The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1871-11-04
Speech Of Senator Pinchback.

ColOred Conyentioniin session at CO.
lumbia: q g.
| The convention proceeded to discuss
the resolution pledging the support OF
the convention to the Republican par
| ty. Mr.. Pinchback, of Louisiana, hay-
ing the floor, introduced the following
preamble and resolution:
WHEREAS, President Grant has pro-
ven himself to be the greatest military
chieftain of the age, and has admins
tered the affairs of the government
with abilities unsurpassed by any
President who has filed the executive
chair; and whereas, his recognition of
the eolored people in the distribution
of federal patronage was the crowning
act In our elevation TO American citi-
zenship; therefore, be it
Resotped, That we heartily indorse
his administration, aud believe that
under his leadership, with iudicious
management, the Republican party
can be led to a glorious victory in 1872.
To this Mr.. Pinchback spoke as fol-
lows
Mr.. President have seen mani
Tested a disposition ever since we met,
by nearly every member, to introduce
some resolution having special refer
enee to the national administration,
and especially to President Grant. /
watched the course of these gentlemen
very carefully, and it seems that they
wish to arrogate to themselves alone
the right to be regarded as Grant men.
So fearful are these gentlemen that
somebody else viii be regarded us
Grant men, that if a man dares to
raise his voice here, even against pill
ing up resolution ON top of resolution
before the convention, looking to the
Endorsement of the administration,
that they charge him with being luke
warm or o non-supporter of that adj
Now, sir, when / first
came to this city, the night before the
assembled, it was basely
circulated about here that was
against Grant. The object of this ru-
NOR have been unable to understand,
especially when it came from men
whom regard as my personal as well
as political friends, and especially
when | know that it came from men
who can have no doubt about my po-
litieal status, and especially, again,
when it came from men who would
have been branded before this whole
country as liars, if 1t had not been for
my Intervention. / could very we'll
understand why the last resolution
preceding this was introduced.
/ was opposed to, and it was well
understood and a general desire ex-
pressed that no local or political mat,
tiers should be brought into this con-
venti0n. ,8
We do not assemble here for settling
State differences. We meet here to
consult the interests of the colored
people of the Southern States, in what
ever direction those interests might
point. aE aa k
But / had scarcely got here before I
found gentlemen trying to undermine
what little popularity or influence j
did possess, by circulating reports
that twas against the administration.
What was the next thing? Here
comes O gentleman with resolution
indorsing the Republican party; an
other comes indorsing General Grant;
then another ON the same subject, and
another, and another.
With these facts before us, it would
seem that the convention should act
carefully. What / complain of is this
piling it on. l want to ask whether
there has been brought before this
convention single, solitary resolu-
tion that looks to a stronger indorse-
ment of General Grant than the one
| have introduced?
1t is true [ have not gone over one
of those terrific Fourth of July ora.
tions; have not exhausted the voeab-
ulary of grand expressions but have
in this resolution embodied the kernel
of all that may be said in honor of the
President of the United States.
Let me. ask, if / was not a Grant
man, what evidence is necessary to
prove that one isa Grant man. If |
propose to toss my hat higher than
any one else at every mention of his
name, would that be evidence that I
am Grant mani I opine not but
while / say that this is no evidence
that l am Grant man, | propose to
show what consider to be evidence
of my friendship for his excellency and
the administration.
From the first time my name was
mentioned in connection with Repub-
lican principles / have been an un-
swerving advocate of his. At no time
or place have / failed to do the very
fullest homage to him. At no time or
place have failed to pay him the
highest eulogies / could command. I
have extoiled that act of his in which
he recognized the impartial distribu-
tion OF federal patronage, as his crown
ing act. 1t was the cap sheaf, the
acme.
1 had the distinguished honor to
my State in part in the ma
tional convention which nominated
him for the position he now occupies.
Not only did 3O that h1It 7 threw in