The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-18
CHAPTER XII. The Union Leauue Ornanizes.

The silence was presently broken by very clear and distinct voice, which Nan and Gabriel recognized as that of the stranger whom they had overheard talking to the Rev. Jeremiah.
 Before we proceed to the business that has called us together" said the voice, ''it Is best that we should come to some clear understanding. have nothing to lose except my life, and noth- ing to gain but the bettermen of those who have been released from the horrors of slavery. Very few of you know even my name, but the very fact that l am here with you tonight should go far to reassure you. It Is sufficient to say that I represent the great party that has given you your freedom. That fact con- stitutes my credentials.''
 Bless God!" exclaimed the Rev. Jerc- miah, piously. The stranger had very smooth and pleasing delivery. The lan- guage he employed was far above the heads of those to whom he spoke but his persuasive tone, and his engaging manner carried conviction. The great ma jority of the negroes present were ready to believe what he said whether they understood 1t or not.
 My name," he went on, '1s Gilbert Hotchkiss and I belong to a family that has been striving for more than gen eTdtlOH to DTlnB dDOul lIle eIlunClpullOH of the negroes. My father worked until the day of his death for the abolition of slavery; and now that slavery has been abolished, l, with thousands of devoted women and men whom you have never seen have begun the work of uplifting the colored people in order that they may be placed in a position to enjoy the fruits of freedom. It Is a great work, & grand work, and all we ask is the active oo- nd iato of people themselves"
 Those were the words of Mir. Hotchl1iss the philanthropist, but now MT. Hotch- kiss the politician, took his place. and there was an indefnable change in the tone of his voice
 There is no need to ask" he said. why we do not in this great work of uplifting the colored race, ask the assist ance of those who were lately In the rebellion against the best and the great est government on which the sun ever shone. It would be foolish an unreason- able to expect their assistance. They fought to destroy the union, and they were defeated; they fought to perpetuate slavery and they failed. More than that, there Is every reason to believe that they will refuse to abide by the results of the war. They are very quiet now, but they are merely waiting their op- portunity. With our troops withdrawn, and the republican party weakened by opposition, what is to prevent your late masters from placing you back in slav- cry? Could we expect anything less from those who have been brought up to be- lieve that slavery is a divine institu- tion?"
 You hear dat, people?' cried the Rev. Jeremiah.
 You can not help believing" continued MT. Hotchkiss. that your former mas ters would force the chains of slavery on you if they could; all they lack is the opportunity; and if you are not care ful. they will find an opportunity, or make one. Slavery was profitable to them once, and 1t would be profitable again. There is one fact you should never for get" said the speaker, warming up little. Tt Is a most stupendous fact. namely; that every dollars worth of prop erty in all this southern land has been earned by the labor of your hands and