Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1868-05-01

From the Weldon News.
French and LittIeaeld-The ASS in the
Lions Skin.
The redoubtable champions of negro
equality, whose names head this article,
made their appearance in Halifax on Sat
urday last. Some three or four hundred
of their sable brethren assembled there,
and were entertained for several hourA by
these carpet-bag Adventures. "The Son
of Mars Little6eld, had frequently ex-
pressed his desire to meet some of the Con-
servative speakers on the stump On the
day previous, at Jackson, when he and
French refused to Captain PEBBLES the
privilege of reply, it was stated by way of
meet Gen. Ransom and Mr.. Conigland at
Halifax the next day-that they did not
wish to avoid discussion-on the contrary,
they invited and challenged it. But all
this was mere vaporing-they had donned
the Lions skin, but at Halifax the ears of
the Ass pretruded. These unprincipled
demagogues, who have been using their
best efforts to lay the foundation of war
of races in North Carolina, ANONYMOUSLY
failed and refused to meet our friends in
discussion on Saturday last.
Gen. Ransom and Mr.. Conigland were
present for the purpose of testing the sim
cerlty OF French and Littlefeld in their
protested desire for free discussion. Ac-
cord1ngly, the following note was handed
to French by VIM. Is. Pope, Esq, before
the meeting was opened
HALIFAX, N. c., April is, 1868.
Hon. JNo. E. FRENCH
Sr-It is proposed on the part OF the Conser-
VatiVes to discuss with Gen. Littlefeld and your
sell, at the meeting Of to-day, the questions at is
sue between the Republican and Conservative
parties, If an equal division OF time can be had
viii you please inform me whether you will re sent
to the proposed discussion, and an equal division
Oh time or not.
Very respectfully,
Your obt servant.
EDWARD CoNIGLAND
This courteous challenge was at once
declined, on the prete1t that French was
Obliged to leave on the return train. But
Hall, our gallant standard bearer, who had
failed to meet his appointment in this
place on account of having missed connec-
ton at Blackwater, was in Halifax, and in
order to put the matter beyond doubt, ad-
dressed the following note to Littlefeld,
which was delivered by Mr.. Pope:
GEN LITTLEFIeLD:
ST As you are volunteering your advice to
the people of North Carolina, with regard to their
action on the proposed Constitution, respectful
people Of Halifax to-day, should you be DESTROYS
of enlightening the whites as we'll as the blacks
You can have the opening speech, or the reply, as
you may prefer.
Very respectfully,
Z. D. HALL.
But General Littlefeld declined all dis.
cussion.
It will be seen, then, that the SO often
proclaimed desire of these Radical wor-
tnics to meet opponents 'on the stump
was but wretched clustering. Discussion
was what they desired above all things to
avoid. They harapgued the deluded ne
groes for hours in incendiary language,
which might have been dangerous but for
the intellectual feebIeness of the speakers.
They made statement after statement which
they know to be false, and which they
would not have dared to make had a reply
been allowed. French and Littlefeld may
be fifty described as emasculated dema-
gogues, wholly unworthy of the honorable
notice which they received. Givens, the
colored speaker who followed them, is in
hIltely superior to either, and made far the
most effective and courteous speech.
The effort to bring these itinerant and
INSCRIPTIONS carpet bag slanderers of our
people to the test of public discussion hav-
ing failed, the Conservatives assembled in
the Methodist church, s,nd were addressed
by Col. Hall for two hours in a most able,
thorough and convincing speech, evinc1ng
a fine power of logical analysis, and as far
removed from the demagogical acts and
bufoonery of French and Littlefeld as they
are beneath him in ali that constitutes a
gentleman. Col. Hall made most favor
able impression on our people, and much
regret was expressed when it became known
that his engagements would not permit
&,o fx>,.4
son on Monday.
Gen. Ransom followed COL Hall in some
brief but thrillingly eloquent remarks,
which were greeted with much applause
The speaking was concluded by Mr.. Conig-
land in a short and humorous speech,
evoking continued laughter throughout
Altogether, the meeting was glorious one,
and gave the utmost satisfaction to the au-
dience.