Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1864-09-21

ICr lincoln, ana tne otner 1or McClelian.
THE CoLoRED RESIDENTS OF THE SEVENTH
WARD AND THE DRAFT.-A very large and
spirited meeting Of the colored people of the
Seventh Ward was held atWesley Zion Church,
ID street, between I'd and Sd streets, Monday
night, for the purpose Of raising funds to assist
in filling the quota of the ward. There was be-
tween two and three hundred persons present
quite number Of whom were females.
Mr. John F. N. Wilkinson was called to the
Chair, and Abraham Dyson and Perry Rider
were elected Secretaries.
Mr.. Wilkinson on taking the chair thanked
the meeting for the honor conferred upon him,
and stated that at meeting held at Island Hail
on Saturday night by their white brethren, a
committee, consisting Of Caleb Dulaney, Carl
Carusi, William Beckett, A. Bowen, and VIM
Cross, was appointed to collect money from the
colored people OF the ward. Mr.. w. then pro-
ceeded to read an official notification of the ap-
pointment OF the committee signed by Mr.. JOHN
III. Semmes, Treasurer, and Mr.. Crosby S.
Noyes, President OF the ward association, and
stated that after consultation the committee de-
cided to call a mass meeting of the colored peo-
pie for the purpose of adopting measures to
assist in riddng the ward from the pending
draft The speaker said the cause was one
which could not be contributed to too IberaIIy,
and if the colored people did not aid the exemp.
toa fund they could could have no claims upon it,
On motion, the report Of the proceedings of
the meeting held at Island Hall on Saturday
night was read; after which, the Char called
On.
tribute, when Mr.. w. H. Bruce arose and said
he would give 80 for start.
Mr.. K Bartle, Of the Island Hall meeting,
here entered the room, and was introduced bV
the chairman. Mr. Bartle said he was glad to
see so many present, and the object of his COM
ing down was for the purpose of inviting the
collectors to call at Island Hall and pay over
the money to Mr.. John II. Semmes. He sug-
gested to those present to form them selves into
working committee, and advised all to come
forward and subscribe within their means. His
nhrnn hnrrT 90
to those present, as they were able to make
their own suggestions.
The chair in vited the learned ones present to
address the meeting and say few words Of
encouragement.
Mr. VIM Beckett was the first one to respond,
who said that President Lincoln had called for
men, AID would have them-voIunteers or
conscripts There were plenty Of substitutes,
and perhaps some of those in attendance at the
meeting had been engaged in ''ruHning them
off," but he MIR. b. was not one OF that kind.
He was an old man, but would contribute. The
old men would not have to fight, but the young
ones would, and they ought to come forward
and contribute literally. He wanted to save
these young men If he could, but their money
was the only thing that would do it. By buy
ing substitutes they did not rob the battle field
and IL q certain fund was raised they would be
clear for little while at least.
Rev. Anthony Bowen was introduced to the
audience, and said that 1t was difficult for him
to be heard when there was so much confu-
sion in the room, but If they would give him
nifty to criticise his remarks. He was an old
man-not subject to the draft, and would not
give IS TO save his own son or any one else
from 1t, for 1t was golden opportunity for the
colored men to fight for their own freedom.
They had greater reason to fight than any
class Of men In the world, and they ought to
prove themselves worthy OF the freedom they
enjoyed Slavery was their greatest enemy,
and they must fight it down. BY reading
through history down to the Carthagenians,
they would learn that it was only those who
fought and struggled for liberty who apprecia-
ted its blessings. If (said the speaker) there are
any here who cannot go, they ought to contri-
butte to send others. There was glorious
future before the colored race il they would
only do their duty in the contest. II there
and children penniless, they ought to insure
their lives and leave the policies home for
their families. g.
After urging those present to act for them
selves, the speaker concluded bis remarks by
saying that he had told Mr.. Semmes that he
opposite the sum he contributed, for he wanted
the colored people to receive credit for what
they did. Mr.. Semmes replied that it was but
lust that they should receive due credit for
what they did, and 1t would afford him pleasure
The COMMITTEES appointed by the Island Hail
meeting here reported that they had Collected.
BIAS One OF the committee stated that the
largest portion of this sum had been been ra-
ceived from females. and those who were not
urged those present to come for ward and con-
tribute to save themselves from the horrors Of
the war, for II they did not Capt. Putnan
would give them q tree pass to the field.
Mr. John II. Reed wanted to know who was
70 get the oenent OF the money, and Ii he was
drafted, was ne TO get his exemption for three
The Chair explained that whoever was