New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1868-05-23
TIE CoLORED MARYLANDERS.

BALTIMORE, May &c, 1853.
The mass meeting of colored citizens, assembled in
the Douglass Institute May a. 1865 Baltimore Mary
land. has ordered that we should frame platform,
embodying our views and feelings upon the political
Issues of this country and Of our State.
In obedience to this order we declare that we feel
the responsibility Of the moment and think are able
and prepared to express what ought to say when
called upon to speak for their fellow and themselves
We have observed the past, scan the present and
shall watch the future. We know that Providence has
allotted share in the pages Of history, that the
Constitution OF the United States has assigned to us
equality OF rights the commonwealth Of ts nation and
that Congress has made units in American statistics
and not mere cphers heretofore We know that the
American nation has at last admitted her children,
and therefore shall rs uterance be to our mother
the expression Of thanks.
Tho next word shall be the promise that we win en-
deayOr to be the faithful and loving offspring Of our
The next profession must be- that We brothers
well ourselves, ald therefore do not acknowledge
any distinction to their color
That much bay IS citizens OF the United States,
and now we ask to be heard as cltlzens OF MaIyand
We regret TO complain, yet must record the futh that
not only not tho political equals OF our white
brothers in Maryland bat really not the equals OF
our brethren In the late revolutionary States.
Ia this condition Of wrong and suffering We would de,
Of the Republican party now assembled IN national
convention at Chicago 70 ourselves and to our condition
We express unchanged adherence 10 the principles
We iidorse tie nomination of Cen T. g Grant for the
denCy.
We request the delegates IN Chicago TO recognize those
delegates from Maryland the representatives OF our
views who the most earnest advocates OF the prlnc
pies for which have fought without reaping their
frults
Lastly and most earnestly We request that as part OF
the platform 10 be adopted m Chicago SHAH DO the pledge
TO universal suffrage and universal equality OF rights as
far as the protection Of the American nag extends.
We regard the question 0 practical Manhood Suffrage
far Il DC given 90 as ia conventions state Cen
trail Committees. Executive Committees, ward and pri-
mary meetings. VI the greatest Importance, from the
fact that t gives practical understanding OF party
machinery inducing to take more interest IN State
and national aiars Wilt contribute less toward
reducing that unreasonable and unjust prejudice long
sustained by opponents which has acted barrier
to our general progress and political elevation.
And We, the cOOred Republicans Of Maryland recog
nze in the SelfbaCriHcIug persons OF Judge Hugh L.
Bond and his fellOwagsOcates firm and unfinching adj
gOcateS Of equal rghts and We regard the editorial In
The baltimore AmCgtQ, Of the 15th inst. very unfair
when mscOnsrues the tenor q the co0red mass meet
lug held In the Douglass Institute, On May H. IS not In
dOrs!ng them
G. 8. HAcKETT, EDWARD r. CREW,
H. j. BROwS ROBERT II. DEAvER.
c. H. BUTTON