Cleveland daily leader. [volume] ([Cleveland, Ohio]) 1865-1873, 1866-04-20

Constitution of the U. S. giving a national
guarantee that slavery shall no longer to
exist or be reestablished in State or juris-
diction of the United States. l know how
easy it is to cater to prejudice, and how
easy to excite feelings Of prejudice and un-
kindness. l care not for that. I've been
engaged in this work in which my all has
been periled. did not engage in it as a
hobby, nor did ride on the colored man for
the sake of gaining power. What did
was for the purpose of establishing the great
| principle of freedom, and thank God feel
and know it to be so, that my efforts have
contributed as much, if not more, in
accomplishing tnis great national guaran-
tee than those of any other living man in
the United States. Enthusiastic cheers.)
1t is very easy for colored men to have
pretended friends in high places and far re-
| moved from danger, whose eyes have only
abstractedIy gazed on freedom, who have
never exposed their limbs or property, and
who never contributed q sixpenee in fur
| therance of the great cause, while another
periled his all and put everything sacred
and dear to man, that those whom he raised
| and who lived with him might enjoy his
property with his consent and re-
ceive his aid and assistance. Yet some
assume that others who have done nothing
tors of the eolored man. ! repeat, my col
ored friends, here to day, that the time will
come, and that not far distant, when it viii
be proved who is particularly your best
friend. My friends, my aim has not been
for place and power, for / had these al
ready. It has been a principle with me,
and thank God great principle has been
established, that whenever any individual,
in the language Of distinguished orator,
treads American soil his soul swells within
him in appreciation of the great truth that
he stands forth redeemed, regenerated and
disenthralled by the genius of universal
emancipation. (Applause) Then let me
mingle with you in the celebration of the
day which commenced your freedom. I do
it in sincerity, and trust in God that the
blessings which have been conferred may
be enjoyed and appreciated by you, and
that you may give them a proper di-
reetion. There is something for all to do.
You have solemn duties to perform, and
you ought to remember that freedom is not
a mere idea. 1t must be reduced to a real
ity. Men in being free are to deny them
selves many thiags which seem embraced
in the idea of freedom. 1t is with you to
give evidence to the world and people of
the United States whether you are going to
appreciate this great boon as it should be,
and that you are worthy Of being freemen.
Then let me thank you with sincerity tor
the compliment you have paid me By pass
ing through here to-day and paying your
respects to me. I repeat again, the time
will come when you will know who have
been your best friends, and who have
been your friends..from mercenary consider
ations. Accept my thanks.
The bands then struck up lively tune.
Meanwhile the President remained, many
of the eolored persons approaching and
shaking hands with him. The procession
then reformed and took up its line of march
along Pennsylvania avenue. When pass
ing the Capitol cheer after cheer rent the
air in compliment to their legislative friends
Never before has there been such demon
stration of the colored population in this
city, who were joined by their friends from
other localities. There were probably i, 900
or 5000 colored men in the procession,
while 10000 of the same race were inter
ested spectators, manifesting their joy and
gladness by waving their hats and hand
kerchiefs and cheering Justify the passing
procession.