The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1899-09-30

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would fight it out on this line if it takes
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 l am, there the colored people
may be also.'"
For 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 a tail
negro, preacher for 60 years, born
in slavery. He seemed taller because
he was thin, and he wore an old blue
army overcoat which spread at 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 sgift 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,
path having been cleared by the zeal
GUS marshals. We were not, however
to 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 a solid mass fill
ing the streets.
"Can't we get out through the back
door," 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
up we threw ourselves into the carriage
exhausted. The multitude from all
sides made an impetuous rush after us.
During the whole time until 1 had
made my Speech" Grant said, Il was
at having to speak. / never
made speech until was forty years
old, and | 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 berg as large as.
DR. larger thar, 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 pleasing evidence of Gen.
irant's power of endurance and quick ,
recuperation, that after this exciting
md somewhat distressing experience. (,
he was still as spirited and vigorous as
n the early morning. He visited sew !
'ral shops where he chatted with mer- !,
'hants, many of whom were old ac- !
Iuaintances, as though he had Just |
'isen after 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 |
'leep and handed cards of several re-
'orters. They had heard the rumors
II a wild time, almost a riot, at Yves.
ey chapel, and appealed to me for par
Louis Republic.