The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1879-05-14
THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY CONVENTION.
SECOND DAYS PROCEEDINGS.
THE RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED.


The Convention was called to order by the
President at hali-past nine
Col. w. l.. Nugent chairman of the com
mittee, presented the following preamble and
resolutions:
Mr.. President. Your committee on reso-
buttons beg leave respectfully to report that
they have inquired into the causes which have
given rise to the recent exodus Of our colored
population, a. far possible within the limit
ed time allowed, and while these causes are
difficult to ascertain, owing to the exceptional
cases Of all kinds brought to then attention,
they believe the following to include those
which may be considered prominent:
/. The low price OF cotton and the partial
failure OF the crop of the past year.
,. The irrational system of planting adopt
ed in some sections, whereby labor was de-
prived of intelligence to direct it, and the
presence of economy to make it profitable.
3. The vicious system OF credit fostered by
laws permitting laborers and tenants to mort
gage crops before they were grown or even
planted.
4. The apprehension on the part of many
colored people, produced by insidious reports
circulated among them, that their civil, and
political rights are endangered, or are likely
10 be.
;. The hurtful and false rumors, diligently
disseminated, that by ENGRAVING to Kansas,
the colored people would obtain lands, mules
and money from the government without cost
to themselves, and become independent forever.
1t is matter of establishment to your com
mittee that the colored people could be induced
to credit the idle stories circulated OF prom
ised land, where their wants would be supplied,
and their independence secured, without exer-
ton on their part. 1t was going to the extent
of ignorance and credulity to credit them and
yet evidence of an undoubted character was
furnished your committee to this matter
1t is one OF the factors in movement, the end
of which we cannot now forecaste. There are
five hundred thousand acres of land belonging
to the United States now subject to homestead
entries. Any thrifty colored man in the
South pre-empt one hundred and sixty
acres of this land at the moderate cost of
about eighteen dollars. Lands in Kansas
cannot be acquired for less In part of the
civilized world can unskilled labor secure
larger return, by honest toll, than among US
but idleness accompanied by extravaganza
produces suffering and want here rs elsewhere.
Your committee believe that the legislation
of our States should be shaped so as to foster
habits of industry among the colored people,
elevate the standard OF social morals and I'M
prove and preserve our common school system
Diverse views have been expressed by par
ties equally desirious of reaching the same
conclusion: TO ascertain grievances and apply
As far as it can be done by us, the proper re
dress. Ii the single purpose OF all was to ac-
complish this result, without the influences
which our past experiences have engendered to
expect it. this might be done; but it could on
" be done with the full knowledge of all the
facts That errors have been committed by
the whites and blacks alike, as each in turn
have controlled the government OF the States
here represented may be safely admitted.
Designating the past burying its dead with
it. standing upon the living present, and look
ing hopefully TO the future which Is before us,
your committee think their duty accomplish
ed when they have adopted and reported these
| resolutions:
Resolued, That the interests of planters and
| laborers landlords and tenants, are identical /;
and that they must prosper or suffer together ;
and that it is the duty of the planters and
landlords of the State here represented to de
wise and adopt some contract system with la
| borers and tenants by which both parties will
| receive the full benefit of labor governed by
| intelligence and economy,
Resolred That this Convention does affirm
that the colored race has been placed by the
Constitution of the United States and the
States here represented, and the laws thereof,
| on plane of absolute legal equality with the
| white race: and does declare the colored race
| shall be accorded the practical enjoyment OF
| all rights, civil and political, guaranteed by
| the said Constitution and laws.
Resalred, That, TO this end, the members OF
| this Convention pledge themselves to use
whatever of power and influence they possess,
| to protect the coIored race against all dangers
in respect to the fair expression of their wills
! at the polls, which they apprehend may result
| from fraud intimidation "bulldozlng, on
| the mart of the whites. And there can be
| No liberty of action without freedom OF
| thought. they demand that all elections shall
| he fair and free, and that represslve mea-
| sures shall be employed by the colored people
| to deprive their own in part of the fullest
| freedom in the exercise of the highest right OF
Rssolped. That the unrestricted credit system
| ,srvadino the States here represented, based
nnon liens or mortgages on stock and crops 10
IL crown in the future, followed by failure
| ~ that crop. has provoked distrust, created
unrest and disturbed their entire laborIng
roD,lation All laws authorizing liens on
erd,s for advances constituted of articles other
than those of prime necessity at moderate
nrofits. whether such advances are maze oy
| landlord. planter or merchant, should De as
continued and repealed
coIored peopIe here present to contradict the
false reports circulated among and impressed
unon the more ignorant and credulous TO
;astr,,,t them that no lands nor mules, nor mon
- aSvait them in Kansas, or elsewhere without
lsbo. or price and TO report to the civil author
tiles all persons engaged IN disseminating
any such reports.
90 the ,,olored people, to emigTate where they
nIsasa and to whatever State they may select
Eor their residence; but this Convention urges
.1a,,, =, nroceed on their movements towards
a.,,;rration Al reasonable human beings, Pr9-
r;5;no IN advance. by economy and enectlFs
iabor the means for transportation ana setue-
-.,ert and sustaining their reputation Tor nom
estv and fair dealings by preserving lnaAe.3
s,,sil con,nletion the contracts Tor labor ana
i La..+s Vrhich they have made II, when
- ~ dome this they still desire to leave,
as y,a.seIs ~ their departure be removed