Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-04-21

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success in partnership With his father I'M
Ill the breaking out of the war. His father,
though an owner of slaves, was an emanci-
| paionist, and his servants were early given
TO understand that they were free to leave
| him whenever they chose. Ina will which
he had prepared all were declared free at
his death. The war, however, set this will
| aside. The moment this contest Of arms
began, Gen. Bristow heartily espoused the
cause Of the Union, aud as he was well
known in his section of the State, and pop
ular, his influence was widely fell. In
| August, 1861, he was in the field as lieuten-
ant colonel of the 18th kentucky regiment,
raised among the first Of the three-yeais
troops. lie was in the battles of Donelson
and Shiloh, and in both bore himself with
| distinction. In 1862, he helped raise the S.h
Kentucky cavalry, was made its lieutenant.
colonel, and soon its colonel. In this po-
sition he served with great credit uhtl the
fall of 1868, when he was elected to the
State Senate. lie then left the field, and
took his seat in the Legislature. Here lie
earnestly advocated every principle and
measure which tended TO help the Union
cause, and as a member Of the military
committee rendered valuable service.
Reports have been circulated, of late,
that his course upon The issues arising out
of the question of slavery was that Of
Kentucky conservative. No statement
could be further from the truth-and con-
sequently none more unjust. lIo was "A
pronounced advocate Of the proclamation
Of 10, . ,,
abolishing slavery came up for action in
the Legislature, he was one of small band
TO advocate its adoption, and vote for il in
all its stages. lie did this in opposition to
the prevailing sentiments OF his district,
and against clamors and protests from all
parts of II. In answer to these his reply
was that he would surely vote his convic-
lions, and then resign, as lie would not in
sist upon misrepresenting them. And this
he did. lie left the Senate, and began the
practice OF law in Louisville. Here his
pronounced and radical unionism, and his
open advocacy of the rights Of the colored
man, virtually shut him out of much of
the society in which he had been accustom-
ed TO move. The fourteenth and fifteenth
amendments received his hearty and encr-
getic support When the colored people of
the vicinity of Louisville were much an-
noyed and embarrassed by their want of
knowledge concerning the extent of their
new rights, he made speeches to them in
the city 10 explain these things. In return
he was almost ostracized by the leading in
nuences in society.
In 1865, he was appointed assistant Unit
ed States attorney by Mr.. Lincoln, and,
soon after became district attorney. He
Immediately began prosecutions of those
who, in various parts ofthe State, were deny
ing the colored people the new rights which
the constitution gave them, and the people
of Kentucky, through these trials, at once
became aware that freedom was to be made
a practical thing in their State. His prompt
arrests and speedy trials, and numerous
convictions, of those who committed out
RACES against the freedmen, were the talk
of the State, and were, indeed, a supple
mental proclamation to the whites that the
laws Of the United States would he relent-
lessly enforced for the protection Of color
cd citizens. He was equally uncompromis-
ing with violaors of the civil rights bill.
He not only prosecuted offenders in all
parts of his district, but he explained TO
the colored people what their rights were
in public speeches at important points. No
man in the Slate had sufficient position,
wealth or social influence TO deter Gen.
Bristow from prosecuting him for wrong
done .colored man. The records Of The
United States courts in Kentucky will bear
out all here said in regard to his record up
on these points.
1t vas his persistent prosecution in the
fed eral court of Kentucky of all tho of.
lenses against the rights of colored men,
and the constant bringing Of witnesses
fIcm all parts of the State to Louisville,
that, by its Inconvenience, cxcrtcd ii strong
influence in favor Of giving negroes the
right 10 testify in the State courts-a moas-
ure which Ger. Bristow earnestly advo-
Gated.
The first colorcd man offered a federal
position in Kentucky received his appoint.
ment upon the recommendation OF Gen. |
Brislow. lie took the oath Of Office in |
n pril, 1870. Two others were alterward |
appointed upon his recommendation, and |
at all times thereafter lie urged upon the |
o flee holders in Louisvilleto recognize the |
claims of colored men 10 Office and 10 ap- |
point such rs were fitted for II whenever
occurred.
Such, in brief, is the polil'c cal record of
Sec elary Brisow. How many of the
prominent Republicans of the party can
point TO one so radical? To appreciate il
fully, it is necessary TO call up The prcju-
di ces which then met man at every step |
in Kentucky, who, in those days, esponsed
such doctrines and measures as he untlnch-
ingly proclaimed and helped to carry for.
ward. At the North it was not difficult to
advocate and defend the rights Of the freed
men. But 10 do this in Kentucky so OPEN
ly and persislenty as 10 fix the eyes of a
whole State upon man, required no mod
crate degree Of courage, no ordinary devo-
ton TO convictions, aud such sacrifices as
young men are not often willing to make.
lie was only 81 years old when he advocal-
ed the emancipation amendment in the
State Senate, and at Sc he was prosecuting
hose who refused o obey lis provisions.
Those who read this record will not won
der at the vigor with which lie has pursued
The plundereIs of the treasury, nor at The
anxiety of the haser sort of politicians to
be rid OF him.-Ciacinaau Gazette.
|
WORDS OF CHEER FOR THE BLACK HILLS
LUNATIcs.- who seek death by slow
will doubtless be able to find it
n the Black Hills. Flour is quoted at 10
o IL cents pound, and bacon 25, sugar 40,
.a1I nd 4 l.. |