The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1876-05-04
Correspondence ". Y. Observer.i
Civil Rights.
By REV. J. W. cHrcKt-rzo, D. D.
WASHINGTON. March Is. 1870

WAsHINGTox. March Is. 1876
Many papers have copied am item re-
specting a late trial. in Philadelphia, OF a
case under the famous"Civil Rights Bill. 4"
That case is so remarkable, both in itself
and in its possible results. that well
knowing the plaintiff, and being convers-
ant with the facts, offer them 10 your
readers as contribution to passing his
tory.
Rev. Fields Cook is the pastor Of the
fourth Baptist Church--colored-in Al
exandria Virginia. He is quite light
with Caucasian features, and head be-
ginning TO be frosted. Though born in
slavery, he has acquired a good educa-
tion, and was the efficient and upright
cashier of the Alexandria branch of the
notorious "Freedmen's bank" Washing
ton. He had also been a member Of the
Virginia Assembly, and Of the Constitu-
tional Convention. As a preacher and
pastor, would rank we'll anywhere No
one with his eyes shut would imagine
his prayers or addresses to be from one
OF so few early advantages; and especial
ly ia the examination OF candidates for
the church, | have been much edited by
hearing his judicious and discriminating
remarks and questions, when / have
more than once remained after address
ing his large congregation on Temper
ance' as well as righteousness and judg-
ment.
As q member of the Philadelphia Asso-
citation of Baptist ministers, he received
a circular inviting him to the Christian
Convention which closed the Moody and
Sankey meetings in that city. Respond
ing afiirmatiYely he received a billet to a
family in street, Philadelphia,
who having had no intimation as to the
race, color, or previous coddition" of
their expected guest. were somewhat sur
pTised, and not a little embarrassed, at
finding our excellent friend. with other
guests, arriving late in the evening for
lodgings. What passed | do not know
Mr.. C. is wise and considerate, and the
family met the exigency in spirit which
seems to have satisfied him.
On going to the office of the Conven-
ton Secretary, he was advised, as il was
late, to 20 to a hotel for the night, and to
call next morning, when the amount OF
his bill would be refunded, and a new as
signment made. Instead of going TO the
l Continental where he might have been
/ received like n gentleman as he was, or
10 the COlonnade, where he was after
wards billeted and made comfortable. he
went 10 another MOTEL Nhefe an upstart
clerk put on airs, and refused him &C.
commodation, asserting, however, to his
i spending the night in the public room
where he sat out the weary hours, his
feet on the marble floor, and his slum
bers, if any, broken by frequent arrivals
and assignments OF rooms, and very ear
ly in the morning, by the invasion OF g
corps of hoor-washers, with buckets and
mops.
Meantime this shrewd business man
as well as good minister. kept his eye
and ears open enough TO take note o
names and numbers assigned to SOM
dozen or more guests arriving and nc
commodated during the night, in thi
"overfull' house. Providence also furu
ished him with another witness -
friendly Methodist minister who ha
met him on the train, and came dow
from his room TO tell the clerk that ther
{ was an empty bed there, which Mr.. {
could have. "Nol'-was the bland repl,
Nor breakfast either So when, alte
E an interesting Convention, our frien
e went to the L. 5. District Attorney
file bis complaint, bis petty PerseOutOi