The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-03-22
FREEDMEN'S MEETINGS.

The COlOred Citizens of Charleston and
Savannah in Council Platform OF
Principles No Distinction on Account
OF Color for PubIIc Omesrs and jury
men, Etc.
THE CHARLESTON MEETING.
CHARLESTON, March 2l.--A mass meeting of
the loyal people OF this city, irrespective of
color, was held at Military Hall tonight. The
hall was packed mostly with colored people,
About fifty whites we're in attendance. Judge
Moore (white) presided and E. j. Adams
(eOlored) acted as Secretary. The meeting was
opened with prayer by Rev. r. II. Cain, a
cOlored clergyman.
The Chairman stated the object of the meet
ing to be to hear the report of the Committee
of Thirteen appointed to draft platform for
The organization of a Union Republican party
The following is the report:-
Whereas, The founders of this republic based
the same upon the selfevident truths that all
men are created equal; that they are endowed
bv their Creator with certain inalienable rights;
that among these are life, liberty, and the pur-
suit of happiness and whereas, it is set forth in
the preamble of the Federal Constitution of
1877 that IL was ordained, not by the several
States nor the inhabitants thereof, but by the
people of the United States, in order to form a
more perfect Union and establish justice, insure
domestic tranquility, provide Tor the common
secure the blessings OF liberty to its founders
and their posterty; and whereas, Con-
gress, by It's well = considered and almost
unanimous action-which action had the sane
tion of the loyal people Of the country-has pro-
vided, by the constitutional amendment, pro-
posed as article fourteen, and by the recent
Reconstruction bill, for the reorganization of
the civil powers of the States lately In rebel
lion, and for the renewal OF their representa-
niZe in these legislative provisions a wise
craftsmanship as regards the future, JUS
tice, tempered with mercy, towards the
former enemies of the Union, and strong
guarantees for the protection of all loyal citi-
zens without distinction of race, or color, or
previous condition, in the enjoyment of every
right conferred by the Constitutions and
whereas, we regard the great National Repub-
lican party, unuer the guiding hand of Provi-
dence, as the savior of our country from the
perils of the late Rebellion for the destruction
principles can justify us in committing the
present and future interests of the country TO
1t for safe keeping. Therefore, resolved
First. That we give our cordial and entire
sanction to the action of Congress for the e.
storation of the Union, and to the wise and just
principles Of the Republican party.
Second. That in order to make the labors of
all our loyal fellow-citizens more effectual for
carrying out the provisions of Congress for the
restoration of law and order in our State, a
well as for the peace and prosperity of our
entire country we do form an association TO be
known as the Union Republican party of South
Third That we pledge our sacred honor our
fortunes. and our lives 10 serve our country, to
preserve her institutions, and especially to aid
her in keeping inviolate the national faith,
ment OF the national debt Incurred to save the
liberties of the country and TO suppress the Re
bellion, and that the people will not suffer this
faith to be violated. or impaired; but all debts
incurred to support the Rebellion, as they were
b % bv the United States nor shall
South Carolina be allowed to pay any debt
whatever which was contracted TO aid the Re-
Fourth, That the nation owes to the brave
men, white and colored of our army and navy
a debt OF lasting gratitude for their heroic SER
vices IN defense of the Constitution and the
Union, and that, while we cherish with tender
affection the memories of the fallen we pledge
to their widows and orphans the nations care
and protection.
Fifth, That as republican institutions cannot
be preserved unless intelligence is generally
diffused among all classes, we will demand of
our Legislature a uniform system OF common
schools, which shall be open TO all, without
distinction of race, color, or previous condition
such system to be supported by general tax
Sixth. That we will favor a liberal system of
public improvement-such as railroads, canals,
and other works-and also such system of
awarding contracts for the same as VIII give all
our fellow-citizens an equal and fair chance 10
share in them.
Seventh, That we will also insist upon such
modification of the laws of the state Swill dc
away with imprisonment for debt, except fol
frauds; Imprisonment OF witnesses, except fol
wiIful absence and especially to abolish en-.
tirely and forever the barDarous system of cor
poreal punishment for crime or any Other
Eighth AS large land monopolieG tend only
tomaxe the rich richer and the poor poorer, ,anc
interests of the State, the Legislature shoult
offer every practical inducement for the divi
sion and sale of unoccupied lands among thu
poorer classes, and an encouragement TO lmml
grants to settle in our State.
Ninth That the law of ejectment and dis
traint should be so modined as to protec
equally the landlord and tenant.
Tenth. That provision should be made for tn
exemption of the poor mans homestead.
Eleventh. That the interests of the state de
mand a revision of the entire code and the re
organization OF the courts.
Twelfth That the interests not only OF tn
State, out of the whole country, demand ever,
possible guarantee for the perpetuity OF all th
rights conferred upon the newly enfranchlse
portion of our fellow-citizens, and that in tn
use of the sacred rights of the elective franchls
we will seek to elevate to offices OF trust an
honor only those who are truly loyal, hones
and capable, irrespective OF race, color, or pre-
Vious condition.
Thirteenth. That considerations of justic
and humanity demand provision by the Legis
lature for the protection ana support OF Ch
aged, intirm, and poor irrespective OF race
color, or previous condition.
Fourteenth. That we Will not support an
candidate forotice who will notopenly endors
advocate, and defend the principles adopted b
the Union Republican party as herein set fortl
Fifteenth. Relying on Divine Providence fc
wisdom in our councils efficiency in actor
harmony among ourselves. with malice towarC
none and charity TO all, we pledge our earne
and best efforts Tor the return OF peace an
representation OF our beloved State in the Con
gress of the United States.
Addresses were delivered by several whi
and colored speakers, ana the report unan
mously adopted.
THE SAVANNAH MEETING.
mass meeting of freedmen was held
Savannah on the 18th instant, report of whiC
is thus given in the Nel1s and Herald OF tn
city:-
At halfpast o'clock the meeting was call,
TO order, and the object of the call, being
e. - N.es..