The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-11-30
HAeooo ATTENDED THE FESTIVAL.
Like Aii Other Visitors He Was Delighted
With il and Now Sings the Praises OF
Sumter.

Hasood, Nov. 2S.-Years ago Col.
Dunlop while in store had occasion
to reminded tough, indulging i'll
obscene and profane language, that
ladies were near with no other effect
than to render the fellow worse. With
look that filed the offender with
terror, the Colonel, throttleing, hus-
tied him to the door whence he kicked
him sprawiing into the street.
For long time it has been the boast
of Carolina that her sons we're recog-
nized abroad by their gentlemanly
bearing, their chivalry. Coming down
to your city on Thanksgiving day our
train become TOO crowded for any COM
fort. All the men, even to happy
bride grooms, with three OF four ex-
ceptions. surrendered their seats to the
ladies. All the men who remained
seated but one tdon't vince, Mr.. Edi-
tor, he was not from our county, had
good excuse, he, when requested
to give place to lady, fatty refus
ed. Never Judge a man by his clothes
or the company he happens to be in.
I know that fellow was uncomfortable
for he was among nice people.
Arrived at Sumter we were at once
impressed by the crowd which con-
tinued to increase, pouring IN from
the four corners until an overflow was
threatened; impressed with the gala
attire of the city everywhere IN evil
dence, with the spirit of merry-mak
ing and high good humor.
ssWhere can one find bread to feed
50 great multitude?" The problem of
many an individual was: "Where can
I get bread?' I declare, Mr.. Editor,
when I looked at that twenty thou
sand and remembered Presidents day
in Charleston I grew bit uneasy. In
this was not alone for more calcu-
lating minds by far than mine were in
the same fix. [ have heard Of, have
read about the sleeping giant, it only
remained to see him awake and
thoroughly aroused. have referred to
the immense company of people pres,
ent on Thanksgiving, fully equal to
that of Charleston on Presidents day,
The difference. is Sumter fed hers at
living rates and Charleston did not at
extortionate rates. In Charleston |
heard numbers say 81 tramped all
night in search of a place to stay. "
In Sumter were sleeping apartments
for, all, in some places bit crowded.
The carnival was just reunion when
all the family, sons and sons-in-law
children and grand children. came
together! 'Rah for Sumter!
The whole, occasion passed like a
we'll ordered family would have it:
The exhibits were very creditable. the
tournament, the races, horses and ao-
tomohile, were occasions of interest,
pleasure: the foot ball, a rough and
tumble contest, not fight, tie prize
drill, the one exciting, the other pleas
ing to the eye as showing the skill
that practice gives the trades display,
the floral parade, even the free street
shows, one and all contributed no less
to Sumter's credit than to the grand
success, that it was, Ct the occasion.
When I think that the occasion
passed of with no death, no seiious
casualties, naught to cause the she'd
ding Of tears, NO robberies, no drunk
euness to speak Of, no arrest. with ex
panded chest at the top Of my voice l
shout 'Rah for Sumter.
And now, Mr.. Editor, permit me to
doff my hat to you. The Carnival is
fact of history and in evidence of the
mighty power of the press for good
or evil. But few short weeks ago it
was not dreamed of, but sir, through
the press it became realization be-
yond their ioudest hope, and this the
verdict not Of Sumter's sons-in-law,
sons, nor any Of the family, but of
strangers from abroad.
Ard now, as the old Methodist pic
neer preacher said to his astopished
comrades as he looked back over his
shoulder, jogging on, having reached
terra hrma after having passed though
an overAown canal whose bridge was
washed away, 81 am through. .
Hagood.