The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1867-04-23
sUHVRAGR,
From the Picket Guard.l

From the Picket Guard.l
We bslong not 10 that class OF reformsrs
who see in every somerssult Q cause of
alarm.
We have advocated manhood and universal
suffrage. We shall rejoice TO see the day
when oil men vote without regard TO color.
Joyful and heartfelt will be the shout We
shall give when across the American cont
nent 1t can be truly said, all men are equal.
We feel no alarm at the course of Southern
leaders that they are inviting negroes to
hold council with them; that they are boldly
advocating universal suffrage; that they
preach the doctrine Of social reform and
social equality; that they talk loudly Of free
schools, education OF the colored man and
elevation Of the race.
All this but gives one terrible, awful over.
throw to the argument used again and again,
that the result of giving the negroes the bal.
lot would be war Of races. II seems likely
TO result IN hugging Of races. Wade Hamp
Ton and his associates seem vieing and ost-
stripping rsdicahsm itself in prociaiming
equal rights to The negro, in declaimins for
the pabiic education of men who have worn
the shsckies. Let the work 70 on. We care
very little about the minutia Of the getting
81 thear rights 80 they get them; and though
our preference would be, that those men and
women who have battled long and faithfully
to extend these rights to them, should have
the honor of doing so, still, We hail its being
done, no matter TO a. who has the DOING of L.
NE have stronger faith in the negro and
BIS intelligence than some folks have.
Instinct has always been great matter; and
mas always been grave question, whether
men would applaud those who for three
quarter of a century had been trying to grind
them to powder.
In every Southern State indications seem
TO be that efforts will be made by those who,
In the past, have acted with the traitors of the
country, to hold conventions in which the
negro shall be t1stteringly represented. Could
We believe in the sincerity OF this reforma.
ton, we should rejoice 10 see the negro &C.
eept the offers in force sufficient 70 control
the convention; but we feel, in regard to its
sincerity, much a. the following clipping
YOU'D impress any one e. to hew the negro
feels
Al the Conservative Convention in Nash
VILE, April l, an nnsuecessfnl Attsmpt was
made TO obtain negro delegates by the very
bill passed by the Republican Legislature.
The Union and DispatcA, few days before,
had said Let NJ ding our whole souls into
y. lake the negro into your Convention.
uivs him place by your side. Aye, make
hum Vice President, let him cit side by side
with Jour FIRST officer, in token of eternal re
conciiiaton and fraternity." This advice
was not taken, at least by the negroes. The
ffess and Times says: "a member Of tn,
Convention vent about among the colored
bystsnders and tried to coax them 70 let hin
have their names ~ delegates TO the meet
ing Cant come that trick over me, boss
ssad one. IT'S no use trying that it'll,
game, said another. pirouetsing on his heel
A third put his. finger 10 his eye and asked
DO Jon sse anything greenf The delegat,
hunter at last grew desperate and asked
quiet-looking darkey for his name. sWhs
you want my name for asked the latter
%, only wished to know where you live.
The name Was given, whereupon q frien
stepped up and whispered in his ear. Quic
- lightning the enraged darkey boltsd ate
his interrogation and ssid, Look here, Dos.
Jon just take my name OF DAT paper. ain
no fool The hunt for coiored delegats
stopped