New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1865-06-26
NEGRO sUFFRAGR AND TIKI

Many of the American Churches are espouslng
the cause of the negro with great zeal. In
fact the proceedings Of this years religious
assemblies and the spirit of the religious press
prove more and more that the great majority OF
the churches will show noble emulation in
working for the education of the freed negroes
and will lend their nfucnce-directly or indi'
rcctIy-for the bestowal Of equal political rights
upon the white and black races, without which,
they justly believe, the christianization of the
negroes is impossible.
The most emphatic resolution in favor OF
negro suffrage which we have yet met with in
the proceedings of any of tho religious assem-.
blies, was passed on Friday last, at Cleveland,
Ohio, by convention Of four non-Epscopal
denominations of Methodists-the Methodist
Protestants, tho American Wesleyans. the Free
Methodists and the Independent Methodists.
They unanimously declare:
While we avow our confidence IN. and purpose 70
sustain the Government IN its ariuous EFFORTS 10
struct tie NatoD and dsavow all wish 70 dictate I'm,
pertine nty to rulers, as tn matters OF S!hle M
we cannot too earnestly express our oonVctio1 .ns
DENY the right Of suffrage 10 the loyal coorcd popu
ton Of the South thus leaving them IN the poavr VI
their former disloyal masters TO Cypress tnen s ~;
discriminating ana unfriendly legsletiob, wotld no'
only be crime against humanity and lustcc' anu We
flag which these freedmen have helped 10 carry III
triumph uad 10 plant over AL the slave States
wouli not only prevent tho healing OF tue Nation =
wonnds hut must Inevitably lead 10 rritations, insnr'
rections and civil dlscord in f>ifure.
With these COW r. lions therefore, We cannot but re-
gard the question Of negro suffrage the question OF
tho hour. aud one upon the adjustment Of which de-
pcnds the veal woe OF the nation Tor years 10 come
nd A. y convention Of ministers and laymen rom
nearly all the Northern States OF the Inlon we desire
10 throw the weight Of our moral influence into the
scale with that Of other coordinate bodies IN favor on
the specdcs and ies. Justice ~ our loyal brethren OF
he sonih OF every color alike by according 70 ~.
thu rights Of recnen and cit Gems aud giving them an
even chance Ia the race unfettered by the chains OF
slavery or prejudice. caste. or legal Or po'ied'
disability
These four denominations Of Methodsts In
tend soon 10 unite into one ecclesiastical body,
when they will take their place among the more
prominent American Churches. As the above
resolution indicates they will lnau9urate the be-
ginning of a new era in their denomnational
history by taking tho lead among the churches
in behalf Of the colored race.
The Congregational National Council, which
il in session at Boston. and which represents
nearly 5000 congregations, has likewise unani'
mously declared in favor of negro Suffrage.
Resolutions of tho same kind have been passed
by the National Convention of Young Meas
Christian Associations, body representing all
the churches usually dcnominated as Evan
gelica," by the Church Anti-Slavcry Society,
by several Baptist Associations, and two Of the
most influential Lutheran Synods.
This new movement among the churches is
making considerable progress and promising
good results.