Ironton Register 27 August 1891
DEERING REUNION
Editor Register – The 5th annual reunion of the G.A.R. and S. of V. of Rockcamp was held in Deering’s Grove on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of last week. The first half day was consumed in arranging stands and getting ready for the afternoon’s exercises, which consisted of speeches by comrades MAYS, HIGGINS, and BAZELL.
The second day brought a large audience, and they were well entertained. The forenoon exercises consisted of short personal experiences from old soldier comrades in connection with speeches by Joe McKEE and Rev. D.W. HIGGINS.
In the afternoon was a great debate. The question, “Resolved That the Modern Jury System Is a Failure,” was championed by W.D. CORN and ably seconded by A.D. BRUCE. P.C. BOOTH defended the “old reliable” jury system, and John YATES was his best man. The affirmative attacked the jury without gloves, and for 50 minutes, Mr. CORN sallied into the Trustees and Councilmen for their sins of commission and omission in the selection of jurors. Then the poor attorneys came in for their turn. The attorney was not so much abused as the law, which gives him his peremptory challenges.
The negative proceeded, by an analysis of the question, to argue that the modern system is the only system ever invented; and that writers, jurists, statesmen, and mankind generally have been its patrons and attest to its success; that the jury is the safest body to measure the credibility of witnesses and parties, their motives and intentions; that the number 12 argues that it is of a very ancient if not divine origin. There were 12 prophets, 12 apostles, 12 spies, 12 stones, and 12 jurors to find the truth, etc. Throughout the two hours, the people sat like stumps (quietly) and took it in. It was a treat that all enjoyed and praised.
Friday, Col. GRAY addressed the throng in the forenoon and Gen ENOCHS in the afternoon. Both addresses were of the highest order and well received by the audience. Gen ENOCHS touched up the old soldier’s feelings, and many tears were seen in his old comrades’ eyes as he told of their hardships and the pension that didn’t come.
Saturday, Comrades HIGGINS, BAZELL, JOHNSON, and others concluded the exercises of the campfire in fine style, and the reunion closed with a storm. It was a success in every respect, and all joined in pronouncing it the quietest and best-conducted meeting ever held in the grove. The two organizations will clear about $125, with which they will pay off the G.A.R.’s indebtedness, and the balance will be used to furnish their hall and replenish the relief fund.
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