The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1867-04-09
From he Charleston Evening News.
GEN. SICKLES' ADDRESS TO THE
COLORED PEOPLE,

| GEN. S1CKLES' ADDRESS TO THE
| COLORED PEOPLE.
The torch-ght procession of Tuesday night,
which was followed by an immeLse conceurse of
colored people, assembled in front of Major Gei,-
eral u. E. Sickles' quarters, to offer him the
compliment of a serenaGe. Gen. Sickles' ap-
pearance was the signal for the most enthusiastic
demonstrations. He said:
| MY friends, thanx you for your visit AL
though unexpected, it is none the less crafty
ing. 1t is your privilege, not mine, to take part
as partisan in the political action Of the day;
my duty is to see that every citizen of North and
South Carolina has full aud fair opportunity
to vote his judgment and conscience may
dictate. This duty shall endeavor to perform
The colored race in this country have gained
praise for their admirable conduct during the
war and pending the recent agitation of their
civil and political enfraDchisement. In my De-
partment, can truly bear testimony to your
patient torbearance. When severely provoked
to retalate cruel acts Of violence and humilia-
tion, you have borne yourselves with unfaltering
confidence; the day of your delverance was not
for distaut. (Cheers.) Let me eujoin upon
you al, in this hour of your success, persever-
ance in we'll doing. You are now citizens OF the
Republic. Remember that the strength of the
nation lies in the virtue, industry, loyalty and
courage of it's citizens. You must try and vim
dicate the hopes of your friends and repel the
forebodngs Of the skeptcal by proving your
selves worthy Of the privileges to which you
have been admitted (Applause) Whenever
any large addition has been made to the voters
of State, the same apprehensions have been
expressed tnat now heard in reference to
yourselves.
Those already encranchised are easily alarmed
at any considerable change 10 the established
order of things. So far, in this country expe-
rience has shown that Union, Liberty and power
ale safe 10 the hands of those who earn their
bread by the sweat Of their brows (Applause.)
None love the land of their birth more fondly;
none will defend it with more constancy and
valor than those whose labor make up the sun
of nations wealth. (Applause) So long
the destines of this country are in the hands Of
those whose homes are made sacred by justice,
whose liberties depend on the courage with
which they are maintained-the old flag may
defy all enemies whether from within or without.
(Great applause)
1t would be difficult under the most favorable
circumstances for any of men to engage,
you have now to Go, in the most interesting
political events, without being deeply moved by
their importance and novelty. Let me advise
you as friend, and as one not without expe
ience in public affairs, to preserve at all times
the utmost moderation of language, temper aud
conduct Avoid anything like violence, impa-
tience or indecorum Do not give even your
adversaries just occasion to complain of the least
disrespcct shown to them in your discussions,
private or public. Aud beware of those who
would endeavor to excite animosites between
the white and the black races
The prosperity of the South, the welfare Of
r,+h Il,
harmony aud good feeling which should exist
between the people Of both races at the South
Whatever seriously impairs the interests of one
race, must result injurionsy to the other. H.
telligence, culture, capital, land, are not less
essential than labor; and yet without labor these
can have no solid and enduring fcundafioD.-
You have already shown your appreciation Of
these advantages Oy the eagerueSs with which
you have employed the opportunities lately
given you to educate yourselves 1t will not be
long before the white race in the South will see
how deeply they are interested in the education,
industry, thrift aud progress Of their colored
population In this mutual dependence lies the
security of all.
Abundant time and opportunity will be af
forded, and ample notice will he given, of all the
successive steps to be taken in the organization
of the State Governments within my command
It will not be necessary, nor can it be otherwise
than injurious to yourselves, for you to neglect
your regular employment and associations to at
tend to political affairs l promise you that,
without any such sacrifice on your part every
man in the Carolinas, entitled to a voice in the
decision of the great question to be passed upon
under my supervision shall have fair chance
to act his part without let or hndrance fron any
one. My friends, wish you all good night.
STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
Tn pursuance Of the re solution adopted by the