Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-09-03

that the South was two.thirds right. All we ask
them is to give every citizen Of the United States
his rights; and are we likely to reach such re-
suit if the republican party disbands' He de-
nounced the legal tender act as unconstitutional
and said continuance Of paper money without
provision for its redemption is National dishon-
or and we shall be dishonored in the eyes Of our
centennial visitors if our National Bank notes
found at discount. He prophesied close con-
test and in conclusion said, as camp followers are
sent back before going into battle, let US say
"bummers to the rear
Hon. Frederick Douglass then came forward, in
| answer to repeated calls for him. He said, 81
came here not so much TO make a speech as to be
seen Of men. 1t was thought necessary by the
committee to have at least negro at this show,
and came to do this service, rather than to speak
of what know of the financial question now di-
vlding this country. What # National honor
who am not only negro, but formerly slave,
and never had days schooling-I know nothing
OF banks, although once President of a bank;
nothing Of finance but one thing do know, that
| am glad there is no longer slave in the United
States On this congratulate you in the name
of the black and white people of this country
Thank God there is no danger that disaster will
overwhelm us again unless the people vote them
selves back into the hands Of the democratic party.
am here to ask your protection for myself and
my countrymen in the event of democratic tri-
umeh. No danger of slavery like that Of old,
but perhaps worse fate in the utter extinction of
my people at the South. The democrats say you
have done enough for the negroes. Enough?
You cannot do enough. If you plant a school
house for them at every erossroad you cannot
atone for two hundred years of bondage"
He closed with eloquent appeal for his peo-
pie. "When rebel armies faced YOU in the field
and front, loyal armies were melting away like
snow IN early summer, when the recruiting SER
geant wrs marching up and down your streets,
footsore and weary, calling for young men and
strong men to go to the front and fill the gap
made by the enemy's powder, when every village
here in the North was draped in weeds of mourn
ing for sons. and the fate of the nation rem-
bled in the balance, you called upon us; Abraham
Lincoln, Father Abraham called, and we came,
fully two hundred thousand strong VIC reached
out with black hands of iron and fingers of steel,
clutched the baysnet, and rushing on the rebel
ramparts, gave victory to the republic. We are
now exposed to the hate generated by chagrin
that this people caused the defeat Of the confed-
eracy. We entreat you, who know something in
the world dearer than questions of currency OF
party, to stand by and save us few years more,
until the old rebels die out and we have chance
to present ourselves to hands that are unstaned by
treason"
At the close, Capt. II. II. Burbank proposed
three cheers for our next Governor, Gen. Connor.
1t is noteworthy that in SO large All asscmblage
there have been no cases of drenkenness or dis
turbance throughout the day.