Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1912-08-16
PICNIC FOR cATAWBAS.

The Rock Hill Herald Of yesterday
prints an account Of a picnic that was
given to the Catawba Indians last
Wednesday under the direction Of Rev.
s. r. Brock Of Rock Hill. A number
of whites in the neighborhood Of the
reservation, including Messrs. Fergu-
son, Workman and Mills, gave their
assistance in helping to furnish barbe-
cued meat and other good things that
filled two long tables. All present en-
joyed the occasion immensely. The
Herald's account continues:
The picnic was held in the grove in
front of Sam Blues home and the total
number present was estimated at near
ly 200. From early morning they had
been gathering, over the rocky roads,
through the fields Of cotton and corn,
big ones and little ones, old and young
from stalwart Chief Harris and his
family down to the wee twin babies Of
Henry Cautey. All were neatly dressed,
showing a desire to do honor to the oc-
casion and in the bearing and manner
Of each was noticeable the quiet digni-
ty and self-possession so characteristic
Of the race and admirable therefor The
exercises consisted Of music, hymns
and songs and several impromptu
speeches. An organ was moved out on
a platform and led by Miss Dowell. a
number Of selections were sung by the
young men and maidens. The note Of
patriotism YVES struck, when six little
girls, led by Mrs. Wheelock, sang "Co-
lumbia, the Gem of the Ocean,"
In a few well chosen words, Rev. Mr.
Brock introduced the speakers, taking
opportunity to express his pleasure In
the occasion and emphasizing the fact
that the day meant something in that
1t cemented anew the friendship which
has always existed between the tribe
and the white people Of this section.
Chief David Harris made good
speech Of welcome, saying that he felt
1T q pleasure to be there, because Of the
friendship which had always existed In
the past and because in this day an op-
portunity was given Of renewing 1t.
That because of this day the friend
ship would mean more In the future
than in the past. He spoke Of his ap-
pearances before the state Legislature,
in endeavoring to better the condition
of the tribe and said 1t was his belief
that II the pale faces" could know
more of the history of the Catawbas,
their interest and aid would increase.
He reviewed briefly some points In
their history, calling to mind that
George Washington, in giving honor
able discharge to eighty of their num-
ber at the close Of the Revolution.
thanked them for their loyal service
and gave them permanent land grant
in this section, fifteen miles square;
the Indians in their turn, voluntarily
vowing never to take up arms against
the white people. Chief Harris said
also that he was glad that the Cataw-
bas had never bowed down to idols,
but had always worshipped God as the
Great Spirit" He regretted that the
tribe was backward in education but
gave assurance that 1t was their deter
mination to do better in future. He
closed with words Of hearty thanks for
the day.
Mr.. Brock made a short response,
calling attention to the fact that the
tribe had always been law-abiding,
never having to be policed to preserve
order.
Another prominent tribesman-Ben
Harris-came neXt-and he also spoke
most pleasantly for few moments, be-
ginning with an amusing anecdote and
the expressions of friendship