The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1888-12-26
THE LADIES ENTERTAIN.
Graphic Account of n Literary Fes.
tivaI In the Female College at Due
West.

Due West enjoyed rare treat last Friday
the public splendid entertainment. 1t was
something new, but a grand success. Admit
tance TO the Hall was by invitation. A large
OF enas to enjoy
been made during the last fortnight.
| AS you entered the College, the lady ushers
met you and with much gruce escorted you
into their elegant Hall. Miss Lena Johnson
as chief, ably assisted by Miss Miller, Miss
McDufiie, Miss Power, Miss Smith, Miss Neel,
Miss Mikell, looked after every want Of their
| visitors
Miss Lucia Reid of Abbevile filled the pres.
idents chair most gracefully. In neat, ap-
proprlate address she welcomed the visitors
and introduced Miss Laura Grer, as the His
torian of the Society. This was an elegantly
written essay, containing much information
relative to the formation and progress Of the
Society. AS reporter, we greatly desire to
secure all the essays Of the young ladies for
publication. Miss Ona J.. Bell of Potts Sta
ton, read with much beauty "Beethoven's s
Moonlight Sonata.
Miss Jeanette Whitesides had capital es-
say on College Life, which she read beautiful
The young ladies had neat programmes dis
tributed through the audience, and 'expecta-
tion was on tiptoe." When the Debate was
reached-"Should the Ballot Box be opened
to women 'n At the request of the President,
than and DR.. f. H. Edwards to act as a com
lpittee TO decide the Debate
| Miss Matte Boyce of Sardis, N. G., was an
nounced as the leader Of the Affirmative in
favor Of the ballot being given women. She
| prefaced her debate by saying that she be-
lieved In the Righteousness Of her cause.
| Then She put forth one strong argument after
another, In solemo, pointed way. putting
and with enough authority In her voice as II
| to say, II believe every word | am saying"
She was soundly applauded on taking her
The battle on the Negative side was led by
Miss Ida Calhoun OF Due West, S. &. Miss
GalhGun du had ar1oIP PardieuIarly strong Debate
oore OF read by Miss Of
Calhoun. The argument as from the
bible by their debator in favor Of her side was
particularly strong. This debate was admit
ted by all to be exceedingly able and we'll got
| ten. 1t would have done credit 10 the head
and heart of John G. Calhoun, her great kins-
mnn-if it were seen In print the public will
say so.
And now came the versatile and spirited
| Miss McDavid TO strike in favor Of her sex,
which she did with splendid effect Miss Nc
David is n capital readec. She had charm.
Ing. debate. Her arguments were well put
and convincing. She entered into her subject
with great spirit.
Miss Ruth Cannon Of Williamson, S. c.,
now arose to close the debate on the negative.
She fired hot shots into her opponents on all
sides, turning upon them and putting most
pointed questions to them. Miss Cannon is q
| fine reader and her able debate well in hand.
All the young ladies read their exercises,
but were thoroughly acquainted with them
and exhibited no hesitancy at any time.
Each exercise was spiced with good humored
remarks which brought laughter and relieved
all ;ennui. The arguments were all short,
pointed and easily .comprehended. Fine H.
| lustrations from history were brought for
ward to sustain their respective positions.
| Our judgment has been against women vot-
ing but to tell the truth we had no idea they
had so strong case.
Whilst the Judges retreat to make dec!s-
ion there was considerable curiosity to know
what the verdict would be. The audience
was greatly divided as to how the decision
such remarks rs these: "Wel the women
can go to vote II they choose but l am going
to stay at home" From another: II will
stay with pou." From some Of the men: 81
am more in favor Of my wife voting than
ever before &C." Finally Prot. Hood appeared
and in behalf OF the committee stated that
they had great difficulty in making decision
at ALL and at one time there was some danger
though only three of them they had q tie
vote. On lifting the ballots he found Affirm
ative" on one, "Negatlve" on another. On
side, NEGATIVE" on the other. Finally they
decided the Affirmative was half inch
ahead. And now such clapping!
The young men of Erskine decided in q re-
cent debate that women should not vote.
Young gentlemen you will have to rectify
this error. You know the ladies are always
right, and one OF your Profession was claim
cd OF the committee that said they shall
On the announcement OF the decision as 1t
was still early Prof. Bonner called for extenl-
poraneous remarks from the gentlemen, He
called on Drs Latham, Edwards, Lindsay and
r. S. Galloway. Prof McCants and Itnv.
Brown. One Of the gentlemen said that he
"did not remember to have even followed
debate with keener Interest or greater zest.
And if not now woman sufragist he was
10 f1Ngfa hnfSN
Prof McCants said that .'as women now
had the privilege TO vote and speak l suggest
you call on them." Laughter.
The ladies were called on, but very modest
tory Mrs. Kennedy, Mrs. Agnew and others
being the persons called on. ALLOW me young
ladies, in conclusion to thank yon tor the eX-
quisite dish You set before us, ard to remark
that you have thoroughly shook up staid,
conservative old Due West on the Ballot.
We have heard a number of our citizens
fully endorse the well bestowed compliment
of the A. X. Presbyterian Oh the Editor OF The
Press and Banner. That was n graceful local
tho enterprise mentioned was displayed on
Il worthy cause.
Our present delegation to the Legislature
are proving themselves worthy for men. The
Grcenville News q week ago singled out and
especially commended TO the people waller
and King" as able champions of thei: right
devoted to the magnificent speech of "Bcnet
of Abbevillc" on tho Clemson College, Head
cd "Abbcvillcs Reply" Mr.. Bencl's elo-
quence flowed like u river on this occasion
and was majestic in its sweep.
Especial service was held in the \. Il. T.
Church Sabbath in behalf of the Seminary of
the Church.
esteemed friends Mr.. J. c. Klugh of Able
willie, and his beautiful bride from Troy. wv.
l.. NJ" gives q neat account OF the happy oc-
casion in the Grcenville News.
The congregational meeting of the A. II. p.
Cburch occurs next Wednesday, r SiG