The Van Buren press., 1874-08-11
The Colored Barbecue-Speaking, Etc
VAN BuREN, Aug. 4, 1874.
EDITOR OF THE Pass

EDITOR OF THE Press
the barbecue given by the colored farmers OF
Crawford county. on the 4th day Of August.
at the Springs on the Ilynes Lake near the
residence of Mr.. Hollis, desire the indulgence
of small space in the columns Of your paper
in which to give 4 brief statement of the pro-
gramme laid ont and followed on that occa-
sion. arrived upon the grounds about nine
o'clock In the morning, found the cooks and
working men Of the undertaking. hard at
work making the necessary preparations to
insure success in the project. From the time
OF my arrival. the colored people from almost
all parts of the County were continually
dropping in by the wagon load. including all
sizes and ages, "big. little old and young, ="
each and every one carefully observing the
most commendable decorum toward each 9TH
or, and showing the most plausible courtcsics
to their white ffiends that had assembled, by
request, to spend the day with them.
About half past ten o'clock Col. Nj. F..
Locke was called TO the stand and MADE a
very interesting and appropriate speech.
dwelling chiefly upon the duties ofthe farmer.
urging him to look to his own interest, while
persons OF the ether occupations and proles-
sions were looking to theirs. After Col. Locke
had concluded, MIR J, P. Byers took the stand
and more boldly and fearlessly launched out
into the political seas OF the period. and. not
withstanding tho resolution OF The committee
on programme not to have any discussion OF
a political sounding. attacked the United
States Congress sirted the Polands, the Free
linghuysens, the Wrights and the Carpenters
from beginning to end and wouldup by over
hauling the more insignificant personages
that composed some Of the reconstruction
Legislatures of Arkansas,
About this time dinner was announced. the
long table was very orderly filled time after
time until all were amply fed ofthe abundance
of barbecued beefes, pigs, sheep, etc, and
went their way rejoicing. Next broke forth
the tempting notes of the violin. when the ju-
veniles began to indulge in the luxury OF Il
free dance, while the older heads contented
themselves with listening at very interesting
addresses from Gen. Burrow and Mr. Wilcox
This explilicaton by the colored people
looks propitious of better day. not far in tn
future for them Tie greatest wonder of this
occasi N, was the absolute good feeling and
harmony that prevailed | think there was
not drink OF spirituous liquor on the ground
during the day. consequently there was nc
misunderstanding quarrels or hard word,
spoken. The whole affair speaks well for the
managers and it Is to be hoped that man y
such events may happen among our people
that we may be as one in interest. and build
up our County on firm and well united
basis, that we may be enabled to march
along side or ahead OF our sister counties in
agricultural Improvements, as well in the
quality as the quantity of our productions
When our farmers become proud Of their av-
ocation. then, and not before. they will make
successful farmers. and 1t is my sincere desire
to to see them become convinced of the no
bleness Of their calling. that ere long we
may be justly proud of the great improve
ment in the manner OF sowing and the results
in reapng. throughout our County.
OBSERVER.