The Indianapolis leader. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1879-1890, 1880-01-24
CENTRAL
Dining Hall lsliLslliRl.n,
eit.l .o9'f.-
66 West Washington Street,
q" (sAIEs BLOCK
OPEN DAY AND NIGHT
JAMES RILEY, Prop.
Late Of Union Depot)
COLORED IMMIGRANTS In I'M.
DIANA.
Their Character and Location.
Interesting Facts and Figures as Given
by Elder Trevan, a CoIored Man
and Brother North CaroIinian.
Correspondence Cincinnati COMMERCIAL
INDrANAPoLIs, January 6. 1880.
NO. "a.


INDIANAPOLIS, January 6. 1880.
A HELPING HAND EXTENDED.
AS long ago as the oath of November
the colored citizens of Indianapolis held a
meeting in Bethel African Methodist Epis-
copal church and appointed committee
to devise ways and means of caring for any
destitute immigrants who might come to
orr State from the South. The committee
consisted of the following named gentle.
men: Reyerends John Holiday, r. Titus.
w. G Trevan. s. G. Turner, and Messrs
r. w. Wells, Charles Webb, E. Outland,
w. HI. Woods, ]. S. Hinton, L. E. Chris
ty and Robert B. Bagby, chairman, who
prepared an appeal, which was published
at the time in The Leader, the colored or
gan of the CITY, and has been kept in print
in every edition of the paper since.
This to show that The colored citizens
we're not unprepared for the exodus. In
that appeal the causes which led to the
exodus were not discussed Ii was simply
held that no reasonable man who conyers-
ed with the immigrants could doubt that
in the South they are degraded, persecut-
ed, prescribed, denied their political
rights, and treated in general with the
most inhuman barbarity. They left their
homes to escape outrages to which no free
man should be subjected in free country.
They came to Indiana because they ex-
pected to find nobler civilization. hu-
name treatment and protection in their
right to life, liberty and the pursuit of
happiness.
u .tTrhooa nao,,la - -. Al - l--.--
the appeal, 'are our kindred-bound IN
us by the strongest ties that bind men to-
gether; hence we feel it an imperative
duty to make provisions for the temporary
relief OF any who may be in need. We
accordingly appeal to the generous people
of Indiana to aid us in this benevolent
work OF contributions of money, clothing
and other necessaries."
And nobly has the promise of this nn-
dertaking been fulfilled. At this date but
three out of the many families who have
come here from the South are unprovided
for.
AUTHENTIC INFORMATION.
have my information from an anthem
tic source. Not content with what coufd
be learned outside, went among the col.
ored population. / called upon Rev. w.
G. Trevan, pastor of the A. M. E. church.
in particular, because he was said 10 be
largely concerned in the relief and assign
ment OF the immigrants. found him AT
the parsonage, adjoining the church. and
was pleased to recognize in him a well
known veteran in the cause OF the Gospel
and humanity. In appearance and man.
ner he is prepossessing, conveying with
what he says an impression OF manliness
and strength. He is above the medium
height. and well proportioned, with a dark
complexion, but Caucasian features He
has the sonorous voice of his people. and
all their caution and close observation of
motives and men. When called by his
wife from his study (above the parlor). he
surveyed me with quick, scrutinizing
look, throwing the light OF the lamp. which
he held in his hand, well on nv face. be-
fore he sat it down on the table.
/ made known my business. AMI asked
him the number Of immigrants who had
arrived.
The number,"-he replied, "has been
greatly exaggerated. I am in a position
to know. To the last arrival think il was
about 4SS. / did not see the last com
pany."
There were more men in the last lot
than before" observed.
Yes. Two-thirds oftha number. which
is said to have been 200, were men. And