The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1878-02-27
Wednesday, Feb. ~, 1878.
Gen, McGowan iN Charleston.

We sec by the Charleston papers thai
they have done themselves great credit
in honnring the birth dayof Washington,
in a grand ovation to visiting companies
of citiZpn-soldicrS from Richmond, Viz
ginia, and the distinguished friends who
came with them. Charleston is dlStln-
guiShcl above all other cities for the
power of entertaining i'll Il tasteful,
generous and magnificent manner
When she puts herself ont, she can beat
The world. Rel done, good old lefty by
the sea-" Ne thank her for doing tho
honnrs of the State to distinguished
guests. We thank her for having such a
splendid birthday celebration as must
reflect credit upon the whole State, and
last but not least, VIC thank her for tho
good care which she seems to have taken
of our WI we'll beloved citizen-soidier
General Samuel Mct;owan, whom they
had chosen as the orator of this great oc-
caSiun. Charleston honorcd herself and
us, in honoring him. The daily papers
1lShc lltiN Niliu 'ittINf'ii' e" 10" 'N'N S
which we publish elsewhere in full. Wt
agree with them that it is most timely,
that it is full Of enlightened patriotism
and Overlooking with heart and earnest
ness. We know that every reader OF the
Press unl Banner will thank us for the
privilege Of peruSing this great speech.
The Journ0l Of Commerce says:
"Grncral MrGowan then anne forward,
and after Int tremendous and Ovcrwhelni-
ing applause had ceased. Interrupted by
frequent and enthusiastic demonstrations
unclaimed his delighted auditors for more
chan two hours with an Grafton which
could not and did not fail to reach the in
nerlnoSt rcccSseS of thci: hearts,
The .NcwS and Courier says:
Aftcra feeling and appropriate prayer
had been offered, and the Hclicon Band
had diScourScd Il Stirringair Capt. Smyth
again approached the front of the stage,
and said: 81 have the honor us we'll as
the pleasure of introducing to you the
orator of the day-ono whose name Is !;
household word in South Carolina, and
one who. by his courage on the field OF
battle, Us well as his craftsmanship i'll the
caliner hours of the Commonwealth, has
won for himself the honor and respect OF
Il loving people. l have the honor To i'll
troducc to Won Gen. Samuel Mc'iowan.'
as Gen. Mctiowan rose from his seat
and advanced to the front oftlie stage. the
cheers which greeted him made the wei
kin ring again and again, and thundcrS OF
applause which iollowee shook the time
honorcd and historic old building from
do ne to foundation.'
"The echoes Of this warm and cnthuSi-
asti. greeting had scarcely died away
before it burst forth anew in response to
the burning words which first fell from
the orators lips. He said: Il have now
10 address Il free people," simple words
indeed. but words which struck Il rcSpon-
Sivc chord in every heart within the vast
assembly. and stirred up memories and
feelings which found relief only in L gon-
uinc outburSt of cnthuSiaSm.'
1.-The Grafton which followed will be
found published elsewhere, and its glow.
ing words, its noble sentiments and its
stirring eloqucncc. will speak louder
than could possibly be expressed by any
words Of eulogy.'