Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1875-07-15

Strate that which now puOllcly assert.
JOHN w. KEELY.
Correspondence of the Yorkville Enquirer.
LETTER FROM CHESTER.
CHESTER, July IL, 1875.
NY correspondence of last week was neces-
sarily closed before the main event OF the Gel
ebration of Independence Day at this place
transpired. Late in the afternoon, the Hook
and Ladder Company, of Chester, and the
Vigilant Fire Company, of Columbia, all col
ored, formed in procession, and marched
through our principal streets, halting on Man,
for the purpose of hearing an address from
Judge T. J. Mackey, who had announced his
intention of presenting the home company
with United States flag. Before the pre-
sentation of the colors, the Vigilants spent
some time in displaying their fine manage
ment of their engine, and testing its eevating
powers. The projection of three streams
meeting and crossing each other in the air,
presented a pretty spectacle. The perform
ance of the Vigilants having arrived at
successful and satisfactory termination, the
Hook and Ladder reformed in line, and be-
gan shouting vociferously for Judge Mackey.
A rostrum was extemporized out Of dry
goods box, upon which the Judge mounted
and delivered speech, moderate in its tone
and one tolerably we'll received by his many
listeners. He said it was melancholy fact
that the celebration of the Fourth was con-
fined to the colored element; but hoped, upon
the return of the next anniversary, the mem
bers of both races would unite in doing honor
to the memories of Independence Day. The
colored people were urged to keep in mind
the fact that upon that day the principle was
declared that all men are born free and equal.
Their race had taken no part in the struggle
that secured the establishment of that princi-
Pile; still it was their duty and privilege to
commemorate the leading event of that strug-
gle. The speaker alluded to the history OF
the negro race while in bondage. In conclu-
sion, he addressed himself more particularly
to the Hook and Ladder Company, and re-
ferred to their duties as fremen, and to the
kindly feeling entertained for them by the
whites. The presentation of the flag then
followed, which called forth considerable
cheering Judge Mackey was succeeded by
ex-Postmaster Richardson, who devoted the
greater part of his time to the denial and ref
utat;on of the assertion that his race had Ia
ken no part in the Revolutionary War. In
winding up his political harangue, he urged
upon his brethren to stick together, and put
no confidence in Democratic declarations. AS
he is candidate for the office Of Sheriff of
this county, there is no difficulty in account
ing for the milk in the political cocoauut
On Wednesday, most refreshing rain fell in
our town and extended throughout the coun-
ty. The sun, which had been pouring down
tropical heat for several days, moderated his
rays, and exhausted human nature revived.
The desire to seek refuge in a cooler cline has
abated. At least, those unfortunate individu-
ais who cannot conveniently get away. have
concluded to remain and fight it out on the
Chesteriine if it takes all summer.
A meeting of the Republicans of Chester
township was held in the Court House on
Friday for the purpose of electing delegates
to the County Republican Convention that
assembled on the next day. The attendance
was rather slim, being for the most part COM
posed of those who make politics profession.
John Lee, colored, was chosen Chairman.
After taking the chair, and explaining the
object of the meeting, he called for the nomina-
tion of delegates. Nominations were made
and elections ensued until twelve delegates,
all colored, were chosen to the County Con-
vention. With the exception of brief mis-.
understanding between ex-Postmaster Rich
ardson and the Chairman, the meeting was
tame and uninteresting. The proceedings
wore upon their face a cut and dried look.
Judge T. j. Mackey made few remarks in
which he exhorted his fellow Republicans to
be true and faithful to their party. He an
nounced his inability to be present at the
Convention on Saturday, but hoped that the
deliberations would be marked with harmony
and good feeling. He is one man who is be-
yond the comprehension Of ordinary minds.
One day his Conservative views are very pro-
nounced, while on the next his Radicalsm
knows no bounds.
The Republican County Convention, COM
posed of about forty delegates, assembled in
the Court House on Saturday. The giving
of just and vivid description of the Incl
dents and proceedings of the meeting would
be simple impossiblity. The meeting was
called to order at twelve o'clock, and the hour
of four had arrived before a permanent or
gauization had been effected. Sometimes
there would be dozen or more delegates on
the floor, all speaking or attempting to speak,
at one and the same time. The efforts Of the
Chairman to keep order were fruitless; his
orders were treated with the most supreme
Indifference Willis Blackwell, and A. S.
Richardson, both colored, after considerable
time spent in wrangling and making "pints"
of order, were elected temporary chairman
and secretary of the Convention. At this
stage of the proceedings, Dublin Walker, the
colored Senator of the county, obtaining the
floor, informed the delegates of the disgrace
fulness of their conduct. The Senatorial ef-
fusion had subduing effect upon the dele
gates, who proceeded to the election of per-
manent chairman, in more quiet and decent