The weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 186?-1869, 1867-04-24
NO. IL.

J. Henry Harris. Esq. ofNorth Carolina.
Among the many distinguished men lately
in council in the Old North State, none have
finer record in reference to the issues of
our great Cause, than the gentleman whose
name heads this article
James Henry Harris is North Carolinian
by birth, and long before Freedom and
Rights came to his State, he was, in his own
way, battling for position for his people,
through schools and other moral and social
appliances. He himself engaged in business,
(Upholsteringo and when be felt he ought :
tn, he moved his family and business North
ward.
We met him first at Oberlin, that educa-
tional hive, and formed an acquaintance
which has ripened into personal friendship.
When the demands of our Cause urged
that help be sent further North, q few of 10
responded, and again, in a new sphere, amid
frosts and SHOWS, did We find ourselves to-
gether laboring for our peoples uplifting.
In the whirl of events, we were called upon
to separate; we going to Foreign countries,
and he further Southwark, still engaged in
the same great work of moral and intellectual
improvement.
When the clouds Of War rolled from the
land. we, having returned here, found our
brother once more in his old home, at the
same good work, but more intent than ever
for the political elevation of himself and
friends, and he travelled over large portion
of his native State; mainly at hls own ex-
pense, to state the facts, and disseminate the
principles underlying and upholding our
Cause.
But his urbanity and courtesy, which he
exercised as any man of sense would, who
knew the people and his work as well, he
won to himself not only good will, but hearty
co-operation-and the secret of the high
position which Mr. Harris held, anil Of the
influence which he exerted, in theg great Con-
vention whose Report we publish to-day,
was owing to the fact that the people, the
whole people, had confidence in him.
1t is an honor not to be despised, to be
esteemed abroad, away from the domiciIs Of
| those who know us best, but it is far higher
honor to be in the hearts of the dear ones at
home, of those related, of the neighbors and
friends who are apt for no cause to make
good the saying of the Savior-"A A prophet
is not without honor, save in his own co1u-
try and among his own kindred"
| In January, we again met Mr.. HAMS In
the capital of the country He and an aged
| Worker, Mr. Lockett, came to q National
Convention then called; and there he, already
representing the State Equal Rights League
of North Carolina, was elected Deputy Pres
ident of the National Equal Rights League,
and appointed member of the Executive
Board.
1t was then that he had that famous inter-
view with President johnson, to which 90
many imperfect references have been made
| nv thQ 10 foir fo dopf
johnson to say, that notwithstanding the
warmth of the debate between Mr.. Harris
and himself, Unto which, by the way, be
drew Mr.. Harris) the President was exceed.
ingly kind, offering any courtcses in his
power. to make the stay of Mr. Harris and
his friend Mr.. Lockett agreeable
Since then, we have met Mr.. Harris II
Philadelphia, and here, at home in this great
Metropolis. The influence he exerted in
behalf of the recognition of the rights Of his
People, was most salutary. The first men
of the community took him by the hand and
he went back to North Carolina cheered and
more confident than ever, that the Work il
to be properly done-and that the People
long scattered and peeled" are to arise intt
political, as they have heretofore formed ,
moral and social power in the land
We again expect to see Mr. Harris, North
for his work here is not yet accomplished
1t is due to himself, the Cause, and the Race
that he again visit u.s. and give information
upon the state of things in his District. MI
Harris left us, with promise to return; apt
though we know he will be useful anywhere
we hope soon to meet and greet him here, O
we esteem him, one of the bravest men o
the South, one of the noblest, wisest defender
of the Race.-Zion's Standard aad Woskl
Reoieao. et.t