The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1902-03-12
The Court Criers' Contest.


The competatiye examination, OF to
be more accurate, the voice and lung
power test, held on the Court House
portico by Sheriff Scarborough for the
purpose of selecting a competent man.
for. the position of court crier came.
of according to schedule at u O'Clock
yesterday.
There were nine applicants, with
Rev. Roy Robinson and. Sarge Brad
ford, thrown in for good measure.
The applicants were negroes and all
of them had powerful voices, but some
of them could, Of course, holler louder
and enunciate more distinctly than
the. others, and at the end of the first
round, when all had had a trial tcall-
ing court, it was seen that all but three
were ont of the race. These three.
were put through their PAGES, calling
court, eadjourning court, calling
witnesses, members Of tie bar, etc.
When all had had fair trial the
exhibition was adjourned, but the
name Of the winner was not announc-
ed by Sheriff Scarborough and Deputy
Clerk Of Court Parrott, who acted as
judges. The announcement Of the
winner was withheld because one other
applicant remained to be examined
and he could not arrive until the
freight train came in from Lynchburg.
Unless this applicant should develop
phenomenal powers Of lung and voice,
1T is practically certain that Fred
Wilson will be the winner, for it was
the common opinion of the large crowd.
gathered to witness the examination,
that be was easily first in strength of
voice, distinctness of utterance and
staying power.
The Rev. Roy Robinson was an .ap-
plicant and was eager for the ap-.
pointment, but owing to something
concerning Of little red hog, !" which.
happened several years ago, subsequent
to which happening the Reverend dis
carded his long tailed clerical black
coat and high silk tile and donned the
striped livery of the State, which he
wore for period of two years, he was
not eligible for the position. He,
however, favored the large audience
with voluntary at the opening OF the
contest, displaying his huge, unique
and altogether unrivalled mouth at its
widest expanse. The performance
was vigorously applauded and he
received numerous enthusiastic
zencores.
Sarge Bradford strolled up during
the performance and, in reply to his
inquiry, s.What are those fools
5hoIlering about9'' was made acquaint-
ed with the nature of the contest. He
Immediately became candidate and
climbing the steps to the portico, lean
ed over the railing and announced
that he could holler as loud as any
other white man or any niger that
ever did holler, but, if he was appoint
ed court crier, he would not holler for
people who we're wanted, but would
go out and get them and bring them
into the Court House, if he had to
take them by the neck and bring
them by force and arms and court
martial. The application !of the
Sergeant was not considered, mas
much as he did not comply with the
conditions of the contest.
During the progress Of the contest
Main Street in the vicinity of the
Court House was crowded with people,
all of whom enjoyed the unusual ex-
hibition to the fullest extent. Sheriff
Scarborough provided the best show
OF the season and is entitled to vote
of thanks for SO doing.