The Newberry herald. [volume] (Newberry, S.C.) 1865-1884, 1866-08-29
Daring to stand by the Constitution of our

Daring to stand by the Constitution of our
fathers! ~ ="
MIR. Chairman, consider the proceedings
of this Convention equal to, if not more im~
portant than those Of any Convention that
ever assembled in she United states. (Great
applause.) When look upon that collection
Of citizens coming together voluntarily, and
sitting in council with ideas, with principles
and views commensurate with all the States,
and co>extensive with the whole people, and
contrast it with Congress whose policy,
if persisted in, will destroy the country, [
regard it as more important than any Con-
vention that has sat-at least since -1787.
(Renewed applause.] think I may also say
that the declarations that were there made
are equal to those contained in the Declara-
ton of Independence. (Cries of "Glorious,"
and most enthusiastic and prolonged ap~
plause.) Your address and declarations are
nothing more or less than confirmation Of
the Constitution of the United States. (Cries
of Good" and applause.)
Yes, will 60 farther and say that the
declarations you have made. that the prin-
cipleS you have enunciated in Your address,
are second proclamation of emancipation
to the people of the United States. Re
newed applause. For in proclaiming and
laid down constitutional platform on which
all, without reference to party, can make
common cause, engage in a common effort
to break fhe tyranny which the dominant
party in Congress has so relentlesSly eXer-
cised. and stand united together tor the res
storation of the States and the preservation
of the government.
The question only is the salvation Of the
country; for our county rises above all party
considerations CT influences. (CrieS Of
"Good," and applauSe.) How many are
there in the United States that now require
to be free? They have the sbackles upon
their limbs, and are bound as rigidly by the
behests of party leaders in the National Con-
gress as though they were in fact in slavery.
| repeat, then, that your, declaration is the
second proclamation of emancipation TO the
people of the United States, and offers a
common ground upon which all patriots can
stand. (Applause.)
In this connection, Mr.. Chairman and
gentlemen, let me ask what have to gain
more than the advancement Of the public
welfare? I am as much opposed to the
indulgence Of egotism as auy one; but here,
in a conversational manner, while formally
receiving the proceedings of this Convention,
may be permitted again to inquire what
have to gain consulting human ambition
more than have gained, except one thing
the consummation of the great work of
restoration? My race is nearly run have
been placed in the nigh Office which occupy
by the Constitution Of the country, and
may say that have held from lowest to the
highest, almost every station to which man
may attain in our Government. have
passed through every position, from alder
man Of a village to the Presidency Of the
United States. And surely, gentlemen, this
should be enough to crafty reasonable
ambition.
IfIhad wanted authority, or if I had
wished to perpetuate my own power, how
easily could have held and welded that
which was placed in my hands by the
measure called the Ereedmen's Bureau bill.
daughter and applause) With an army
which it placed at my discretion, could have
remained at the capital of the nation. and,
with fifty or sixty millions Of appropriations
at my disposal, with the machinery to be
unlocked by my own hands, with my satraps
and dependents in every town and village,
with the civil rights bill following as an
auxiliary, (laughter,) and with the patronage
and other appliances of the Government, ]
could have proclaimed myself dictator.
("That's true!' and applause.)
But, gentlemen, my pride and my ambition
have been to occupy that position which
retains all power in the hands of the people.
tGreat cheering.) It is upon them 7 have
always relied it is upon them | rely now,
"a voice, and the people will not disappoint
you,) and repeat that neither the taunts
nor jeers Of Congress nor of a subsidized,
calumniatinG press can drive me from my
purpose. (Great applause.) I acknowledge
no superior except my God, the author of
my existence, and the people of the United
States. prolonged and enthusiastic cheer
ing.) The commands of the one I try to obey
as best can, compatible with poor hu<
manity. AS to the other, in political and
representative sense, the high behests Of the
people have always been and ever will be
respected and obeyed by me. (Applause.)
Mr.. Chairman, have said more than I
intended to say. For the kind alIusion to
myself, contained in your address, thank
you. In this crisis and at the present period
of my public life, hold above all price and
shall ever recur with feelings of profound
qualification to the resolution containing the
endorsement of a Convention emanating
spontaneously from the great mass of the
people. With conscientious, conviction as
my courage, the Constitution as my guide,
and my faith in the people, trust and hope
that my future action may be such that you
and the Convention you represent may not
regret the assurance Of confidence you have
so generously expressed. ("We are sure of
it.")
Before separating, my friends, one and all,
kind manifestations of respect you have
exhibited on this occasion.