Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1856-08-09
ftrst Of august in 5n!csn
FIRST OF AUGUST CELEBRATION.

LAWN,
The anniversary Of West India Emancipation
was celebrated in Salem in a most appropriate and
spirited manner. The arrangements were made
and the proceedings conducted by the colorod
people, though tho audience was largely composed
Of citizens Of all classes, from Salem aud its
vicinity.
At II O'Clock the procession headed by the
Salem Brass Band, marched to the place of meet
mig. The Sons of Protection, an association of
colored citizens were out in their rcgalia. On ar
irving at the grove, a beautiful banner with appro-
pirate Inscriptions, was presented by the colorcd
Ladies' Of Salem to the Sons of Protection, and
received with appropriate acknowledgements.
After an intermission of an hour, for refresh
ments and social intercourse, the meeting convened
and the following list of officers were appointed:
President, S. A. BRowN, Pittsburgh.
Vice Presidents, JOHN PECK Pittsburgh, MILES
MANILA, JonN WHITE, of Mahoning,JAMEs DAVIS;
Secretary, HARVEY G. WEpB, Pittsburgh.
On taking the chair the President said he had
left home with no idea of being honored with the
position of President of the meeting. lie was a
stranger to nearly all prescnt-had never met them
till now, and probably after this meeting should
dispense, would never meet them again. lie had
come however to unite with his brethren on the
occasion that called them together, and would try
to perform whatever was given him to do. lie
referred to the great event which they had met to
commemorate, tho striking Of the chains from
100000 of their brethren in the West Indies.
While the first Of August was u day of Joy to
many, he could never engage in its celebration
without feelings of sorrow-almost of anger. The
fact that in a land like this, we could Only meet to
celebrate an act Of justice and of freedom done by
a foreign land, while our own land retains, with
all its professions of liberty its present guilty posi-.
ton was what gave him pain. lie had often
wondered, at times like this, when the happy day
shall come in which we can celebrate the emanci-
patton Of three and q half millions of men women
and children now held in bondage under the
American Government. Every white man and
woman present should feel ashamed and con-
demned ON ali occasions like this, You are here
to see what the colored people are going to do
and perhaps to learn what another Government
has done for freedom. You ought to profit by the
example, and set this or some other day apart for
a similar occasion of rejoicing for freedom in this
country. | know of no nation so deeply and fear
itig SNiAbJ DC biO lNih pCblIC-IbIt lull
are SO devoted to this system of tyranny and op-
pression. 1t is our duty to celebrate this day till
freedom shall come to our own land. And sooner
or later our day Of rejoicing will come. A time is
coming when 4 revolution greater than that in
Kansas will take place-a revolution with the
shedding of blood. | 90 not say that co lorod PEG
pie will have part or lot in the matter. The cup
of the nations ~iniquity will become full and must
run over.
The speaker said he would be glad to see slavery
overshrown in any way. lie was willing,
if need be, to be one to strike for freedom. But it
is thought the time is not yet come, and We are
asked to "wait a little longer"
The chairman then introduced to the meeting
Mr.. Graham of Pittsburgh who was advertised as
the principal speaker of the day.
The speaker said: This day is one peculiarly
worthy of celebration. Iii s distinguished as well
for Il noble act Of freedom as for the manner in
which that act was done. Previous to the year
1898 the first of August had no history to distin-
guish il from the other days. Previous to that day,
of tbat year eight hundred thousand human beings
in the West India Islands, were held in abiect
slaverJ--bought and sold as merchandise. But
on that glorious day their shackles were broken,
and these chattles became men. This is one
popularity connected with the day we celebrate.
Another thing worthy of attention is the man
ner in which the great work was done. Other
nations celebrate their natal day. This people
dedicate the Fourth of July to Liberty. But they
waded through streams of blood before they cstab-
lished the principles set forth on that day in the
Declaration Of Independence. Not so the great act
done ON this day by the British nation. 1t was
the first great battle in which the Righ was
broughtin conflict with the wrong. The voice of
Right went forth upon tho West India Islands,
broke from the slave the manacles that had bound
him to the soil, and bid him stand forth a man.
This then is the day we honor; Il conquest of the
right over the wrong and not a conquest of war,
and blood. Often in view Of the wrongs done to
my brethren in this guilty land ] have felt ready
to shed blood in their behalf but when | think of
this peaceful triumph of freedom over dcspotism.
and remember that they that take the sword must
perish with the sword have hope and feel like ex-
claiming;