Griggs courier. (Cooperstown, Griggs Co., Dak. [N.D.]) 1885-1902, 1899-08-31
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
! GEN. GRANTS ASTONISHING !
! EXPERIENCE, /!
\ BY Lanadon Lame.
BY Lanadon la
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.

BY Lanadon I4aine. e
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
TN THE spring of 1880 Gen. Grant,
after his memorable tour of the
world, visited the southern states and
brought his triumphal journey to q
close at New Orleans, where he re-
manned week or two. There accom-
panied the general to what proved to be
perhaps the most exciting demonstra-
ton Of negroes of those times, dem
onstration which Gen. Grant called his
most astonishing experience.
A new generation was entering on
the scene, and, although the men who
had been conspicuous in the service of
the confederate states had cordially
welcomed Grant to the defeated Sec
ton, there were people in the Crescent
City who could not bring themselves
to the point of taking part in the street
demonstration in honor of the hero of
the union army. Many of those who Sc
cluded themselves during the public
ceremonies subsequently called on
Grant at the residence of his cousin.
AS the hour for the arrival of the
Grant party approached the streets
swarmed with black faces, shining with
enthusiasm and hope. Somehow they
conceived the idea that Grant had
come, not as a private citizen, but as
their Moses, to restore their political
supremacy. They were more serious
and less boisterous than on other pub
lie occasions, when their loud laugh
distinguishes the southern from the
quiet northern gathering. The escort
of the Grant party was first company
of United States regulars, then a post of
the Grand Army of the Republic, and
civic society or two. 1t was not impress
sive as procession, but as it came
the fervor of the inflammable negro ma
ture reached almost the limit, and
when it passed the black mass fell in
behind, filling the street from curb to
curb.
The general was disposed to be as
quiet as possible without appearing dis
courteous. When first asked to receive
delegation of colored preachers of the
Northern Methodist church he pleaded
fatigue. After some persuasion he con-
scented to meet them at Wesley chapel,
with the stipulation that there should
he no general negro demonstration. II
had enough of that at Jacksonville"
'thc general explained.
I was asked to go with the general,
and Rev. DIR. Hartzell, a northern
preacher then in charge of the church
affairs in the city. A northern newspa-
per man, and veteran northern sol
dier, I had no local political ambition
ito be injured, and had lively curiosity
Ito see the negroes.
1t was long drive, and on the way
Grant was more than ordinarily COM
municative, which is saying good deal.
1t was and still is popular fallacy that
he was not in all situations a reticent
man. However self-contained he may
have been in an official capacity, social
1y he was genial, cheerful and. chatty.
AS he lighted cigar, the carriage being
open,she said:
81 have the reputation of being a
hard smoker. There are people who
say my portraits are bad because there
isn't cigar in the mouth. That's a
SANDER. I never in my life smoked to
excess, and now consume only three
or four cigars day. lam slow smok-
'er, and cigar lasts me good while. :"
When we, were within about two
blocks of the church we were shocked
by the spectacle of q solid mass of black
humanity. AS they caught sight of the
approaching carriage they made fu-
rious rush, and with yells surrounded
US. The two or three policemen in the
neighborhood did all they could, but
were powerless.
Let us get out of this" exclaimed
the general. "Driver, turn about and
60 back
It was useless, however, to make the
attempt. It was the determined pur-
pose of every man, woman and child
in the mass to shake Grants hand or
touch his person. The air was filled
with cries. A tall old negro forced
himself between the wheels, regardless
of busy club, and reached Grants
hand, crushing new silk hat as he did
it. Then, Strengthening himself to his
full height, with hands above his bare
head, he shouted: "Bress Gawd! done
shuck his han'!"
For nearly half an hour the scene was
beyond graphic portrayal. These ig-
norant people, long deserted and neg
lected by their frightened leaders, sin
cerely believed Grant had come to New
Orleans for the sole purpose of ''leadin'
Ills out OBJ de wilderness" as they shout
ed. Many of them did not know Grants
face, and so we three were almost equal
1y the object of admiration.
A path was made at last from the car
rage to the door, but at every step
we: were obstructed and crushed by the
pressure of the crowd. Inside the chap
el door we found matters hardly bet
ter. It took along time to reach the
altar. emperor William" an old ne