The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1867-09-21
SPEECH OF
HON. JOHN A. J. CRESWELL,
At the Border State Convention, held an
baltimore, on the 18Th instant.


their adoption. We have ample cause, after
surveying the entire field, to congratulate
ourselves to,day. This assembage is but n
fitting conclusion to that which was held in
this city, in May last. We then, for the first
time in Maryland illustrated truthtully that
provision of the Declaration OF independence
that speaks for man, and that makes no dis
tinction whatever in regard to the rights OF
men, awarding to all equality in everything
that is necessary to give perfect enjoyment
of personal liberty and full protection Tor
property.
Since then important events have taken
place. The Devil, moving through his
chosen ministerplcnipotcntary, Andrew
johnson, cheers and laughter, has unwlt'
tingly given fresh impetus to our cause, for
doubling men throughout the land now sec
that against this new chief of traitors, copu.
lating with every vile political harlos, to breed
IL new rebellion, there is no sufficient pro
lection, save by arning the entire masses OF
the loyal people with that weapon, which to
him signifies death. | mean the ballot
Applause. y.
Manhood suffrage is, as believe, practi-
caly accomplished. 1t comes to us, crown
ed with double wreath Of living laurcl.-
In the very citadel, held by Andrew John
sou, and against all his patronage and pow
or, whether legitimate or usurped, the people
of the District of Columbia, leading of with
their little band, have suddenly stunned the
ears of the besottcd charlatan, who now
desecratcs the name and Office Of President,
with the exultant shout of newly entranchs
ed men in the tumultuous Joy OF their hrst
grand triumph. Great applause. But a
mghtcr than the District OF Columbia, hath
since spoken. Redeemed Tennessee! once
rcbellious, but now beneliccntly loyal =
[Applause.] Tennessee, whose SScutcheon
had been stained by the unpardohable be-
trayal of his country and all humanity by
her migrate son, has purified and indicated
her honor and her fame most glorously at
the ballot-box by the harmonious action of
her loyal sons. Great and prolonged ap.
plause Tennessee, situated almost IN the
very centre Of the rebel States, stands con
spicuously before this nation and before the
world, as the first State, wherein impartial
manhood suffrage has been practically en-
forced and that, too, by the act OF "er
own people. Applause All honor, say
/, to the heroes Of Tennessee.
1t is not so much the immediate victory
that will aid our cause, as its precious fruits.
Tennessee is. here to-day in the person OF
one of her most illustrious sons, to bear
witness to what manhood suffrage has achlev.
ed for her. Applause. Side by side, the
indomilable Brownlow, great applause and
cheers, whose body would long ago have
fallen into the grave, if his mighty soul had
not forced it to remain on earth and do bat
tie for his country, applause and the
gallant Maynard, lgreat cheering IN con
test the most acrimonious and malignant
thatany State has ever been sub jjectedto, rear,
ed alott the beautiful standard Of our sacred
,,l l.I tn tb.,ir i a m a.
of every race and color, whose hearts beat
with loyal love. LApplause.l Tennessee is
not false, nor ungratetul, and therefore,
place her upon the stand this day to testify
in behalf OF the black man. LApplanse.
Ye men of Tennessee! tell me, does the
black man know how TO vote? . es,
" yes" Is the black man too Ignorant to
discriminate between treason and patriotism
[" No. "nor'] Has he waged any war
upon the white race? " Never!' Has
he shown himself true and loyal, long suf-
fering, patient citizen under the most out
rageous provocations? [" Always Your
answers will forever disprove the filthy tor.
rent of calumies poured out against an inof:
fensive race. On the contrary, it is proved
that the black man cannot only fight well
and bravely to preserve his country from
harm in time of war, but that in the calmer
hours Of peace, he can discharge all the du-
ties of citizenship as becometh an inteli-
gent freeman, [applause,] and that while
asserting his own rights, he will be equally
vigilant to protect and preserve the rights OF
all Others [Applause.]
No greater or more significant acts have
been recorded in modem history than these
achievements of Tennessee and the District
of Columbia. They mark signal cpochs in
the progress of the human race towards
genuine republican government, and they
prcfgurc the early triumph of the most en-
larged views of personal and political liberty.
All gentlemen, our enemies in Maryland
already begin to hear the distant tramp of
the coming hosts, which will soon over
whclm them. Great applause For a
time we went down before the fierce rcflux
of the rebel tide, but though tramplcd and
bruised, VIC have never deserted our princi.
pies or ceased to maintain the right APP
plausc.l The loyal men of Maryland are
as true and constant to-day as ever. Great
applause What better attcsts it, than the
fact, that we have resolved TO march shout
der to shoulder, black and white, and never
to turn back until our State shall be re-
deemed? tApplause.] Thirty thousand
blacks in Maryland are ready aud eager to
cast the ballot. Can we trust them? We
call no lUnSCl uOuDt ICIlllCSSCC diti
the District of Columbia have settled that
question. LApplause. Indeed, | know
but one black man in Mary who is not
surely with us. who :" =" Name him"
His name is Abe Corts, of my county,
Some one came to me, some time ago, and
said "Abc Corts is a Copperhead." Oh
said l, I" | think that's mistake" How
ever, to make sure, the next time saw Abe,
said to him, They say you're a Copper,
head, Abe; how's thatY' " Yes, Massa
John, Tma Copperhead.n Very much sur
prised at his reply. exclaimed, why,
Abe, you're fool" "No, massa," said
he, I'm no fool. Jes hear what ise got to
say. You know I'm putty onfy nigga, aud
can't read nor write, and isn't got sense
enough to learn, and besides, Pm mighty
fond Of whiskcy. So jes thought wasn't
good for nothin else but to be Dimicrat."
[Great applause and laughter That reas-
oning was irresistible, so had to admit that
Abe was in the right fold. But poor old
soul l expect, when | reach home, to
hear of his death. He will certainly die
with shame and vexation, when he learns
that the night before last Thomas Swami
became an admitted leader of the Demo.
cratic party. Laughter and applause
What do We ask Of Congress in this emer.
gency? We ask that Congress shall secure
to every one of our citizens the right of suf-
frage. We are not going to quarrel about
the means. do not doubt myself as to the
power Of Congress to accomplish that object
by statute. lbelieve the power was given
by thu 12th mandment of tho Constituted,