The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1914-12-24

who lost his life in Hamburg riot Of
1876. The people of North Augusta
are raising funds for this purpose.
At a recent meeting of the North
Augusta Civic league Mrs. A. NJ.
Parker read a paper on The Cause
and Effects of the Hamburg Riot 1t
is a very interesting paper and is as
follows:
1t would be impossible for you or
l who live peaceably here in our
homes to partially understand, or
even conceive of the deplorable state
of affairs that existed in South Caro-
lima after the civil war.
There was section said to be a
law that gave to every ignorant ne
gro the right to vote and hold any Of
fee in South Carolina, taking such
rights from white men connected
with the Confederacy.
At the head of State affairs were
Robert Scott and Frank Moses, and
with the legislative halls filled with
negroes, who could neither read or
write, imagine what regular log
rolling" "corn-shucking" time Of it
they had.
1t is told of an old negro in the leg
islature who, mapping away while a
very important bill was being read,
aroused in the midst of it and said:
Gee, dar, Lie, what for you don't git
straight in de row. Don't you know
mules and niggers gwinter soon be
freed"
Yes, we had negro clerks of courts,
negro magistrates, negro legislators,
negro everything. except a few white
rascals who acted as advisors. My
grandmother had to go before her
stable boy to get school claims sign
ed. The republicans sent down
Chamberlain, apparently a gracious
gentleman. who was elected COVER
nor. to straighten out things. Mr..
Chamberlain said he could do moth
ing with voting citizens who were
too ignorant to understand a law.
Condition of Affairs Locally.
Negro military companies were
formed all over the State, and drums
could be heard all night. Smoke
hous ses were robbed. Produce taken
from wagons along the public roads,
and any resistance meant that you
would be knocked on the head.
Houses were burned, children's faces
slapped. And on all sides, ignorant
negro officers.
In July, 1876, young Mr.. Thomas
Butler "a brother of Mrs. DR.. Meal
ing) was going into the city on a
very important business deal, when
he was turned back and told that he
could not pass through Hamburg.
Returning home he was Joined by his
brother-in-law, Mr.. Henry Getzen,
who advised going around the town
to avoid further trouble. While re-
turning, military line formed ahead
Of them and they were ordered to
stop. Mr. Getzen, who was very
determined man, gave his horse a
decided cut with the whip and went
through the line. On arriving at
home they were met by an officer,
who arrested them for defying mill
tary rule.
Mr.. Robert Butler learned from
Prince Rivers, the magistrate, that
the military company was not mus
tered in service and had no right to
interfere. Then Mr.. Butler had the
negroes arrested for obstructing the
public highway. At the trial, July
18th, Mr.. Getzen was placed on the
stand and asked if he did not know
that military company had the
TlSuL Ol way OFSI SlNliloAS.
such is my understanding, re-
piled Mr.. Getzen, "but l do not con-
slider yours a military company"
What do you consider it?' was
asked Mr.. Getzen.
Il consider it, replied Mr.. Getzen,
t'an organized gang of robbers.
This made Attaway, the negro
commandant, very mad. He rushed
out of the door saying, 81 know what
dem white folks wants. Dey wants
us to call 'em marster, but us'll
wade in the white mans blood up
ter our knees before us'll call 'em
marster any more"
He then went into the armory with
his company.
General Butler, who was attorney
for Mr.. Robert Butler, arose in all
his dignity and said, ''This is a
farce" Calling to one of the negro
lieutenants, he said, "Cartledge. 60
up yonder in that armory and tell