The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1875-05-13
Editorial Correspondence.
CHARLESTON, May 9th, 1875

bsr from the interior of South Carolina. The
DELEGATIONS from the various States are.gener-
ally complete, and there are an unusual num-
Der Of visitors besides. The convention OF
editors and publishers to organize State Press
Association also drew hither a respectable as-
semble from many counties in this State, and
between the two meetings my time has been
closely occupied, so that correspondence must
necessarily be restricted to these topics.
STATE PRESS ASSOCIATION.
The proceedings of this body are reported
by the Neacs and Courier, and are herewith
forwarded for insertion. I will not add much
in regard to the transactions of the Association,
since any one interested can gain clear idea
from the report alluded to that it was harmo-
nious and interesting meeting. The main
features which have distracted and divided
other organizations of this kind were either
ignored or declared inexpedient. There is no
interference with business relations, and no
invidious distinctions upon political grounds
The social feature is regarded with great prom
inence, and this meeting has demonstrated its
value and illustrated its benefits most thorough
ly. But We have higher and nobler objects in
view, which include the sincerest devotion to
our profession and the strongest incentives of
duty to the masses. The benefits of the Asso-
citation are confined to its members, and these
are taken from the active editors and publish
ers of newspapers in this State. The recent
onslaughts against the freedom of the press by
the judiciary and the legislative branch of the
State government, and the threatened destruc-
ton Of its usefulness by protracted and ex-
hausting libel suits, rendered it proper for this
meeting to express an uualterable determina-
tion to remain true to themselves and to the
people, unmindful of such assaults and unawed
by the frowns of those who are clothed with
little brief authority, and who are cutting such
fantastic tricks before the world. This express
sion was made temperately and discreetly, yet
with such frmness as to demonstrate earnest
ness and determination to discharge our noble
mission with fidelity.
The proprietors of the Charleston Nescs and
Courier exerted themselves to provide enter
tainment and recreation, when the business
transactions were concluded. An excursion
up the Ashley River was rendered, and the in
vitation was accepted most willingly. On
Friday morning, the steamer Republic was
ready at Atlantic Wharf for the reception of
a valuable cargo, embracing twenty-five or
thirty editors, and some ten or dozen ladies
and gentlemen from the up-country. The ex-
cursion was made to Drayton's Hall and Mag
nolia, some fifteen miles from the city Along
the magnificent river is attractive scenery, dot
ted here and there with mansions of ye olden
times, and freighted with memories, historical
and traditional, of recent events and remoter
periods of our States existence. My limited
knowledge of the traditionary legends will not
admit any extended reference, and the histori-
cal part is accessible to all. Drayton's Hall
was built nearly two hundred years ago-built
of wood and brick imported from England,
and was never completed. 1t is after the fash
ion of manor-houses in the mother country,
and is quaint structure. Modern touches are
visible, however, in new roof and other re-
pairs, which would indicate that preparation
is making for some occupant, but we believe
these repairs are not so intended, as no one has
occupied the building for many years. The
situation is within few hundred yards of the
Ashley River, and it is said that subterranean
passage was made from beneath the house to
the river, in order to afford an escape for the
family when attacked by Indians. Much more
might be written on the subject, but will
transfer my pen to brief description of
Magnolia" which is justly named, for the
magnolia trees are plentiful within the
grounds. This is the property of Rev. Mr..
Drayton, and is situated within a short dis
tance of the baronial mansion bearing his
family name. The house is neat and mex
pensive chateau, surrounded by beautiful
fower-garden, and adjacent to splendid grounds
with winding walks and enchanting lakes,
shaded with the granaest old trees imaginable,
and these are garlanded with long moss. It
would naturally suggest romance and other
emotions of the impressionable era in mans
existence, and 7 will leave this part of the de-
scription to the imaginations of younger con-
temporaries who were along and from whom this
'would'more naturally emanate.
Our party spent several hours inspecting the
two places. and we are much indebted for the
privilege of entering Magnolia" which is
likewise unoccupied and the gates are locked
against visitors generally. But Capt. Dawson,
our kind and gentlemanly host, possessed the
magic ability to secure entrance to the grounds,
lust like he possesses the secret of unlocking
the KEYS to the affections of all with whom he
comes in contact-always excepting the public
enemies of his adopted State, who as cordially
hate and contemn him. We returned to the
boat about two o'clock, where splendid COLA
ton was spread under the superintendent of