The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1872-08-21
A Picture for Contemplation.

CoutoC Va Jul aoSLO ASlAOW-CiGlL6u6 Sa'
thered in the Cooper Institute, with the
professed intention of listening to an
argument between two colored orators
on the respective merits OF the Presi.
Dental candidates-William U. Saun-
ders taking the side of Greeley. and
Rev. Henry Highland Garnet maintain
ing the claims of Grant. Men of all
shades from ebony to cream, with
sprinkling of females of dark complex
ion, crowded the hall, and it soon be-
came evident that three-fourths of the
number attended not for the purpose of
hearing discussion and forming judg-
ment on its merits, but with the object
of yelling and hooting down the Gree
ley orator, SO as to prevent his words
from being heard, and of cheering his
adversary. The scene was q disgrace to
civilized city, and was calculated to
shake the convictions of those who have
hitherto been the most earnest in their
advocacy of negro suffrage. Taking the
account of the Grant organ as the one
most likely to represent i'll as favorable
O light as possible the conduct Of the
black ruffians who made night hideons
with their uproar, we find the following
specimens Of their proceedings inter
epersed through the report Of Saunders
speech:
They would carry the Greeley banner
next November to victory. Great hiss
ing. OF Sumner, he could only say
that he mover could do wrong. Groaus
and hisses. Grant never voted Re-
publican ticket. Tremendous groaus
and misses, which interrupted the speak
er for several minutes. On rcsuming,
he said he WIS aware that the negro vote
belonged to General Grant ind the min
ions of the Administration. voice,
"He will have it, Great applause and
three cheers three times repeated for
Grant. It was high crime for black
man to raise his voice against General
Grant. Prolonged cheers, which inter-
rupted MIR. Saunders, and compelled the
Chairman to advance to the front of the
platform and bespeak for the orator q
fair hearing.j + at this period
of the speakers address there were re-
peated calls for Mr.. Garnet, and Mr.
Saunders efforts to explain the superior
ity of the Baltimore platform over that
of Philadelphia proved an abortive fail
ure. Democracy he declared to be o
Government of the whole people for the
good of the whole. A voice, "Hang-
ing niggers to lamp-posts is Democracy.
Cheors and groans. Here
the groans became so prolonged and
loud that it was feared the speaker would
not be permitted to resume. Finally,
on being permitted to continue, he in
dulged in personalities by calling atten-
ton to the opposition of certain mem
bers of the audience. but it did not tend
materially to give him better hearing.
After the speech Of the Grant negro,
Garnet, which was delivered without
other Interruptions than those caused by
the wild cheers of his audience, Saun.
ders, in accordance with the arrangement
of the discussion, was allowed half an
hour to reply; and the closing scene is
thus described by the Republican organ
| "Mr. Saunders again attempted to ad
dress the meeting, but he was met by q
tremendous outburst of groans and cat
calls that battles description. At the
earnest request of Mr.. Garnet, order was
restored, and Mr. Saunders endeuyored
to reply. AS soon as he began to speak
however, it became evident passion had
completely obtained tho mastery ovel
him, and that billipgsgate and violent
ebullition of temper would supersede
fact and argument. This induced fresh
uproar, in the midst of which Mr.. Saun
ders vainly essayed to say that the per
sonal attacks of his opponent were inf
nitely beneath his notice. The
excitement was indsscribable. The au
dience rose to their feet, and, yelling
with fury, rendered Mr.. Saunders fur
ther remarks inaudible even to himself
In vain the orator pitched his voice te
the highest key. lie could not be heard
and finally he was compelled to retire
furious with rage. Several Greeley mel
shook him cordially by the hand on re
firing. A breach Of the peace seemed
imminent, but the police vigorously KEEP
back the crowd, and the opposing fac
tions left in qniet.
The reports in the other daily Journals
represent the conduct Of these free ant
independent electors in yet more often
sive light. When Saunders declared
that it was God who had freed his rae,
from bondage, the remark was received
with yells, hisses, cat-calls, "boo-hoos'
and cries of dissent, and tho negroes
evidently believed that the assertion wa
intended to do injustice to their favorit
candidate and tho Republican party
Throughout the proceedings, there was
display of ignorance, bigotry and ruff
fanism revolving to those who have beer
taught to believe that the ballot is tn,
palladium of our liberties.
Yet deplorable as was the exhibition