The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1893-08-22
THE ALLIANCE PICNIC AT CEDAR
CREEK.
Thousands on the Grounds--Perfect Or
der O~bserved---The Thrilling Flo
quence of Col. Harry Skinner.

chronicle pleasant and brilliant events
occurring in our country g history but
never before have we SO fully realized
our utter incOmpetency as in this in
stance. Think of it! Thousands of
people realizing the pressing necessity
of adopting some means by which our
beloved country may be saved from
the curse of anarchy, bankruptcy,
bloodshed and final dissolution, is a
scene to awaken the interest and solici
tude of the most hardened demagogue.
Such a scene we witnessed on July 81
"a memorable day in the history of
cur county, State and the Alliance.
Friday, a day honored with the
memory of many soul-thrilling events
in the history Of our grand old coun-
try, awoke with one of natures bright
est and loveliest smiles. The little
birds catching the inspiration, made
the welkin ring with their glad song
of thanksgiving. The already beauti~
full and fragrant flowers had these at
fractions intensified an hundred-fOld
by the myriads of beautiful, patriotic
and accomplished daughters of Cum
berland, Robson, Bladen, Sampson,
Harnett and Duplin counties, coupled
with their stalwart, manly knights;
yes,
On her mountains,
And as pure as the rills as they gush
From her fountain.
Eac CHI beautiful form with a bright,
Smiling face,
Makes each one q model of beauty
And grace.
| And her sons are brave as her
DAUGHTERS are f2ir.
They have written their names upon bright
Pages, where
Brave words of blesC freedom her standards
May their dee5s shape the course of
Nations unborn.
At 9 o'clock the Cedar Creek Cornet
Club, under the guidance of the accom-
plished and genial musical director,
John Downing, than whom there is no
more devoted and unfjnching advo
cate Of Equal rights to all and special
privileges to none," mounted the band
wagon aud went forth to meet the
champion of the people. One hundred
and fifty-eight mounted men consti-
tuted the escort. A more interesting
and heart thrilling pageant we have
never before witnessed. Perfect order
characterized the parade from the
point of meeting to the grand stand,
where the smiling colonel was met by
a special committee and escorted to a
picturesque pavilion made by fair
hands. While all enjoyed a short re
spite, the boat from Fayetteville ar
rived, bringing a goodly number, en-
bracing the accomplished c~larionetist,
Remsburg, Edna Sheetz, the graceful
and handsome euphonium, and the in
evitable trombonist, Josh Barnes.
After a round of happy greetings these
gentlemen joined the band, and the
still smiling, fascinating colonel was
gracefully introduced by MI. Parker;
the band rendering in elegant style
America" AS the sweet strains died
in the distance, Col. Skinner arose and
made of his happiest efforts. Time
and space forbid the effort to eve
give a synopsis of one of the grandest
efforts of his life; but while it may not
live in cold type, every word and SEN
timent is inetfacibly craven on the
hears and memories of his people. At
the close of the address the band again
discoursed some very fine selections.
All at once, as if a cyclone had struck
the devoted band, was heard the stem
torian voice of Bro. Downing sounding
the charge.
Repairing to IL table 100 yards away
we attacked the results of overproduc-
tion in the shape of-well space won't
allow US to tell all. Suffice 1T to say,
the thousands were fed, and hundreds
of basketsful remained.
The band again RECALLED us with
some very fine music, after which Mr..
Parker delivered a short, pithy ad-
dress, which closed the interesting ex-
ercises for a day long to be remem-
bered-aye, never to be forgotten.
One more sweet song by the band,
and quiet reigned.
Your correspondent tenders sincere
and hearty thanks for many courtesies.
Faithfully, J.
BEAUFORT COUNTY.