Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1866-02-15
lREPoRTED FOR THE JOURNAL.
Remarks of MIR. Lyman of EdpecomI

[REPoRTED FOR THE JOURNAL
Remarks of MIR. Lyman o Edgecombc
In committee Of tie ochote House, February Sth on the
bill dlIc0ng negro testinOnv to uohich lie offered tie
Following amendments 'prooiled HatM provisions
0fMiS act shall not 90 into operation until naiht1ry
lao shall cease TO eriSt in The State"
Mr. CHAIRMAN [ have not introduced this
amendment with the view of altering the effect of
the bill before the committee but with the
view of allaying to some extent the passions and
preJudices of some of its opponents [ am aware
sir, how dfcultit is to get the mastery of passions
produced in early youth, which have strengthened
within our breasts, as time has passed over our
heads; and which have been instlled into
ture, to such an extent as to influence opin-
ions and control our actions. L have received
those same passions and prejudices other gen
tlemen, but have earnestly endeavored to com
prehehd the present emergency to look facts III the
face and to act as becomes the situation Welding
not to my feelings, but to my Judgment.
L have great sympathy for the negro in his pres
ent unfortunate condition. Freedom has been
suddenly bestowed upon him, by agency
which he had no control He has lost the protec-
ton and fostering care of MASTER to whom he
was accumstomed to apply in all cases where his
right OF person or property was the subject of
controversy: L, slr, opposed this change of his
condition with all the might that in me, with
all the power that could command | approved
OF the position taken by the south four years ago
entered the army of the Confederate States among
the first, and was present when the last gun was
science believing then, l do now, that duty to
my native state and SOUTH required my services in
| the late civil [ considered the points ut
issue vital to the best interests of both classes
in the south. But, sir, when armies surrender
ed, our experiment failed and independence
was lost accepted the situation as found it, and
shall strictly conform to the requirements of the
obligations have since contracted.
| favor this bill, Mr.. Chairman, both as an at
of justice to the negro, and one of policy for
selves The negro, IN my opinion should be al
| lowed to appear before jury of white men, with
white Justices white Judge the BENCH and
| testify as to any injury he may have received,
either in person property for to deny him that
| right may induce him by evaporation to commit
retaiatory acts of violence. 1t is not the honest
and upright man that need fear aught from negro
evidence, for the character and bearing of the wit
ness, and all the circumstances under which his
testimony is given have their effect either one
way or the other, both with judge and jury. Now,
sir ask gentlemen, if it is not just and right in
the present condition of things, for us to allow
negro testimony, and not close the doors of our
courts of justice on that unfortunate race lie
must either meet force with force, or be the vic
tim of every evil minded person who may choose
| to defraud him. Nothing sir, in my humble opin-
lOn Is more calculated to bring trouble between
the races, the deplOrabe effects of which Will be
acknowledged by all, than to force this conviction
upon the negro, that there legal way in which
he make known his injuries, have his WRONGS
redressed.
[ believe that policy imporatively demands that
| we should cOncede this much to satisfy the pres
ent congress. The victOrs on the surrender Of
our armies, were IN a situation to exact any
dlt1Ons or terms OF us, and had the power to
force the demands. | am happy however, to sir.
sir, that President Johnson has been magnanimuus
and liberal in his policy towards He has been
kind and cOnciliatOry. He has stood as Il wall of
adamant between us and the radicals and factiOu-
lists of the north, who, dsregarding every consd-
Grafton of hberality and humanity, striving to
confscate our lands, and thirsting for oIw
| blood. This spirit of agrarianism received its
| birth in puritanical New England. 1t had few
supporters at first but its advocates were cncrgct
ic and perseVering. 1t gathered strength little by
little, until 1t has become a mighty torrent that
our puny arm, unsupported by the power and NOR
M influence of the established government, can
| never hope to resist.
| 1t is spirit of Jacobinism-of jealousy between
property and non-property holders-as radical
ever entered the breasts of Danton Murat. The
president Is acting sincere part towards us; and
is striving with all the means in mis- power to 70
store the state to its former position in the union
Can any sane man deny to the president that moral
support which an honest and manly cooperation
with HIM IN his policy of reconstruction would
give to his administration? Can any one afford to
weaken him in the mighty political struggle the
result OF which will be an intinity of veal
to the south? Should the radicals succeed, and
! the president fail in his policy, upon devoted
| heads will fall all the horrors which hatred and
malice could infict.
| appeal, sir, in the of Justice strengthen
ed by policy, to gentlemen this floor, to grant
this boon SO necessary to the protection of the
negro in his condition, and to the preserya-
tlOn OF the peace and good order Of society. II
we grant this gracefully and promptly, it viii
place in a strong moral position, as men who
comprehend the present condition OF affairs; who
feel the weight of their responsibility to their
country, and who have the boldnes; to act prompt
| Iy on this important question now under discus
sion. This, sir, IN my opinion, will have its nU-
ence upon the destiny of this country.