Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1865-12-08
Their Memorial 10 Congress.

IcnIoh. q ~ VII 'ic -OtH VI NV. DeieRdtes
were in attendance from all parts Of the
State. and the proceedings Of the convention
were remarkable for the deliberation and
good sense with which they we're conducted.
The language and sentiments of the docu-
menis which it put forth show intelligence
and cultivation which would be creditable
to any assembly. The Daily South CGro6-
man, published in Charleston, a journal of
ability. declared the deliberstion, of the
Convention entitled to high consideration
The President of the Convention WAS T. NJ.
Holmes, formerly slave Of Mr.. Memminger,
late Secretary of the Treasury Of the rebel
Coniederacy. The objects of the Convention
were announced 10 be
FTrst-To promote the interests cf the eclored
race.
Ssoead-To devise the means for the i'm
provsment, elevation and protection of the black
men.
Third-Tc encourage and develop the indus-
trial resources Of the State.
The following resolutions after discussion
were adopted
Resolred, That it is with deep regret We per-
ceye a willingness on the part OF some OF the
people of this State TO believe that there is dan
ger Of an insurrection, and We take this oppor-
iunity of making il known TO the world that our
past career as law abiding subjects shall be
strictly adhered 10 as law abiding citizens
ResOlrsd, That as the old institution Of slave
ry has passed away We cherish in our heart. no
hatred towards those who have held our breih-
ren as slaves /; but that We extend the right
hand of fellowship to all, and shall make it our
special aim to establish unity, peace and love
among all men.
Resolped, That we shall encourage the freed
men in acquiring habits OF industry and Oh
tsining education.
Whereas knowledge is power and an
educated and intelligent people will always as
sert their true position,
Resolved, That We will insist among the
colored people upon the establishment Of good
schools for the thorough education Of our chill
dren throughout the State, and that to this end
We vii! contribute literally Of our means, and
will earnestly and persistently urge forward
every measure calculated TO advance Us 10 the
rank and position Of wise, enlightened and
Christian people.
Resolped, That We solemnly urge the parents
and guardians Of the young and rising genera
ton. by the sad recollection Of our ignora nee
and degradation in the psst, and by the bright
iDspir: hopes OF the future, TO see that schools
are established at once IN every neighborhood.
and when so established to see to it that every
child Of proper age Is kept in regular attend
ance upon the same.
Resolred, That this Convention desires to ex-
babo n .ba aoF. /.
State, its sincere gratitude to Brevet Major Gen
Ss1ton, for the impartial manner in which he has
guarded and protected the freedmen of this de-
partment, manifesting in all his intercourse with
them the spirit of the soldier, the patriot and
the Christian.
IL WAS also
Resolrei, That we earnestly solicit OF the
General Government the continuance Of the
Freedmen's Bureau until such time as full pro-
lection shall he guaranteed TO US by the Consti-
tuition and Laws Of the State.
Rssolred, That we have full faith in the sta
bility Of the National Government, and that we
cheerfully accept our share Of the burden of tax
alton, trusting that the day is not far distant
when we shall receive its natural equivalent, the
right Of representation.
Five thousand copies Of these proceeding.
intending Declaration of Rights,s AN Address
to the General Assembly Of South Carolina,
an Address to the White inhabitants Of the
State, and Memorial to Congress, were or
dered to be printed for distribution. All OF
these papers are able and instructive. We
only find space for the Memorial to Congress.
Toths Senate and Hous, Of RepreeHfatipei o.
the United SidieS Of -7mericG, in ConSrs,i
assembled.
GENTLEMEN We, the colored people Of the
State of South Carolina, in convention assem-
bled respectfully present for your attention
some prominent facts IN relation to our present
condition. aud make a modest yet earnest appea
TO your considerate judgment.
We. your memorialists, with profound graft
tude TO Almighty God, recognize the great boon
Of freedom conferred upon US by the instrumen
tslity of our late President, Abraham Lincoln
and the Armies of the United States
a. The fixed decree. which not all heaven can
move,
Thou, Fate, fulfill it, and. ye, Powers, approve.
We also recognize, with liveliest gratitude
the vast service Of the Freedmen's Bureau
together with the efforts of the good and wise
throughout our land, 10 raise up an oppressed
and deeply injured people in the scale Of cvilis-
ell beng, during the thobbings Of mighty re-
voiution which must affect the future destiny Of
| the world.
| Conscious Of the difficulties that surround our
position we would ask for no right or privieg,
but such rest upon the strong basis Of justice
and expediency, in view oftbe best interests o.
our entire country.
We ask, first, that the strong arm Of law and
order be placed alike over the entire people o.
this State that life and property be secure
and the lsborer as free to sell his labor as th'
merchant his goods.
We ask that far and impartial construction
be given to the pledges Of Government to ~
| concerning the land question.
We ask that the three great agents OF CIVILIZED
socie,y-the school, the pulpit, the press-be Al
| secure in South Csrolina as in Massachusetts, Of
Vermont.
We ask that equal suffrage be conferred upon
US in common with the white men OF this State
This We ask because all free governments de
r1ve their Just powers from the consent OF tn
governed; and we are lsrgely in majority II
this State, bearing for long period the burde'
of an odious taxation without just represen
tation.
We ask for equal suffrage As protection frou
hostility evoked by our known fsithfulness 9
our country's flag during the Slsyeholders' Re
| bellion-
We s.k that colored men shall not in ever.
instance be tried by white men; and that nei
,her By custom nor enactment shall We be eI
Guided from the jury-box
We ask that inasmuch as the Constitution G
the United States explicitly declares that th
right of the people to keep and bear arms, sha
not be infringed. and the Constitution is th
supreme law Of the land. that the late efforts G
the Legislature Of this State TO pass an act I
deprive us Of arms be forbidden as plain vic
lation Of the Constitution, and unjust TO man
of us in the highest degree, who have been sol
diers and purchased our muskets fcom the Uni
ted States Government when mustered out {
service
We protest against any code Of black laws 'h
Legislature of this State has enacted, or ma
hereafter enact, and pray to be governed BY N
same laws that coutrol other men, III
right to assemble in peaceful convention TO di'
cuss the political questions Of the day; the r'gt
20 enter upon all avenues Of trade. ccmmerc'
agriculture, to amass wealth by thrift and il
dustry; the right 10 develop our whole being
by the appliances that belong to civilized socl'
iy, csnDo, te qu' u'stioned by any class OF r'el