The weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 186?-1869, 1867-06-05
IMMENSE MASS MEETING OF THE
COLORED PEOPLE.
ADDRESS BY MIR. HARRIS.

immense aSSemDiaSe vi Coi"i0u PNol
this City, in order to hear an address from
Mr.. ]. Henry Harris.
On motion of Mr.. Hunter, Rev. MIR. War
wick was called to the Chair. and Rev. MIR.
Brodic was appointed Secretary.
The meeting being called to order Mr.
Hunter opened the exercises with prayer,
when
Rev. Mr. Warwick introduced Mr., Harris
to the audience in an appropriate address.
Mr. w. further announced that dlstur-
bances at the door, by both white and black
boys. had been customary hitherto, and such
conduct could not be longer tolerated.
Mr.. Harris then said: appear before the
people of this City for the one hundred and
first time, and for once really scarcely
know what to say or where to begin. sup
pose that you have assembled to hear what
/ have to say in answer to vague accusations,
inuendoes and rumors that are floating
about in this community, and elsewhere,
derogatory to myself Now, it has been my
habit to let my record speak for me. L had
deemed that record, which is written in
deeds and not in words, sufficient vindica-
ton against any calunnies that may have
been circulated by my enemies, if have any.
But as a distinguished individual said to me
the other day, so it is He said, Harris, you
are now public man and everybody will
be shooting at you Your troubles have
lust begun. Many years experience has
taught me the truth of what now say to
YOU. Thus you see, my friends, continued
Mr.. H., am being shot at continually. Oc-
cupying public position, can expect no
more nor any less. But as there seems to be
doubt in the minds of some as to my
present position, which as | said, is apubic
one and target for every man, perhaps 1t
would be well for me to define 1t. Where
do stand politically? That is indeed
remarkable question to be propounded ut
this day. appeal to you-how much labor
and time and means have | expended in the
psst--how many sacrifices have made, and
in acEGt cause2 But let me answer more ex-
plicitly-I stand to-day where stood two
years ago-(applause) when returned to my
native State determined to share the bur-
dens and responsibilities of freedom with
nv race and my kindred-where | stood,
when / came back to establish the Equal
Rights League among you. (Applause)
| am not to be moved from that position
by the breath of every wind that blows
neither am l to be moved from it by parties,
or persons or personal considerations. Put
your finger upon single act OF mine, or a
word that has ever fallen from my lips, de-
rogatory to the interests of my race. |
challenge any man to show such word or
point to such an act. Why then have these
seeds of political discord been sown? Why
this mischief and trouble among the people
of Raleigh There are too many Solomons
among us-too many men, wiser than Danl
Webster ever dared to be, and who have al
ready forgotten more than Mr.. Sumner ever
learned Qaughter) These Solomons say
that Harris is playing into the hands of the
rebels. | defy any man to show the proof
of any such conduct on my part. Now,
where are my accusers? I came here to an
swer all charges that might be brought
against me- If there are persons here that
have accused me of wrong doing, let them
stand forth now, or 60 home and say their
prayers and let me alone. Gaughter.)
Oh, but there is my great speech made
down in Edgecombe. Well, what is their
authority for that speech, and where did
they see it printed? In rebel newspaper.
They say that they don't believe what rebel
newspapers say, and yet hold me response.
BILE for what such papers print Now is that
fairl (Cries of no) Well now l will tell
you what l said in Edgecombe 1 said
down there exactly what have always said
in Raleigh. said the truth. Upon that
rock stand. 1t is my foundation, as firm
as the stone of Gibraltar. No man shall
swerve me from the truth OF allure me from
the path of principle. There am grounded
and there l am established! (Applause.)
Now this Edgecombe speech appears in a
rebel newspaper. The report of hat said on
that occasion was written by Conservative,
copperhead or rebel, just as you please
to call him. Of course it was favorable to
his side and unfavorable to mine l had no
friend there to report me ON the OCCASION
But what did say What was the tone of
my remarks7 Just what it has ever been
moderate, but firm and decided Now there
is no more thoroughly rebel County in the
State than Edgecombe-it is also rich and
powerful. But 1 said there what say in
Raleigh-what said in Guilford and Rowan
and Mecklenbug-what said in the recesses
OF Wake and other counties. Now those
who make charges against me, fnger around
the streets of Raleigh shedding their venom
against me and blowing off their gas
Uaughter) Why don't they go out and
abuse the rebels on all occasions, like they
wish me to doa tits not fair. (Cries of no, no.
Now let me read you the following ex-
tract-you see this paper only processes to
give extracts from my Edgecombe speech. 1t
does not give the whole of my speech, and
you know that it cannot be correct, or onfy
solin part, when that is the case. (Cries of
yes, yes, and 60 on.) Then let me read the
following:
(Mr. H. then read from the Progress the
report OF his speech taken from the Tarboro'
Southerner, inclusive OF the following para
graph)
"He (Harris) warned the colored people
against the selfish schemes and ambition of de.
signing politicians, both North and South, who
wished to use them as mere tools for their own
advancement and political supremacy, and who,
whilst processing for the time being the utmost
love and respect for the race, were apt, after at
tanning their own ends, to forget the promises 40
lavishly bestowed when seeking their votes.'
Now deny the truthfulness of that report
continued Mr.. H. Disseminated in nv re-
marks, in favor of philanthropists and the
friends of the colored people in the North
and in the South. I did warn the colored
people against designing politicians. Ire
peat that warning here tonight. But no
man has higher regard or deeper love
than myself for those in the North. who
have braved ell difficulties in behalf of onr
race and the causeo of humanity. No man is
more antagonistic to those, who have ever
and still continue to oppose the great princi.
Piles of liberty, equality, humanity and ius.
tice, than myself. l have warned the colored
people against. the smiles and fattery of such
designing politicians In so doing 7 stand
fairly and souarely on the RanuhI;oo,, -.
form. Andlet me ask you, if d man does NOT
standthere, where does he stand? CA voice,
mo where's" and aughter) He stands
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