The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1885-09-09
WALNUT GROVES BIG DAY.
The Educational Speeches by Many
Disting uiShed Speakers--Pfc-Nit
Dinner-..Temperancc Meeting.
WALNUT GROVE, S. {

WALNUT GROVE, S. c. Sept. Z, 1885.
Editor Press ana Tanner:
Agreeable to the announcement made In
your columns some time ago, an educational
and temperance picnic took place at Walnut
Grove church on last Saturday, the 5tl. The
exercise in the morning was on the subject OF
education in general, but more particularly as
1t regards to the free schools in COkcSbury
township. The crowd were late In assembling
and it was eleven o'clock before the chairman,
Mr.. b. VI. MCGEE, called the house to order.
\ most suitable prayer was then offered by
Hon. j. s. MCGEE. After which the chairman
in a short speech stated the object Of the meet
ing and announced to the then crowded house
that we were sadly disappointed by the alb
sence OF some noted, lecturers who had been
invited TO deliver addresses on this occasion.
This Was indeed sad news TO many, for they
came TO hear something fine from such excel
lent speakers rs had been invited. Though
disappointed In some Of our speakers, said
the chairman, we have some amongst us who
will endeavor to entertain the crowd for q
short time. He then introduced as the first
speaker Mr.: J. P. Jones, q teacher In Cokes-
bury township.
Mr.. Jones came forward and he not only en-
tertained but instructed the audience for
about half an hour. His speech was indeed
well prepared and delivered and all were
a suitable piece was then sung by the choir
Of Walnut Grove church, led by the excellent
organist and singer, Miss Minnie Beachain.
The next speaker w. Courtney McGee, was
Sa'S1i ~ = "A' AstNNNI O. -botS 1NN VA
the importance OF reading and why it should
be taught more In our schools.
The next speaker. Prof. &c Cork, made an
excellent address. He Is rising young teach
er and his til rughts were well selected and ar.
ranged on that subject, teaching. He stated
that for the real advancement and improve.
ment OF young pupils Indies were supcrlo or To
men as teachers. We heard much praise OF
his speech, especially among the young ladies.
Prof. Simon Boozer. of Greenwood, next ad'
dressed the audience: We may call him the
orator Of the occasion, for he deli vcrcd 4
speech which was deep, entertaining and IN
structive. His subject was principally on tho
mind, its position and its capabiiity of being
improved. lie adduccd some new and valua.
Bile thoughts on his subject. Clear through
his speech one could see that there was deep
thoughts in 1t, coming from n well trained
mind. Prof. BooZcr is indeed II pleasant speak.
or and his cNccllent address was highly apure'
cintcd and will be long remembered by his ut.
tentlve hearers.
AT the close of Prof. BooZcr's speech the
chairman announced that there would be an
intermiSSion OF one hour, after which there
would b. speeches IN temperance. The crowd
then scattered over the grove in groups OF
friends where choice viandS were served in
abundance. II there was any one who did
not get sufficient dinner 1t was their own
fault, for ii was plentiful. The intcrmiSsior
was very pleasant TO the young people, loI
they coupled off and soon were having q de.
lightiul time with each other. Very few OF
them went back to the Speaking in the eve
hiHS. liz le 'ltcTlOON Tile CllitlIllluu All
nounceu that some excellent temperance lee
turers. such as Rev. Chrietzherg, DR.. Grier and
Judge Mcrrilnan. of North Carolina, were eX'
&pected to address the audicnce. hut were then
absent, and consequently double duty would
be imposed upon the morning speakers. The
following speakers then addressed the audi
ence: Hon. Us. MCGEE. Prols. Cork, Boozer
and Courtney MCGEE. Some good thoughts
were touched upon but of course not fully
elaborated, as the speeches were all eNtempo
raneous. AT the close of the speeches al Gt
tempt was made to organize a Division OF tho
SoIfs of Temperance, but |: was not fully
success rs it was thought better TO postpone
organizing until the third Saturday afternoon
at 8 o'clock. 1t is proposed that if we get 2;
or 30 members then, that we will constitute 1
regular lodge. If not that numbcr the lodgt
will not be constituted. There Is no reasol
why We cannot lu,ca lcd"e If nil who havt
promised to join will hold out and come.
The picnic was n grand success in the main
Tho crowd in the evening was estimated a
about 450. Refreshments were furnished b.
Mr.. Mack GlyEipii. Educational aud temper
ancc pic-nics are very pleasant and VIC hop
that there will bc more 10 follow. $.