The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1865-07-19
From the Keokuk Constitution, July 10.
What the Soldiers Think of Negro suffrag,

w nat the soldiers Think OF Negro suffrage
The adjourned meeting last night, pursuant
ilto call of the soldiers, was not only we'll at
II blended, but the house was grounded with sol
Il diers and loyal citizens, who were opposed to
Il the fourth plank in the republican platform
that of negro suffrage in the state of Iowa.
HI We say that there was not only large
Il crowd, but it was enthusiastic, and every
man endorsed every resolution that was offer
ed,
In organizing the meeting, Capt. BallInger
was called to the chair, and NJ. w. Goodrich
was elected secretary by unanimous vote,
when Capt. Ballinger made brief and eo-
quent speech, setting forth the object of the
meeting. A motion was made, and second
ed, that a committee be appointed to draft
1 resolutions, none of the committee men to be
4 in favor of negro suffrage. The committee
4 was as follows: Com. Serg't j. B. Myers,
Capt. 81. NJ. Griffith, Lieut.. II. Soheevsrs.
Chss. Allen, with Capt. j. w. KIttle as chair
man of the committee. .a
After the committee retired, Hon. S. T.
Marshall was called upon to make a speech,
who declined, whereup0n Capt. VIM. Edwards
made a powerful speech in opposition to ne
gro suffrage, which was received with tre-
menduous applause by the soldiers and loyal
citizens. He gave the rev. hospital chaplain
the dressing that he deserved, which was full
Il y
to the soldiers.
After Capt. Edwards had concluded his
speech, the following resolutions were adopt
ed unanimously, with tremendous applause:
WHEREAS, As soldiers and loyal citizens we
rejoice in the triumph of our arms in the recent
war, waged for the preservation of our glorious
Union, and cordially congratulate one another on
the restoration of peace In our beloved country,
and
WHEREAS, We recognize as a necessary conse-
quence of this awful destructive and de-olating
conflict the end of slavery in land, and the
freedom of every bondman within it's broad limits,
yet we have, with feelings of deep regret and
gloomy forebodings, recently attempt ON
the part of certain politicians to introduce new
and dangerous question, to disturb our peace
namely the political equality of the negro with
the white man; now, therefore, be it
Resolved l, That we are opposed to that por-
ton of the fourth resolution of the republican plat
form recently sdopted at Des Moines, proposing
amend the article suffrage in the constitution
of state to extend the right of suffrage to
4he .egro@-
2. That we will support no candidate for eth
er state or county Offices, at the approaching cleo
ton, who is not PROFESSIONALLY opposed to extern
ding the right of suffrage to negroes in Iowa.
3. That we hereby invite all soldiers and loyal
citizens throughout the county and state, to unite
with us in nominating county and state ticket,
our views as expressed in preamble and
resolution.
RESOLVED, That this meeting deplore and disap-
probate the pursued by certain citizens of
this city, who, unwarrantabiy, usurped and took
control of the meeting at this place last We'd
nesday night, and that we hold them up to the
Just scorn and contempt of this community, and all
loyal soldiers and citizens.
When upon motion the meeting adjourned,
amid the most tremendous and enthusiastic
excitement. The soldiers called upon other
speakers, who declined. This was one of the
largest and most spirited meetings held in
the city of Keokuk.