The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1867-06-04


gress adjourned or passed bill like the one
which is noy the law of the land i went
to the committee rooms and fought for my
rights against white men and black men.
for know We that some negro men from
Mississippi were there who opposed universal
sufirage-inen, who argued that 1t was
dangerous, for said they the former masters
would control the votes OF our people.
told the committee to draft law TO that
effect for Mississippi if they wished to, but
to give as all the right to vote here IN North
Carolina. (Applause) Never, never could
We be controlled in that manner. Then Mr..
Stevens, that Hold man eloquent" SAID
young man YOU are right; | VIII do all IN
my power to help YOU Cheers So l
stald and labored in Washington, and raised
money there at the same time to pay my
doctors bill; and think that those, who
are now pursuing me, should hush their
SANDERS and let me alone hereafter
Here Mr. Harris attempted to close his
address, but loud cries were made for him
to go on.
Well what shall talk to you about
What more shall say about the Republican
party? have said that SO long as 1t stood
by the principles of Union, Liberty and
Equality, Of truth, humanity and justice. l
would stand by it, for in so doing would
be maintaining the rights Of my people.
What more shall say2 Oh. yes. there is
my Holly Springs speech, Of which L have
heard something said. 1t is charged that l
told the colored people in that section that
they were still in slavery Oaughter) L
am sorry for the man that started that rumor,
which is SO entirely untrue. Now what did
l sayi | told them to stand up to their
contracts-tO work, and then expect their
pay. That after they had DISCHARGED their
duty to their employers, then they could de-
mand pay, and it would certainly have to
come. | told them that rather than lose too
much time and money at public meetings
perhaps they could hold them on Sunday
evenings, upon the principle that there is
never too good day in which to do good
work. Is that the reason why Some OF the
people and the preachers are down o. me !!
Then let me beseech YOU all, In the name of
our common country, TO lay aside these little
chickering's, and unite your strength IN one
grand effort on that platform of principles
which are SO dear to our hearts. Our enemies
are striving to SOW the seeds of discord.
| Whenever they divide Us, it is just what they
wish, and it will be happy day for them,
though sorrowful one to each and every
colored man. Then will the ballot prove
curse to our race. and not before. Yes. INV
friends, cast aside these little bones of CON
tention- When you have anything TO say
against me come to my face and say it. Let
no man 90 about and belittle another be-
| hind his back There are some who do so.
that ought to know better. There is one in
particular. Voices, whats his name
call him out.''} No, l viii not call his name,
for he is not here. But such men are worse
than Timber Jacks in all their doubings and
twistings. They cast insiDuations and in
nuendoes in the vain hope of throwing 9TH
ers down that they may rise. Now, let Us
dismiss such useless contentious. have
! travelled North and South ard East and
! West and l find the people ready. Then let
US continue thus united, and consequently
| powerful, until fine day arrives when we
shall march TO the polls and make our enc
mics knees tremble and knock together for
fear. (Applause.)
There has been some complaint also that
l had used q figure Of speech about ringing
bell, dc. Well, now what did mean Z 1t
was figure of speech. but ! meant that.
when the time came for voting for members
of the Convention, that | would warn our
people against their enemies and point out
our friends. That was NY intention, and
while l never expose my plans | can tell you
that much at least, l trust without exposure
Then there is the anecdote about the lem
ons. What l meant by that was this that
we would 90 with those who lad been our
friends, who had been most generous TO Us.
but we would squeeze all We could oct out of
the week kneed Conservatives. Iaughter)
am radical. hope the Republican party
is radical enough for any one. But do not
wish to abuse the mass Of the Southern peo-
pie. The great work to be done is in the
back country-in such counties as Greene. If
! am abusive ike some men. who will hear
me in such localities and who can protect
me from violence! But | will speak nv
principles. and if in so doing shall have 10
die in what better cause can lay down nv
life? I intend TO 60 to all these dangerous
places and to speak freely as l do here to-
night, and only wish some Of the Solomons.
who criticise my conduct. would 90 with me
and talk their sentiments as freely as | do
mine. l can gain nothing by abusing any
one If rebels will repent. let them step up
on the platform of the Republican party and
take a back seat. (Laughter) Now when l
90 down the country. will some Of nv accu-
sers 90 with me2 (Cries Of no. no. No.
they will stay at home. But shall 90 and
labor as have ever done, and l trust your
good wishes and prayers will accompany me-
Great applause.)
Mr. Brodie then addressed the audience in
fine style, appealing for harmony, and ex-
pressing his qualification at the happy man
ner in which the meeting had passed off
He knew that Mr.. Harris was square on the |
Republican platform, and the people should |
allow him TO address his audiences as he |
pleased.
After some further remarks Mr.. B. read
the following resolutions, which were unani- !
mously adopted:
WHEREAS, The well known services of J. II. |
man. have made him a prominent light in the |
State of North-Carolina: and wheI cas- We the |
colored citizens of the City of Raleigh have be- /
held his generous sacrifice of time and means in !
our behalf and witnessed his perseverance, amid |
sunshine and storm, in the hour of prosperity as
well as the days of personal peril; aud whereas,
we deem this fitting occasion to render a trib-
ute TO bis fidelity to our race the cause of free
dom and the rights of man, anT to express our
sentiments of appreciation in order 10 encourage
him 10 persevere, until grateful people shall find
ii fully in their power to recognize his services in
a more suitable manner,
Therefore BE- IL Tesolged That we commend MI
Harris to our people throughout the State as the
advocate and defender Of the great principles of
Republican liberty and the Union OF the States,
and bid him God speed in his noble rndertak-
ing
Resolved That we further express our conf
dence in him as gentleman we point with
pride to his record in the past and rejoice in the