The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-03-11
AFRICA AND CUBA.
Convention Of COlOred Men
in Washington.
CIVIL BIGHTs AND DELLIGERENT RIGHTS.
General Banks on the Duty Of the United States
Toward Cuba-What the Black
Men Should Do

WASHINGTON, March 10, 1878
Convention OF colored men was held here to-
night at the Fifteenth street Presbyterian church.
at which were representatives from various parts
Of the country. The object was to give expression
to their views on the subject of Cuba.
George d. Downing presided.
An address was presented. The first part OF 1t
claimed the full measure OF civil rights to which
the colOred people are entitled, and expressed the
hope that the next Congress would pass Supple
mental civil Rights bill for that purpose, in accord
ance with the pledges OF the republican party az
represented at the Philadelphia nominating Con-
vention. The second part OF the address expressed
SYMPATHY FOR CUBA
and denounced the barbarity of Spain in the con-
tinued ensavement OF It's negro population The
address concluded with resolution that the Presl-
dent has fully committed himself to the principles
OF Civil Rights, and in his readiness and efforts to
secure them Is entitled to the highest confidence
and esteem OF the c0lOred race.
This resolution was greeted with applause The
ne Xt resolution was read as fOOwS:-
Resolved, That Charles Sumner applause), the name
which sboys all others comes 70 mind connection
parseo as has our gratitude and also our sympahy
plsuseJ
Mr.. sella Martin addressed the Convention in
advocacy OF 6ehgerent rights and In favor of the
abolition OF slavery In Cuba.
Hon. n. P. Banks entered the church while Mr.
Martin was speaking, and was greeted with APP
the convention, and IN rising to do so he expressed
deep interest III both
CIVIL AND DELLIGERENT RIGHTS.
The two really constituted but one subject. There
was only one question with cOlOred men in this
country and the colored men in Cuba and that was
civil rights. Ii men have right to contend for
their liberty that was the first of civil rights.
Liberty was the most precious Of all civil rights.
II Cuba were thousands OF miles away, and its in
habitants strangers to us and our government and
gu ourselves not affected by it. there would
But Cuba lies at Our door really G the sea Of
the United States instead of the Gull OF Mexico In
every respect 1t was of vast Importance to the
United States, owing to its geographical position.
IT was the dividing point between the Old and the
New World, and the distinguished Castelar,,
the first object or Spain to preserve Cuba.
spain has kept us In trouble for seventy
years or more He wanted war with no nation;
but II it had not been for our fOrbearance we
would have been involved in hostlities with Spain
long ago. There was not much known Of Cuba
rom Spanish sources. Through the French we
learn there are 900 900 to 1700000 Inhabitants in
CuDa 600 900 or 900 being slaves with continued
African dialect. All the civilized nations of the
earth discountenanced slavery, with the exception
SLAVERY IS A QUADRUpLE CRIME.
There are three or four series OF cruel masters.
The government OF Spain is most despotic. It learns
Spain Is now as it was 300 years ago. African
slaves in Cuba are treated more cruelty than any
that ever walked the earth It was asked some
spouse came, Something that bursts and throws
everybody in the air" Gaughter So With bel,
nothing more than that p'a' When a imam man
who is lighting tor his liberty shall be
as soldier and not be hanged like pirate or
dog That man who denies these rights is not 1T
to bear the human form. When win men at the
State Department and at the White House ana the
men at the Capitol say they are ready to accord
bellgerent rightsP They will say it as soon as you
require 1t as soon you demand these men strug-
Cling for liberty shall be treated like Christians and
not be shot like pirates dogs, they Will say it.
You may not be rich. but it is the cause that will
QUESTION OF TRUTH AND JUSTICE.
He knew our sympathy was with the Republic OF
power to prosper it.. he, in the House OF Repre-
sentatves, during the late session. introduced a
resolution which was unanimously passed. tender
ing the congratulations Of the people OF the United
States on account Of the success OF establishing
republican liberty in SPAN; and we could say
to Spain, Go your own way: but If you
keep slavery in Cuba you never can preserve re-
publicanism In Spain. 1t Is because we have no
such despOtism that we maintain republican gov
is IN the annihilation of slavery in Cuba. We have
q right to demand it; whatever you wish and COM
mand will be done. You must sustain those who
are fighting for their liberty II the colored people
say to the country not to the government--for
THE GOVERNMENT IS HARD OF HEARING,
and does not like to hear what II does not want to
fighting for their liberty, and that they should be
treated like men If taken In battle or otherwise
captured there is no human being who walks the
earth who can deny the justice OF your prayer; 1t
Is the law OF the world
In conclusion General Banks declared he was
not the enemy OF Spain, but he wanted her to be
Just, in order that she might have greater power
and prosperity; and he urged the colOred men to
persevere in the good work here commenced, say
ing they would make their race the corner stone
OF liberty.
Hon. j. H. Rainey, OF South Carolina. cx-Gov-
ernOr Pnchback and others made speeches, when
the resolutions were adopted.