Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1867-09-11
Political Meeting at Bolton S. C.

In accordance with previous notice, large
number of citizens assembled at Belton, on
Friday, 29th ultimo. The Anderson Inteli.
gencer gives the following account of the pro-
ceedings:
Major John B. Moore was the first speaker
introduced. He announced himself in favor
OF the Convention; declared the interests Of
both races were Identical, and that it was
their duty to treat each other kindly; told
the freedmen that their white neighbors were
their best and only friends; denounced in
strong terms all secret political societies; ad.
no,lished all classes to avoid conflict of
races, and assured the freedmen that arraying
black mans party against the whites would
prove disastrous to them.
Col. w. D. Wilkes next addressed the au-
dience in lengthy speech, mainly directed
to the freedmen, and entering fully into their
history as race. and introduction into this
country, giving them praise for past behaviour.
but especially during the late war. For this
aud other reasons, the whites of the South
were not only willing, but anxious to promote
their welfare. He favored the State Conven-
ton, and declared that while some good SOL
dicrs were opposed to it, he knew that the
greatest opposition came from men who were
in soft places during the late war.
Hon. ]. S. Murray was then-introduced, and
in an able manner explained the object Of
Government, and demonstrated the necessity
for stable Government at this time. He
then gave brief history of the introduction
of slavery, and Of the contests 10 which ii
led. Having remarked that all were citizens
of a common country, that God had cast our
lot together, and that we must live together
either as friends or enemies, he then warned
the colored people against emissaries from
the North-whose motives were selfish and
whose designs are destructive of their best
interests.
He also urged them not to identify them
selves with any party, showed that the Re-
publican party Disseminated in favor of white
labor, by heavily taxing cotton, which was
unjust and oppressive. The speaker explained
their civil aud political rights, and declared
that when these were secured to them, their
destiny would be in their own hands, and
that with industry, economy, education and
moderation, q bright career was before them,
but if they recklessly made the white man
an enemy, and brought about couflict of
races, their destruction was certain.
Hon. ]. l.. Orr was then introduced, and
addressing the whites, advised them to regis
ter and vote for Convention, as it was folly
and madness to attempt to defeat that object.
There were G000O negro voters, 10000 whites,
and as the Convention would look to the in
terest of the black man, it could not be ex-
pected that one of them would vote against
it. He then admonished the freedmen that
they must be industrious and save their money,
and reminded them that if they attempt op-
preston Of the whites now while in the ma
jority, it might be visited upon them in the
future, when the balance Of power would be
different, as no more negroes were to be
brought to this country. He disabused their
minds of the idea that they would obtain
lands from the Government, and showed that
this was not even desirable upon their part.
The Governor presented every phase of the
issues before the people, with great force aud
ability, and to the satisfaction of his hearers.
We regret that fuller Dotes of his speech are
not at our command.
The regularly invited speakers having con-
cluded, it was requested that j. P. M. Epping,
Of Charleston, be allowed to occupy the stand.
That gentleman made a short speech, endors-
ing for the most part the speech of Governor
| Orr, but advised the blacks to adhere to the
Republican party, and recommended to them
the Union League. He favored high taxes
upon land, but told the negroes they were to
have hollands givcn.to them. He admonished
them against conflict of races, declaring
| that they would find 80, 900, 900 whites against
100000 Of blacks, and that the conflict
would be short and resalt in their extermi.
nation.
Wilson Cook of Greenville, and Elias Can
ady, of this village, both freedmen, also made
speeches. We learn that Cook told the me-
groes they were to have no lands given to
them, and that con6scation would work to
the detriment of their race. 1t would be the
means of inauguratng war of races, and in
that event, he would not live in the State,
though he was given thousand acres ofand.
From all that we can learn, the speakers
INDUCED in plain talk, without exception. In.
deed, we are assured that the discussion was
of that character to allow no room for doubt
as to the opinions of both white and colored,
and we trust that the impressions made will
be deep and lasting especially in regard to
the result of those extreme measures referred
to by every one of the speakers.
<->->
~ The United States Consul at Messina est-
mates tho deaths from cholera at that place at 5000
since JnJv lnrf IT, seema that 81 :, INV, ohk,n;no