The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1909-08-21
GEN SUNTER'S BIRTHDAY.
Picnic Celebration at the Memorial
Academy-OrganizatiOn of the
Sumter County Agricultural So
ciety.

A]uitoi TIC WdtCHU1an anO SOutnrOn:
Although the weather conditions
were unfavorable "a very omnibus
cloud making an appearance Just at
the hour for the meeting) yet a very
large crowd assembled on the grounds
of the Sumter Memorial Academy on
Saturday, Aug 14th. and promptly at
IL o'clock the exercises were opened
with music by the Misses Dargan. At
the conclusion of the instrumental
music, America" was sung by the
whole body standing and joining in
the singing. Then the Principal Of the
school announced the programme for
the day, closing with the statement
that County Superintendent of Edu-
cation Cain would introduce State
superintendent Swearingen, which
was done in felicitious manner. and
Mr.. Swearingen arose amid clapping
or hands and made most excellent
address. During this address the
clouds grew so threatening that the
audience was asked to leave the
grove and go into the assembly room
of the Academy. AS this was accom-
plished without disorder and this
most impressive, practical and in
structive speech was concluded amid
the roaring of the rain and wind and
claps Of thunder. and yet hundreds
heard 1t all and appreciated it too.
Mr.. Swearingen paid several COM
pliments to the work of the State
School Improvement Association and
said he took peculiar satisfaction in
doing this at the home, and in the
school room, where the President,
Miss Theodosia Dargan, lives and
works. He expressed the hope that
the legislature at it's next session
would make a special appropriation
for the advancement of this work as
he knew no agency so we'll fitted to |
accomplish the good results in work
for school Improvement as this body
of noble, patriotic and laborious
South Carolina women. Mr.. Swear
ingen made hosts of friends by his |
and inspiring address and
by his social, unassuming and gentle
maners.
Prof j. n. Frierson, of the Univer-
sity of South Carolina, was next in
troduced by Col. Dargan as one who |
was rejecting honor upon Stateburg, |
a community that was historically
marked by many of the States great |
est names. Mr.. Frierson acquitted |
himself handsomely, showing cultur-
ed oratory and thought and leaving |
all who heard him glad that Sumter
county is furnishing to the state Uni
versity so fine a specimen of it's man
mood. Prof. Carson of the Unversi- |
ty attended the meeting also, and it |
was very much desired that he should |
be called upon for an ex tempore |
talk: but for lack of time this pleas |
ure was postponed for the next 14th |
when he will have notice enough of |
our desires, to come listed as one of |
the speakers Of the day.
Mr.. Dabbs came next in order and |
made an earnest and impressive plea |
for the union of farmers over which |
he presides and for which he labors |
zealously and ably.
Then came dinner and it goes with |
out saying that spreads were found |
in all Cor almost alD Of the rooms Of |
the Academy. Old Acton did not |
sroan but laughed aloud at the load |
of goods she was carrying and dis |
pensing on Sumter's birthday. After |
dinner the central purpose OF the |
meeting was executed in capital |
form. The Sumter Agricultural So
ciety was organized, that has come to |