The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-02-01
A LOUISIANA CUSTOM.
THE CUTTING Or
THE LAST STALK OF CANE.

Vigorous work at the/ Last Acre-A"
r,xied Man-Banners of All sorts-A
Long Procession Of Happy Darkeys.
Negro Oratory-SupPer.
4 time nonored custom among the hands
IN n SUGAR plantation IS the celebration OF
the dny when the last load of cane IS
hauled from the fields 10 the sugar house.
There are few planters who object to TINS
festival. and there are not many VINO
assist personally in its observance. An
account of one Of these celebrations VIII
be an almost faithful picture OF all, Tor
there is little variety about them.
IL is a clear, sunny, winter day, ana
the hanls work vigorously at the last acre
of cane. Cane knives glitter in and out
OF the rustling green tops, there Is swirl
CLEAN Of bright steel along the stalks,
auick stroke near the ground anu the
pliers lift the clean stalks in piles ready
for the leaders to toss in great armfuls to
the men waiting in the carts. Cane Is
heavy. and il requires "A marvellous sleight
of hand and some muscular power TO send
n bundle of cane flying into the grasp OF
another person. Mingled with cracking
Of stalks and the rushing sound Of falling
cane tops, comes the even melody OF enc
negroes as they chant jubilee songs
There is only little cane left. The men
| hold back. making "A desperate appearance
of haste; but not cutting more than they
can help. Each man tries 10 deceive MS
ncighbOr. but the Oyerseer Is looking on
and the cane must be cut swish, crack
the last stalk is almost reached, and
who will have the glory of cutting NJ
The men are eager and excited the over
seer hurries them up, one after another
the stalks fall-and, hurrah. the enyied
man cuts the last, and waves 1t triumph
antly above his head. As the last load Is
piled on cart. cheers loud and long an
nonnce the beginning of the celebration.
BANNERS or ALL SORTS.
The planter has supplied the negroes
with banners If all sizes. Inc cane carts
are decorated with these, and the three OF
! four mules III every cart have Il bright
rosettc. ~urmounted By small United
| States nag, placed above each long ear.
! Beside these there are from one TO
| three great fla-s supported in every wagon
lbs "a proud d1rkcy, Malay or white man.
as the case may be. When the line Is
/ formed 10 has very imposing look First
come, the leader cart, Ina which stands
| the man with the last stalk he'll upright,
aui one or TWO ,. hae, which the ladies
iof the planters household are solicited
each wear 10 manufacture; and much
enyl.l is the man to whom they are pre-
.cntcd. for they are as attractive a. yards
Of trl- colorcd flannel ribbons aud gilt de
vice, can make them There are also ban
ners made by the coored women mar
ycl- ina the way ~ streamers and g3udy
patchwork.
The long procession forms behind the
| last load of cane. surmouuted by It's gay
decorations, and moves toward the sugar
mill amid loud songs and dcaiening cheers
for the planter, manager and oNerseer.
/ All the mill whistles are blowing, aud the
much respected plantation bells are left IN
the power of the people, to be rnns until
the arms of the ringer, are worn out Inc
procession is greeted az the sugar house
with great rejoicing speeches are INDUCED
i'm. and the women and children stream
from the quarters and chamber into the
carts
There is "A great shrieking Of whistles,
roaring Of machinery, crashing OF cane
mingled with the sounds of song ana
cheering while toasts are drunk IN every
variety of Why but the best Amid all
this din minor noises are unheard. After
leaving the sugar house the troop OF
darkcys hle- around the mansion OF the
PLANTER. cheering the family, who are eX-
pectcd To make their appearance ana be
looked nt Addresses are made 10 the
planter who, of course, has 10 return
thanks. for if there * anything dear TO the
soul of the darkey it is speechmaking, and
the father and brothers Of the planter, If
ne has any. come in for their full share of
negro OratOry.
TREATING THE CROWD.
Money is given to the leaders to treat