has
been discussed by them at their several meetings,
and it was finally determined to give barbecue
and invite certain prominent gentlemen to address
the freedmen on tho topics of the day, and, by
candid statement Of facts, to disabuse their
minds of the villainous doctrines inculcated
by the Radical emissaries who were prowling
through our land. Having once deter
mined upon this action, preparations were
made to entertain the freedmen, who were
cordially requested to be present and listen to the
addresses In order to give publicity to the affair,
printed invitations wero sent to all parties who
were supposed to be interested in the movement,
and no distinction vas made on account of color.
To Mr. H. L. JEFFERs, Of the Committee Of In
yitations. and MIR. W. W. WHITE, Of the Commit
tee of Arrangements great praise is due for the
effective manner in which the plans were carried
out.
rivers a narrow neck of land is formed that is
known as the Fork. This is settled by planters
who were formerly large slave owners, and who
have since the war gone boldly to work on tho new
SYSTEM trusting that time would show to their
employees that although they were no longer their
property yet they were connected by ties which
should bo fostered Knowing that the harangucs
OF the radical fanatics we're having an injurious
effect on their hearers, the planters In the Fork, as
we have already stated, determined on last Satur-
day to present to the freedmen the opposite side
of tho question: and leave them to judge for them
selves. lovel plat in front of the Fork Church
was selected and the stand for the speakers erect
ed under tho shade of some widc-spreading trees.
Ample space was left for the accommodation of tho
audience, and in the distance were placed the
tables and paraphernala for the preparation Of the
barbecue. These were surrounded by ropes
stretched from poles driven in the ground, which
kept the eager crowd at bay and prevented any
depreciation.
Long before tho hour appointed tho woods in
the vicinity of the church resounded with the
neighing of steeds and the hum Of voices, and
busy hands were soon engaged in arranging tho
platform and tables. United States flag had
been brought, and, under tho direction of Mr..
JEFFERs, was unfurled and suspended over the
stage between the boughs OF the trees. Benches
and chairs were placed on the PLATFORM and the
invited guests assigned positions. A band of
music was also in attendance, and during the prep
arations enlvcned the assembly by their tunes.
Among tho guests present wore Con. SCOTT, AS
sistant Commissioner Of the Freedman's Bureau.
Chaplain NJ. FRENCH, Mr.. REUBEN ToMLINsoN,
C. NJ. Wilder, (colored), Deputy United States
Marshal at Columbia besides number oftho plant
ers in the vicinity citizens of Columbia, and few
strangers.
On motion of Mr.. W. W. WHITE, Mr.. JOHN
ADAMS was callod to the chair, and the meeting
opened with PRAYER by the Rev. ". W. ADAMS.
After short interval, during which the band
played few tunes, General Scorr vas called on
to address the freedmen, and occupied their at
tention for nearly an hour. His remarks were
directed chiefly to the freedmen, but were intended
for both whites and blacks, and we're upon sub
jects Of general interest. He stated that it was
his duty, and that Of other military officials, to
dabble as litlo in politics as possible, therefore
he would make no set speech, but would talk OH
those points which are interesting tho people of
this country at the present time. In referring to
the flag that was now waving over him, he said
that he was glad to moot them lnder its folds,
and though it was the first time il had been un-
furled since 1858 in that locilty he was
proud to know it was dono roluntarily. AS
soldier he was proud OF his hag but
particularly when he remembered that it
was m emblem to the world Of o free people,
and that under tho stars and stripes all men were
placed on an equal footing. He proceeded to show
the blighting effect OF slavery and urged upon the
freedmen tho necessity of education, if they wish
| ed to escape the moral bondage that ignorance
entails upon every OLE. On the subject of lands,
he said that it was but natural torthe colored man
to desire homestead, and they should use every
| legal means in their power to obhin ono. Many
thought that it was unjust for few persons to
monopolize the lands; but they we're tho rightful
property Of those mon, and would never be OBJ
teinod by tho freedmen through eonfscation. by
adopting system Of equal taxaion, the price of
lands now uncultivated might beput 30 low that
an honest, industrious man couldaccumnlato suff-
cient money to purchase homesead. This plan
of taxation would be benefit to III partes as it
would tend to improve lands that lro now compar-
atively useless, and thus add to tho riches and
welfare Of the State. His speecl was admirably
adapted to his hearers, and was leplcto with good
and wholesome advice.
He was followed by the Rev. hr FRENCH, and
as this gentleman was known in the commu-
nifty only by his reputation, considerable anxiety |
was fit regarding his sentiments His invita-
ton was thought by many an unviso movement
| lty milo ieF
and one who would stir up spri of antagonism
between the races, but this impression was dissi
pated at tho opening Of his speech. From bis
long connection with the Bureau rs Chaplain, he
is thoroughly acquainted with tic negro charac-
tor, and his remarks were at once Understood Ho
spoke principally in colloquia stain, appealing |
to the negroes to answer his questions by show |
Of hands, and by interesting themn his discourse
probably did far more good than ithcr speakers |
He referred to tho emancipation from slavery, |
and showed that it camo not from man, but Gnd |
drew picture of slavery and is consequences |
as opposed to freedom. His Seoch was emi- |
nontly conservative, and confined nothing |
that could offend but some few Of his ideas were
evidently not those Of his white rarers. For in-
stance in referring to the march OF SHERMAN to
the sea, no silu tnGt tno ontteu otIIes 'foSerh-
mont were convinced that they wuld be yictoyi-
o,s, and the torch was applied, na with desire
to harrass and annoy tho people, mt in spirit of
loving kindness, hoping in this wS to bring them
into the fold The result was all hat the Govern
ment could have expected; but lo motives at |
tributed to it by tho Reverend gentleman were
taken cum grano sails.
C. NJ Wilder, tho United stabs Deputy Mar
shal from Columbia, followed Mr. FRENCH. His
speech was OF similar characters urging the col
ored people to obey the laws and FORK their way to
a competency.
Captain ROBERT ADAMS and Nf. REUBEN Toni
L1NsoN wore the two last speakers. Tho first is
q planter in the neighborhood, arl tho second the
superintendent of Education of rccdmen in this
State. Their speeches were conservative, and
were well received