The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1871-06-09
II M4YORALFT.
Important Preliminary M Q ct / n :
Speech OF General John A. Wageneri

In response to q circular invitation from
General John A. WAGNER, a goodly number OF
citizens, comprising well known representatives
OF all classes and colors, assembled at 8 O'Clock
last evening at Lindstedt's hall to take counsel
together concerning the approaching city cleo.
tiou. Captain George q. Walter was called to the
ch lir, and Messrs. st. AHand and c: Kerrison,
Jr., wete appointed secretaries. Captain WAITER
on taking the chair, adverted to the Importance
Of the struggle on which We were entering; and
while a1owing his resolve to give q hearty sup
port TO whomever might be. the nominee OF the
citizens, declared that 1t would give him greaf
pleasure indeed II the nomination should fall on
General WAGNER. This sentiment was greeted
with enthusiastic applause. A full and free dis
cussion followed, in the course Of which 1t be-
came apparent that the sense Of the meeting was
strongly in favor Of nominating General Wag.
ener for the Mayoralty. That gentleman beng
called for, addressed the meeting as follows
REMARKS OF GENERAL WAGNER.
Mr.. President and Gentlemen-Whilst grateful
~ acknowledging your friendship and kindness IL
rssgtn neVsrt the III aa" RESPECTFULLY ask your psedon
for having taken- the liberty to call you togsther:
1 had been waited on by citizens OF all classes OF
this community to become 8 candidate ior the
Mayoralty of Charleston, and had consented,
pr ey.ded I could obtain the nomination OF the va
rious wards by their representatives 10 conVen.
ton assembled, and based upon the principle OF
canvass for 'oDsciaI EFFICIENCY, economy IN puotc
expenditures, financial Integrity, judtctous I'm
propenaent, a Jdtr representation OF eue'y m
terest, class and color, and equal justice 10 dl."
There are several candidates proposed, beslues
myself, for the public suffrage, and l nave no
doubt they are all well qualified to "do justice TO
their consttuents.n But the impending canvass
demands anttu Of action, ANA not. so much Jor
personal claims as Jr q tftfet wfich.shaRr repre-
sent best and strongest oil the various classes
and interests OF our omf unity, Whilst, az tAe
same time, afording q reasonable guarantee Tor
a judicious, efficient, just and progressive ad'
mlntStration.
did NOT know OF the action OF Ward 8 when
issued my Invitations; ibid not, however, desire
your attendance as canyassers' Tor myself, 81
though your favorable opinion Is very gratifying
to me; but to take such counsel and, II deemed
proper, to initiate such measures as may lead TO
q fair expression OF the public WI, to an ad-
vancement OF he good OF all, aad TO Q SPEEDY or,
ganization or the various wards. In tnB Ward,o
has already acted, and perhaps the other wards
will follow promptly. Under these circumstances
which l could not ~f0resee, 1t might seem thar our
conference was unnecessary, but no larm can
result II you will kindly pardon nae the trouble l
have caused you.
may be permitted to add that, il M fellow.
citizens should select me IS their oanner.oeafer
ia the impending contest, l shall eheertuliy de,,
VOCe Ill NY 0ucTBle5 w tue taoa, AIN ASuoa.e
be victorious, / shall honestly endeavor 50. to act
that my friends will love me more, and my ems.
mics and opponents hate me less. II, howeyar.
another banner-bearer should be chosen, fsnAi
as cheerlplly Withdraw from the field, aud never
be a stumbling block in the way OF his success.
In this I propose to serve the community or my
adoption, and not myself; I'm nd ofncer-hunter.
ThHs, Hr. President. and gentlemen, trust nave
givena reasonable explanation Or the Liberty Rave
and you will not deem me presumptlous,
nor as Intending to grasp an unfair advantage.
| shall not ask you to utter 8 single sentence 10
favor OF my aspirations, but merely TO set the hall
In motion that shall redeem our good old city
from her anomalous condition.
The.General's speech was repeatedly Interrupt.
cd with applause, and i:s close was followed by
loud and prolonged cheering.
A resolution suggestive OF the composition Of
the ward delegations to the city convention was
laid upon the table because Of the objection that
anything s~avoring OF a dictatoriaI attitude Oh the
part o. this meeting would be out OF place.
:, A resolution was offered declaring it just and
that the colored citizens should be rep
In the ward delegations. A similar 90.
lection was raised In this case, and a spirited
discussion ensued. The sense OF the meeting,
however, was overwhelmingly in favor OF the
resolution, and 1t was adopted.
A resolution was also adopted, approving the
action OF Ward 8, anu urging the other wards to
take prompt cooperative measures.
One or two co.orea speakers made brief anc en-
couraglng addresses. aud the meeting then ad.