The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1869-08-04
THE LATE RIOT.
Meeting of toIorea Citizens and Adop-
tion OF Resolutions.


tion OF Resolutions.
10 accordance with call published IN 1HE
News some three hundred coloreo citizens
assembled at the Military Hall last night, to
consider the late riot and adopt some resou-
tions thereon. The meeting was called to
order by Peter Miller, and the dusky audience
sank into their seats. About six white faces
cleaned from the obscurity, and with the ez-
ception of the police near the door, were tie
only pain ctizans present.
T. G, Holmss, colored, was called to the
char, and stated that the object OF the meet
ing was to deprecate the late riot. and he put
1t to the vote that all opposed to the object OF
the meeting should so signify tderr Intention.
A laundering yell OF ayes was the only re-
soonse, and the Rev. Charles Williamson, COL
ored. then offered up a peaceful prayer.
=: Holmes then addressed tho meeting at some
length, stating that the colored people were
not to blame for the disturbance, and we're
wrongly charged by the city press as the ag-
gressors and abel tors Of the row.
On motion uf Peter Miller, q committee OF
five was appointed to draft resolutions con-
delnna,ory OF the riot, and to state that the ne
croes were prepared to assist the authorities
in putting down such disturbances.
During the absencs of tho committee Col
lector Clark appeared, and was conducted 10 a
seat on the stage amidst some faint applause.
A. J. Ransier, who occupied seat on the
stage, made few non-commlttdl remarks,
which we're brought to close py the return OF
the committee. and the report was read by ;.
8. Bennett coIored. The report and resou-
tions we're coLclatory in their tone, and such
az to meet the commentators of the conmu-
nifty. There were, however, some turbulent
spirits present, who did not believe in such
lukewarm doctrines, and when the resolutions
were put to the vote, gave vent to some en-
phatic noes. One Philip Taylor, jet black
specimen OF humanity, who looked fully cap
able Of being one Of the rioters, spoke bitterly
against the resolutions as rejecting on the ne
gro population, and laid the blame Of the riot on
the soldiers and the whites. lCrics of "Tbats
so."l He said the fuss had been inaugursted
by soldier, and was abetted by others. end
while dep-ecating the whole occurrence, took
bis seat with the remark that, any how, Savan-
nah was scared. The resolutions we're then
reread by Bennett, but with no better result.
Ransier then came forward and said that he
had hoped that all classes would have been
represented, and that some concerted ac-
ton would have been taken. He deprecated
the unanimity with which the city press had
inveighed against those whom he believed act
ed only on the defensive. When the press
took this course it baho >ved them to speak,
AMI while he advised moderation, he wanted
both Savannahians and Charestonians to know
that they represented party who we're guided
by principles Of justice, and who accorded
equal and exact privileges to all. After some
remarks to the same purport, he proposed the
following resolutions, which were unanimously
adopted, and the meeting adjourned:
Whereas. riot occurred 10 this city recent
iy, while party Of young men from Savannah
and others OF this city were epgaged in game
OF base ball playing, OF which We are most
heartily ashamed. and which is calculated to
impress those at distance from US With the
idea that it is uns3fe for strangers to visit our
city, whether invited or not and whereas, We
claim to be law-abldin2 citizens, intensely
interested in the welfare Of the city aud the
commonwealth, and the preservation Of the
reputation OF both Tor hospitality TO strangers;
and whereas an impression has, perhaps, been
made upon the minds Of some people, that the
riot was premeditated by portion OF our peo
pie, and that it was prompted by spirit OF
autagonism, II not hatred towards class OF
our citizens and those from Savannah, and
therefore unprovoked BY any act OF others
therefore
Resotoed That it is our deliberate opinion
that .nere vas no premedltatlon on the part OF
scy OF our people in connection with this de-
plOrable affair; that our citizens OF all classes
looked toward the occasion as Que prQnisipg
much hilarity. and that but for the unwise
and brutal assault OF one or more individuals
upon spectator, who had, when the game was
nearly if not qults finished, gotten over the
lines, the occasion would have had quite
different termination. and Charleston would
have had nothing 10 this connection OF which
to be ashamed. nor her guests to depart
shaking the sand off OF their shoes.
Resolued, That in the name OF law and Or
der, and all that Ii valuable to Republican in
stitutions, We assure the people OF Charleston
apd Savannah that We deplore the occurrence
to which We have referred, and brand it with
the seal Of our hesrtiest condemnation. and at
the same time ask of them Q falr investigation
and an impartial judgment; we ask this. feel
ing that. il obtained, much OF the blame will
rest upon other than those who are held re-
sponslble.
Appended are the preamble and resolutions
which were first offered, but not adopted:
Whereas, The City OF Charleston has recently
been the scene OF disturbance OF Its peace end
good order, calculated to briog its ancieut
name and reputati, n into disgrace, q, d to pro-
woke prejudices not easily sllayed; and, where
at stake in its welfare and the preservation OF
these kind relations which have hItherto e1-
lsted among all classes Of It's people, deem it
proper, in public form, to express their dig
approbauon Of these and all other rotous
proceedings. Therefore, be 1t
Resotoed, That we, the people assembled:
irrespective of all political considerations. and
without regard to race or color, do hereby de.
plore the event which has been the occasion OF
30 much demonstration, and denounce these
who. without cause, and Instgated by the
most malicious motives. sought. by mob vlo-
lence. to brlne our city into disrepute.
Resolued, That, as hw-abiding citizens, we
will do all in our power to prevent another out.
break OF q similar character. and that. should
such again occur, we will lend our aid to the
proper authorities in promptly alaying the
disturbance.
Resolved That We tender our sympathy and
regret to the citixeps OF Savannah who were
aggrieved or injured on the occasion referred
to, and express the hope that oil the citizens
Of Charleston will not be held responsible Tor
the violent acts OF the thoughtless and igno-
rant young persons engaged IN the riot.
Resolued. That IN the event OF another visit