Daily national Republican. (Washington City [D.C.]) 1870-1872, 1870-01-18
sharp Attacks ON Its Advocates.

iAAAAAk AaN hhA w FANENaNa ~
government for the District was held at tho
1faee Of Messrs. 8. p. Brown 4 Son. Messrs.
william s. Huntington, Thomas l.. Tullock
and General A. Grant took part with tho
There were present by invita-
ilon tho following colorsd cltlSousi MessrS.
Alfred Jones, Anthony Bowen, David Fisher,
Jerome johnson, sidney Herbert, Robert
Hatton, Andrew Freeman, Alfred Day, John
Brown, John Thomas johnson, Geo. Coax.
Benjamin Mccoy.
The meeting was called TO order by Mr.. 5.
2. Brown, who stated that those present had
been invited 10 attend for the purpose Of con-
ferring together as 10 the merits Of the bin
70 provide territorial government for the
District.
On motion Of Mr. Hattou, Colonel James
A. Magruder was chosen secretary.
Mr.. Magruder addressed the colored men
present, saying that Il was desirable that
they should understand the proposition
thoroughly, in order that they could explain
II TO their people. He referred TO the great
difficulties under which tho District, With
its multitude OF governments, labored. Tho
members Of Congress, although willing to
do what they could, did not have the time
70 look after tho interests Of the community.
By the bill a. prepared by the com mlttco the
SURFACES OF tSe people were Increased, and
a delegate to Congress was provided, so that
the wants OF the masses could he made
known. The idea Of appointing the gov
ornor and legislature by the General Gov
ornment was that II might have an equal
interest with the mAss OF the people In the
direction Of affairs. He urged that those
present give their views on the subject, and
inform themselves as 10 what was contem-
plated by the proposed change.
Several Of the colored men questioned tho
members OF the committee as TO the general
features Of tho bill.
Mr.. Alfred Jones did not favor the pro-
posed change, and especially that portion Of
Il which provides for the appointment OF the
governor and council. He thought that II
was better 70 remain where We arc rather
than let the greater portion OF our rulers be
appointed at the whlm Of the President and
Senate.
Hon. Thomas L. Tullock was decidedly In
favor ofsho change. He thought that Con-
gress would desire 10 hold a portion OF the
government, and even II the people were In.
trusted with the power Of eleetinE twenty
five members OF the Legislature and the
Delegate to Congress 1t would be much
more than We had ever had before.
Mr.. David Fisher was Of the impression
that the form OF government, as proposed BY
the bill, would be vastly better than tho
present form.
Rev. Anthony Bowen thought that II
would be more acceptable To the masses II
the people could elect both Houses Of the
Legislature. II this could be done, he " ould
be satisfied with the bill.
DR.. Harvey Lindsey again stated why the
committee had proposed FOR the Council TO
chosen by the Government, but said that
the general feeling OF the committee was In
Fawar Of alaatfnar than 10 thu manila N Con.
gress would be satisfied.
Jerome A. johnson, Aftor several ques-
tions had been answered him, explanatory
OF the proposed change, said that he could
not speak for the people OF bis ward, but
individually he favored the plan proposed,
because he thought tho interests OF both the
tar payers and laborors would be advanced.
Nevertheless he would oppose any scheme
to abridge the right OF franchise Of the poo
pie OF his race,
Mr.. Jones suggested that the people
should be Informed In regard to the bin,
and that an expression OF opinion should be
had from them.
Nj. Brown read letter from General o.
o. Howard, In which he states that be IL In
favor of the bill proposed, but would rather
that the Council should be elected by the
people, as we'll as the Assembly.
Alfred Day said that he agreed with Gene
raj Howard, and II the right TO elect the
Council, with the lower branch Of the Legis'
lAture and tho delegate, he would be In,
clined 10 favor the movement.
Mr.. A. r. Shepherd here stated that the
object In placing the appointment Of the
governor and Council In the hands Of the
General Government was that national CO.
operation could be thereby obtained.
General A. Grant was heartily and de.
cidedly in favor Of a territorial government,
He spoke OF the gredt natural advantages OF
the District, aud what great results would
accrue from a consolidation OF the District
municipalities. lie, however, favored the
election Of all the Legislature by the people.
Amer further debate 1t was agreed that
those present should converse with their
people, and meet on Thursday night, at
Union League Hall for further discussion.
Tho First ward Meeting.
Last night a mass meeting Of the Flrt
ward Republicans was held at tho steyenA'
school-houso, on Tweuty-hrat street, and
was called TO order by Mr.. Alfred Day.
On motion, Edward Crusor was appointed
chairman, and John Washington selected
Tho chair stated the object Of the meeting
was 10 protest against the establishment o.
n territorial government, as the object OF B
P. Brown, Alexander X. Shepherd, and
others, was TO deprive the poor colored mar
%
same parties who endeavored 10 put the Dis.
trict under commlsslonershlp few year.
ago.
Mr.. Henry Hlmber said these people ind
ing that they could not be elected by the
people have resorted to territorial govern
ment, and he was opposed TO the idea,
Messrs. Shepherd and Brown arc known Al
rich men, and they have no feeling for poo
mon, and knowing that they cannot b
-. "a k,gN ka auI nf iha FaAnla haN
fall on Presidential appointment In order q
rule and ride over the people. Who arc tho
mon who desire TO be members Of the legis.
lature under territorial government Men
who have 10000 property qualifications to
vote. Mr.. Bowen has done more than any
other executive to give the colored people
their rights. He was In favor OF petitlouing
Congress and asking that body To accord vi
rights, and not give the estlmable boon OF
the elective franchise TO a territorial dig,
arehy.
Mf. Day was opposed TO giving up the
rights of the people 10 the custody OF a
handful Of aTlBtocTats, aud II the Republican
voters have given TO bad men the relns Of
municipal government, the remedy Is In the
same hands, and these bad men can bo
hurled from power. The colOred men have
the means to protect themselves, by holding
in their hands the ballot, and he warned his
wrost the liberty Of franchise from them.
While tho colored people held these Tights,
they should zealously protest against any
one depriVlng them from the inestlmRble
blessing Of the ballot. lie was opposed TO
any change Of government, and II the Coy
ernment wanted any improvement Of It's
streets and avenues, let the United States
pay taxes on Its property here, and vast I'm.
pToVements would be consummated. In
conclusion, he said lot US hold fast 70 that
which is good, aud II anything better eould
be offered, he was ready to give his support
to the measure, but In the meantime he was
In favor OF universal suffrage and the present
form Of municipal government.
Walker White said Eome time since he
-, Nuneed the Republican party In general,
Ss he found few bad men In the party,
n " now prepared TO apologize and
the Territorial bill passed the
~ tho eolorcd man was gone. In
with a friend in Georgetown
srt 'SSerted that the taking away
odom -ould be great blessing.
,yeTaatiola "a that linlt, for II the