The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-02-07

~ AAA&Ns Ne Oss
Line system. We feel very proud OF this wei
equipped system-one OF the finest In the
South, and as we have with us tonight two
distinguished represen tatlves of the Seaboro
and General Superin tendent Winder-I cal
upon them to speak for this splendid road.
A MEMBER OF THE BURGEssEs SECOND a
COMPLIMENT TO THE sEABoARD
AIR LINE.
A member of the Burgesses Corps whose
name We could not get. seconded al
Col. MCGOWAN had said as 10 Seabord Ali
| Line. He said that for fast time, prompt ac
comodatton and obliging officials. this system
stood first since their departure from Albany
GENERAL wINDER's REPLY.
General Superintendent Winder said: In
behalf OF the New South we welcome ouT
friends from the North to the homes within
this sunny land. All past differences have
beep buried. and we are here tonight as
brothers. with nothing but good will in oui
hearts.
We are glad to have you with us. and when
ever IL pleases you TO come we Will extend
the most cordial hospitality.
Armed legions never met braver soldiers 10
clash of battle than the soldiers of the North
ever more daring in danger. None more
gentle and loving in peace, than the soldiers
OF this great republic.
Modesty prevents my saying too much as
| to the Seaboard Air Line system, however ]
thank. my friend, Mr.. VIC. MCGOWAN. and
my unknown friend Of the Burgesses Corps
for their kind words. Candor compels me
to say they are right. 1t has been and will con.
| tinue to be our effort TO make our system the
superior Of any other In the South. / must,
| too thank all of our Abbeville friends for the
help and cooperation sn which they have e,s al
kindness and will always endeavor to be
worthy Of IL.
We all regret that longer time had not
more time we would have given you the
hospitality for which the Southerner was dis.
tinguished "beior' de wah."
IT It were In our power to extend more hos
pitality than we have given tonight we would
be glad to do 30. We have nothing which is
too good Tor you.
God bless you on your journey. May IL be
and and may you ret1bn Urn
trip as pleasantly as we will remember your
visit to us.
The band played "Dixie," and "the Star
Spangled Banner" amid much enthu-
siasm-guests and hosts alike giving ex pres
sion OF pleasure and good will.
THE DEpARTURE-GENERAL HANDsHAKING.
At 2:4O Of the clock Major Wood ward, Com
mander OF the Burgesses Corps. announced
that their time was up more than half an
were to depart, yet they must say, goodbye
TO these pleasant scenes. The band, he said,
would play "Auld Lang syne." aud at the
Of ns Piece the party would i'm
Lang Syne," was struck many voices
with will Joined In singing the words
which touch every human heart, while q
Qnn6ral hand.shakiDR took place
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And Aud Lang Syne
And there's hand my trusty friend,
And gle us hand o'thine-
And we'll take cup o. kindness yet,
For Auld Lang Syne.
AT special request, the band played.
"Sweet Land OF Liberty, 'tis Of Thee Sing"
Where all Was life and animation was soon
a lone deserted hall.
ODDS, AND ENDS.
Among the pleasant incidents of the even
Ing was the meeting OF General McGowan OF
the Union Army. Both had been gallant
soldiers, and each had fought valiant ly for
his side. But since "grim visaged war hath
smoothed bis wrinkled front, these old SOL
such feelings for each other as only old SOL
dlers may experience Both have now ad.
vanced far on the journey Of life. Their heads
have been frosted by many winters, yet their
hearts, mellowed by age, are warm and true,
and their best impulses 60 out TO each other
as friends now, and as former honorable foe
men.
There were several milliopalres among our
Colonel Danford and Colonel Woodward
each contributed much to the pleasure OF
the evening.
General MCGOWAN though now seventy
four Years OF age, went through The rain to
the depot to see the guests off at three
o'clock In the morning.
Among the old Confederate soldiers
quet, and enjoyed the evening. we noticed
Mr.. w. Joel Smith, Hon. r. f. Hill. Hon.
]. 7. Robertson, General MCGOWAN, General
r. X. H5mphill.
SPEEDING THE PARTING GUESTS.
A. great concourse Of our people went with
their guests to the depot. to see. them resume
heir journey further south.
HISTORIC GROUND.
The chief regret Of the Press and Banner
Ia. that we failed TO meet and form the &C.
quaintance Of the. newspaper men ,nnlnouae IN the
known. they could have furnished us with
interesting facts concerning their party. and
we In turn might have given them something
to put In their own note books. II We had
seen them we would not have forgotten To
remind them that Abbevile Is historic
ground. Though none OF the orators of the
evening referred to the fact, this Is the birth
place OF Secession and the death-place OF the
Contederacy-being the cradle and the grave
OF the Lost Cause.
The first Secession meeting was held at
Abbeville, and Mr.. Davis held his last cabl-
net meeting within a few huudred yards OF
the spot upon which that meeting assem-
bled.
BY strange fatality, on his retreat before
the victorious armies, President Davis came
back TO the scenes OF the inauguration OF the
movement which brought on the boodiest
war that this country has ever known,
and which ended 30 dsastrously 10 the
South. Within a stones throw of the very
spot on which the first Secession meeting Was
II was here that the seal OF the Con federacy
was "lost," and 1t was here that all hope OF
further prose ution Of the war was lost. II
was here that the remaining soldiers, who
were with him, true aud faithful to the last,
were discharged. 1t was from Abbevlle that
the great and honored President Of the Con-
federacy went forth almost alone, Il fugitive
from the pursuing soldiers of the Union
Army.
Abbevile Is proud of the record OF her
citizens as soldiers In the army. Many OF
them rose TO places of distinction, while the
private soldiers won the chiefest OF honors.
No town ever furnished q greater number Of
better soldiers, and no town ever suffered
more In her losses. 1t fell TO our lot TO fur
u iSh the first man who lost his life In the