Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1899-09-09

would fight it out on this line if it takea
all summer But there was one senti-
ment, nobler than all, one that had
sunk deep into the hearts of millions
When the landlord at Jacksonville
would have driven back the colored
people as they escorted you to your
hotel, you said: Let them come; for
where / am, there the coiored people
may be Also"
For n moment it seemed as though
the crowd would rush on the raised
platform to lay hands on the hero, but
the preachers, seated in the nearer
pews, quickly passed Scott Chin from
his seat to the platform. He was tall
negro, a preacher for SO years, born
in slavery. He seemed taller because
he was thin, and he wore an old blue
army overcoat which spread ct the bot
tom and gradually contracted toward
his narrow shoulders AS his head also
narrowed at the top, he was exactly
pyramidal.
Then a woman with the gift of
prayer" gave an extraordinary exhibit
ton of the power of an uneducated
mind. Before she ceased Grant had
shaken hands with the preacher, and
we moved rapidly toward the door, a
path having been cleared by the zeal
Gus marshals. We were not, however,
70 escape so easily. When we drew near
to the door, the people in the windows
began TO drop inside and make for the
same exit to head us off. The glory of
glories was to have shaken Grants
hand. Soon we were in the midst of
the same excited throng. and through
the door we could see solid mass I'LL
ing the streets.
Cant we get out through the back
door2' asked the general, and finding
there was such a door, we fought our
way toward the pulpit again. After
having our feet trodden and hard
struggle, we emerged. The driver had
been shrewd enough to make a circuit
and outwit the crowd, and as he drew
upwe threw ourselves into the carriage
| exhausted. The multitude from all
| sides made an impetuous rush after US.
During the whole time until had
made my speech" Grant said, "I was
wretehed at having to speak. never
| made speech until I was forty years
old, and l never enjoy any occasion
where ! have to do it." Then. taking
off his hat. he turned and said: '.Driver,
take us TO good hat store; I've got TO
buy hat"
At the most important hat store in
the town there was not hat of any
fashion that was large enough for
Grants head have forgotten the size
he wore. and only remember that some
thing was said of its being as large as
or larger than. Webster's. Leaving an
order for the hat, he had to be content
with such brushing and smoothing OF
the old one as the hat man could do
1t was a pleasing evidence of Gen
( Grants power. of endurance and quicl
desperation. that after this exciting
and somewhat distressing experience
he was still spirited and vigorous a:
in the early morning. He visited sew
eral shops where he chatted with mer
chants. many of whom were old &C
quaintances, as though he had just
risen after a nights rest. Although
past the prime of life, and notably
stout. his wonderful vitality promised
many more years of active life.
Late that night was aroused from
sleep and handed cards of several re
porters. They had heard the rumor.
Of a wild time. almost riot, at Yves
ley chapel, and appealed to me fer par
ticulars.-St. Louis Republic.