The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1869-07-29
HAzrEHURsr, July 10, 1869.

HAzTEHURsT, July 10, 1860.
DIsGRACEFUL SCENE AT ST. PAUL'S CHURCH.
Editor Clarion st. Paurs is a colored Bap-
fist Church, near Hazlehurst. The colored
people of Hazlehurst and vicinity, some
twelve months ago, organized a Benevolent
Society for certain benevolent objects, and
succeeded well in the matter. They deter
mined on having picnic and march on
last Saturday. The arrangement was made
and every thing conducted in order. Col.
E. q. Cook and Professor Tillotson were in
yited to deliver addresses on the occasion.
Though before Cook and Tillotson arrived,
various members of the Society addressed
them many judiciouS and sensible remarks.
About the time Col. Cook concluded his
short address, committee, as they called
themselves, from Gallatin, made their ap-
pearance. The Committee was composed of
the following gentlemen, tO-wit: Samuel Il.
Harvey, Probate Clerk, John p. Matthews,
Sheriff, f. q. Peyton, jr., District Attorney.
w. b. Peyton, County Treasurer, Samuel j.
Scott, Assessor of Taxes, Leon Matthews,
Assistant Assessor, j. NJ. Matthews, citizen,
and one Y mail carrier, well known on the
Natchez line. The object of this committee
was to address the people politically. The
members of the Benevolent society opposed
them in their purpose and come very near
having collision. After some discussion
the matter was quieted, when Mr. Harvey
said that they should not be disturbed in
their benevolent celebration: but after din
ner come together at some place and he, Mr..
Harvey, would make them a speech worth
hearing. Though Mr.. Harvey forgot his
promise, and before the Society returned
from their march to town and back took pos
session of the Church, and deprived the So
ciety of the use of their house the remain
der of the day. Harvey spoke first, and was
followed by Z. G. Peyton, jr, one of the
same sort, IA very distinguished colored gem
tleman, Barney Clay, went out and called
aloud TO Capt. -. to come in and hear
what he would have to live by and under. }
did not hear their speeches, but am told
that it was the same old song to the same old
tune. The high sheriff was in the spirit,
and very calamity swore that he could whip
any. Democrat on the ground, and perhaps
in the county; but on looking round found
but two present, and they approaching very
near their three score years and ten. either
of whom could have handled the sheriff very
decently. Taking it altogether it was one
of the most shameful scenes ever witnessed.
Negroes had gathered there from all parts
of the county who must have been invited
to hear speaking; but viii do the Society
the justice to say that they are not respon-
sible for the affair. This is the dying strug-
gle with Radicaiism, and they viii resort to
any and all means, no matter how low or
base. to carry their point. But i am proud
to say that see the light Of day dawning,
and before another twelve months sun rolls
round we will be freed from military shack
les and Radical rule Then let us be inspi-
red to go on in spirit of moderation and
self respect and show to the world that the
great conservative party Is the party TO save
the country. More anon. PETER.