Harry Hyams, the jolly editor of the
West Baton Rouge Sugar Planter,
presided at the head of the table and
did the honors of the occasion in a
most creditable and satisfactory man
ner. The affair was both pleasant and
brilliant, and all who participated en
joyed themselves to the utmost. The
new doctrine of unification was practi
cally recognized and carried into
effect, for side by side with the
wealthiest and most respected white
citizens of the city sat, ate, drank and J
talked a number of colored ien,
prominent among them Hon. J. Henri
Burch, editor of the Grand Era, and
lion. Augustus Williams, business
manager of the same journal. The
tables groaned with their load of
good things, while champagne corks
popped at frequent intervals and the
sparkling wine was drank in response
to numerous toasts upon a great
variety of subjects. Nearly every
guest was called upon for a speech or
a toast, and the responses were feli
citous in all instances. The subject
of the restoration of the State capital
to Baton Rouge was discussed, and an
apparently unanimous expression of
opinion in favor of the project was
elicited. All refetences to the nmatter
were received with warm applause
from the citizens of Baton Rouge pre
sent. The festivities came to a close
about mnidnight, and the greatest har
mony of sentiment and good feeling
prevailed among the participants to
the last. Much satisfaction was ex
pressed that the time of distinctions
on account of race or color was pass
ing away, and the principle of uii
versal equality before the law obtain
ing unanimous support from the
people of this country.
