Telegram-herald., 1889-12-09
AnsRlcANlzeo BLACKS
How ths Old African songs Were Sstu-
rsliEsd ana Modified
WALTER wELLNAS.



the corn has been gathered. and new
meal Is in the bun; but it is often danced
during the Holidays when the weather
permits.
once walked up on such dance,
which was suspended as soon as / was
observed. 4 group patted and chanted
the steps of the dance. which was being
described by about half a dozen young
bucks. There would be lull and then
burst Of Wild harmony. Bran, which
gave its name TO the dance. was conspic-
uOus by its absence from the ceremony.
Although knew several OF those present
very intimately, the dancing was not re-
sumed. When interrupted the dancers
were swaying themselves backward and
forward with regular movements Of the
hands, then this would cease and they
would jump up as if suddenly the earth
had become heated To an unbesrable de-
gree. The only reason / could gather for
the dance was that they always danced
1t. Inquiry failed 70 elicit further in
formation, and fancy that it was orig
iaGlly an African dance, the motive Of
movements remaining TO them have been
dedicated 10 the harvesting Of the corn
crop.
A favorite entertainment on every
plantation is the hot supper. 1t has as
warm place in the affections Of the
tenants in the quarters" as has the rattle
on the east side Of New York or the
pink tea in the Murray Hill district.
Christmas had only two days before
gladdened every Christian fireside, when,
oa advice of Cupid" and under his
guidance, we started out one evening to
witness such an occasion. The air was
sharp and bracing, with suggestion of
frost. Within the cabin revelry was at
its height, and the crevices between the
cabin logs were free from "chinkirg."
The night winds that came through these
We're disregarded by the assembled guests,
who, inside and out, numbered probably
100. By assiduous crowding. which in
terfered with the dancers, about half this
number could get in.
The picture was striking one. Sew
eral children frolicked about with their
Santa Claus toys that had stood the
wear and tear of two days. Toy bal
looms, stick candy, canned fruits and
tin horns were conspicuous. The nature
of holiday investments by the old folks
was evidenced in the display Of brass
finger rings, ear bobs, brooches and
watchchains, which were already tar
nishing. The younger members of the
gathering could be found within, where
a violin was dolefully squeaking ''sugar
in &c Courd, and all hands seemed en-
ergetically wing with each other as to
agility and staying qualities. The hon
ors of the dance weAS to the most vigor-
Gus. When a contest was spirited the
others would gather around, applaud,
join in the patting-on the knees, chest
or two hands-and urge the dancers to
further efforts.
In one corner, on a rude pine table,
which was the buffet, stood the yiands
which gave the name to the occasion
the hot supper. The good things were
as sayOry Is though Delmonico's chef
had presided at the spit. Liquids and
substantials were retailed BY the hostess
10 the guests present, and the manner Of
distinction in her prices might give cue
70 some Of our enterprising bonifaces.
On the payment of twenty-five cents,
the whllom diner was allowed TO help
himself. For fifteen cents he was served,
and not allowed further replenishment.
Refrcshmcnts were taken standing. OF
the black bottles that contained the
liquid refreshments. wag remarked ca
there being only two kinds: PLAIN
drunk and drunk and disorderly."
The cooking was done outdoors over
hugo fire. which had been lighted in the
front yard. About this, sitting on logs,
were tho older folks, smoking and study
ing the blaze. or talking in subdued
voices, as II afraid Of disturbing the fun
within. THovAs p HENRY.
Yesterday adeTnOSn an aged and
somewhat iufirfn specimen q humanity
called at The Telegraph Office and sol
icited the liberty Of writing a note.
which was accorded him. He was giveG
4 seat at the editors desk. and. although
pens and ink we're in view. he asked for
p pencil. which was handed him Paper
'vas his next desire, and this was also
supplied Carefully we,tinE the end Of
Die pencil and adjusting the paper in
front ~ hifn. he ran hls fingers through
the tang -d labyrinth Of iron gray h1ir
that fringed his uor over-clean brow.
and. with a FAR away look in bic eyes.
80 wrote what might have been a ViA
tffa nate rrrsftar, Es. frf~r,aH orH InraI