The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-05-07
THE NEGRO EXODUS.
An Important Conference Between the Plant
ers and the CoIored Leaders.


VrcKsBURa. May 6.--The Mississippi Val
ley Labor Convention reassembled at 10 o'clock
this morning. There was a marked increase
in the attendance. The Committee on Resolu-
tons reported that they had inquired into the
causes which had given rise to the recent
exodus of the colored population. as far as pos
sible within the limited time allowed them. and
that while these causes were difficult to ascer-
tain, owing to exceptional cases Of all kinds
brought to their attention. they believed the
following to include those which might be con-
sidered proximate: The low price OF cotton.
and partial failure OF the crop of tho past year
the irrational system OF planting adopted in
some sections. whereby labor was deprived Of
the intelligence to direct and tho presence OF
economy to mako II profitable: a vicious sys-
tenn OF credit fostered by laws permitting labor
ers and tenants TO mortgage crops before they
were grown or even planted; apprehension on
the part OF many colored people. produced by
insdious reports circulated among them that
their civil and political rights are endangered
OF likely to be: hurtful. false rumors diligently
disseminated that by emgratnR to Kansas the
colored people would obtain land. mules.
money. &C.. from the Government. without cost
to themselves. and become independent farm
ers."
the colored people could bc induced to credit
the idle stories OF promised land. where their
wants would be supplied and their ndepen-
dence secured without exertion on their part.
1t was going to the extent Of Ignorance and
credulity TO credit them; yet evidence OF an un-
doubted character was furnished the Commit
tee that such was the fact. and that II one OF
the factors of the movement. The Committee
add that there are in the State Of Mississippi
alone 100000 acres OF land belonging to the
United States now subject to homestead entries.
~ tltnfu NlRfNf In
can preempt 100 acres Of this land ut the mod
crate cost Of about {iS. Lands in Kansas can
not be acquired for less. They believe that the
Legislation Of the State should be shaped so as
to foster habits OF industry among tho colored
people, elevate the standard OF social morals,
ana improve and preserve the common school
system. Disregarding the past. burying its
dend with IT, standing upon the living present.
and looking hopefully 10 the future the Com
mttee think their duty accomplished when they
have adopted and reported those and other res
olutions:
R,o~i That the interests Of planters iaborers land.
lords and tenants are dcnca that they must prosper
and suffer osether that II j. the duty II planters and
adoo! some contract ystem with aborers and tenant: bS
which BON partes VIII receive the iu benent OF labor
R.ao'ot That this Convention does afrm that the col
tinted States @ and ' he s states here .6d % Rs
inv wc rS Sn and o. 0 sSs a % e s Sa1s T
shall be accorded the practical enjoyment of all rights,
,iy and POLITICAL guaranteed by said Constitution and
I,oei That to this end the members of this Conven
ton pledge themselves 10 use whatever power and in.
ncnce they possess protect the colored
all dangers IN rrspec to the lair expression Of their wills
fraud intimidation. bulldozng the part of the
whites; and there can be liberty oi action without
freedom of thought demand that an elections shall be
free and fair and that repressiyc measures shall be
employed hy coored people To deprive their
tue fullest freedom In the exercise o the highest right Of
citizenship.
At tho conclusion Of the reading OF the reso-
lutions. eX-Gov. Foote offered a series OF char
acteristic resolutions in lieu thereof
James Hill tcoloredl favored the resolutions
submitted by the Committee. and gave As his
high rent for land. the exorbitant charges by
merchants for the necessaries Of life. the pres
ent defective school system. and the restrictions
| placed on the colorod man. He had strong
| hopes OF better teelng hereafter between the
| two races. He had consulted with the Commit
tee on Resolutions. and both races had mad,
| concessions.
W. b. Pittman. a lawyer Of this city. followed
| in speech which was directed particularly e
| Coy. Foote. whom he called a political trickstei
and denounced as n demagogue. At the con-
cluson OF his remarks he was loudly applaud
| ed 10y the whites IN the Convention and much
excitement was manifested when Gov. Foote
arose To reply. The President. however had
Ark,, who managed To quiet the convention by
condemning both Pittmun and Foote for their
Incorporate utterances. He said the resOlu-
tions Of Gov. Foote met HIS hearty approval but
II was most too big q dose for the whites "a
swallow at one time. II they would carry out
in good faith the resolutions introduced 10y the
Committee, the colored men would be satisfied
and the exodus would cease.
The debate on the resolutions was closed by
W. l.. Nugent Chairman Of the Committee and
whites voted, as the negroes. under instruc-
tons from their leaders, refrained from giving
expression 10 their opinion. The Convention
then adjourned sine die.