Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1867-04-23
Conservatism VS.. Radicalism

proceedings Of the meeting of freedmen, which
was held in this place on Monday night, the
18th inst, stated that "conse,rative resolutions
were adopted unanimously" and, in common
dalton, said: 1.-THE colored people have done
well, as we expected-white men, do your part !"
We were pleased to see it stated that the freed
men had unanimously adopted conservative
resolutions, and were consequently surprised
to find, when the preamble and resolutions ap-
peared in the indicator, that they were SO diff
ferent from what we had expected. We ex-
pected conservative" resolutions and 10! they
were radical We suppose that the editor of
the Valley Nrgi',iam had neither seen the res
olutions nor heard them read, and that he had
been misinformed as to their character.
We will not comment upon the character of
these resolutions at this time, but merely pub
lish them as we find them in the last Tndicator
The preamble and resolutions are as follows:
PREAMBLE AND RESOLUTIONS.
We, the freedmen of Augusta county, in
mass meeting assembled, do recognize in the
events of the late war the judgment and mercies
of Divine Providence in sweeping, as with the
bosom of destruction, the foul wrong of human
bondage from the face of our country, and trust
ing to Him for guidance, we will strive to use
our personal and political freedom for the glory
of His name, and the advancement of the moral
and material interests of all. And, whereas,
we are called upon to exercise the great privi-
lege of the franchise, it is due to our friends In
other States, as we'll as to our fellow citizens in
Virginia, that we define our political belief on
the great questions of the day, and seek such
national political association as will add siren 9Th
to freedom, and, Also see to it that in the Con-
stitution about to be framed for the governm ent
of ourselves and posterity, We ask no more than
justice, nor accept less than safety.
Therefore be it
Resolved, That our grateful thanks are due
to the gallant armies of the United States who,
under Providence, followed the flag of Liberty
and Union until victory crowned their efforts.
Resolred, That we hold in reverent remem-
brance the memories of those who fell in the
cause of freedom and, especially, of Abraham
Lincoln, 1.-The good the signcr of our deed of
emancipation, and the last martyr.
Resohed, That our profound gratitude is due
to- those friends in the seth Congress who, step
by step, have perfected for our security the le-
climate fruits of successful contest.
Resolued, That, as our late masters were not
themselves legally responsible for withholding
from us our natural rights, so we enter upon
the exercise ofthem with malice towards none,
with charity towards all. :"
Resolred, That, as we believe the principles
dominant in the 39th Congress to be just, rs
we'll as necessary for our future security, we
identity ourselves and seek utilization with the
National Union Republican Association at
Washington, and elsewhere.
Resolued, That, believing in principles before
men, We will not support, by our votes, at the
coming elections, any candidates, who will not
IL 4a,f fill 10
wants, and insist upon what we believe to be
our wants, and shall enforce strict responsibility
to such pledges.
Resolred, That we demand,
lst. That all elections National, State and
Local, shall be by secret ballot.
End. That no man shall be ineligible to Of
fee by reason of sect or color
3rd That trial by Jury of peers is right
not to be withheld from any man, and we de-
mand admission to the Jury list as we'll as the
Poll list
4th. That thanking Major General Schofeld
| for his General Order, No. 2, March 18th, lS-
| 81, we demand that the prohibition of whip
| ping or manning as a punishment OF any crime,
misdemeanor, or offence, be made part OF the
organic law of the State.
| 5th. That, while we are wiling to the ut
most of our ability, to bear our share OF the ne
cessary burden of taxation, we demand equal
distribution between person and property, and
| that careful provision be made in the State
| Constitution, and Legislatures hereafter assem-
bled under its provisions, to prevent absolutely,
| and forever, the payment, by taxation, directly
or indirectly, of any debt contracted by any
State, or Corporation, for the support OF the
late Confederacy, or the armies thereof.
9th. That believing ignorance to be, the
| fruitful parent of crime, wrong and dlscord, we
demand extraordinary State provision for the
free education of the young Of all classes.
9TH. That we deprecate the attempt, where
ever or however made, to deter US from the free
and untrammeled exercise of the franchise, and
look with contempt upon any who are willing
| to sell this dear bought right for "a mess OF
pottage.
| Sth. That, believing we ask no more than
! Justice and safety demand, we pledge ourselves
| to support, by our votes, men committed to the
| principles set forth herein, and no others-and
firmly realizing that union is strength, we will
Law aside all private dissensions, and unite as
one man in support of those candidates whose
nominations are ratified at mass meetings. to
be held at the call of the Executive Committee.
On motion, an Executive Committee was ap
pointed, with power to fill vacancies, and it was
made part of the duties to wait upon General
Echols, and other prominent citizens, and re-
quest them to address the freedmen at such
time and places as may be convenient. Dele
gates were also appointed to the Convention to
meet at Richmond, April 18th. Rev. N. G.
Bracket, Superintendent of the Freedmen's
Schools, and Philip Roselle, (colored), were
chosen delegates to said Convention.
|