Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1876-06-16
Y MORNING. JUNE 1w. 1876.

president, try in your deliberations to put
in little plank that will give security to
the freedmen of the south that the suffering
which they endure in consequence OF the
rascality and villany of the managers Of
the freedmen's savings bank shall be set
Alright. (Applause.) Don't forget that
See that you do it and you will have the
gratitude. love and respect Of that much in
jured people. In conclusion. you may talk
about your banks. your money, your silver
and gold. and your civil service, as much as
| you can, but there IL one thing that rises
in Importance above all these considera-
tions- 1t is this. that every man. not only
black republicans but white republicans,
shall be permitted to enjoy the highest
liberty of citizens at all polls without be-
ing murdered by the pistol and gun-shot.
That is all l wish to say. Applause.
One of the most stirring speeches of We'd
nesday. in the Convention, was that of ex-
Governor Howard, of Michigan His lame
ness obliged him to use his crutches in
walking to the stage, where he was provided
with chair. lie said
Gentlemen stand before you, represent
ing the great leading of the cripples in the
Republican party, laughter but there
was time when | was not cripple. There
was time when | was the only nominee
for Congress under the Republican party,
under that name, and for a wonder | was
elected. Cheers and laughter. Since that
time the Republican party has been instru-
mental in making more history than any
party that has ever existed under the
heavens. Cheers. To-day, it represents
certain great principles, certain IDEAS. Lib
erty has always been the leading charac-
teristic of the party. The Democratic party
our opponents, they also, as an organization,
are champions of liberty. They claim the
liberty to murder negroes and assassinate
white mems regulations. Loud cheers. |
We claim there should be in this broad land
one manner of citizens that there should
be one manner of laws, and that the law
should be enforced in every place in the
land. We claim that if the Federal Govern
ment has the right to fight pirates on the
seas in defense of American citizens, they
have the right to fight Kuklux in our own
land. Vociierous cheering
Now, tellow-eitizens, | come from a State
where the Republican banner has never
trailed. a wise General going into battle
will strengthen the weakest part Of the line.
| come here to say that Michigan can and
will carry any candidate you may nominate.
Loud cheers. We ask for no reinforce
ments we Will hold out And yet, looking
to the future of the Republican Party. we
ask that you will not fail to meet the de-
mands, the just demands, of the public. The
great body of the Republican Party demands
to-day that mo guilty man shall escape"
and that no innocent man shall have his rep
utation assaulted. Applause. For these
two things, for the protection Of every ei.i-
zen in every party of the land, we are ready
not only 10 vote but TO fight; and, cripple
as | am, would rather die in the ditch
than to see the Republican party take one
step backward. Applause. Never fear
your enemies. A bold fight Is the best. We
should advance, and not retrograde. But,
Sir, ought not to have consented to come
up here at all Fred. Douglass j. in the
hall. lie is not much blacker than am,
but he is smarter, and hope You viii give
him a call.
FREDERICK DOUGLASS
was loudly called for lie said he FL: the
deepest interest in the work of this conven
terest was to see tina. the PRINCIPLES fought
for in the late war shall be carried out lie
said {" Talk not to me of offence and re-
form. but tell me that the liberty Of the
blacks shall be maintained. What good has
or enfranchlsement done if the
freedman Is not protected lie spoke of
many difficulties IN the way of the freedmen.
The despOtlc government Of Russia gave
emancipated seris land to earn bread but
the American freedmen are turned loose TO !
the storm and the wrath Of their late mas
tiers. DO you mean said be, to keep
your promise and ensure Us the protection |
Of your constitution -
Stirring speeches were made by several !
other delegates.
ORGANIZATION.
Mr.. Loring. of Massachusetts,. read the /
report of the committee on organization.
naming Edward MACPHERSON. of Pennsyl-
Tanla, as president, and one vice-presiient
rom each of the other states The com
nlttee further reported they had submitted
30 name Of yice-presidents or secretaries
rom Alabama and other states where there
we're contests. Alter the report Of the com
nittee on credentials these vacancies could
'aslly be filled. The report was adopted.
dr. Macpherson, alter making an appropri-
tie and brief speech, announced that the
committee on rules would meet az clock
It the Gibson House, and that they would
Ne expected to make report IN the morning.
The following is Mr.. MeP herson speech,
n assuming the Craftsmanship Of the Con
entlon
GsrfiemeH Of The CosrcHfion No one o. you
nows better than myself how entirely unworthy |
IN OF this high honor. IL has come 20 me- not only |
nsOught, but with a feeling OF absolute and IN
surprise bat / have been reared in |
he school o. duly. and n the politics O.. Peunsyl-
ANA Il is a fundamental doctrine that every Re !
ublican shall DO his whole duty applause and. /
lereiore an here 70 accept this honor. rendered
J your committee. and ratified by yourselves As
\ honor rendered 10 the great old Commonwealth |
hlch has sent me- as OF it, delegates. 20 this
onventon. Since $50 in no .one Of the great con-
sts has she ever Al.ered .applause, and % this
CENTENNIAL Convention she las turned an iuflexible
ehsnt face 10 the enemy. she says NJ truce ]
ith treason, malignity, bate, or anything that IS
I national Applause She has determined TO a
III up, FOR the nominees % this Convention a ma
rty such as will entitle her 10 continue T. be :
hat she has long been. and | say il With NJ res
'ci foremost IN the Republican caucus. lCheers 2 q
lie chair is ready Tor business. :