Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1867-07-17

ton at the. earliest possible moment, with view
to procure representation in Congress, and an
equalization if possible in taxation. This was the
first and great objectto bo, effrcted. Men were
promo to attach themselves to distractions. They
ought to abandon the Theoretical, and cling to the
practical. Itwas on ago of progresa and utilita-,
riani,m; we must meet it. There was no antag:
onism between the white and black man. They:
lived in tho same couptry, inhaled the same at
mosphore, cultivated the same land, raised the
Same produce. Their interests were identical.
The freedman was dependent, as the precody..
ing speaker had justly remarked, upon the
white man for land to cultivate, and the white
man upon the freedman for labor. There need be
M fear as to tho relative demand for labor and
capital. IF tho freedman evinced \ desire to
work. and would work we'll and faithfully, the
white man would be glad to employ him and his
wages would bein proportion to his capacity,
honesty and industry. As to conG.cation, Mr.
BACON regarded the Meeting sufficiently instructed
by the speakers who had preceded him. Ponfs-
cation Was myth; had no renl, tangible, visible
existence Il was only new name for agrarian-
isrn I. had been tried in other countries, In times
past, by designing demagogues, those WHO he'd
neither property nor character, and who wished
to hlch from honest man both the one and the
other. If further upon this subject was necessa-
~, he would allude to the opinion of tie New
York Tribune, paper which had graded the. ab-
oliion of slavery, had fo'tefed its infancy and
protected its manhood-a paper devoted body and
soul to tho interests of the Freedmen. Even that
journal now denounces so radical and impious q
scheme as conAscstion, and states that those who
advocate it are fit for Sing Sing, where roguos
anil robbers most do cOngregate. Mr.. B. was
thoroughly convinced of the Importance Of edu-
cating the Breedmed. He hoped they would be
properly educated; for being SO educated, he
knew they would at once see that the interests Of
the Southern people, whito and black, were the
same; the equalization Of taxation, the improve
mont of agriculture, the best and cheapest method
of making cotton; corn, &C., and the way TO buy
the cheapest clothing, sugar, coffee, iron, and
other products not their own.
Major STONE, of the Freedmen's Bureau, having
been announced to the Meeting, remarked that
he uas present, by orders, to advise the freedmen
as 10 Reconstruction and Registration. Major
SroyE referred to- and read extracts from, the
Reconstruction Act. He urged upon the Freed
mon the great Importance of the proposed Con-
yeution, and impressed upon them their duty to
register their namea SO that they might be ready
to vote. Ho further urged upon their attention
the fact that the State Constitution MAS to be
fund.- ental!y chauged--a new Constitution
formed, under which they were to livei and it
was of vital importance for them not only to have
such Convention, but to be sure to register, and
to elect thereto such mon as they kncw were their
friends. The officers and soldiers Of tbe Army
we're their supporters, but could not serve them
as members of the Convection because they were
ineligible. There were few Northern men in this
part of the State, and he feared very few Of their
own color were as yet sufficiently educated to
ss,i,s in framing q Constitution therefore they
must select such men as they had known and now
knew to be their friends, who would sec to their
rights in tho Convention. Such men should be
selected with great care. Tho Freedmen should
not be deferred from the Registration or ballot
box by artful men with threats of having to pay
money for the privilege-ono dollar or moro be-
fore registering; thero Was nothing in this. Nor
should any other influences deter them. They
were to register and vote free Of cost. And it
va, their imperative duty to do so. They we're
to inform themselves upon this great question,
and hold meetings at convenient times for that
purposes but not so as to interfere with their us-
ricultural pursuits or dsiy labor. fb.tthey need
fear 10 lack of employment. II they uotked
faithfully, the white man would be glad to avail
himself of their labor; and their pay would be
commensurate NTH their industry and honesty.
Major S. assured the freedmen that they need
not expect Conffcation that no lands uere to be
given them and that they must get land and
property, fko everybody else, by working and
paying for it. In regard to the subject of taxa
ton, Major S. did not think the Government
ought to be censured. The taxes did not go for
the support of any particular part of the country,
but for the support Of tas whole Government He
did no. doubt the policy Of the Government in its
taxation.
Major SroNE WAS followed by PRINCE RIVERS
(colored) formerly of Beaufort, but living, at
present. if We mistake not, in tho neignborhood
of Hamburg But here, for want of space, we
must cease to enter into particulars. Suffice it to
say that this speaker, manner.wns earnest, and
his words convinced all who heard him that be
wished to speak the truth-and did aud that he
Was tho incorporating friend of his colOred
fellow citizens and the realous guardian Of their
rights snd interests. Hc very wisely admonished
his friends to be diigsnt and careful in establish
ing good characters, to be strictly punctusl to
their promises, and to be faithful in all obliga.
tions entered into.
The Meeting was TO have concluded with
speech from our honcrsd and able fellow citizen
Major JOSEPH AsSEr; but, unfortunately for the
large and attentive audience, violent rain set in
when Mujor A. had only progressed a few mo-
ments in hi, remarks. The rain, being of long
continuance, dispersed tho Meeting somewhat
informally.
Nothing, either in word or deed, happened to
mar the dignity, harmony and prOpristy of this
Meeting. We earnestly hopc all future Meetings
may be SO pcacsable, and SO calculated to do
good.
.e>--
EARLY IN THE FGrLD-We are informed
by colorcd freeman (not freedman) that
Aaron Sweat, of Marlboro District, another.
nnlnrnd frenman (nnt fraedmnnl who has al