Richland beacon. [volume] (Rayville, La.) 1869-1890, 1876-04-22
Grange Dinner at Floyd.
DELHI, La, April -, 1876.

Mr.. Editor: am but a novice in
newspaper lore. but notwithstanding
this, l mus: write you something
about my trip to dear old Floyd"
the home Of my hsppiest hours and
still fondly cherished for the sweet
"reminiscences of the past, yet not alone
for the past, for never in years agone,
or metbinks, in years to come, were
there or " i'll there be, warmer hearts
or more generous people than now
live in Floyd; their hospitality is
unequaled in any cline or place it
has ever been my good fortune to
reside. But / have not yet stated
that ], among others, was invited
there to a Grange dinner, which
pleasure l gratefully accepted, aud
felt fully repaid for my trip Tin the
raiD) to that place.
At about twelve o'clock on Sstur-
day morning, April the S,b, the deep
toned bell Of the Court House peeled
forth its summons that all was in
readiness TO receive the guests. Alb !
that court House !" what q rush of
memories came on US as VIC entered
there, aud how wildly did it bring to
mind the scenes of long ago! but that
was soon banisbed. We are creatures
of the present not Of the past, and the
warm greetings Of kind friends soon
recalled US from any little fight
memory might have taken. Many
were the anxious inquiries after the
two speakers who were invited from
Delhi, Capt II. p. Wells and Mr..
Jno Bishop. They asked and looked
in vain they were both prevented
the pleasure of gracine the occasion
with their angus; presence by the
April showers, (Which was very much
to their discontinue, after hearing
what they bad missrd.)
The house was called 10 order by
our old friend, Jno. l.. Cheatam
Master Of the Floyd Grange. There
were then calls for LOT, !" to address
the company, which gentleman arose
and courtccusly declined the honor,
on the grounds Of not being prepared !;
then calls for Taylor, which met with
o like fate. But in that assembly. it
is very natural to suppose that there
were PERSONS who knew the ability Of
both the above named gentlemen, and
again were calls for Lott" which
brought the Colonel to the speaker s
stand. He gave US an impromptu
speech of half an hours duration,
| which was both instructive and inter-
estipg, and by ourselves very much
appreciated. as We are rather partial
to "impromptu speeches" To say
more of this speech. would be entirely
useless-sufice il to say the name
of the orator is an "Open Sesame to
the OratiOu. The Colonel was seated
amidst the applause Of the bouse. And
then again were calls for F. H q.
Taylor, and that gentleman, being
noted for bis politeness. "sns ~ereJ
like Q statesman to the call, and
held the audience spell bound for a
short time only, recalling perhaps to
mind the lines Of Prior's Alma
lis remarkable that they
| Talk most that have the least to say"
The gentleman in question cert ainly
encompassed much in little." and
| gave way to Mr.. Cheatam, who made
. few remarks aud invited tue com
pany to dinner.
And now what shall say of this
sumptuous frasty Each lady seemed
to have We'd with The other in pre-
pairing the incest delicscies brought
there; the result being nnquestionsble
| The poultry in that section has surely
suffered from the effects Of this Grsngs
dinner. The handsome cakes would
do credit to city confectioner. Tbt
table extended the entire length Of iht
Court House, aud WAS laden Will