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[[illegible]]According [[smudged words]]
a considerable number of colored people, and several whites, assembled in the old Academy in this city last night to hear a Republican speech. A colored man named Speed who has some notoriety as a Republican leader among the colored people Eufaula, and in a part of the State in which he resides. At the appointed hour the [[page crease cuts off some words]] the "Colored" Young Men's Society" of this city, ascended the stand and was greeted with loud applause. 
He stated that he was the President of an "Equal Rights Society," which has for its motto "Peace on earth and good will towards all men regardless of race or color."
He entertained his hearers with a speech  of three hours' length, interspersed with numerous anecdotes, and witty sayings. He advised the colored people to try to make their contracts so as to prevent their employees from swindling them out of their wages. Reproved sharply these men who were mean enough to defraud the ignorant colored laborer.- Urged the colored people to comply with their contracts faithfully; to be industrious and economical; to be honest and upright in all their dealings; to live a sober and virtuous life before all men, prove themselves worthy of the inestimable blessings conferred upon them by Him who is "no respector of persons."
As to socil equality he cared nothing about it; but equal civil and political he did claim, and he would continue for and maintain them so long as the stars and stripes continue to wave over this nation.
He neither favored nor desired confiscation; but advised the colored people to buy their land and pay for it, that they might enjoy it in peace. He reproved his colored friends severely for being intimidated and prevented from registering by threats of being sent to war, as had been done in some places. Told them that Congress was able and willing to protect them in the exercise and enjoyment of all their rights. He reviewed the course pursued with respect to the colored people by the Provisional Government of the Southern States on the one hand, and that of Congress on the other, and then asked his hearers which was their true friends. The answer was "Congress." He then pointed out to them the policy of the "Conservative" party and of the Republican party, and desired to know with which party they would vote. The vociferous response was "with the Republican!"
He closed by encouraging them to educate themselves and their children; to be quiet and orderly citizens; to cultivate a spirit of peace and friendship towards all men, and indulged the hope that they would seek to elevate their position in the scale of society and merit the confidence of all men. 
The speaker took his seat amidst the most deafening applause. 
The two officers of the Bureau, as well as the Mayor and other city officials, were present; also, quite a number of prominent citizens of the city; and not the slightest interruption occurred, not even an impropriety was observed by the writer. All appeared willing to accord to the speaker the right to entertain and to express his opinion; some of the opposition may have gone home wondering in their minds if he might not have been about half right.
A SUBSCRIBER.