The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1867-04-18
J. Henry Harris, Esq. ofNorth Carolina

Among the many distinguished men latel,
in council in the Old North State none have
a finer record in reference to the issues O
our great Cause. than the gentleman whose
name heads this article
James Henry Harris is North Caroliniar
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,
! Upholstering) and when he felt he ought
to, he moved his family and business North
ward.
We met him first at Oberlin, that educa-
tional hive, and formed an acquaintance
which has ripcned into personal friendship.
! When the demands of our Cause urged
that help be sent further North, a few of us
responded, and again, in 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 Forei On 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 a large portion
of his native State; mainly at his 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, and of the
influence which he exerted, in the 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 domicils 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 prophet
is not without honor, save in his own coun-
try and among his own kindred"
In January, we again met Mr. Harris in
the capital of the country. He and an aged
| Worker, Mr.. Lockett, came to 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 so
many imperfect references have been made
by the newspapers. 1t is fair to President
johnson to say, that notwithstanding the
warmth of the debate between Mr.. Harris
and himself, Unto which, by the way, ne
drew Mr. Harris.) the President was exceed
ingly kind, offering any courteses IN ms
power, to make the stay of Mr.. Harris and
his friend Mr. Lockett agreeable.
Since then. we have met Mr.. Harris in
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 is
to be properly done-and that the People
long scattered and peeled" are to arise into
political, as they have heretofore formed a
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 US, and give information
upon the state of things in his District. Mr..
Harris left us, with promise to return; and
though we know he will be useful anywhere
we hope soon to meet and greet him here, as
we esteem him, one of the bravest men Of
the South. one of the noblest, wisest defenders
of the Race.-ZiOn'S Standard and Weekly
| ReDie7D