Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1866-04-27

sun Another speech by the President.
The colorcd people Of Washington cele-
bTatcd the anniversary Of the abolition of
slavery in the District Of Columbia. on the
18th. with a grand procession. They march,
ed to the front Of the White House and
were addressed by President johnson. who
said, among other thins-
The time will conc when /, Will he made
known who contributed as much ~ any other
man. and who, without beng considered egotis-
teal, may say contributed more IN procuring
the great national guarantee Of the abolition Of
slavery, IN all the States ty the ratification
Of the amendment 10 the c0usti-
tuition Of the ULited States, giving national
guarantee that slavery shall Go longer be per-
mittei 10 exist. ! have been engaged in this
work. in which my al has been Tcrilet was
not eng gcd in il as a hobby, nor dil r!ie the
colored men for the sake Of gaining power
What Jid was Tor the purpose Of establishing
the great principle Of freedom and, thank God.
| feel and know It TO be 50 that my efforts have
contributed as much. il not more, in accomplish
ing tins great national guarantee. than those Of
any other living man in the United States. 1t
! is very easy for colorei men 10 have pretended
friends ensconced in high places, and far rernoy-
Ell from danger, whose eyes have only distracted
| IL aa1ed on freedom, who have never exposed
| their limbs or property, and who never contri-
buiel a sixuence in furtherance Of the great
cause, while another periled his all and every
| thing sacred and dear 70 man and those whom
| he raised and who lived with him now ENJOY his
/ property with his consent and receive his aid
| and assistance Yet some assume to be, and
others who have done nothing are considered.
the great defenders aud protectors Of the colorei
man.
trust in God the blessings which have been
conferred may be enjoyed and appreciated by
you, and that you may give them proper direc-
! ton There is something for all 10 do. You
have high and solemn duties to perform, and
YOU ought to remember that freedom is not a
mere idea 1t must be reduced to practica
! reality Men IN being free ought 70 deny them
selves many things which seem to be embraced
in the idea of universal freedom Ii Is with you
10 give evidence to the world and 70 the people,
of the Un,ted States whether you are going Il
appreciate this great boon as 1t should be, anI
that you are worthy Of being freemen. IheI
let me thank you with sincerity for the compli
ment you have paid me.
vi. 'HAASVh = SlNt'hf u t.+iN-A-'f N''. --N
convince the darkies that he was thei
only friend, as they reserved their hearties
applause for the Congressmen, who cam
out on the porticos Of the Capitol as th
procession went by by. Many Of the freed
men showed their understanding OF the cas-
by exclaiming amid their cheers, Der
yere Congressmen am our Moses" The
were subsequently addressed by Gen. How
ard and Senators rrumbull and Wilson
, Mr.. Wilson said
: lie had been informed that the President l
! his speech had remarked that the eolored popt
lation would very soon discover who were the
real friends He was not here TO dispute u
! | Presidents claim to be called their friend. II
,, President was, placed in the executive chair
: the votes Of anti-slavery men, and they On
!, asked him to exercise its high functions for q
I, promotion Of the rights and the vindicatit
7 Of all. He hoped the President wou
:, place himself in advance Of them They ask,
|. him to go forward; and they would hail HI
I as the best friend Of the black man whenev
| he so proved himself