The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-08-17

tlou Of slaveS--uot battle nad been t0ught
for that purpose; that the negroes being an
element of strength, that element was to be
transferred from the aid of the rebellion TO
| that of the Government The President had
an undoubted right, under the act of Congress,
to employ as many negroes as can be obtained
10 putting down the rebellion. He would like
to see the question OF slavery mooted That
act of Congress has placed in the hands Of the
President the instrument that shall free the
negro,who, bearing the same stars and stripes,
will defend the Constitution as it is, if not seek
to secure the Union as it was.
He said if the people of Maine were not suf-
fieiently warmed up, let them take the roast
ing they in Maryland have taken, and they
would get warmed up. They don't stop to ask
a man who is willing to fight for the Union,
whether he is black or white, bond or free.
We will fight side by side with anybody who
will aid us in putting down this rebellion, aud
those who were not willing to do 1t had better
stay at home. Gen. jackson addressed the
colored soldiers as fellow-citizens, and urged
them TO fight for their country. The question
of equality need not now be settled. If they
are our equals we can't help it, and if they are
not we should regret it, as it IS not their fault,
and they are entitled to our sympathy. The
Constitution of the United States knows no
difference except in provision made for In
dams. Colored men in Maine, New Hamp-
shire and in many other States have all the
rights and privileges of white man. They vot-
ed in Maryland and North Carolina at one time
John Bell said he was twice elected to Con-
gress by negro votes. 1t is entirely new idea
that they are not citizens, originating with
Judge fancy in his decision in the bred Scott
case. They are great instrument OF power
having mental and physical ability combined
with strong motive to fight for the Union as
it ought to be. 1t is no time to bubble about
these matters of etiquette while the life-blood
of our nation is being sought.
The rebels having abdicated their country
without just cause, they must abide the con-
sequences. Let the President appoint Provis-
ional Governors in the different States to pro-
tect loyal men and secure obedience to the
laws of the United States. A mere discretion
airy government viii not answer the purpose.
Let the Constitution as it is, and the laws as
they have been constitutionally enacted, be
everywhere enforced. Let the slaves in the
rebelious States be declared forever free. We
cannot, under the Constitution as it is, prevent
their introducing slavery again, but we can
have the Government provide for their protec-
ton. The idea Of sending the colored men
out of the country is absurd. We want their
labor, freely put forth and fully compensated
Nobody who is in favor Of putting down the
rebellion is opposed to the organization of ne
gro regiments. The fathers and mothers whose
SONS are liable to be called into the field of bat
tie and of those who have already fallen in
battle demand it. The salvation of our coun-
try and the restoration Of the Government de-
mand it, and every loyal man consents thereto.
Those who talk peace, who urge upon the
Government the closing up Of the war so long
as there are rebels in arms, are traitors.
The honorable gentleman was frequently
interrupted in his remarks by the applause Of
the audience. After he had closed the chair
man proposed three cheers for the gallant rep
resentative from Maryland, which were given
with will, and three more for the State of
Maryland.
Mr.. Davis responded to the compliment in a
few remarks, in which he stated the position
of Maryland at the breaking out OF the rebel
lion. People had formed a wrong idea upon
that subject by judging from the conduct of a
small portion OF the citzents of b ,ltimore,
which was at that time, as well as the State,
L. MI
Maryland was loyal to the core at the com
mencement OF the war, and had maintained
that position in every election which had taken
place by two thirds of all the voters of the
State.
The Chairman then rose and said in sub
stance:
Gentlemen you have listened and doubt
not all been delighted with the eloquent appeals
Of the gentleman from Maryland We have
among us one OF our own sons whom we de-
light to honor, one who suffered and bled in
the cause of his country, ono to whom, will
say, more is due than TO any other officer for
the victory at Gettysburg Nay more. have
1t from undoubted authority, that he wrested
victory from the jaws of defeat Oh that occa-
sion.
While he is engaged in fighting our battles
abroad he has the right to demand that we take
care Of comprehension at home. 1t is our
duty, said the chairman, while the gallant
General is fighting the traitors in the field
that we should take care OF the traitors in this
State. He said he had great pleasure in intro
ducing
GEN. OLIVER o. HOWARD.
There was hurricane of applause when
Gen. Howard, one sleeve empty, the fruits Of
gallant contest, came forward. The ladies
waved their handkerchief, and the men shout
ed. 1t was some time before the applause
subsidized.
Gen. Howard, although he has given the
best possible evidence of his bravery upon the
battlefield, was evidently overcome in his feel
ings by this reception. The trembling voice
and fearful eye told in language such as no
orator could utter the feelings of his heart.
He said he thanked them for their kind ex-
preston of regard for him as the representa-
tive of the 10000 men Maine has sent into the
army, OF which he was proud TO be one. He
Had bod Ia, tr,r'o lint