The Evansville journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ind.) 1866-1870, 1870-09-23

the procession throughout its march,
and remained on the ground during
the day.
The procession terminated at about
noon, and about half past one o'clock
the regular exercises at Blackford's
Grove commenced by a prayer from
Rev. A. 7. Hall, pastor of the Arr.
can M. e. Church. after which, Rev
Jas Nj. Townsend, was introduced By
the President, Rev. Green McF arland
and read the Emancipation Pfocla'
nation.
Mr.. T. J. Mahorney, Of Indianapo-
lis, was then introduced ard delivered
very able and eloquent address
which reviewed the condition of the
colored race. their past and present
relations to the government Of the
United States. aud their duty to
themselves and their friends.
Mr.. Mahorney touched SO me what
upon the political questions of the
day, particularly the financial ques-
ton, which he treated in q manner
that showed him to be thoroughly IA
miliar with. and able to instruct the
people Of his race, id all that apper-
tains to their duty as citizsns.
Rev. James M. Townsend followed
Mr.. Mahorney. He commenced by
saying that as regarded politics. the
music which had just ceased. ex-
pressed his feeling, and be would dis
miss the question with the excIama-
ton, "Shoo Hy. don't bother me"
He then proceeded to say that he re-
ioicod with them. rejoiced in bis own
freedom, aHd rejoiced in theirs. He
spoke for about thirty minutes, a
great part of his speech having been
prepared in advance, was listened to
with comparatively little interest, but
as soon as be put away his manu-
script and spoke what we're evidently
the outpourings Of patriotic heart,
whose highest aspirations we're for
the elevation Of his race, the audi
ence began to increase, and as be
warmed up with his subject. they
cheered loudly.
At the conclusion of his speech. an
anti slavery song was sung by a
choir under the direction of Mr.. Ma
thaniel Allen, Mr.. Allen singing a
solo and the others joining in the
chorus. The song, new version oil
the ancient Uncle Ned" adapted to
the occasion BY Mr.. Allen, produced
shouts of laughter and applause.
Major FL. A. Madison was the next
speaker. The Majors speech was q
long, eloquent review Of the history
of the negro in America. his relation
to the government, past and present,
what he deserved of the, gogern-
ment, and what the government de-
served from him. The Major referred
to the time when, half starved and al
nost hopeless. he escaped from .
rebel prison, and flying from the face
of the white man, he and Capt. Seam
merhorn, of this State. received their
first square meal in seven months
from the hands Of faithful and relia-
BILE cOlOred people.
The speech although long one
w0s listened to throughout with at.
tention. AT times it excited their
mirth. while at others the shouts Of
the multitude showed how keenly
they appreciated the truths he spoke.
At the conclusion of Major Matt1-
sons speech, Mr.. J. T. Mahorney read
the following resolutions: m
WHEREAS, A msjority of the
coiored people of the United States
were held In slavery and the nominal
freemen were deprived Of their rights
as citizens, therefore
Resolved, That we the colored
people of Evansville and vicinity, send
greetings to all lovers of liberty. for
the great progress of America. 81 e
IS Resolued, That We heartily endorse
the administration, both State and
National. and congratulate them upon
the prosperous condition of the coun-
try. se
Resolred, That to the Republican
party we are indebted for. the adop-
ton Of the 18th, l4Ah, and 18th
Amendments to the Constitution OF
the United States. 7 - ,ldl7 s
hes0tred, That on the border here
We have to meet the rugged Issues 81
NE hour, we pledge Ca united SIM
port to the Republican party. So Q
ResolUcd That while We give. dns
credit to al the friends of coma ~,
J before the law, we feel especialIy ~
debted to the Hon. q. =. Morton "a,
his untiring exertiona in securing m
passage of the Fifteenth Ameniment
the browning act Of ireeonstruction.
Res0lUed. That we hold in gratefnl
remembrance the name Of the la.
mented ex- President ABRAHAM LIN.
coin, who. in the hour of distress
knew his duty, and dared to per.
form it.
4 All Of which were unanimously
adopted; after which Mr.. Allen. with