New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-03-26
From Tennessee.

NASHVILLE, Tenn, Mar. II, 1874.
To tie Editor Of tie Ne'o National Era:
Pursuant to 4 call the colored citizens of
Davidson County met at Liberty Hall last
evening for the purpose of ENGRAVING resolu-
tons expressive Of their deep sorrow for the
death of Hon. Charles Sumner.
The meeting was called to order by A.
Mcnciee, after which Hon. w. A. Sumner
was nominated and chosen chairman. Mr..
Sumner came forward to the speakers stand
and made most impressive speech, in which
he said that he regarded that as the most
solemn duty he had ever been called to per-
form (groans from all parts of the house. }
On motion of Alfred Menefee, James W.
White was chosen secretary.
Mr.. Abram Smith then spoke as follows
Mr.. CHAIRMAN.-In answer to call we
have met for the purpose of ENGRAVING rcso-
lutions, paying tribute to the illustrious dead,
Sumner is dead; but though his majestic form
ceases to move amongst us, yet will his
memory be ever fresh in the heart of every
true American. Oh how like hero he died .
His last words how in keeping with his whole
political career" Take care of my Civil
Rights Bill"
Mr.. Smith continued in this strain for some
time, making most eloquent and impressive
speech. -
Speeches were also made by Messrs. Sykes,
Butler, Walker, Menefee and others.
a deep solemnity pervaded the whole
house. On motion the chair appointed the
following gentlemen as a committee on reso-
buttons: Abram Smith, Nelson Walker and
Alfred Menefee, and after a iefabsence the
committee submitted the following resol,l-
tons which were received and adopted:
WHEREAS, We have the painful intelli-
Cence conveyed to us of the death of the Hon.
Charles Sumner, United States Senator from,
Massachusetts, at Washington on the 18th OF
March, 1874, our greatest counsellor and
friend and,
WHEREAS, Ills whole political life has
been devoted to the interest of our liberties
and our freedom, civil and political elevation
and was truly the Apostle of Liberty in the
Senate of the United States, and has left an
enduring name, which will brighten with
posterity in the advancing age of time; who
fell at his post using every eXertion to crown
our liberties with every" civil right DC enjoyed
by any others of our land, which lay nearest
his heart and,
WHEREAS, This great statesman was
always true to the colorcd citizens of the
Union, and never deserted their interests
throughout his legislative career who stood
| by us from principle, and never consulted
policy when his conscience was called to act
| We can see in him contrast between the
statesman and patriot, and the time-serving
| demagOgues with whom he had to contend fol
his great civil rights billno before the United
States Senate. And among the last expires.
sions he made in his dying hours, was to
commit to his friend in language devoted and
earnest, this great measure, by requesting
him to take care Of his civil rights bill there.
fore,
Resolred, That we will. as a race, ever holt
dear and precious the name of Charles Sum
ner, the illustrious patriot and statesman
and the apostle of our liberties and civil rights
Who has stood firm for our liberties IN the
darkest days of American slavery, and sup
ported every measure during the past thai
tend to our elevation, and in his conflict witt
death spoke to aid our civil rights, and t(
advance the measure that lay nearest hi:
heart.
Resolred, That we condole with the grea
! American Nation in the loss of Statesman
and patriot, and VIC recommend our ministers
to commemorate his virtues in memOria
discourse next Lords Day and as fitting
tribute of respect, drape in mourning thu
churches for thirty days, and the authoritie!
for the closing of public schools the day o
his funeral and other schools participate ii
the ceremonies.
On motion it was resolved that the cit.
papers be asked to report the proceedings o
the meeting. Carried.
On motion the meeting adjourned.
Yours Respectfully,
/ i w WIIIrE