The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1867-07-26

gated by the Congressional Executive COMMITTEES
to make tour Of South Carolina and talk to thu
people, but seemed to be, nautically speaking
"thrown on his beam ends" by the abrupt and un
expected invitation thus extended.
He mounted the platform bravely, however, ant
after stating that he had just arrived, and would
be prepared in day or two to address q mass
meeting, or the Convention itself, Fit was 80 de
sired, launched briefly upon his theme.
He congratulated the Convention on its appear
ance said that for the first time in the history o.
the State this was Convention of the people o.
South Carolina, and he hoped that what was done
would find On echo in the heart Of every loyal mar
North and South. He believed they came here
with malice toward none, and good will to all
They were here to discuss, not men, but measures
The conflict between individuals had ceased, but
the war Of ideas still progressed. In all deibera-
itons this fact was to be constantly borne in mind
Radicalism was not understood. If to be radical
was to cherish hate, he was not n q man /; hut
if radicalism or republicanism lsists in the
maintenance Of the principles o justice and
equality to all men and the divine iinciples Of
government then he was a radical 'hese prin-
ciples were properly put before the pee ,of South
Carolina, in the shape Of q well digeste. 'atform,
they would be successful; if not, prejudi. would
still prevail and no real good be done.
Mr. T. Il. ROBERTSON then being called upon,
spoke as follows:
GENTLEMEN OF THE CONVENTION: I am greatly
surprised at the sudden call which has been made
ND y,nf fhnrof m rQ-
spond with such extended remarks a the moment
would seem to demand. I am here simply to do
as much good as can, and as little harm. am
here to cooperate with the members OF this Con-
vention in carrying out the great plan Of restora-
ton that has been offered for our acceptance. LILY
object is to get back into the Government, and as
9 Union Republican to conform to the laws that
have been promulgated. In my opinion, the terms
proposed to us by Congress are the most liberal
that have ever been offered to conquered people.
It has been. declared-and many OF my personal
friends entertain this view-that We cannot rely
upon these measures, that they are not o inality,
and something more will be demanded Of us. But,
feliow-citizens, I ask you in all good faith, upon
whom can We rely, if not upon the Congress OF
the United States? They have not deceived .us
yet, and If we do our duty, they will not deceive
us in the future. Andrew Johnson has deceived
never! (Applause.) Andrew john
son told as to reconstruct but the loyal man then
had little voice in this country. But Congress
now says, 'Let your State send loyal men to Wash
ington, and we will receive them and admit them
to their Seats We oan ask no moro.
I am sure, Mr.. President, that if our people as
mass will look upon this subject dispassionately,
they WILL with me, regard these profered terms as
moderate and mild. We, as Q people, tried to
upon. We failed, thank God! I am Southern
man, born and raised here. I love my people;
love my District;I lovejmy State; but love my
country-my whole country-better than oil. ZAP
plause.) I love that flag which gives me protec-
ton, whether am in America or Africa-whether
among the civilized nations Of the world or the
barbarians Of far-off lands.
AS my friend from Washington has just said,
the war betweon men iS over, and the conflict is
now one Of ideas. II we conduct ourselves as
men, we will prove to the world that these ideas
are right, that they are based upon justice and it
will not be six months before thousands of the
white race will be following in our footsteps, and
thus giving evidence that we are now only q
stop in advance of the people.
Some few weeks ago, l visited the city or WASH
ington, and had frequent interviews with MIR. VIII
son, one of'the most prominent men in the United
States Senate. lie gave mo assurances that they
wanted none but loyal men from the South In Con.
gress, and that although 30 many were at present
that distranchisement would cease
whenever the people chose to demonstrate their
LOYALTY to the General Government.
One word Of advice to this Convention. do
hope that we shall act wisely, dscreeuy and well;
and that we shall adopt no measures which are not
calculated to advance the welfare Of the whole hu
man family, regardless OF race, color or previous
condition. (Applause.) We should adopt o. plat
modate the whole human family. If that be done,
We can sweep this country from the mountains to
the seaboard. We can republcanize the State. II
VIC fail to accomplish this end the fault will be our
them the common sense Of the people, and We
shall be successful. This should bs our aim; this
our object Neglect to do 30, and the blame will
rest with ourselves. (Applause.)
! MIR. ROBERTSON was followed by Mr.. GILBERT
teacher in the Freedman's Bureau.
BE said he regarded the present moment as q
great crisisin the affairs Of tho State. The North
and West were peering upon this Convention, eager
TO know what action it would take-whether in
this benighted land we shall rear the beacon light
Of liberty and Of universal human right, or
whether there may be those among US yet dispos.
ed to cultal this God-given blessing. He felt
satisfied Of one thing, and it cheered his heart
that whatever action was taken here it would re-
dound to the advancement OF the colored race, to
ry Of Almighty God
For four years he had been identified with the
interests Of the ooored race, but there were those
upon the floor who had not been the exponents OF
The principles of the Republican cause, and when
q distinguished man like his friend, Colonel Rob
ertson uttered such noble sentiments in South
Carolina as he had heard this morning, he could,
IL possible, canonize him for his fidelity to the
Union, and for his indomitable courage. It cost
him (the speaker) nothing to talk loyalty; it was
expected Of him; but when gentleman like Col.
R. arose in Convention composed mostly Of col.
ored men who have been ostracised and crushed
for hundreds Of years, and announced such senti-
ments as had been heard, he felt there was hope
for even the white men Of South Carolina. he
welcomed all % such men. Ihey were piucky; ao. and
certainly would be plucky forthe Union.
The Committee on Credentials here returned,
and reported the names Of the following additional
who had presented proper credentials:
Lexington-James Rawl, Lemuel Boozer, 8.
Corley.
John A. Barnes.
Orangeburg-Rev. B. F. Randolph, Ed. Cain.
Beaufort-E. G.. Dudley.
Sumter-Joseph White.
Chester-M. Blackwell, - Humphreys, D. Wal
ker, Rev. E. Barton.
Rlchland-T J. Robertson, G. n. Baldwin, G. NJ.
Wilder, VIM Myers, s. B. Thompson.
Barnwell-C Charles Fisher, Smart Folk, Fred.
Nix, VIM. Allen, E. ?. Stoney.
Anderson-Samu Johnson, Henry Kennedy.
York-John W. Mead.
Fairticld-W. W. Herbert, O. L. Reafo, Sandy
Ford, Samuel Greer.
Colleton-Gilbert Reece.
The report was adopted, and the names Of tho
new members were called. The delegates were
then requested to arrange themselves by Districts
on the nearest benches to the platform.
The minutes of the last Convention were read
and confirmed.
The President stated that the only Committee in
existence was the State Central Committee, and
called upon Mr.. C. G. Bowen for his report.
That person stated thatit was not yet prepared,
but would be ready at the next session.
The motion was then made to adjourn, when
some small sparrins took place, and the Conven-
ton became thoroughly snagged among the par
motions that followed, but, after a
while, the craft ftswung clear and the body adjourn
ed to meet at eight o'clock P: NJ.