The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1901-01-30
GEN. SAMUEL MCGOWAN.
His First Speech.

In 1886 sturdylimbed, youpgster
With d broad, massive brow and an
awkward gait presented himself as q
boarding pupil in the high school of
Greenville County, S. G. He came
from farm in the backwoods, and his
entrance into the school-room, in com
pany with Capt. Bee, the President,
was the signal for ridicule among the
boys.
"We'll have real fun with.that map.
headed idiot See, his head is like a
pumpkin Say, don't you wanter
borrow that blue jeans jacket and
those brogan pumps 2"
Such remarks buzzed around the
room in suppressed whispers, but the
new scholar did not seem to notice it.
Boys" said Capt. Bee. 81 intro
duce you to your new companion, Sam
ucl McGowan. He will be member
OF our big family. hope you will do
oil you can to make him feel at home.
He has never left his loved ones be-
lore. This is his first venture out into
the world"
eyes, sir; we will, Captain" cried
several boys in unison.
Samuel cast swift glance over the
crowd Of new faces around him.
"Thauk you," he said, with a..faint
smile.
The Greenville County School vas
much like those we read OF in Dickens
books, where the scholars-most Of
them-board with the head Of the
school.
The pet Of the household was old
Caesar, magnificent dog, to which
Capt. Bee was deeply attached. He
had owned him for many years, and he
was treated with loving kindness nov
in his old age.
One morning the school was shocked
by the announcement that old Caesar
was dead. He was found u.der the
big chestnut tree, as if asleep. For
years that was his favorite resting
place, and when his masto, leaned over
the stiff, iifeless body and called his
name, it seemed that his heart would
break in grief.
Boys" said he. choking witn emo
ton, this poor old fellow has been
my friend and companion for many
years. He has been firm and true
when others have been cold and false.
Often he has kept me from despair by
his whine of sympathy and the lap Of
his tongue upon nay sired hands. Now,
boys, Will you bury Caesar for me =?
Make q grave under this tree, where
he loved to sleep. He deserves de-
cent burial"
Willingly the boys assented. They
were glad for any diversion. It was
Sunday afternoon, still and serene.
Old Caesar was known by all the
villagers, and when they saw the
crowd Of boys gathered under the big
tree many Of them joined in the cere-
mony. 1t was novelty, and attract
ed many who had nothing else to do.
The leaderof the school, a tall, ego
tistical boy, cried out: I'VE want
real, true funeral, and what we need is
somebody to pray and preach SER
mon." This was said in voice of
ridicule. "Who will open with pray
er p he said, looking around.
"I WILL" said fair-haircd, blue
eyed boy as he knelt, and, elasping his
hands, prayed for blessing on the
school ao@ For the Master. Il was a
simple prayer, yet full Of earnestness
and reverence. When he arose the
boys expressed surprise that he could
make prayer. "Why, Tom," cried
one Of his companions, "that was a
real fine prayer
eyes" said Tom, blushing, sthe
first loud prayer ever made. I did
not know I could pray in public
"Now for preacher who will preach
tho sermon" some one said.
"Why not get Sammy ?" was de-
sis;yely said by one Of the boys, while
many Joined in the request that "big-
headed greenhorn" would preach.
ssNow for some fun ! Say, won't
You preach the sermon, since Tom has
prayed ?" was asked MCGOWAN, ~hc
willingly assented, to the surprise of
the boys, who expected sport out Of
his embarrassment. But not so. No
Gowan walked forward and stood be-
side the body Of the poor old animal.
He looked down for moment then,
glanoing around on his audience he