The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1874-07-09
FOURTH OF JULY IN ANDERSON.

FOURTH OF JULY IN ANDERSON.
Saturday last ushered in the glorious Fourth
of July, and it was celebrated with all due
honors by the colored people. Early in the
morning the public square began to be filled
with eager and eXpectant crowds from various
sections Of the County, all bent on having
good time. y stand for the speakers was cree
ted III the grove near the residence of DR.. w. H.
Nartlin, and the grounds were otherwise fitted
up. AT about half-past twelve O'Clock, every
thing being in readiness, the entire crowd as
semblcd in front Of the Court House. a spring
wagon with box seats, and drawn by four
splendid horses, was in waiting for the speak
ers and invited guests, who soon arrived. Tho
procession was then formed, i'll the following
order: Wagon with speakers, ETC., in front
colored Sociablc Club, with banner and flag,
next; and members of the militia company
and persons from the country last The pro-
cession was commanded by Berry Williams,
President of the Sociable Club. After march
ing around the public square, the procession
went down Depot street to the grove, disbanded
and collected around the stand. Mr.. 0. II. Z.
Fant the chairman, then addressed the meet
ing in brief but appropriate speech, and ended
by introducing as first speaker Mr.. John E.
Breazeale, who commenced in beautiful style
to eulogize the declaration of independence,
but was interrupted by the falling of tho
stand. The stand was repaired and scarcely
had the speakers been seated when it fell a
second time. \ wagon was then driven up in
the shade and used instead. Mr.. Breazeale re-
sumed his address, referring to the emanclpa-
ton of the colored race, and showing forth the
great advantages that might accrue to them
from proper use of the ballot. He also went
on to show the amount of corruption in the
present State government, and urged the COL
ored people to remedy it at the next election,
and ended by advising them to educate them
selves, for upon this depended great deal.
Master Ernest Cochran was then introduced,
and i'll style that was surprising Tor one OF
his years, delivered the poem "Fourth of
July" He was asked to do this on his way
down, and consented
james L. Orr, Esq, being the next speaker,
commenced with brief history of the United
States from it's first settlement down to the
present, showing at what time slaves were hrsc
introduced into the country. lie thcn went Oh
to speak of their freedom, and to SHOW them
the necessity of good government, saying that
il could not be effected unless they would unite
with the whites in excluding the carpet-b bag
gers. Ic also spoke of the enormous frauds
practiced upon the people by corrupt legisla-
tors. and censured the present oppressive mode
of taxation, and ended by showing forth the
necessity of education, for by this they would
elevate themselves, and better their condi-
ton.
Green D. Williams was then introduced, anu
advanced many sound views, telling tne coloi-
ed poople that if they did not UNITE ana pu1
down corruption, the right OF the palloI "oulo
he taken away from them. lie denounced the
present governmental leaders at Columbia, and
nrrcd upon the colored people throughout the
entire County to set a good example at the
next election, by sending to Columbia good,
honest men to represent them.
II. D. Kennedy was next introduced, and in
short address spoke of the rapid. growth and
greatness of the United States, and of the free
dom of the colored people, and the importance
Of strict attention to governmental affairs.
Mai John B. Moore was then called upon,
and delivered short but appropriate address,
saying that something p'ust be done to reno
vate the State go. or.lment.
The speaking being over, dinner was then
announced and eaten with a relish, for it was
growing late. Quite a number of prominent
citizens were out, and partook OF the excellent
dinner which was furnished them by the hos
pitablc Berry Williams. The best order pre-
vailed on the grounds, and the whole thing
passed of pleasantly.