Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-07-27
sPRINGFIELD's GALA DAY.
The Farmers Annual DInner-Ora-
tory and Good Cheer-SYmpathy
for the President "A Carolina
Teachers Counsel.

EGYPT, Ga, July 23.-Editor Morning Nel1s
Agreeable to the long established custom Of
the citizens of old Bingham, large crowd.
estimated at from one thousand to fifteen hum
dred persons, assembled at Springfield on last
Wednesday. the Goth instant, to spend the day
and enjoy themselves at what is called the an
nual social Gathering. or farmers dinner.
At these gatherings it is customary to have
from young men and others short speeches
upon such subjects of Interest as they may
select for the occasion.
At II o'clock, H. p Brewer, Esq, from the
Committee of Arrangements. announced from
the stand the programme for the day, and,
after short and appropriate prayer by Rev.
Mr. Mingledorff, a young graduate OF Oxford,
introduced to the audience J. D. Griner, also
student at that institution, who, having chosen
as his theme the old and hackneyed subject
Education, convinced his hearers that though
young in years, and then making his maiden
effort at public oratory, he was not at a loss
for something to say to his fellow county boys
on this important subject by way or Stlmu-
lanng them to efforts of cultivating and i'm
proving their minds. This young man bids
fair TO make his mark in the world in the not
far distant future, and to become an honor to
his parents and a satisfaction to his friends.
Angus e. Bird, Esq, son of Col E. Bird, our
present Representative in the Legislature. was
next introduced. and entertained the audience
for half hour, taking as his theme Work"
We have not space to give even synopsis of
this address, but suffice 1t to say it was a mas
terpiece of practical good sense showing the
advantages of machine over hand work, all of
which inventions were the results of study and
investigation.
Prof S. s. RAIN of Newberry College, South
Carolina, was then introduced. The writer,
whose pleasant duty it was to introduce the
speaker to the audience, could not refrain
from indulP ing in some fattering references to
the history of this young man, whom he had
known from boyhood, with whom he had
served in the same company through the war,
and when peace was declared, returned home.
like many other boys. poor and without any
education. Possessing energy, however that
essential prerequisite to success he set out
with determination to have an education.
His friends seeing that he possessed talent of
a high order assisted him, and having entered
the preparatory department of Newberry Col
lege, he rose step by step until he graduated,
in the meantime studying for the ministry,
and graduating in that department, which was
at that time connected with the college. At
this time Mr.. Rain is Professor of Languages
in his old alma mater and has the care Of
some churches, to which he breaches, we are
told. with great success. His address on
subject, but was the outpouring
of feeling and encouragement to the youth of
his old home to press forward, apply them
selves to the seeking of knowledge, and receive
an education which is in the reach of any one
who determines to have it.
At the close of Prof RAINS address, on
motion of DR. Norton, resolutions of sympathy
for and expressive of the hope of a speedy re-
covery of President Garfield were passed
unanimously. A recess of two hours was then
had, during which well stored baskets were
brought into requisition, the precious contents
of which were disposed Of in a manner salts
factory to the inner man.
In the afternoon Col. Rawls who is always
ready to respond to call for an imprOmptu, was
loudly called for, and entertained the crowd
for short time in his usual happy style, at
times eliciting outburst of applause and
laughter at his witticisms. In conclusion, he
referred in a touching manner to the appro-
priateness of the resolutions passed in the fore
noon in regard to President Garield's recovery,
as he hoped they met a hearty response from
every true Southron in this broad land.
Mr.. Slater, of Bulloch county young gradu-
ate of the Athens branch of the State Univer-
versity was then called on and made a most
noble effort at oratOry. He is a young man of
great promise, and if he continued to improve
himself and cultivate his powers of oratory.
which are truly remarkable, old Bulloch will,
in few years, be entitled to claim that she
Leared the DemostheneS OF the Wiregrass.
Thus ended the exercises of the day, and all re-
turned to their homes feeling profited by the
social intercourse of the day and the entertain
ments afforded by the young speakers. r.