The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1867-07-31
a White oIan Draws a Pistol-He Is Arrested
and Locked Up.

a White Dian Draws q Pistol-He is Arrested
and Locked Up.
Yesterday morning call, signed by
"The Committee" urging all "loyal"
men to attend grand mass meeting at
halfpast o'clock was circulated through
the tobacco factories in the lower part of
the city. In the neighborhood of the spot
designated corner of Main and Twenty
fourth streets), at about twilight, there is
always large crowd of colored men, and
it is never difficult, therefore, at that hour
to draw an audience. Consequently, at
the appointed time, two or three hundred
darkies were on hand, but the prominent
speakers :" were rather tardy in their ap-
pearance. A young man acting as chair
man therefore called to the stand DR.. Ster-
attentive assemblage.
DR.. Sterling proclaimed himself radi-
cal Republican, and urged with much
earnestness that his hearers should pin
their faith to the same platform. lie was
northern man, but had no ill-feeling
against the whites Of the South. They
had always treated him we'll, and he there
fore felt kindly disposed toward them.
Colored men should treat those of the
other race well, but should vote for the
most radical candidates who present them
selves. The first step is registration.
Are there any here who have not taken
that step? mo, sir no, sir He hoped
not; for if any have failed, they must be
worthless men. Let all avail themselves
of the second opportunity.
The speaker then urged his hearers to
act like gentlemen, not to "crowd white
folks on the street," and to prove them
selves worthy of freedom. He then coun-
selled sobriety and every other Christian
virtue, being occasionally interrupted by
grunts of approval and "We will dat,
sir "Dat's de truf, massa "Jes So"
The Doctor wound up by eulogy upon
fve-cent pieces and small shinplasters,
which, if saved, he thought would accom-.
plish wonders.
During the first speech delegation of
whites came upon the scene in company
with very well-dressed and decent CO.
lored man, who seemed to receive special
courtesies. J. L. G. Danner, Esq, occupied
a chair on the platform, and B. Wardwell
and Mr.. Tall were within calling distance.
The chairman next introduced the Rev.
John Given, Of Brooklyn, N. Y, who has
Just returned from canvassing tour on
the line of the Danville railroad. Given
made q neat speech, and had a pleasant
delivery, but uttered gerry radical senti-
ments. Commencing with the statement
that he had just arrived in town, and was
called upon to make
speech, he thanked God that he was ena-
bled once more to address the citizens of
Richmond, after months absence. Some
of his audience had probably heard he had
been murdered, but he was glad to inform
them that this was not the case. The victim
had followed him on speaking tour, but
was worthicr man, and a good Republican.
Providence had for some wise purpose
spared the speaker, and le was now here
to declare his unalterable devotion to ra-
dicalism. If there was one drop of con-
blood about him he would open
his veins and let it out. To conservatives
he would quote the Saviour's (?) Ian
guage: because thou art neither cold
nor hot, but lukewarm, I will spew thee
out of my mouth" The country would
indeed spew them out, and at no distant
day. Their party-the Democratic-is
dead, and not even the sunbeam of AL
mighty God can resurrect it.
The speaker then referred to confsca
tion, which he did not hesitate to say was
Just and proper. 1t is but justice to the
wounded soldier, the widow, and the Or
phan. The rebels should be made to dis
gorge their ill-gotten gains. For three
hundred and fifty years the colored race
had toiled for them, and now that race
demands of the Government confscation,
in order that they may at least have plat
in which they can bury their dead. If the
Government don't contiscate, it muStremu-
nerate US. We mast haUe something. The
life of the nation is due to the blacks. By
their bone and sinew, by their bloody
sweat, it has been purchased, and the su-
premacy Of the Government established.
Upon our banner are inscribed the simple
words: Equality before the La,o. Social
equality is not subject for legislation;
but must come of itself.
He then spoke of the Convention shortly
to be held in this city, and expressed fear
as to it's result. It is composed, said he,
of both radical and conservative parts,
and it is to be hoped that the latter will
be converted. Nothing but the most radi-
cal radicaism should prevail. Let us hew
to the line if the chips fly in our faces.
Let US not tamper with the deuil No
compromised Johnson compromised, and
was lost. A voice: He is our Moses.
Yes, but he carried US into the wilder
ness and left us there. The speaker then
spoke of the co0perationists. He had re-
Gently been to Buckingham, and found
that delegates who did not represent the
people had been sent to the Convention.
White men had nominated negroes tainted
with conservatism. But God directed the
speaker there, and he knew how things
were working. The delegates must pro-
duce their credentials. Insist upon this;
colored men, demand that none but Radi-
Gals shall enter your council. The eyes
of the world are upon you. Given then
commenced an impassioned harangue,
in the midst of which he was interrupted
by cries of Kill him! kill him." There
was surging to and fro of the crowd, and
every eye was strained to see what was the
matter. From the platform could be dis
cerned the form of white man upon the
edge of the crowd, who was being knocked
down, picked up, and kicked about by an
infuriated parcel of colored men. The
excitement Immediately became intense,
and without stopping to inquire into the
origin of the atfray, the whole audience
rushed toward the one poor white man who
had caused the fuss. Gsa $50
The chairman called them back in vain
and the voice Of the speaker exclaimine