Public Meeting, p.2

Public Meeting, p.2

A public meeting of the colored citizens of San Francisco was held on Monday evening, June 6th, in the Lecture Room of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Powell St. The meeting was called by the Executive Committee to present their report, and was called to order by P.A. Bell, President of the Committee. Mr. J.E.M. Gilliard was appointed President, and J.S. Henriques, Secretary. (new p) Mr. Bell read the report of which the following is a synopsis: The Committee was elected at a public meeting held May 10th, 1869, and organized 17th, by electing P.A. Bell President, S. Peneton, Vice-President, I.G. Cary, Recording Secretary, and ________, Corresponding Secretary. During their term of office they have held twelve meetings, from the 17th of May 1869 to this date, and have called several public meetings for the purpose of taking the sense of the people upon the propriety of public celebrations namely, Fourth of July, 1869, and 1st of January 1870; and also the ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. The Committee appointed Frederick G. Barbadoes, Esq., to represent San Francisco in the Labor Convention held in Washington City, from December 6th to 10th, 1869. They also recommended that a Convention of the colored citizens of the States and Territories of the Pacific Coast be held, and in connection with citizens in other sections of the country have issued a call. (new p) The report further stated that the Committee had not expended any of the people’s money, having paid what few bills they had incurred without calling on the public. In conclusion, the Committee resigned their positions, and wished to be relieved from further duty. (new p) The report was received, and on motion of F. Smithea, it was approved, with the exception of that clause referring to a Convention. (new P). Moved by E.A. Clark, that a vote of thanks be tendered to the Committee for the faithful performance of their duties, and they be discharged. Objected, to by P.A. Bell, and withdrawn. (new p) Moved by F. SMithea that, under present circumstances, no Executive Committee is needed, and none be elected hereafter. This occasioned considerable discussion. Rev. R. V. Morgan spoke in favor of the motion, and W.H. Hall against. Remarks were also made by Messrs. J.A. Barber, E.A. Clark, F. Smithea, M. Howard, H.M. Collins, J. Jones and others. Several points of order were made, and counter motions and amendments offered, when a motion to adjourn prevailed without taking the question.

P.A. Bell Editor

San Francisco Elevator

1870-6-10