The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1889-06-19
[INcDomld F,amos IN Ne,es ahd Co,aier.l
THE CENTENNIAL OF COLUMBIA.
A Suggestion to Celebrate the One Hun.
drelth Anniversary OF the Founding OF
the State Capital.

AS lt Is one hundred years THIS year since
the State records and government papers
were carried to Columbia, it would be ap-
propriate, think, to have centennial
celebration in that city. This would be a
suitable year for such celebration. It is
an off year in politics. It is also year in
which some of our people are trying to re-
vive an interest in our State history, and
then, as stated above, it is one hundred
years since the State records were carried to
Columbia.
1t was in March, 1856, that the Legisla-
ture provided for the founding of Colum bia.
At that time the land where it now stands
WAS owned by the distinguished Taylor fam
lily Zone Of whom was afterwards Governor
of the State.) The city was laid out in 1857
and in January, 1870, the first Legislature
met there in session that lasted half 4
year.
Such was the founding of Colombia.
Many are the historical memories connected
with the city. Thele, in May, 1871, Cen
eral Washington was hoDored with a pub
lie dinner that was attended by number
OF ladies and gentlemen. It was there that
the Notification Convention met in the No
vember Of 1892. 1t was in the Baptist
church of that city and on December 18th,
1850, that the famous Secession Convention
met; and it was in this same city that one
Of the greatest acts of vandalism mentioned
in modern history took place in February,
1865. refer to the burning of the city by
William Tecumseh Sherman.
Columbia is the home of the Hamptons-a
family that has been prominent in both the
political and military history of South Car
olina. It was there that the great orator,
William G. Preston, lived. It was there
that Horny, the Revolutionary patriot; James
H. Thoruwell, the great Presbyterian; Maxcy
Gregg. one of the knightliest of Carolina's
Confederate soldiers; Henry Timrod, the
American Tennyson, all lie buried. It is
in that city that Cardinals Governors reside
while filing this Office. It was there that
Beverly Nash lived-he WAS the negro who
made Rutherford B. Hayes President of the
United States, and during the dark days Of
Radicallsm. Columbia was the home Of Rob-
ert B. Elliott, IN unscrupulous but at the
same time one of the most brilliant negroes
that has ever lived in the United States.
It is in Columbia that the South Carolina
College stands. What number Of able men
have been connected with this institution as
instructors, and what number Of eminent
yates!
At the unveiling Of the Confederate mon
ument ten years ago last month one Of Col
umbia's most eloquent and distinguished
citizens-the late Gen. John S. Prestcn-de-
scribed in language simple and touching
how Columbia looked before 1t had been Wis
itcd by the ravages of war:
s.How beautiful the dear old town was,
with it's quiet, deep shaded streets, its COM
Portable, CHEEKY looking houses, surrounded
by gardens bright with evergreens and gor-
geo7s with flowers, redolent OF natures
sweetest incense. It's people happy, cheer
ful and busy in honest and prosperous toll
We all knew each other and every one trust
cd his neighbor, and gentle charity waved
her wand and sceptre over Us"
The city has recovered much of her old
time beauty. It is unquestionably the
prettiest place in South Carolina, and it is
pleasant to state that there is 3 steady growth
about the city which shows that it is not
going backward in the race of progress.
It is not my intention to give sketch of
Colum bia, my Only aim is to impress on our
people that centennial ought to be held in
tie city. 1t is sincerely to be hoped that q
centennial worthy of the Palmetto State and
her beautiful capital city will be held there.
In speaking of the project, the Neecs and
Courier says:
Mr.. Mcdonald Furman's suggestion that
the one hundredth anniversary of the es-
adjustment of the State government at Col
umbia be celebrated will doubtless be re-
ceived with favor by the people Of the entire
State. This is a celebration in which the
whole of South Carolina should take gssss
and in which the public-spirtsS
Columbia will feel
pride: s:-e1s -.
Inc hrSt session offns Legislature after
the removal of the seat OF the State govern.
ment was held in January, 1870, and there
could be no better time than January next
to celebrate the centennial.of this historical
event Charleston, We are sure, Will be ready
to join with Columbia il on effort to make
the celebration IN perfect keeping with the
ancient renown and classic dignity Of South
Carolina; while every other city and town
in the State will contribute to the-success of
an enterprise which will illustrate the
growth and glory of our Commonwealth.
The centennial at Columbia ought to be
made much more than o public holiday 1t
will afford an admirable opportunity for
taking stock, for comparing what we are
with what we were. for making IN exhibit
ton of our material resources, of our pro-
gress in the arts and sciences, in morals. in
literature and law. A centennial association
should be formed without delay at the State
Capital and the plans for the celebration
should be perfected with all possible DIS
patch. The State Board of Agriculture
should be placed in charge of the industrial
features of the exposition, and the mer-
chants, manufacturers and business men of
the State generally should be invited to
contribute to the success of the undertak-
ing.
The Columbia centennial should be made,
and with proper effort can be made, one OF
the most imposing and profitable Of all
the centennials OF this century of centen-
malls.
"Whiskey-Scarred Veterans
Altogether, it is a pitiful story that Mrs.
Chapins friend tells about the condition of
tie Soldiers Home at Hampton, Virginia,
where 2, 70U Union veterans are supported
ty the Uuited States Government. Just
Al l.. - s.l1 &c -