The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1867-03-29
GENERAL SICKLEy ADDRESS
TO THE
COLORED PEOPLE.

The torch-hght procession Of Tuesday night,
which was followed by an immense concourse OF
colored people, assembled in front Of Major Gene
raj D. E. SrcK1Es' quarters, to offer him the COM
piment of serenade. The band having performed
several airs, in res onse to the loud and repeated
ellis Of The assemblage General S1CELEs presented
him self His appearance was the signal for the
most enthusiastic demonstrations. BE said
''My friends, I thank you for your visit. Al
though unexpected it is none the less gratifying.
It 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 and fair opportunity to vote as
his Judgment and conscience may dictate This
duty shall endeavor to perform The colored
race in this country have gained just praise for
their admirable conduct during the war and pond
ing the recent agitation OF their civil and political
acknowledgements. In my Department., can truly
bear testimony toyour patient forbeamnce. When
severely provoked to retaate cruel acts of violence
and humiliation, you have borne yourselves with
unfaltering confidence; the day of your deiVerapce
was not far distant. (Eheers.) Let me enjoin
upon you all in this hour Of your SUCCESS, perse-
verance in well doing. You are now citizens of
tho Republic. Remember tnat the strength Of the
nation lies in the virtue industry: loyalty and
courage OF its citizens. You must try and vindi-
cate the hopes of your friends and repel the foro-
bodings of the sceptic@l by proving yourselves
worthy of the privileges to which you have been
admitted. (Applause.) Whenever any large addi-
ton has been made to the voters Of State, the
p.. ne apprehensions have been expressed that are
I II II, {or roo
+. Those already enfianchised are easily alarmed at
any considerable chtnee in the estab ID Or
der of things. So FIR, in this cou,ir', expo
rience has shown thai Union Liberty ecd Power
are safe in the hands of those w.o o.n ;her
bread by the sweat Of their bro'Ss. (Anf'ause)
None love the land Of their b'.th more fondly;
none will defend it with nicre eonstancy ind raior
than those whose labor make up the sum OF
nations wealth. (Applause.) So long as the des-
TIMES Of this country arc 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.)
It would be difficult under the most favorable
circumstances for any race Of men to engage, as
you have now to do in the most interesting pohtl-
cal events, without being deeply moved by their
Importance and novelty. Let noe advise you as
friend, aud as one not without experience In pub
lie afairs, to preserve at all times the utmost mod
Grafton of language, temper and conduct. Avoid
everything Like violence, impatience or indecorum.
Do not give even your advorsaries just occasion to
complain of the least disrespect shown to them in
your discussions, private or public. And beware
of those who would endeavor to excite animosities
between the white and the black races.
The prosperity OF the South, the welfare OF the
country are intimately associated with the harmo-
ny and good feeling which should exist betwesn
the people of both races at the South. Whatever
seriously imcairs the interests OF one race, must
result iniuri ously to the other Intelligence, cu-
ture capital land, 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
eaeerness with which you have employed the op-
partunities lately given to you to educate your
selves. It will not be long before the white race
in tho South will see how deeply they arc inter-
ested in tho education, industry, thrift and pro-
gress 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 success
sive steps to be taken IN the organization Of the
State Government within my command. 1t Will
not be necessary, nor can it be otherwise than in
furious to yourselves for you to neglect your regu-
lar employment and associations to attend to po-
litical affairs. promise you that without any
such sacrifice on your part every man in the Caro-
nas entitled to avoice in the decision of the great
question to be passed upon under my supervision,
sfal have fair chance to ac' lis part without lot
or hin6rance from any one. My friends, wish
you oil good night. enthusiastic cheers.)