Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-03-25
RATIFICATION MEETING LAsi
NIGHT. y

The Democratic ratification meeting
was largely attended last night and
much enthusiasm manifested for the
ticket There was not the least DISPOSE
ton on the part of any to throw over
hoard a single nominee of the party, but
10 take the list rs presented by the
Comfy Convention and to vote it straight
ont The speeches we're Of a variety, as
would be expected from the number OF
sneakers invited to make addresses on
the occasion. Our delegates to the late
constitutional body thought it incumbent
on them to defend their late work on
the Constitution to be presented for our
ratification or rejection on tomorrow.
And indeed it was essential to make
some excuse Cor the miserable make-shift
of a Constitution that we are, perforce,
almost compelled to accept One OF the
speakers Colonel Stephens, likened this
new Constitution to the sun, with spots
mon its surface, and declared in elo-
auent terms that any one might point
ont these objections, but few. who could
set such luminafy revolving in the
armament. The gentlemaa is rather
remarkable for his imaginatiyeasss
and flower Of speech, and in this
he came fully up to expectation. TWAS
part, perhaps, of an old sopbomorical
effort made by him before, which was
NOW thrown in to enliven a subject that
fell fat upon the assembled crowd.
That these spots can be deserted on the
face Of this new instrument is certain,
and that, TOO, By blind men, who may
have their olfactories in a perfect state
Of preservation. We meaH to say that
its recognition Of the negro as az equal
with the higher type of Gods CREATION
the white man-eauses it to stink IN the
nOstrils of all intelligent men 81 the
Democratic party who did the learned
gentleman the honor Of eleeting bin
a delegate 70 this same convention.
Further on in MS speech We were likened
TO men in prison. W. disfranchisement,
and by refusing to vote fos the new Con
stitution then declared our intensieg not
to accept freedom when offered US. The
comparison might haze been happily ap
piled if what was stated was true II
,-rery essential; bat not being, al Of VI
disfranchised thanks 10 Senter ans
suffraee). the smile falls dat Aud VIA
man of us would be free and wesf tb'
brand Of disgrace stamped with our owl
perfdious and coEardly hand. Thanl
God. oar people yetAsEe not fallen so loV
by defeat that they are viking to answe
ave TO every dishonorable reqs'semen
asked at their hands by vindictive foe
The speaker was especially eulogistie
the Convention for haviag trusted tn
people 80 Implicitly as to silc~ diem Z
ratify or reject their own Constitution
rs mach as 70 say: I'VE should fee
mighty glad Of the opportunity Of dom
something which was in the PoEeF Of fh
Con, ntion TO prevent" And does Rot -
gentleman know that TO have declare
aca;nst a free vote Of the people on IL
new fundamental law Of the State woul
have been an act little short Of hi
most fragrant crime that eoui'
bs p.rpetrated on Zee government
Rot ii this assemblage n delegate
were so willing 70 trust the people
81, did they refuge 70 let then yote -
M eLsnse separate from ne 'orne-
which rs,s to the forty thousand negroe
in the State tbe right to vote and hes'
Office 10. some q the delegates sa,a
-. -. -. e.. a.. - hilss ara 40 nrfln