New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1873-09-11

arrangements to the central point of the
State for consultation, and accordingly adj
vantage was taken Of it to hold conference
meeting at Columbus on the Both July ultrao.
This was perhaps unfortunate, as it enabled
those who disagreed with our movement to
place US at the disadvantage Of a miscon-
struction, and to create the impression that
we were bargaining with that party. Only
the personal reputation of those who were
prominent in it prevented this charge becom-
ing an open one, which was apparently a
reasonable one also, as their convention was
then in session.
Originally il was our intention to hold n
secret convention and make no demonstra-
ton until the disposition and intentions Of
the party had been clearly and positively
defined, but when we were reminded that
this was the eve of an important election,
and now, ifever, the opportunity was afforded
to enforce our claims, and that it was but
justice to them that they be made fully aware
OF our determination, an open meeting was
agreed upon, to be called at Chillicothe on
the odd Of August ultimo. Here again we
had 10 contend with difficulties.
THE GRAND LODGE OF OHIO
(colored) held its sessions there on the 10Th
and 2lst of August, and general nervous
ness agitated that body, lest it should be
compromised with politics. We regretted
this, as it occasoned the personal opposition
of some Of the leaders Of that organization.
iInWpVnr to- 1afa fnr tnt ,,,,, 1ao NJ
The Car Of Progress was advancing upon
the equal rights road, macadmizing and lev
cling the distinction of American citizenship,
and obstacles must either get out Of the way
or be crushed.
Again that city is the home of sold Billy
Allen" the Democratic candidate for the
Gubernatorial chair. This fact gave rise to
vague suspicious and mysterious whispers
regarding our purposes, and opened the way
for certain thoroughly INSCRIPTIONS dema-
gogues and political tricksters, to whom our
object had been thoroughly explained, and
who had privately professed sympathy with
the undertaking, onlyto allay our watchful-
ness that they might more successfully mis-
represent us and arouse bitter feeling ofhos-
tility because we "were trying to lead the
colOred voters of Ohio into the Democratic
ranks without other than personal provoca-
ton as disappointed office-seekers in the
party" distinguished mail agent-at-large,
and self-appointeJ supervisor of Gen. Grants
personal reputation among the colored
people Of Ohio in general, and Hamilton
county in particular, arrived at Chillicothe
the day preceding our meeting and at once
set to work to counteract the favorable inn
preston the knowledge of it was making
among the citizens. Posters were ordered
and handbills distributed through the city
by us. As Observation-Disclosures man, the
NJ. A. l.. S. S. G. g., &c., is success, but,
as an advertising medium for the circulation
of valuable information, he is really Won
derful genius. The only fault know in that
direction is lack of discrimination as to what
should and what should not be told He is
very liable to impart both private and public
news. With him news is news, and must
never spoil for want of telling.
Well, the alphabetical titled official an
nounced his purpose "to come into the con-
vention and whipus into line :" that he chad
some resolutions we should adopt" and
other equally presumptuous and impairment
remarks.
"The truest characters of ignorance
Are vanity, and pride, and arrogance;
But here we critics make doubt
Whether he were more wise or stout
The difference was so small his brain
Int w hat ha1
Which made some take him for tool
That knaves do work with, called fool"
Shrewdness and tact enabled him to main
tain successfully the two false impressions
in which his small political capital is invested,
and render him capable Of doing, and he does,
more harm to the Republican party than
any ten men in Hamilton county. One Of
these is belief among the whites that he is
a man of influence with US, and the other an
impression that he is all-powerful with them.
The fact that a young man Of this commu-
nifty has defeated him in every elective race
before the colored constituency of his own
ward and district seems to count for nothing
in measuring political power.
But to return to our ram, lamb, sheep, or
mutton. We did not consider Gen. Grant
personally in our fight, and therefore pock-
eted the 'splendid Administration" resolu-
lions when they were offered. We gave
Grant the best Endorsement in November,
and think that sufficient. The rebuke of
our distinguished news distributor will not
soon be forgotten. His resolutions were
buried so deep by the unanimous vote of
condemnation, that Gabriel might blow his
horn till it busted without effecting resur-
rection. He was indignant. In fact, mad.
But it was no use. We met for purpose,
and felt it our duty to effect it. Neverthe-
less, this little episode was theoretically
used to place US in an attitude of determined,
unconditional, and irreconciable hostility to
the Republican party. The leading politi-
clans of the State concede our position to be
fair one, though using determined efforts
to break our influence. The great question
is whether each colored man they meet is a
'footmat" or ''sorehead." Poultices of
official position are not handed out on silver
salvers, but it is important that the latter
shall be spotted.
The party organs endeayor to throw the
whole responsibility upon snoIe ;odividuo1