Year: 1867

Reconstruction Meeting at Montgomery


The Whites and Blacks FraternizIng


RESOLUTIONS Passed to support the


Military Bill, Etc.


MONTGOMERY, Ala. March ga reconstruc-
ton meeting was held in the Representative
Chamber in this city last night, at which the
whites and blacks fraternizea.


The following is the call of the meeting:-


The undersigned who are in favor Of the
establishment of peace and the renewal of pros
perity, invite their fellow-citzens of the city
and county of Montgomery to public meeting
in support OF the following measures, which, in
their belief, will accomplish that end-


l. That the requirements OF the Military Re-
construction bill be heartily complied with.


2. That the State Government, when newly
organized, be presented to. Congress under
charge OF men in whom that body will confde.
3. That all men have a cordial welcome to
political equality upon this basis.


A resolution was adopted to carry out ear
nestly the requirements of the Military bill,
and pledging support in the coming elections
only to men infleXibly favoring the integrity
of the United States and the vitality of all its
powers-thus showing plainly that the spirit
and purposes of the Rebellion have been
thoroughly abandoned.


A resolution was also passed eulogizing the
conduct of the blacks, who are entitled to
political equality; and one concurring in the
recommendation of the Huntsville Convention
for State Convention at the capital Of true
Union men, to restore the State in accordance
with the laws of Congress.


The meeting was addressed by A. c. Fielder,
| Doster, and Semple, formerly Rebel officers,
| and General Wager Swayne and John c..
| Ketfer mainly endorsing reconstruction.
Among the Vice-Presidents were General
Wager Swayne and Governor Patton. The
| freedmen cheered General Swayne and the
other speakers enthusiastically. The meeting,
| which was the largest and most harmonious
| since the days of secession, closed with three
cheers for the old flag and the Union.
The following in reference to the above
meeting is from the Montgomery Advertiser, OF
| the I'D instant:-


TO the express objects of the public meeting a
| call for which appears in the local column OF
| the advertiser, signed by SO large number OF
| our best citizens no good man can object. All
| persons who have a permanent interest in the
| country ardently desire a return of peace and
| prosperity, ana no opponent OF acquiescence In
| has yet been able to point to better solution oi
| the dilemma in which we find ourselves than
by prompt and faithful compliance with the
| terms imposed by Congress.


| We infer that the practical good anticipated
from the meeting called at the Capitol on Mon.


day is to give tone and direction TO populal


opinion; and although the exact phraseology o.


the call may be Objectionable in some respects


still we are led to believe that the movement


has been prompted in a wise and liberal spirit


and that, il judiciousy sustained and carried


out, will result in no injury.


What shall be the precise line Of action


adopted beyond that foreshadowed by the call


organized, will be in the keeping OF those Wht


may see proper to take part In its proceed ings


and we are not certain that every one wht


feels an interest in the country should not b,


there, whether feeling like being com


mitted to all that may be done O
| not, Whatever may be the determination


of our friends in regard to this matter, WI


feel confident that they will be guided by n,


tactious, turbulent, or rebelious spirit. ant


that they will offer no prOscriptlve opposition


to those who may honestly differ with them a


to the course 10 be pursued. 1t is by all mean


desirable that there should be but one organi
] the common good,