Lincoln, The Emancipator

 
April 20, 1872, page 308

view small image

back to Reconstruction page

 

 
THE FIFTEENTH AMENDMENT
The 3d of April, the anniversary of the passage of the Fifteenth Amendment, was celebrated by our colored fellow-citizens throughout the country. In this city the display was remarkably fine; the procession contained over 3000 persons, and the streets were thronged by interested spectators. Among the most noticeable features was the Colfax Club, the members of which were handsomely dressed, and mounted on fine horses. The largest organization was the Saloon Men’s Association, who mustered in great force, and immediately became the cynosure of all eyes, and were heartily cheered. The Willett Pioneer Club was also a feature in the procession. The members wore tall bearskin hats. There was a large wagon draped with American flags, drawn by four horses, in which were seated fifteen little girls tastefully dressed in blue and white. The tallest stood in the center and represented the Goddess of Liberty. A large escort of police accompanied the procession along the whole route; but the rowdy element in our population has learned that all classes of citizens are under the protection of our laws; and there was no necessity to repeat the lesson. The procession had an undisturbed march through the streets, and made an excellent impression.

As the procession passed Union Square the statues of Washington and Lincoln were reverently saluted. It was a noticeable coincidence that the funeral of General Anderson, the hero of Fort Sumter, should have taken place the same day.

 

This site is brought to you by…
HarpWeek.com
Website and all Content © 1999-2004 HarpWeek, LLC
Please report problems to webmaster@harpweek.com