The Union flag. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1865-187?, 1867-04-05
The colornd Convention.

The colOred people on the same day ap-
propriately celebrated their enfranchiSement.
Our town was literally covered with the
dusky sons of Ham, who made the welkin
ring With hurrahs for the old Flag, and shouts
of gratitude to Almighty God for his interpO-
sition in their behalf, In the morning they
formed in procession and paraded our streets
under the Star Spangled Banner, to the soul
stirring music Of the fife and drum. After
the procession was over they repaired to the
basement story Of the Court House, where
they were addressed by Rev. Amos ]. Beman
Of color, Rev. II. Bokum, Agent Frsedman's
Bureau at this place, the Junior Editor Of the
Flag, Capt. N. Hacker, Hon. s. E. Griffith,
and the Rev, H. Hankle. The first speaker.
Mr.. Beman halls from Connecticut, a man Of
good education, snd an easy, graceful and
fluent speaker. He isa living refutation of
the Copperhead lie that the colOred race have
no intellect and are not susceptible Of educa-
ton. The fact is, there is not a speaker or
preacher il the COPperhead ranks of this
country that can surpass or compete with him
in sound argum ents and correct diction. He
gave the Rebel aristocracy and the Copper
heads who hang on their skirts, several NOR
altbrusts, and showed up thar consistency
in brawling against negro equality in an
amusing manner
The resolutions Of the white Convention
were unanimously adopted by the colored
people, and they ratified the nominations Of
Capt. Newton Hacker, and Hon. P. p. C. Mel
son, without a dissenting voice.
PREAMBLE AND EEsoLUFIoss.
WHEREAs, The Elective Franchise IL essen
tiAl 20 the education, wealth and general ele-
Vation Of our race, and TO the prosperity OF
the State Of Tennessee, aud we feel that Il il
our indispensable duty to our prosperity, and
10 the loyallst Of this state, and TO God, that
we show our just appreciation Of the united
efforts Of the Radical Union party Of Tonnes
see, who have adopted as their Chieitain tha.
champion Of liberty aud justice, His Excel.
lency William O. Brownlow, In perpetuatino
the boon Of freedom beqneathedto De by our
noble, gallant and patriotic soldiery, yho
taught and yanquished on the battle 6eld,
the bloody minions.of a ~S!aEe-holdery rebel,
lion, and who are ready and willing TO meet
out justice 10 traitors and copperhsads at the
ballot box therefore
RtIolrsd, That we the colored citizens Of
Jonesborough, aud the surrounding country.
in convention assembled, in view Of the fact
that the General Assembly Of the STATE Of
Tennessee, has extended TO US the great and
inesiimable privilege Of exercising the cleo.
tive franchise, In the selection Of an public
officers in the State, do pledge ourselves "a
support and sustain the Radical Union party
OF Tennsssee and ofthe Uuited States, in theil
endeaEofs 10 pefpetuate this glorious Unlou
Of States in the hands Of loyal men-and "a
oppose treason and traitors-for among sueb
We fad Arayed those who would forever maxi
Us The YheEsrs OF wood ahd the drawers o.
water"
Rsolrsd lad, That We are deeply lmbusd
with the great responsibility thrown upor
us by this action Of our General AssemblIfr
thus requiring At our hands the perfomane,
Of . solemn duty bearing, as We do, a Dor
ton Of the burdens Of National and Stat,
Governments.
RessiSed Ord, That IN ibe performance o
this duty, a. %eiliHehs Of The SlAts of Tsunes
see and Of the United States, We will Away