The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1837-04-19
MEMOIR OF RHODE-IsLAND.
1856.
Negro Election.

Negro EIects0n'
At this time there were in Newport over
1900 negroes settled inhabitants, principal
ly slaves, besides many more, the slaves of
such as had a temporary residence only.
Those creatures of mimic and imitation
were generally allowed their own time and
amusements on the day Of the annual elec-
ton, when the freemen from all parts OF the
Colony had the right to reserve their votes
in the several towns, aud come aud put them
in on the day Of the election atNewport, for
the Gov, Deputy Gov, Assistants &c.
This was great day for all kinds of a
musements. The military parade in es-
cor,ing the Governor to the Colony house
the throng of people of every description
who followed and made up the procession
the political combatants, ready, us soon ms
the procession was over, to drive their polit-
cal bargains, on both sides, busiy mingled
with the crowd to influence the voters, and
aid the cause of their several candidates,
filled and choaked up the parade, or Queen
street, leading up to the Colony house,
insomuch that there was no getting
through but by opening passage with both
hands and thus crowd slowy y along. In
the latter part of the day, when the votes
had been received and counted, the crowd
became again excessive, anxious to know
the result, whic!, when declared, a general
rush of the dominant party took place, to
obtain a place in the procession to honor
their favorte and fortunate candidates on
their return to the Governors lodgings. AT
this time many Il broken head and bloody
nose witnessed that the minority although
beaten were not conquered.
This crowd, busle and confusion, toseth-
sr with the general hlliarity and dissipation
of the day gave great delight to the young
and animated sons Of Africa-hcy amused
themselves withpersonal renconters &c, such
as cudgeling, jumping, wrestling, playing
at the various games, and on the mu-
sical instruments Of their native country /;
besides dancing, Gddlihg and drinking.
The blacks, observing the pride which
their masters took in their Charter Govern
ment, and the ambition with which they
strove and contended with one another for
honor, Office and preferment, conceived the
projec, of Initiating the whites by establish
ing subordinate jurisdiction and juris-
prudence of their own. The Old negroes
aided in the plan, but not without the ap-
probation of their masters, who foresaw
that sort Of police managed wholly by the
slaves would be more effectual in keeping
them within the bounds Of morality and
honesty, than if the same authority were cx-
ercised by the whites.
Their election took place some time IN
June, and every negro who had pig and
q sty, at that time was allowed to vote, and
none other They met on their day of e.
lection and went through the ceremony OF
escort,ng the Governor to the place appoint
ed, which in fair weather was frequently
under large spreading tree which stood il
the place where the Liberty Tree now stands
at the head of Thames-street, where seat:
wer1 provided for the incumbents of Office
and table for the Secretary &c. Eacl
freeman put in his ballot when his namt
was audib!y called and then recorded. Or
the votes being counted and the election de-
clarcd, n general shout announced that th'
struggle was overland here, contrary t'
their masters practice, the vanquished ant
victors united in innocent and amusing fur
and frolic-every voice upon its highes
key, in nll the various languages Of Africa
mixed with broken and ludcrous English
filed the air, accompanied with the music
Of the fiddle, tsmbarine, the banjo, drum
&c.-The whole body moved in the tralr
Of the Governor elcc, to his masters house
where. on their arrival trea, was given BY
the gentleman newly elected, which endet
the ceremonials Of the day.
The judicial department consisted OF 'h'
Governor, who sometimes sat in judgment
in cases OF appeals. The other magistrate
and judge, tried all charges brought agains
any negro, by another, or by white per
son. Masters complained to the Governo
and magistrates of the delinqucncies Of thei
slaves, who were tried, condemned an
punished az tn. discretion Of the Cour