The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1906-05-23
HAMPTON CAMPAIGN.
Paper Read Before Wade Hampton Chapter u. D. c.. by
the Historian, Miss Harriet Earle Sloan.
Columbia State.

During the campaign Of '1G your
historian resided in Anderson and was
present at tho great demonstration
that greeted Hampton first appear
ance before the people.
Between the distinguished leader
aud the people Of this progressive
county, there was always feeling Of
mutual regard.
They had contcndcd. as he had, for
a self.rcspecting adherence to party
and principle, when many in the State
were advocating the formation of
fusion ticket with Chamberlain.
Anderson was tho home Of true
Democracy. The first county club
and the first Democratic club in the
State were organized here and tho
Anderson Intclligcnccr was the first
paper boldly to advocate the nomina-
tion Of straightout ticket. 1t was
appropriate therefore that the first
meeting Of the campaign should b,
held under these auspices.
The good people of the town and
county were painfully aware of the
responsibility that rested upon them
in giving the meeting brilliant send
off.
Many preparations were made and
much discussion was held. One Of
the principal matters discussed was
whether or not the women and chill
dren should DO allowed to attend the
meeting. It was feared that the ne
g7oes would be inoited by their white
leaders 10 create disturbance and, in
such an event, the presence Of wo.
men and children would be greatly
embarrassing.
On the other hand, it was consider
ed unsafe to leave them unprotected
at home and moreover they were all
anxious to 60 to see and hear Hamp.
ton. So as fate or providence al
ways brings it about the dear orea-
lures kwere allowed to have their
way.
Having carried this point, the wo.
men were determined to take q hand
in making the meeting u SUCCESS.
Many Of them met in an Informal way,
and agreed to decorate tho stand from
which Hampton was to speak and to
make all tho arrangements as elaborate
as their limited means would allow.
The place selected for the meeting
was q beautiful grove in the grounds
Of the old Johnston university, The
stand was erected aud the seats were
arranged near one Of the brick build.
ings, which, in the event OF q dissur-
bance, tho wo1ea we're instructed to
occupy.
The day before the meeting the
ladies of the committee. the young
ladies and young gentlemen II the
,eity and many interested spectators
we're promptly On hand to go to work.
Wagon loads OF evergreens were haul
ed to the grounds and wreaths, gar.
lands and featoons were quickly ready
to he placed.
The top of the stand was covered
with canvas and the floor was carpet
ed. A gable end was arranged, the
front Of which vas covered with white
cloth on which were marked in green
letters the words, "Tilden and Hen
bricks; Hampton and Simpson" with
Appropriate notices under each.
I Across the front and sides were en-
twined 3S wrea,hs representing tho
number of. States, then in tho Union.
Over The centre Of each wreath was
placed q strip Of white with the name
written in green letters. A somewhat
larger wreath representing South Caso.
lima occupied the centre Of the stand
and from this Aoated a State and q
national flag.
Smaller Aegs were dotted about in
all the other wreaths aud the effect Of
the whole vas quite inspiring. Gar.