Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1885-01-15
N9istellameuus &eadiua.
NO REASON FOR THEIR FEAR.

The announcement of mass meeting Of
colored citizens to consider the present po'
litical condition in relation to the Interests
of their race attracted a goodly number o
colored men and women to Chickering Hall
last evening. About one-half of the seats
were occupied when the meeting was called
to order and George w. Rice chosen Chair
man.
The Rev. W.B. Derrick, pastor of the Sui:
livan street church, spoke first ana stated
that the object of the meeting, in more def
mite terms was, to show the people of the
South that there was no need of disfran'
chisement because the Democrats were in
power. There was q seeming restlessneSS
in the South, he said, and an apprehension
that the black man would be deprived OF
the rights of citizenship, but it emanated
from the lowest class. The better class OF
colored men knew more than to believe
that. The American citizen, black or white,
was as secure in his citizenship and as firm
in its position as the granite hills OF New
England. Locally speaking, MIR. Derrick
thought there might be apprehension, Dut
it was only from the lower class of whites.
The black men in New York knew there
was no danger to be feared from Cleveland's
election. Mr.. Derrick said the meeting was
held in New York because it would carry
more weight with it. If the black men in
New York did not fear trouble those in the
South would not.
The speaker then called attention to the
fact that the Democratic party of to-day
was not that of twenty years ago. 1t has
changed. 1t had put on new boots, new
hat and new coat-almost new soul.
Then the party did not care for the black
man, but now it is found that vote isa vote
whether cast by a black hand or Whlte;
A few black votes seasoned the PIE ana
made it nice. Mr.. Derrick then said few
words in praise of Governor Cleveland,
calling attention to his letter on civil ser
vice, He did not have fears of the new adj
ministration, although he was still a staunch
Republican.
In conclusion, Nj Derrick advised his
Southern brethren % stop indulgng in
fears, and to put an end to their Stiffness
about emigrating. The white and black
men were good enough friends when plant
ing cotton and drinking whisky. 1t was
only at the polls that the trouble came.
They should remain where they were, ploW
their fields, be Industrious, and, above all,
educate their children. Intelligence in the
end would conquer.
Resolutions were then read by j. S. Arm
eaux and adopted by the audience, the pur.
port of which was that it was demanded OF
the new Administration that the rights OF
citizens as stated in the Constitution be rem
dered them, and that help be extended in
getting rid of their political serfdom and
overcoming of their social ostracism. AL
gernon S. Sullivan, who was introduced as
a War Democrat, also spoke. He said that
there was nothing in the aspect Of the new
Administration to give a particle of fear to
the colored men. Mr.. Sullivan predicted a
brilliant Administration by Grover Cleve-
land, and believed that it would result to
the betterment of the colored men. The
new President would be second Lincoln.
The meeting was closed with an address
by Samuel r. Randall.-Ne,O York 1inaes'