The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-01-31
From the NJ Y. Tribune.
Public Meeting Of the COiored POpuIatiO u Of
the city Of New York,

1
the city Of New York.
On Monday public meeting of the colore,
people was held in the Abysynian Baptis
Church, Anthony ST., for the purpose Of rcceiv
ing report from the delegates to the Albany
convention, as a report of the interview wild
Gov. Hunt. The meeting was called by thu
committee OF thirteen, and was attended BY
about 10 persons.
| On motion of Dr.. McCune Smith, Mr.. p. A
Bell was appointed to the chair, and Mr.. L. G
Downing was chosen secretary.
The chairman stated the object for which the
meeting was called, and asked for a patient at
tenlion from the audience TO the remarks of the
different speakers.
| Dr. Smith then proceeded to give an account
OF the visit of the colored delegation to Albany
and stated that they were treated with the utmost
kindness and respect The convention met in the
Albany City Hall, and after its organization sent a
message, worded with much polteness, to Gov
ernor Hunt, protesting against those portions
Of his annual message which related to the col,
ored population and citizens Of the State. He
then read long address to the colored people
which was adopted by the convention at Albany,
and which it is intended to circulate extensively
among the citizens of New York, as well as
among the members of the legislature.
This address complained of the allusion made
to colored people in the annual message of the
Governor of the State of New York, and of the
attempt. to get an appropriation from the legis
ature to aid the system of colonization, as well
as to the remarks of the governor in reference
to their deg adation. 1t spoke of the attempts
which were MADE to prevent the colored people
from making progress, by refusing them admis
sion into certain colleges, and said that this was
not the case with Presbyterian colleges, or the
Catholics, or the Baptists, for they even admit
ted coored people who were qualified to the
ministry. IL denied the statement in the mes.
sage Of the governor that the colored popula-
ton was decreasing, and, by a lengthy statisti-
cal account, proved that they were increasing
in wealth, numbers and importance 1t protests
against liberal appropriation from the legisla.
ture for colonization in Liberia, first, because
such an appropriation would be opposed by the
constitution, which prevents the lending of
money to any private association; second, be.
cause such an appropriation is not desired by
fifty colored persons in the State; third, because
tue colonization scheme is a gigantic fraud, and
fourth, because the colored people in the State
remember their brethren who are in bonds, and
wish to remain by their side TO render them as.
sstance and relief
DR.. Smith observed that the appointment Of
Il committee to wait on the governor, and the
adoption of the report, ended the first days pro.
ceedings of the convention.
Mr.. Downing next gave an account Of the
proceedings OF the convention on the second
day, and stated that the committee who waited
upon the governor were treated by him kindly
at the executive mansion, and well received.
lie read statement of the interview, by which
it appeared that the governor introduced the
h,,
great an enemy as he was supposed to be to-
wards the colored people of the State. He had
received n number of colonization documents
sent to him, and for some time they remained
wthot being read. When his attention was
specially drawn to the subject, he became an
enthusiastic admirer Of the scheme, and in favor
of promoting it for the good of the people. He
had desire to be the friend Of the poor, and he
wished 10 be considered the friend Of the col
ored men generally
After reading this document, Mr.. Downing
said it was the opinion of the committee that the
governor would not sign any bill for an appro.
priation of money for colonization, should one
be passed. Most of the day was taken up by
remarks on the governors message, and in
reference to the political action Of the coored
population. During the whole Of the second
day, the room was filed by an anxious au.
dience Of lrishmen, and FROM the applause.
when anything was said about freedom, and the
appeal which was made 10 them, il was hoped
that they would render assistance for the benefit
OF the colored man. lie concluded BY reading
resolution, which was passed, TO the effect
that the ,col0red population in welding their
political influence in the State in the cause Of
freedom, an influence which ought not 10 be dis.
regarded, as il 20 ssessed 5000 votes, regretted
that It mad been given in past years to the
Wing party.
DE- Smith said the convention was attended
by the delegates from all portions Of the State
Rev. Samuel T. Cornish moved that the doings
OF the convention should meet the appreciation.
as il deserved the thanks Of the meeting, which
was unanimously adopted. lie was delighted
with the proceedings, as they showed how es
scnhally they operated in obtaining their eleva.
ton. lie felt that he was elevated, for he was
Of their equality with other classes Of
men, Of their progress and intelligence TO an
equal platform with their fellow.men. Elcya-
ton consisted in a moral consciousness of being
equal 10 other people and IL the colorcd beople
would unite and devclope their powers. they
would attain a proper standard in the physical
moral and political world. After telling his
audience TO trust in God, and make every effort
he concluded by saying that he would assist
hem TO obtain all they desired.
Nj. Downing proposed the following resolu.
tons aud called upon Mr.. Hamilton to respond
Resolred, That in view Of the increasing inn.
'ortance Of the approaching Presidential election,
behooyes US TO make early and efficient efforts
o biting to the polls the 5000 colored votes RI
lie State.
Resolred, That il is 10 be hoped that some
me may be put in nomination, who will be |
riend to progress and freedom.
Mr. Hamilton said that all people would be
'nxious 10 know who would be the nominee Of |
he different parties, but he did not know which |
% advise them TO support. lie was Democrat,
md had never voted Wing, ticket and never
would, but he could not advise them TO go to |
he Democrats, ard he could not advise them 10
70 to the Frecsoers, for as they decided to LET
he South alone, and were opposed to carry war
nto Africa, he could not sustain them. The
Liberty party was one Of pure principle, but they |
ushed forward without thinking Of cxpediency,
md whoever they may choose for their candi-
late would not be sustained. He was pleased