The Convention then adjourned to join in the general jubilee, over some of the events which Colored people have helped to make conspicuous.
Thursday morning at sunrise, a salute was fired in the public square, in honor of the day, by the "Cleveland Light Artillery," and another at nine o'clock, as the procession formed, of which the orator of the day, subsequently said: "They were the first thunders of artillery that ever awaked the echoes of these hills, in honor of the Colored people. But they shall not be the last."
Says the "Daily True Democrat," of the 10th inst:
"The principal feature in the ceremonials of this jubilee, was the address of our fellow-citizen, Mr. William H. Day; a performance worthy of its great purpose, and therefore most creditable to the author. Not often have we heard an address listened to with so absorbing an attention, nor observed an audience to be more deeply moved, than was Mr. Day, by some parts of that address. After noticing the day, the 9th of September, which had been selected for their jubilation, and illustration as pre-eminent suitableness to the occasion, by happy references to many illustrious events of which it was the anniversary, Mr. Day addressed himself to an able vindication of the claims of his race in this country, to an equal participation in the exercise and enjoyment of those American rights which large numbers of that race, in common with the men of fairer complexion, had fought, suffered and died to establish. Behind the orator sat seven or eight veteran Colored men. Mr. D.'s apostrophe to those veterans was as touching as admirable, and produced a profound sensation."
Among the speakers were several who took part in some of the battles of the country. One of these men is Mr. John Julius, of Pittsburgh, Pa.
LAFAYETTE.
Among the Europeans who left their homes and rallied in defence of American Independence, history records no more illustrious names than Lafayette and Kosciusko. Not being tainted with American Colorphobia they each expressed regret that their services had been made a partial instead of a general boon. Read the extract from Lafayette's letter to Clarkson:—
"I would never have drawn my sword in the cause of America, if I could have conceived that thereby I was founding a land of Slavery."