The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1870-05-17

ell.
Mr.. William Black, one Of the vlce'presidents,
very intelligent colored man, was now called for
ward and loudly cheered. He spoke as follows:
SPEECH OF MR.. WILLIAM BLACK.
M President and Observation-Disclosures
not In the habit OF addressing public meetings,
when called upon to do so am always willing to
any work ha fSs y a %ch ta e
Speaking as colored man, have no hesitation
In saving that unless there be change In the
present corrupt administration OF pubic auairs
we as race will suner anu aie out lAPp.aase la u. J
pether In the past. AS men and as Carollnlans
lei us work together for nobler future. Loud
and enthusiastic applause.l For US as people
there is no alternative Oat nod. 70 aaopt dde sde
free by the events OF the war; and enjoying TO-
day the privilege OF every other citizen OF the
State. We would be untrue to our hrth.rlgnt II we
failed to unite In any movement that promised
civil and political blessings TO all. lGreat cneer-
ing, mingled with hlsses from the League II ls
for that reason that my colOred friends and my
self are upon this platform tonight, and openly
afiiliatlng with that party which practically rec
ogniZes equal and exact justice to oil men under
the laws, and which has for Its further object
Reform In an administration whica has used lgno-
rance to effect It's own purposes, aad To-Day hoias
It's heel upon the necks OF poor colored len Will
yice.lISe tenaclty and power. (Creat cheering,
and Increased Kissing from the League.l That
administration has done injustice TO me as
from which, in part, ] might have drawn my
daily bread. And 1t will continue TO atlllct the
laborinS classes Of South Carolina Just 80 long as
1t imposes burdens upon the people which II Is
impossible for them to bear, or exhibits us bra
zen corruption In every act OF It's legislation.
illnmense cheering any increased Kissing oy the
League.i
The Chairman. | have only to say that II these
Interruptions continue, and this noise repeated
measures Will he InWealately tuAeu W pul ou' aii
unruly persons.
This statement was followed ty tremendous
cheering from the audience, and from this time
forward the turbulent members OF the League re.
manned quiet.
Mr., Black. lam sorry to observe that my re.
marks have occasioned any diSquiet among my
colorcd friends, but do not hesitate to speak the
truth at all times, and under all circumstances:
We are living in n free State where the right OF
free speech belongs to all, and intend to eXer,
else II upon this occasion. II may be dlstasteiul
for some to hear it, but have no hesitation In de-
clarng that South Caronans must rule South
have here as great men as have lived In any State,
and when the choice Is between them anu tnose
who come from abroad, for no other purpose than
to seek offices Of profit and honor for one, Will
always cast my vote for him whose interests are
identified with my own. lGreat applause.l
SPEECH OF Mr.. W. @. ROuT.
Mr.. Rout, one OF the oolsred secretaries, was
next introduced, and said
did not come here with the expectation OF be-
ing called upon to speak but since you have done
me the honor, will say that, In adopting the
OF this party DO & SO without lou regaIa 10
are correct. They should appeal to every honest
colored citizen. We are engaged In common
work-that Of trying to bring about reform IN
the manner In which the State mas neen J. con- con
zens without regard to party or complexion, who
feel an interest in the public welfare. [Cheers.l
SPEECH OF Mr.. MARLow COCHRAN.
Mr.. Cochran, another OF the colored ylce.presi-
dents was introduced and said: I shall not de-
tain YOU with my remarks. simply wish to say
that I'm glad that have been able to join IN this
movement ! do not care who may be dlspleased;
tells me that I'm right; know that the cause is
right, and from this time Forward mean. with
the best of my ability, to WORK with the Reform
party for the good OF my State tCheers.l
SPEECH OF NIX. EDWARD WILLIS.
MI. Edward Wills being discovered on the
platform Was very loudly called for, and hand
somely greeted when lie made his appearance.
he said:
F,.,folc-citizenS: You know that I'm not speak
ing man. Nevertheless, this Is a time when every
one should contribute his mite when called upon
in popular cause like this. Heartily 40 join III
this great movement and I'm prepared to employ
my best endeavors to insure It's success. Az an
times you may count upon me d, ioI tnat aa
which I have to give, and feel con,
fdcnt that If we bend our shoulders
tn tho wheel. each member OF the commu-
nity EIa paying his part to the best Of his ability we
Shall achieve glorious triumph IN the coming
contest. [Cheers can only add 10 conctuSiUn
that am opposed IN toto to the present admins.
tration, aud am prepared to work against any
political combination that is kept together by the
mere eohesiycness OF public plumber lCheers.l
| | oiier the following resolution:
| RESOLVED, That the chairman OIL this meeting
be authorized to fill any vacancies that may occur
In the delegation to the Columbia Convention,
| chosen by this meeting.
| The resolution was unanimously adopted.
| Adjournment.
There being no further business before the
meeting, Oh motion OF Captain ]. Armstrong, Jr.,
| it adjourned.
The audience retired In good order, the only de-
monstratIou being made by crowd OF Union