The weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 186?-1869, 1867-08-28
FOR the Standard.
MR.. JAMES 4. HARRIS IN STOKES COUNTY.

j. B. BEEBE, Sec'g. sas
FOR the Standard.
MIR. JAMES II. HARRIS In STOKES COUNTY.
Pursuant to previous notice, Mr.. Jas. H.
Harris addressed the people at Piedmont
Springs on the 18th Aug. Notwithstanding
the heavy rain in tho forenoon, a respectable
number of the people from the neighborhood
and the visitors at the place, assembled and
listened to short address from Mr.. Harris
with marked attention; while many present
were opposed to his political views, expressed
themselves as being well pleased with his
remarks. s
1t was then announced that Mr.. Harris
would address the people at Danbury, two
and half miles from the Springs, on Satur-
day the 18th, the notice being but two days,
yet large number of both races of more
than one Thousand persons assembled to hear
the distinguished orator. He was introdu-
ced to the audience by ]. ]. Martin, Esq,
who made few appropriate remarks, speak
ing of him "a q man of excellent character,
of high standing IN the community where he
lives, and famed over the land for his talents
and gentlemanly dcmcanor. Mr.. Harris de-
livered one of the most chaste and eloquent
speeches ever made in the County. Hespoke
of the former and present condition of the
races in this country, that while living to-
gether for more than two centuries were in
many respects unacquainted, that it now be-
came necessary for the white and colored to
understand their rights, politically and be-
fore the law, and suggested the propriety of
their coming closer together. but not totouch,
in order that more friendly feeling might
be produced; spoke of the absurdity ofsocial
equality, and against violating the establish
cd customs Of the country in regard to the
social relations; that in all instances of break
ing over the supposed line marked out by
demagogues, the whites would break ground
first; that a negro would not thrust himself
into parlor where white ladies and gentle
men were assembled, but it was frequently
the case that white persons would be found
at negro parties. That white men would
often declare they never would vote for or
associate with black men, would stultify
themselves by taking drink of liquor with
negro and go to meetings of colored people of
them. Spokein glowing terms Of the prin-
ciples and measures of the great Union Re-
publican party the Southern States could
only hope for restoration to their places in
tile Union by relying upon the generous and
liberal policy of this party of progress !; that
the piebald factions North and South could
effect nothing towards reconstructing the
government; that all their acts were calcn-
lated to do great mischief; that the Northern
Copperheads were hollow hearted, selfish and
faithless had deceived the Southerners into
the belief that they would assist them in
forming separate government and then de-
serted their causc-were the enemies of the
colored race-opposed to liberal course to-
wards these people and against extending to
them the right Of suffrage that the Conser-
natives South had no platform of principles,
but were disposed to act in concert with
Northern Democrats and suffered themselves
to be governed too much by their preiudices;
advised all men to bury the past-discard
their prejudices to rally under the great and
glorious banner of the Republican party, to
march forward, guided by its principles, to
effect a reconstruction of the States coun.
seled the loyal people to attach themselves
to the Union Leagues or some other good
order which would be great helpers in the
work of reconstruction and the success of
the party. Urged the people to register and
vote for members to Convention who would
form such Constitution that would be ac-
ceptable to the loyal people of the State and
to Congress. Told the colored people to
labor more now than when slaves; not to
expect lands to be given them; but to save
their money and buy homes; exhorted them
to he sober, industrious and economical and
build up name for honesty, sobriety and
good behavior; that it the con6scation act
should be enforced, it would be the fault of
the Southern property holders, by rejecting
the mild and generous terms offered by Con-
gress, and by acting in an overDearing man
ner towards tenants and hired men, by tyran-
nically removing them from their cabin
homes and discharging men from employ
ment for opinions sake. Said when man
hired his time, the employer had no right to
control his vote ,5s.
The audience was remarkably quiet and
orderly, and listened with profound atten-
ton; all seemed well pleased with the ex-
ception of few sullen, sulky Copperheads,
who hung upon the outskirts of the crowd
and "sat nursing their wrath to keep it
warm, ~ and as Sut Lovengood was wont to
say of certain bird that would fly up the
creek and perch himself on the limb Of a dead
tree and draw his head in, "just went to
studyin," but said nothing All passed off
well, the loyal people went home delighted.
The Republicans will carry the County in
the next election for member to the Con-
vention by tremendous majority. M.
a.,5 s For the Standard. "a
At a regular meeting q. L. A., over one