The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1869-09-02
GRAND BARBECUE AND PIC.
MIC IN RANKIN.
Exercises by Pupils Of BroOkfeld Acade-
-PrOcessiOn-Dinner-
Addresses, DC, DE.


By Invitation of the Commute of Ar
rangements your correspondent, in compa'
ny with friend, seated behind good team
left the dull scenes of every day life in
Jackson, to attend Grand Barbecue, ETC.
prepared by the colored people at Brookfield
1.-THE premises of Maj. Barksdale) and the
surrounding country, eight miles distant.
The ride through the country, dotted with
shady groves of majestic forest trees was
delightful, gentle breezes OF pure country
air tanning the hot parched brow of the
town residents, making them feel as though
they had gained new lease on life. We
passed numberless vehicles containing our
colored friends of every age, sex and con-
dition, while ever and anon from the by
roads would emerge crowds of the sturdy
yeomanry of the old Free State" some on
foot and many mounted on every conceiva-
bic species of the genus horse, all with joy
GUS faces and happy voices proceeding to the
attractive point, where as they had been as
sured by the excellent committee of ar
engagements consisting of colored citizens)
every thing would be done to make the day
one of unalloyed pleasure and enjoyment
A drive of an hour and ahalf brought us to
BRooKFIELD.
We were certainly unprepared for the
beautiful display and excellent taste in ev-
cry arrangement; upon a beautiful and
tasty lawn were seen long lines of tables
flanked upon either side by immense ham
per baskets filled with substantials for the
occasion. while at little distance the ''pitr
where the meats were being barbecued,
emitted a savory odor to tempt the appetites
of the gods. The entire affair was conduct
ed by the colored people, though the whites
contributed generously to the dinner.
The morning was occupied with grand
parade and procession, numbering about
one thousand colored people, with ban
ners flying, headed by flies and
drums, under the direction of Grand Mar
shall Wade Randolph, and Assistant Mar
shals Henry Jackson, Henry Neal and John
Allen.
THE EXAMINATION EXERCISES
By the pupils of Brookfield Academy, after
prayer by the Rev. Robert Coleman, COM
menced at IL and continued until O'Clock.
Singing, declamations and recitatiOns, con-
stituted the order of exercises, and the pU.
pills acquitted themselves in a manner alike
creditable to themselves and their teacher,
MISS RoxANA TURNER, young colored la
dy, native of Rankin county, and educated
at Brandon. At three o'clock
DINNER
Was announced, when the white and color
ed people formed in sepaI ate columns and
proceeded in excellent order to the tables
which were grooming under the weight of
the substantial and well cooked viands,
where there was found enough and to spare
for all present, the preparation of which re-
Elected credit upon our colored friends, who
had the entire management of the affair in
all its departments.
AFTER DINNER.
According to the days programme, address
ses were delivered upon subjects appropri-
ate to the occasion by Maj. E. Barksdale,
Gen. Robert Lowry, Zen. James Dugan, and
by the colored orators, Major j. E. Williams,
MIR. Highgate and Rev. Robt. Coleman. The
ceremonies were conducted with remarka-
BILE propriety and grace by Mr.. Randolph,
who deserves credit for the good order and
good feeling that prevailed throughout the |
cHIIEc uay, lot Ill InaC large cOncOurSe Lnere
was not single harsh word uttered, nor
unpleasant emotion awakened. The whites,
by accepting the invitation Of their colored
friends, gave evidence of the good feeling
they entertained towards them, and the lat
tel testified their appreciation by the Kind |
which they bestowed upon them. |
Deep regret was felt at the absence of the |
highly respected colored citizen and free
holder of the vicinity, VIM. Mannery, Sr, |
who had been chiefly instrumental In get |
ting up the dinner, but was prevented by |
serious illness from attending.
THE CROPS
In the county, though having been injured |
by drouth, are reasonably promising as to
cotton; and corn is all that could be asked |
showing signs of thrift and prosperity
amongst all classes.
POLITICS
We're tabooed on the occasion, but from the
good feeling existing between the races, we
nay expect the Free State to heartily re-
'pond to the talismanic expression, LET us
nave Peace S. NJ. w.
SppTNc HTTT TNcrrrTrrr W. p-ova |