The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1874-09-03
THE WASHINGTON COUNTY
MEETING,


mention of public meeting in Washing
ton county, composed of leading men Of
both races, to contradict reports OF Ill
feeling between them in that county, and
to guard against the interruption Of this
relation by pledges of reciprocal good viii.
Though THE CLARION was not among
the journals requested by the meeting to
publish the proceedings, we are so fully
in our accord with its spirit and objects,
and think the example so worthy Of imita-
ton that we have transferred them to our
columns. This covenant of peace is the
more noteworthy and acceptable, because
it is made by community in which the
colored element is overwhelmingly pre-
dominant.
In introducing the proceedings, the
Greenville Times, Conservative edited
by Capt. McNeeley, a gallant Confederate,
says:
Heartily approving tbs move and these
resolutions, we commend them to the
attention of neighboring localities as
worthy of imitation. Let US but abide
by and carry out the spirit expressed by
all the speakers of this night, and we will
continue to be peaceful and prosperous
community.
| In the same article, referring to I'M
| founded rumors which went abroad, of
race disturbances in Greenville, the Times
says;
In this connection we will allude to a
sensational report of ''trouble at Green
Vile" which we elsewhere correct; seeing
how this affair was magnified in Vicks
burg, it is not strange that when ii
reached St. Louis, our base of trade, il
had grown into a report that Greenville
was in the hands of a lawless mob; we
are positively informed by gentleman
who was in St. Louis, that such was the
current report; and he knew of one in
stance where shipment Of freight was
stopped in con sequence of it.
If mere rumors of race issues have
damaging effect upon the business of com
munities where they are alleged to exist,
what must be the effect of the actual con-
ficts that are likely to result from them
If these things happen in the green
tree, what will be done in the dry'
But to the meeting:
From the Greenville Times.
Pursuant to call made by some col.
ored men in regard to the present state
of excitement in this and adjoining States,
the citizens of the town of Greenville,
without regard to race, color or former
condition, met AZ Johnson's Hall, and or
ganized by electing Dr. G. w Lewis as
chairman, and A g. Pearce as secreta-
ry:
The chairman stated in brief the object |
of the meeting, namely: That both par |
ties had met together for the purpose of !
talking over and arranging any supposed |
wrongs and grievances inflicted by one
race upon the other, with view to a
better understanding in regard to their
mutual rights and privileges, and to the
allaying of an erroneous impression now
existing to the effect that discord, hatred
and strife exists between the two races in
this community.
On motion of Senator Gray, commit
tee of seven was appointed by the chair
to draft resolutions expressive Of the feel
ings and sentiments of the meeting, where
upon the chair appointed as such commit
tee Oliver Winslow, w. A. Pearcy, j.
w. Piles, w. r. Trigg, j. A. Ross, ia
cob Alexander and Ham. Green.
During the appointing OF the committee
and before it retired, speeches were made
by Col. Percy, Mr.. Ross, Senator Gray
and Squire Harris, upon the question Of
the good feelings which has
now and at all times existed in the town
Of Greenville, and OF this country gener- .
ally, and the mutual dependence Of one
race upon the other. The committee
the following report, which was q
read by Col. Percy, viz:
WHEREAS, 1t has been ascertained /
hat sundry rumOrs are current as TO an /
impending conflict between the two races
n this town; and
WHEREAS, the peace Of our commune v
y was never more unbroken than at i
present, and said rumors are utterly with f
,ut foundation, and are attributable solely =
o an excited stale of public feeling con
equent upon disturbances in other parts
If the country; and
WHEREAS, The citizens of this com q
nunity, of both races, are DESTROYS of "
its present peaceful and pros O
porous condition, it is therefore 4
ResOLred, That we all recognize the fact
hat the white and black race of this com u
nunity are mutually dependent upon II
ach other for their prosperity and we'll Il
icing, that we pledge ourselves t. preserve 81
nd maintain the present kindly feeling .
xisting between the two races, and will -
egard with horror and disgust any attempt D.
0 produce unfriendly feeling or bring on W
conflict between them.
ResoLUed, That we have the utmost
onfidence in the will and ability of the
own authorities to repress all disturb
noes and check all disorder, and hold
urselves at all times in readiness to- obey p.
ny call of the lawfully constituted author q
les m lde in the int rest of peace and good b.
rider.
RESOLVED, That we call upon all citizens 10
, refrain from incorporate language or tn
isorderly conduct, to seek redress for all ia
rivate grievances alone in the courts OF NJ
Istice, and to foster and cultivate be- n
veen themselves those kindly relations 81
hich common interest and enlightened W
alike dictate. az
ResoLred, That either the organization tn
r arming of the militia, whether taken an
ON both races equally or from one alone, Il,
: any other organization, military in its
ature, would be in our judgment wholly W
ithout cause, entirely unnecessary, and
only of unmixed evil; that we on
ould deprecate. as an act most injurious oe
the public good the sending Of public VI
ms by the State authorities to this point, M.
I'd would recommend that the public tn