Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1874-03-13
THE LATE CHAS. SUMNER.
RESOLUTIONS OF Respect.

Pursuant to a call, tie colored citizens OF
Davidson county met at Liberty Hall last
evening, for the purpose Of engrafting resO-
buttons expressive of their deep sorrow for
the death of Hon. Charles Sumner.
WIN. Sumner was nominated and chosen
Chairman. He made a short address, and
said he regarded it as the most solemn
duty that he had ever been called to per-
form. He then stated the object Of the
meeting.
On motion of A. Menefee, J. W. White
was chosen Secretary. Abe Sr;ith then
spoke as follows:
Mr.. Chairman-In answer TO a call we
have met for the purpose of ENGRAVING reso-
buttons, paying tribute to the illustrious
dead. | am sure, Mr.. Chairman, that if
every colored man felt the deep sorrowthat
feel upon this occasion, this hall would be
filed to its utmost capacity. He then moved
that the chair appoint committed of three
70 eTgraft resolutions suitable TO tine occa-
sion. Carried.
The chair appointed the following persons
on said committee: Abram Smith, Nelson
Walker and a. Menefee.
During the absence OF the committee,
speeches were made by MeSsrs. Butler,
Walker, 7. s. Sykes, and others. The
committees then returned and reported the
following, which was received and adopted:
Whereas, We have the painful intelli-
pence conveyed to us of the death Of the
Hon. Charles Sumner, United States Sena-
tor from Massachusetts, at Washington, on
the 18th Of March, 1874, our greatest coun-
sellor and friend; and,
Whereas, His whole political life has
been devoted to the interest of our liberties
and our freedom, civil and political eleNa-
ton. 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 I
time; who fell at his post using every e1-
ertion to crown our liberties with every
'civil right" enjoyed by any others Of our
land, which lay nearest his heart; and
Whereas, This great statesman was al
WAYS true to the colOred citizens Of the
Union, and never deserted their interests
throughout his legislative career; who
stood by us from principle, and never con-
suited policy when his conscience was
called to act. We can see in him con
| trast between the statesman and patriot,
and the time-serving demagogues with
whom he had to contend for his great civil
rights bill now before the United States
Senate. And among the last expressions
he made in his dying hours, was to commit
TO his friend in language devoted and earn
est, this great measure, by requesting him
to take care of his civil rights BILL there
fore,
Resolved, that we will, as race, ever
hold dear and precious the name Of Charles
| Sumner, the illustrious patriot and states
! nan, and the apostle of our liberties and
| civil rights. Who has stood firm for our
| liberties in the darkest days Of American
slavery, and supported every measure dur
| ing the past that tended TO our elevation,
! and in his conflict with death spoke to aid
| cur civil rights, and advance the measure
| that Law nearest his heart.
RESOLVED, 1lEst we cOndole with the
great American Nation in the loss Of a
statesman and patriot, and We recommend
our ministers to commemorate his virtues
| in memorial discourse next Lords day
| and as a fitting tribute Of respect drape IN
mourning the churches for thirty days, and
| the authorities for the closing of public
schools the day of his funeral; and other
| schools participate in the ceremonies.
On motion It was resolved that the city
papers be asked TO publish the proceedings
of the meeting. Carried.
On motion the meeting adjourned.