The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-05-03
THE FREEDMEN.

Addresses by Rev. Philips Brooks, Rev.
q. w. sckaefTer, and General IL, ID.
Mussey.
ESPECIAL PHoNoGRAPH1o REPORT FOR EVENING
TELEGRAPH
A large and enthusiastic meeting was held in
the ola Town Hall, Germantown, last evening.
by the Ladies' Freedmens Aid Association OF
mat place. Notwithstanding the heavy, dark
clouds which gathered over the town, bodng
more raln, the citizens, nothing deferred
congregated ee T1dsse to learn of the progress
OF the Association, and to listen to the eloquent
addresses whicn had been promised them. The
meeting was called together at the appointed
hour, and j. r. Aertsen, Esq, was made pre-
siding officer. W. Rotch Wlster acted as Sec
retary. The report of the Association for the
year ending March 81 1867, was read. From
II we learn that the Association is auxiliary to
the Women's Central Branch in PHILADELPHIA
It's objects for the past year have not
been so much to provide for the physical
and bodily wants of the recipients of its
charity, as for their mental advancement and
intellectual growth, although the former has
not been forgotten, for large supplies of newly
1 made clothing and other substantals have been
forwarded by the benevolent ladies who have
the matter IN charge. Nine barrels, one box,
and one bag, numbering in all S47 garments
not enun.eratlng large quantities OF second
hand clothing, books, and candies (the latter as
Chrlstr1as presents), and valued at nearly $1,000,
have been forwarded-thus showing that the
Germantown branch has not been idle during
the past twelve months.
AT the conclusion of the reading of the
annual report, the President introduced to the
REV. C. W. sCHAEFFER,
f who said that, but short distance away. on the
i banks OF the Wissahickon, some publc-splrited
. individuals had erected beautiful and substau-
tlal fountain, gushing forth from which were
sweet waters to cool the tongue and alay the
thirst; and over the fount from which the
waters were showered forth we're inscribed the
words, For the public good"-a motto we'll
known and of ancient origin. Here, to this
cool fountain, came all-the old, the young, the
great, the small, the African, the Caucasian
to be refreshed. But not only was this done
but its success far surpassed the anteipatlons
OF its founders. Surrounding it were rolling
lands anu grassy plats, clustered with woody
knots and gardens OF flowers. all contributing
\ to make tue scene surprisingly beautifully so
that travellers not only could slake their thirst.
Dut Tor the few moments of their stay could
refresh their minds by a look on the inyiting
prospect around. And many spirit of philan-
thropy found there n new Impression of the
lesson of benevOence and was encouraged to
engage IL more energetic labor for the dong
OF good 10 Its tellow-men, and many Christian
heart was lncited silently to offer thanks TO God,
i'the Giver OF all good and perfect gifts"
The speaker then entered into comparison
between that gift for the good oftheir elloW-men
and the organization of which that meeting
formed the second anniversary. The meeting
might be made more available more powerful,
more comprehensive, than one would have
right 10 suppose, even from external appear.
ances, as it is understood the patriotic ladies
& of Germantown have organized this meeting in
conPregated public, by their attendance, give
expression of their support and aid in this noble
! movement. Their report has been presented,
to let these kind friends know what has been
the nature of and how arduous their labors and
\ how wisely their Christian charity has been dis
~ tributed. And now are seen the fair and beau
Rtiful plants of morality which springing up
8 strong, consequent upon their labors Our land
has been for years the scene or dire conflict and
4 confHsion.
~ The fierce and destructive storm has ragged
. around and has left manV a WrpCk and
a ruin in IFS path; and thous sands of our fellow
citiZers could afford to shed tears of sorrow
even until this day. But out of this national
confusion and terrible turmoil we came forth
saved. This nation saw the dawn of peace by
| the providence OF Him who, out OF the awful
confusion of chaos perfected this universe. We
must prosecute this benevolent work with
newed interest, never fiaggng but looking to the
great object, the elevating and Christianizng OF
our tellOw.men. The freedman is not, as an in
dividual, a great man, but the freedmen In the
aggregate and in their social position are the
representatives of immense wealth. The large
plantations of the South and princely residences
and establishments at the North have been
bought by many stripes, and blood untold. The
freedmen have intellect they have the desire to
learn, and they have the capacity to be in
strucled They need some kind'hearted persons
TO teach them, in order that the primary rules
and laws of education may be firmly impressed
upon their tender minds.
Persons are wanted who will 90 down with
genteness and kindness, with Christian charity,
and place themselves beside this darkened race.
and labor earnestly to elevate until they attain
the stature of their full manhood, with all the
enioyments OF liberty and educ catlon How TO
do this is the point at issue. Shall the United
States undertake it? This it cannot accom-
plish. Shall this work be left entirely to the
management and direction OF former slave.
owners God forbid! The North, with its citi
zens individually and collectively, must, with
hearts filed with compassionate love, carry this
intelligence to the freedmen, teaching them
Christianity, and thus placing them IN posi-.
ton where they will honor themselves and the
country which has been so benevolent TO them.
Garry on this good work, cease not, labor
steadily and with a Christian zeal and a
Christian spirit, and you will see civilization
and Christianity advancing steadily and rapidly
into higher position.
The reverend gentleman spoke at LENGTH and
was often applauded. The next speaker an
nOunced was
GENERAL r. d. HUssEY,
who remarked that, according to statement, this
meeting was the ladies' "thank- Offering u
Should you step into your,garden, you would
see that all the plants and sweet Movers are
putting on the garb OF summer. Coming from
Washington here, weeks ago, in the cars. which
were rolling swiftly along, could not Dut
notice in many places how bleak, and rugged,
and cold the prospects were-the snow PITT
lessy beating with merciless rapidlty on tue
windows of the cars as we moved along; and
with that icy and dismal scene could not out
contrast the balmy, sunny weather oil to-day
cannot but think to-day OF the SIX years pasl
when brst we learned had country; and
cannot but remember the pitlless storm thal
has swept over us in those six years, OF the ruin
which reigned triumphant, OF the olackness u
despair which evershadoWed our country, ano
chilled our hearts; and when we all asked SC
anxiously, What cheer? Has the spring come
Yes r. b35 and Is come! As first we see tn'