National Republican., 1883-08-29
A TRIBUTE TO ELAM.
The Friends OF tho Editor OF the Rich
mond ewing" Do Him Handsome
Compliment.
Specfnl Diandtfh.

cDBCtW DtdDntCh.
RICHMOND, VA Aug. 25--Mr. William G.
Elan, editor Of the Whig was last night pre-
sented with q handsome gold headed cane and
silver fruit stand. 1t was tho gift of many Of
his Richmond friends as token of their ap-
probation for his noble services rendered Mt
the helm of the leading organ Of the liberal
party. The inscription on the cane and fruit
stand is the same and reads: "To w. G. Elam
by tho roadjustor party, Aug 10, 1Ss3"-the
date tho presents were ordered.
About o'clock last night largo number
of the loading readjusters of Richmond, of
both races, assembled ut the Wing office, and
message was sent up to Mr.. Elan, who was
at his residence on North Sixth street, ro-
guesting bis presence at the newspaper office.
He came down in a carriage, and upon his
arrival at the Wig Office many persons
stepped forward and shook hands with him.
The committee, to whom was left the
composed Of Mossrs. 6. [. Harris,
ID. X. Reveloy, r. f. Walker, K. A. Paul,
Josiah Crump, James Morrssey DR.. Noble
and Lewis Lindsay. Mr.. Harris chairman of
the committee, and we'll known colored cit
izen of Richmond, delivered the presentation
speech. he spoke in very complimentary terms
Of Mr. Elan, and said: "Your effort to harmon
ize the political views of all citizens and So
cure good government, that the obligations of
each might be equal, we greatly admire. In
bcholding your magnanimity, in Justice to
our feelings we could not permit such heroism
to pass without notice We feel that some
offering must BIO given to you, and we also feel
thankful that the Universal Father should
have blessed us with such man at the helm
of our party, who ha2arded life itself for his
convictions.
"Be it remembered" the speaker said in
conclusion, that in tho light of public
opinion wo ore regarded as the least in this
our native land We therefore earnestly
pray that in the last great day the King may
say to you and to oil that have befriended US,
InasmuCh as ye have done 1t unto one of the
least Of these yo have done II unto mo come,
yo blessed ofmy Father, inherit the kingdom
prepared for you from tho foundation OF the
world / present these presents as emblems
of our sympathy, and assure you we will not
forget tho kindness you have shown toward
us."
Mr.. Elan, in reply, said
Mr.. HARRs AMP GENTLEMEN: ! am unac.
ens!omed TO public speaking. but cannot let
ing IN some degree the feelings that prompts me.
aln pleased and gratined at this mark OF kind
ntBs, and shall always treasure IT,. have been
rom my. Bible, and, IN accordence with
myself Whatever have done for coored citi,
Gems Inns been done for white citizens similarly
Oppressed. We have n federal constitution, both
OF which provide that men twenty-pne yeais OF
age shall be Tree and independent, eligible to of
fees IN the gin Of the people. The laws insure
this All our ofilcers arc elected and appointed to
carry out these laws, and why should there be
Any difficulty?
Why should one race be arrayed against the
other about anything? II the laws OF the United
Nthus are observed In good faith there eau b0 Tic
dlnipnlty IN any political right. The trouble
comes nom bal men in bOtn races, II we all obey
that divine Injunction, do unto others as you
would Wish them TO do unto YOU" no trouble
would arise, and ten thousand races could live
here In peace, harmony and prosperity forever
But some particular men seem hell bent on break
ing all laws. Tho movement looking to class
lIgiblntion or the promise made by the bourbon
democrats TO give the colored man a separate
government In regard TO public schools, he
likeped TO the story of the child stolen from IL
mother by two men, who afterward quarreled
over the possession Of the little one finally agree
ing 10 settle tho matter by cutting the child In
half The mother, however, stepped forward and
opposed this. II 10 impossible Under the conAIi.
tulions Of Virginia and Of the United StateE, Ia
adopt such thing, for the constitution pfoVideI
but one goVefnmeht for all its people and there
can be no other goyernment iu Virginia except
tho government OF ViTuiuiR.-that subordinate oi
course, to the government OF the United States
cannot say moro for Am very weak. an proud
shall peYer do anything 70 forfeit Il. My conVic
uouA have net Just como 70 nae, IA far back a