New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1872-04-25

sent. The column then moved on over the
route to Judiciary square, where they formed
around the platform which had been erected
for the occasion. Among the many noted
individuals who occupied seats were Lieut.
Col. Cliff, of the 18th regiment of Pennsyl
vania State militia; Major j. II. Teagle, o
the same regiment Col. John MCGEE, I'll
New Jersey State militia; a. K. Shepherd
Peter Campbell, and J. +. Cook.
After order had been restored r. W. Temp
kins, Esq, called the meeting to order, an(
introduced Hon. r. Il. Elliott, of South Car
oline, as the orator OF the day.
MIR, ELLIOTT's SPEECH.
The speaker then, amid prolonged applause
addressed the vast multitude before him, Civ.
ing in his own eloquent language a thorough
review of the sutierings of his race and the
endurance with which they bore their trials
and he then referred to the many noble deeds
performed by them in assisting their country
in the hour of her peril.
The speakers remarks were received by his
audience with due appreciation. and the many
kind utterances made by him will ever be re-
membered by our colored citizens who had
the pleasure of hearing them. We can but
express one regret, and that is that our space
will not admit of our publishing his remarks
in full. The speaker then ended his address
as follows:
| ''Ths day comes to us to remind us of our
responsibilities as well as our rights. II
teaches us not only that we are American
| citizens, but reminds us that we owe it to the
world, that we owe it to those of our race
who died without the right; we owe it to
those who are still struggling under the heavy
yoke of tyranny and oppression, to use all of
our rights in the firm resolve to leave to those
who follow us heritage enriched by our ac-
foundations and adorned by our triunphs.
Citizenship and participation in the Gov
eminent are guaranteed to us. Let us now
90 faithfully forward. Behind us lie two
hundred and forty-three years of suffering,
anguish, and degradation. Around us are
the gathered fruits of the entire achievements,
labOrs, and triumphs of those who fought the
cause of freedom and humanity; before us lies
our mighty future, with all its hopes and as
pirations. That future it is ours to shape.
Let us then lift ourselves to the height of our
responsibilities. Let us hear the voice that
comes to us this day and bids us Go forward
in the right and fear no danger Let us re-
alize that upon each of us rest duties COM
mensurate with our rights. So living, and so
acting, we shall be worthy of the high privi-
leges we possess, worthy to perform our parts
in preserving the temple of liberty and per-
petuatng our republican institutions"
GOV. COOKIES REMARKS.
Gov. II. ID. Cooke was next introduced, and
said the lateness of the hour and the condi-
ton of his health warned him not to attempt
any extended remarks, and, moreover, the
speaker who had preceded him covered with
his eloquence all the ground. This was a
great day for their race. 1t makes the Decla-
ration of Independence an eternal truth, and
one appreciated by the American people. 1t
is an occasion over which any American
should rejoice, and it pleased him to express
his sympathy. He felt sure that the lessons
impressed upon his hearers by the previous
speaker would not soon be forgotten. The
service they rendered TO their country would
not soon be forgotten. Gov. Cooke closed by
again expressing his sympathy for the day
they were celebrating.
Mr.. Henry johnson, the secretary, then
read the following letters:
Vice Presidents Chamber,
Washington, April Is, 1872.
Dear SIR: | regret that official duties at the
Capitol will prevent me from being with YOU
tomorrow in accordance with your invita-
ton; but l rejoice that the great work of
emancipation you are to celebrate has been
already, as l sincerely believe, approved by
" the considerable judgment of mankind" and
crowned by /" the favor of Almighty God"
Yours truly,
SCHUYLER COLFAX.
Henry Johnson, Secretary Committee of
Arrangements.
Senate Chamber, April Is, 1872.
My Dear Sir: L thank you very much for
the invitation with which you have honored
me, and regret that it is not in my power to
take part in your celebration, except with
sympathy and good wishes. Allow me to
take advantage of this opportunity to add
one word of counsel. Besides celebrating
victories already won, the cOlored people
must take care that their equal rights are
completely secure in all respects. Until
then the promises of the Declaration of In
dependence are failure. Let these be estab-
1ished, and there will be absolute equality
before the law, according to which black
man must always be treated as white man.
1t is by discussion and then by votes that
a good cause is carried to final triumph
Therefore must you at all times insist upon
your rights, and then vote so as most surely
to advance them.
Believe me, dear sir, very faithfully, yours,
CHARLES SUMNER.
Henry johnson, Esq, Secretary Emancipa-
ton Celebration.
Washington, d. c., April IA, 1872.
Henry Johnson, Esq, Washington:
Dear Sir: Yours of the 18th instant, in
behalf of the committee of arrangements
ntrusted with the emancipation celebration,