The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-04-19

GOVERNOR EAMPToNs RECEPTION AT CHARLES
Tos-AN ENTHUSIASTIC OVATION.
By TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.
CHARLESTON, April is, 1871
The popular outpourng to-day to welcome Governor
Hampton was wonderful demonstration. II was plain
that the heart OF the people was full with
sense OF their deliverancc from . decade OF
oppression and msruie under which thcy had grown
almos hopeless, and they hailed their hberator with
enthusiasm far surprising any ever before shown
for any man In South Carolina The feeling swept
away for the moment all class or party lines Even
tho republican city officials seemed to have caught tho
infection and joined with tho rest OF the CON-
munty in honoriug tho chicftan they had strven
TO defeat The chimes Of the churches mingled their
welcome with that Of the artillery, and tho Cover
nor, barchcadcd, rode through tho dcnscly crowded
streets on superb thoroughbred marc, the Imposing
escort attracted little attention in comparison. the
ladies and children literally strcwing his path with
flowers and green garands.
coLoREp MILITIA.
most interesting feature OF tho days work was
the reception by Governor Hampton OF committee
representing tho First Militia regiment, composed ex
clusively OF coored men whose line and Geld officers
had been commissioned BY Governors Noses and Cham
bcrIan. by whom also they had been supplied with
arms bought by the State II feared that under
republican ruo tho militia had been practically
fined TO republican organizations, under Hampton
mono but democrats would enjoy militia privileges and
the committee composed Of colored men presented q
written paper IN which they said :-"Rumor has
that you propose disbanding and calling in tho arms
OF the regiment. While we attach no importance to
the report, believing do tina, rights will be
respected, at tho time desire know II our
status. as a branch OF the National Guard. is
to be preserved. We peaceful and lawRbiding cit.
liens. and viii checrfully render every assistance to
mako tho State prosperous, and will join hand IN hand
10 forever remove tho III feeling engcndered during
the excitement OF the campaign. We South
Caroinians deeply Interested In the welfare OF our
common mother. Her advancement looks toward our
prosperity, her success will bring happiness and
tort TO our bearthstones Our regiment Is not pot.
cal body but organized In the interest OF and TOR tho
protection OF tho state, and viii always yiold a
prompt and cheerful obedicuco TO tho Commander
inchcf OF the army naval forces OF the State OF
South Carolina when called upon. We are unable TO
purchase arms. and most respectfully but earnestly
beg that Your Excelloncy allow US to re-
tain those in our possession, ana that tho
regiment may DO permitted to continue in It's
original form. Should your Exccllency grant our
50. Of Gsld officers Tor tho regiment. and
At tho samo time request, with due difference,
that VIC allowed to suggest the names OF suitable
persons for tho Offices OF colonel lieutenant colonel
and Major. We must express 10 Your Exccllency our
high appreciation oil tho generous and patriotic sent-
your return TO Columbia from Washngto tue recol.
lection Of which will linger long ana pleasantly IN our
memory"
HAMProSs REPLY
In reply Governor Hampton said that he exceed.
ingly glad to have met tho committee, and assured
them that SO far his powcr extended he would lend
them evcry facility In organizing and enrolling their
companies among the legal militia Of the State.
II want you" he said. Ito remember one
fact, that recognize your race
the right to enjoy precisely tho same rights enjoyed by
every other citizen OF the State.
NEGRO EQUALITY TO NE MAINTAINED.
~ recognize your equality and intend uphold II.
A soon as We can get 10 harness will enroll
you in the militia, and will take crca,
pleasure In commissioning such officers you may
designate When the militia law Is enforced and when
the military OF the State Is all enrolled, want the
only emulation between the companies 70 DO who
obey The laws BEST who DO the best soldiers and
who can best protect the public peace. y