The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1874-11-14
PRESENTATION OF Oon,Rs TO THE

was emphatioally gala day IN Colum-
bia. The sun shining brightly aud
beautifully. after night Of rain. the
crisp and fresh air, the joyous spirits
Of large ooncourso of people on foot
and in carriages welcomed the frst ap-
pesranoe in public OF tue Richland
Rifle Club. At IL NJ, they issued
from their drill-room, over tho store
of Messrs. Swatfield, abou: fifty in
number. besides officers, dressed in
their peculiarly handsome uniform of
gray, carrying the Remington rifle.
surmounted by bayouets. and stopping
with the precision md pride OF veto.
rams on u march. II was happy
thonght md graceful ard grateful
act on the part Of tho ofticurs of the
post and the post band, to tender tho
services Of the band for this Joyous
ceremonial. Escorted 10y numerous
friends, among whom We noticed the
officers Of the garrison, tho club
marched in excellent order, inspired
by the elegant music. to tue lawn of
the Columbia Male Academy. There,
upon u stand erected for The occasion,
were Assem- 5led numb .r Of & he iuir
young ladies' aud no less fair mntrouS
Of Columbia, guardiug benntlinl
stand Of coiora. waving in thu breeze
and ready fur presentation. It is
handsome banner of blue silk, bearing
a shield on one side. emblZnue.! wi.h
! the arms of tho State, aud Inscribed
on the other with the simple words,
"Presentel to tho r. r. G. by the
ladies' of Columbia" rlc company
formed in single rank before the stand.
After q short prayer by Rev. Mr.
Stringfellow, Miss Kate McMaster. as
tho representative of the ladies'. grasp
ing the fig staff, delivered. in voice
tremulous with emotion. but earnest
i'll sincerity, graceful address. She
said:
CAPTAIN THOMPSON AND MEMBERS OF
THE RIcuLASD RIFLE CLUB: The
ladies Of Columbia, desiring to mani
fest their interest in your organiz Itiou,
have chosen me as their humble repre-
sentative to present to you This simple
flag, as slight token Of their good
will aud kindly feeling. 1t is plain
aud modest banner. but on it is the
court -of-arms OF our belpvod State.
The palmetto, with it's proud
device, is sacred to us on az
count OF the memories of the past
rendered more dear aud tender from
the misfortunes through which our
State has passed. But however severe
her Affections may have been, not even
her bitterest foe can say the palmetto
flag has been tarnished with dishonor.
Que part Of the motto bids us hope
and we trust is symbolically the peace.
happiness and prosperity which is
about to dawn on US. In hours OF
ease, it is woman's duty to spread Joy
and happiness o'er the pathway of
men;i il .imea OF :sdTersity, to cheer,
comfort and solace. May tho bless
Jugs Of peace and hnppinoss always at
tend you, and the duties of the soldier
be the duties OF the peaccful ciizsn;
but should grim-visaged war ouoe
more raise his horrid front" in our
land. then let this flag be pledge
from US that Wa have abiding faith In
your courage and patriotism, and let
it. like the white plume of Harry of
Navarro. be always seen in the
front, ut the post of honor.
Accepting the coors from the fair
hands which rendered them, President
Thompson rcplind, in manly tones and
manly thoughts. iu substance, as fol-
lows:
Iu tho name aud on behalf If the
Richland Rife Club, accept this
beautiful buuner. which we owe TO the
kindness of tho fair ladies Of Colnm bia
When our club was first formed, the
Dien Of this city, with Il uuanim,ty and
IA llberality which we had no right to
expect, camo forward aud contributed
freely to our equipment. This gene
rous conduct imposed upon us an obi.
cation to do our duty fully-an obli-
CATION which tho members Of the club
have acknowledged in the earnest en-.
deavors which they have made TO fit
themselves for tho duties of their So
veral positions. But high and exact.
ing us this feeling of duty has been,
there was still Que thing nocded to OK.
IA