Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-02-04
VIEWS or COLORED MEN on S0t1L
EPF 4FIAIRS

|
| meeting of the colored men in Washington
from various States was held Friday evening last
at which the following were adopted as the senti'
ments of those present.
| Whereas, The lawlessness existing in several OF
the Southern States threatening the stability OF
the National Government, and Jeepardizing the
lives and property OF loyal citizens, demands an
expression of sentiment from all friends OF law
justice and humanity, and especially the represen
| tstive colored men of the nation; identified a:
| they are with those against whom the storm OF
| hate and murder is mainly directed
That we representative men now in Washing
| ton from many of the Southern States look with
| concern and anxiety at the struggle now pending
| in the halls of Congress- and deem If our duty to
give the following expression of our views OF the
crisis that is upon us:
That we cordially and heartily indorse the sew
eral messages of his Excellency President Grant
touching the revolutionary and murderous proceed
ings now being enacted in Alabama, Arkansas,
Louisiana and Mississippi, and the pressing neccssl
ty therein expressed for Congressional action;
That we appreciate the noble efforts OF eminent
Republican Senators and Representatives in Con-
gress assembled against the determined and fac
tons opposition) to enact such legislation as is
needed to suppress revolution, to secure life and
property in those States, and feel assured that
the boldest policy is the best policy;
That no shrinking from the logical results of Re-
publican principles will appeae dsloyal opposition
or avert from the party hostile conservative crti-
cism, while the avoidance of plain duty can only
create doubt, dstrust and weakness in our ranks
That considering the actual disloyal and disor-
derby spirit now prevailing at the South, as some
of our number know by experience and observa-
ton; considering the violent and bitter persecu'
ron waged against natives as well as those from
the North, and especially against those carry il
their complexion the evidence of their Republi
can utilization and conviction considering the va
rious and rigorous forms OF intimidation, ranging
from destruction of property, injury to business
upward to brutal threats. midnight Assassination,
and murder;
And further considering that every Democratic
victory, whether won IN Northern State OF
upon the floor of Congress- tends directly to IN
crease the audacity and lawlessness of the enc
mics Of constitutional freedom and the Union a:
now established and further, considering that
next to the malign influence of a Democratic vic
tory is the evil of timid assertion of rights b!
our friends; considering moreover, that any &C
ton or non-action on the part of the Federal Coy
eminent manifestisg even apparent apathy ant
indifference to the condition of the loyal people
of the South is promptly construed by these dsloy
al enemies into license and IMMUNITY to renewed
and redoubled violence, We shudder at the wretch
ed condition Of things which may reasonably bt
expected to follow in that section of our country
if, in view of the circumstances now existing II
the United States, Congress should after all ad
journ without enactng and providing for the en-
forccment of appropriate laws for the better pro
tecton OF persons, properly anu poilLical IL
that section. Considering that we belong to tht
class Of citizens who will suffer most by the non
action OF Congress we earnestly appeal for relief
| If affairs are permitted to proceed as nov
! it requires no unusual foresight to see that the
citizens Of the South will either be driven int
neutrality or for selfprotection forced to act with
their old oppressors in the Democratic party-ant
the latter more probable than the former-a'
peaceful organization for the purpose OF neutrality
excite suspicion, surveillance and violence. There
is still one other alternative TO which are exposed
| one which is truly fearful to contemplate HUI
man nhturc is the same everywhere. There arr
many varieties of man, but only one human ma
ture and it is possible that sung TO madness ano
desperation by continued and uncessing outrages
and seeing no means Of escape, spirit OF retalia
ton and revenge may be aroused, which will fiji
the south with scenes Of rapine, blood, and fire
To avo id this catastrophe we earnestly appeal t.
Congress for the action already mentioned, an'
we invite the sympathy and support to thi
appeal of all lovers Of liberty and order through
out the country.
FREDERICK DOUGLASS
JOIN NJ. LANGsToN
| A. NJ. GIBBS Ark. Committee.
| PHILLIP JOSEPH, Ala,
GEO. w. PRICE, N. c.,
J. A. EMERSON, Ark, Secretary.