New-York tribune., 1867-03-26
SOUTH CAROLYN : /.

RECONSTRUCTION MEETING IN CHARLESTON.
Tho Charleston papers of March %, contain long
accounts of large aud enthusiastic meeting of the
colored citizens" of that city, held the evening
previous at Military Hail. The Maauy says there
was not room enough for half the persons who
wished to be present and mAuy had to leave without
participating in the proceedings in any manner what
ever" About 50 whites were present. The meeting
called to order by III. j. Moore, esq. lwhte who
was chosen Chairman, and opened with prayer by
the Rev. X. III. Cain, n cOlOred clergyman. A Com
mitee of 13 colored) appointed at previous meet
ing TO report platform, presented the following
a platform of principles for the organization Of a
Union Republican party III the State OF South
Carolina:
Resolrcd, That we give our cordial and entire sane
ton to the action Of Congress for the restoration of tho
Union and TO the wise and just principles OF the Repu
q That in order to make the labors of all our oyal fell
lOwcszens effectua for carrying out the pr0vis
ions Of Congress for the restoration Of law and order
our state az well as for the peace and prosperity Of our
the Union Republican party Of South Carolina"
g. That we pledge our sacred honor, our fortunes and
Ourlyes to country, to preserve her nsttu
tons, and especially to aid her In keeping nvioate the
national h "a H. Which has de been saTed pledged to the
ties OF the country and TO suppress rebellion, and that
the people will not suffer this faith TO be violated inn
paired but all debts incurred support the Rebellion
they unlawful void, and OF Obligation. shall
1syeT be as 9y the n United 1 ss s n9s a
was contracted to aid the Rebellion in any form.
de for their heroic services defense OF the C0stu
tender affection the memories Of the facn pledge 10
their widows and orphans the nations care and proec
tiOn. -... ....t
That as republican institutions cannot be preserved
unless intelligence be generally diffused among all
classes we will demand OF our Legislature q uniform
system Of schools, which shall be open TO ALL
without distinction of color, or previous condition.
such system 10 be supported by general tax upon all
G. That we win favor liberal system of public i'm
provements, such railroads canals and other works.
and also, such system OF awarding contracts Tor tho
same, w give all our feowctizens an equal and fair
That we will also Insist on such Of the laws
Of the state az VII 90 away with ior deD
for wlabsenee; and, especially, to abolish entirely
and forever the barbarons custom OF corporal punish
g. That large land monopoes tend only TO make the
f SSf interests the state the
Legislature should offer every praettcaDle indneenent
for the division and sale Of unOccupied lands among tho
poorer classes and as an encouragement to emrabs 10
o. That the law of eIectment" and distrant" should
be 80 modified as to protect equally the landlord and
the tenant = ~ ..'f
10 That should be made for the exemption Of
H. That the Interests of the state demand revision Of
the entire code of laws and the reorganization OF the
2 That the interests not only Of the State but OF the
Whole county demand % every n1ssDie qua gua@antee AM lgr tno
frachsed portion OF felOwctizens and that in tho
seek to elevate TO offices Of trust and honor only thoso
who are truly loyal, honest and capable irrespective OF
race, color, or previous condition.
49, The consideration Of justice and humanity demand
provision BY the legislature tor the protection aud sup
port OF all the aged nn and helpless poor irrespective
OF race, color. or previous condition.
a. That we wilLnot support any canddato for office
who VIII not openly indOrse, advocate and defend the
principles adopted by the Union Republican party,
l5 Relying upon Divine Providence for wisdom in our
counses efficiency in action, harmony among our
pledge our best efforts the return
and prosperity to all people, and for an early repre-
sentato of our beloved state in the Congress OF tho
United States.
The report having been read addresses fayorng its
adoption delivered by the Rev. f. j. Adams +.
L. Cardoza and the Rev. L. Z. Randolph, all coored.
at the close of which the platform unanimously
adopted amid great cheers. Resolutions directing
vention OF the party and providing FOR ratification
meeting, To be held on Citadel Square Green on
March 26 at d. NJ. were then adopted, after which
the meeting adjourned blr. Cardoza In the course or
In tbe EoTtb there are two divisions of political
pafes2the Copperheads and the Republicans. Tho
with the Southern Whites while our EoEhern Repubii-
can friends from the day Lincoln was elected until tho
passage Of the bill ly Congress month ago, have been
fighting for rights Is IL not then the part Of wisdom
for TO unite with this latter partyi They who have
shown their friendship by the sacrifice OF their ves and
their treasure Surely that Is foolish indeed
sp wOTa after all tst the then sonterSsrs are row.
going to meet with U.S. and we can be friends. That
may be 80, but IL So let them come and adopt our
platform and join the Republican party. We are
not opposed 10 united action We viii gladly welcome
union with all our Southern friends but let them join the
party which true and has been tried and then there
win be united action But if any advise yon TO eave
tice and tight, depend upon it that yonr enemy
II he Is your friend let m act with YOU Ave bear no
ennity to any, but we determined 10 secure our
rights and by the eternal vigilance that Is the price OF
liberty with Gods blessing we hope we shall by every
hooves Won To act with the Republican party. The
BILE men Of that party have batted for your rights and
have been triumphant over foes and pretended rends
DO you not owe them debt OF grautudef lCries OK
" Yes, yes."l