Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1879-10-02
A NEW FEATURE-IN REGARD TO
THE HAMBURG RIOT.

Our readers are doubtless aware
that the greatest portion of the op-
probrium in connection with this al
fair, which, like all others, has two
sides to it, has rested upon one indi-
vidual. 1t is hardly necessary to
state that this fact has been accepted
as trustworthy by a great many per-
sons, while, on the other hand, quite
a number have doubted its correct
ness. This, however, is not a ques-
ton for us to determine. The gen
,leman referred to is Mr.. Thomas
Butler, of Hamburg, S. C. Fate or
chance has, however, so ordered it
that those persons Of the class first
referred to above 1--WE allude to our
Northern brethlen), will have an OPP
portunity to hear from the lips of Mr..
Butler himself Of the true inward
ness of this lamentable affair-la-
mentable in more bearings than one,
alasl Mr.. Butler will go on to New
York at the head Of, and as a prin-
cipal actor in, a novel enterprise, and
one that will, no doubt, excite great
interest and curiosity in that and
other Northern cities. He has, through
great energy and expense, succeeded
IN training a pack OF hounds perfect
ly in pursuing a human trail. The
person pursued is a negro and the
object OF the undertaking is to vivid
ly portray what was an occasional
incident Of the ante bellurn time.
The public must by no means enter
tain an idea that there is aught OF
cruelty to either nlan o: beast in this
unique entertainment, as the negro
il question is devoted to his employ
er and the hounds are we'll kept and
cared for. This negro is of far greater
intelligence than the average country
darkey in that or other Southern
States. He is a preacher and exerts
great influence among his brethren
and race in the locality named. His
devotion to the so-called "bugaboo OF
the Hamburg riot affords rich mate
rial for thought with referen e to the
general, and we might say prevail
ing, opinion existing in the Northern
States that the Hamburg riot Was
chargeable only to the whites not on
ly of Hamburg but Of u own fair
city. By this we mean that it is re-
m~arkable, to say the least, that this
comparatively intelligent negro should
in the face OF the alleged brutal and
inhuman treatment of others OF his
race, profess and exhibit such fidelity
and devotion. Enough of this, now
ever. The remarkable sagacity OF
the canine race, which has been SO
often embodied in anecdote and song,
is most forcibly exempliied in this
exhibition, a general idea of which
ma. 10 s.tL.-.l from tho following:
The negro Sam starts out on a brisk
run several minutes, say Is or 20, be-
fore the dogs are let loose. He bounds
over fences, runs through the fields,
or through the midst OF a vast con-
course Of people, jumps on a horse,
which he finds on MS route and lashes
into a furious galop, and now leaping
to the ground again continues his
rapid fight. Now in the distance is
heard the winding of the pursuers
horn and the deep baying OF the
hounds, which are let loose, and with
unerring instinct seek for the trail,
which is soon found and followed.
They come in view, b~reathless and
with hanging tongues, followed by
the reckless, but skillful rider, who
now cheers. now reproves, as he ar
dor of the chaie increases or abates.
He is found. The hounds appear 10
be beyond all control. The pursued
is safely ensconced among the shell
tering boughs Of a tree far above and
beyond the reach of the iniuritt,d
animals. The pursuer, however, with
a few words and a short blast Of the
horn quiets the pack, and the pursu-
ed, jumping down, is fawned upon
and caressed by the hounds. Thus
ends a most novel sport. Our breth-
rem beyond the line will no doubt
testify to their appreciation Of this
remarkable sight in more ways than
one. Mr.. Butler left Augusta last
evening, and will embark for New
York on the steamer Western Texas,
leaving Port Royal to-day, accompa-
nied by his servant Sam, his horses
and the hounds.-CMonicl and Con-
StitutionuhSt.