Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1867-04-05
From the Charleston Evening New,
General SichIcs' Address to the Color..,

General SickIcs' Address to the Colorst
People.
The torch-light procession of Tuesdo,.
night, which was followed by an immenss
concourse of colored people, assembled IL
front of Major General ID. E. Sicllles' oucr.
tiers, to offer him the compliment of srr.
enade The band having performed sever
al airs, III response to the loud and repeat
ed calls of the assemblage, General Sickies
presented himself. His appearance was
the signal for the most enthusiastic demon.
STATIONS. He said
MY friends, j thank you for your vis;+
Although unexpected, it is none tho Ioss
gratifying. 1t is your privilege, not min
to take part as partisan in the politicoi
action OF the day my duty is to see tbot
every citizen OF North and South Caroline
has full and fair opportunity to vote nc
his judgment and conscience NAV dictate
This duty shall endeayor to perform. Tho
colored race in this country have oro;na5
praise for their admirable Conduct 3nr;no,
the war and pending the recent apitat;oSS7
of their civil and political Acknowledgement
In my Department, can truly bear testi-
mOny to your patient forbearance When
severely provoked to retaliate cruel acts of
violence and humiliation, you have borne
yourselves with unfaltering confidence: the
day of your deliverance was not far distant
(Cheers.) Let me enioin upon you all. in
this hour of your success, perseverance in
well doing You are now citizens of the
Republic. Remember that the strength of
the nation lies in the virtue industry, low
atty and courage of its citizens. You must
try and vindicate the hopes of your friends
and repel the forebO ings Of the sceptical
by proving yourselves worthy of the priv
leges to which you have been admitted
lApplause.) Whenever any large addition
has been made to the voters of State, the
same apprchensions have been expressed
that are now heard in reference TO your
selves.
Those already enfranchised are easily
alarmed ut any considerable change in the
established order Of things So far, in this
country, experience has shown that Union,
Liberty and power are safe i'll the hands of
those who earn their bread by the sweat Of
their brows. (Applause.) None love thu
land of their birth more fondly; none will
defend it with more constancy and yalol
than those whose labor make up the sum
of nations wealth. (Applause.) So lone
as the destinies of this country are in the
hands of those whose homes are made IN
cred by justice, whose liberties depep, d on
the courage with which they are msintain
ed-the old flag may defy all enemj es whetb.
ell from within or without. iGreat an.
plause)
1t would be difficult under the most fa.
vorable circumstances for any race of men
to engage, as you have now to do. in the
most interesting political events. without
being deeply moved by their Importance
and novelty. Let me advise you as q friend.
and as one not without experiencein public
affairs, to preserve at all2times the utmost
moderation of language, temper and con
duct. Avoid anything like violence, impa-
tience or indecorum. Do not give even
your adyerSaries just occasion to complain
of the least disrespect shown to them il
your discussions, private OF public And
beware Of those who would endeavo to OK
cite animosities between the white and
the black races
The prosperity OF the South, the welfare
of the country are intimately associated
with the harmony and good feeling which
should exist between the people of both n.
ces at the South. Whatever seriously i'm
pairs the interests of one race, must result
to the other Intelligence, cul-
ture, capital, land, are not less essential
than labor; and yet without labor these can
have no solid and enduring foundation
You have already shown your appreciation
of these advantages by the eagerness with
which you have employed the opportunities
lately given to you to educate yourselves
1t will not be long before the white race i'll
the South will see how deeply they are in
terested i'll the education, industry, thrift
and progress of their colored population
In this mutual dependence lies the security
Of all.
Abundant time and opportunity will be
afforded, and ample notice will be given, of
all the successive steps to be taken in the
of the State Government with
i'll my command. 1t will not be necessary.
nor can it be otherwise than injurious to
yourselves, for you to neglect your regular
employment and associations to attend to
political affairs. Ipromise you that, with
out any such sacrifice on your part every
man in the Carolinas, entitled to voice il
the decision of the great question to be
passed upon under my supervision, shall
have fair chance to act his part without
let or hindrance from any one. My friends
[ wish you all good night.