The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-09-28
The Negro Cony.n,,ou A. r,ou,sv,,,o.
An AI.Ls9ED ADDRESS" ADOPTED RRcITIsG
lMA0rsARY GRIEVANCES.

ICY telegraph 10 the DisrAtch.I
LOUISVILLE, KY, September 27.-The
Nauonat Colored Convention late last
night adopted the following address:
The National Convention Of Colored
Men assembled respectfully present the fol-
lowing rs embracing and presenting their
views and sentiments:
FIRST. That we are grateful for and re-
loice IN the miraculous emancipation that
came 10 our race twenty years ago. The
shock oil embattled arms was the lullaby OF
nation born in day. We cannot forget
tue great sacrifice OF the women and he
role men who made possible the struggle
In which treason and slavery were con-
signed TO common sepufhrc, nor would
we be unmindful OF the measure OF devo-
ton and patriotism that the white and col
ored soldiers rendered the nation.
Second. That we are not insensible 10 the
fact that the Congress OF the United States
has she'd upon the statute-books many laws
calculated 10 make Us secure in our rights
as citizens, nor would we be forgetful Of
the magnificent amendments to the COnsti-
tuition intended 10 render forever impossi-
BILE the crime OF human slavery.
Third. We do not ask for any more class
legislation. We have had enough OF this.
But we do believe that many OF the laws
intended'tO secure to rs our rights rs citi-
zens are nothing more than dead letters.
In the southern States, almost without eX-
ception. the cOl0reG people are denied JUS
tice IN the courts, denied the fruit OF their
honest labor, defraudcd OF their political
rights at the ballot-box. shut out from
learning trades, cheated out OF their civil
rights by inn-keepers and common carrier
and left by the States to an in
adequate opportunity for education and
general improvement.
Fourth. We regard the labor question,
education, and sound moral training para
mount 10 all other questions. We believe
that these questions, especially in the South.
need recasting, and that the plantation
credits and mortgage system should be
that honest labor should be re-
that the landholders OF the !
South should recognize that this question !
Is TO be solved by encouraging the negroes !
to industry, to frugality. and to business !
habits. by assisting them 10 acquire an in |
tercst in the soil, by paying them honest |
wages for honest work, and by making |
them content and happy in the land OF |
their nativity. The white men and owners |
Of the soil i'm the South can settle the queS-
ton OF labor and capital between the white |
and the black.
Fifth. We believe i'm q broad. compre-
hensiye system looking toward the educa-
ton OF young cOlored girls, so that they
may become intelligent and faithful wo-
men, and Of young colored boys, that they
NAV learn trades and become useful men
and good citizens. The religious and moral
training OF the youth OF our race should
not be neglected. The hope OF every peo-
pie Is in adherence 20 sound social, logical,
md ethical principles. The moral ele-
nent in the character is OF greater value
han wealth or education, and this must be
'ostered by the family and encouraged by
he pulpit.
sixth. The failure Of the Freedman's !
Savings Bank and Trust Company is .
marvel OF our time. 1t was established TO
receive the earnings Of persons heretofore /
held in bondage and the descendants OF
such persons. Il was established by the
Government, and thought to be solvent.
In changing its charter the trustees tran
,cended their authority. and thereby made
themselves liable. The Government, in ap-
pointing a shield machinery TO close the in
solvent institution, violated the United |
states statutes in bankruptcy, and should,
therefore, reimburse the creditors Of the
bank.
seventh. The distinction made between
white and black troops in the regular
lrmy is unamerican. unjust, and migrate
ul. White men can enter any branch OF
he service. while cOlorcd men are con-
med TO the cavalry and infantry service,
md in the appointment Of civilians to
egulate the army all believe it the duty OF
he President to consider the claims OF the
,olOred men. This distinction is carried
nto the navy rs well.
Eighth. II is not Our province to dictate
he policy Of the Government or the ac-
ion OF our fellow-citizens i'm the several
states. II is q matter that their circum-
tanceS, patriotism, and needs should shape.
Ninth. As a race, struggling and con-
ending for our political and civil rights,
We are not unmindiul Of the efforts Of Ire
and to gain her rights, aud we extend to
,ur Irish friends our profound sympathy
md best wishes.
Tenth. We earnestly desire the abolition
4 the chain-gang convict system, aud the
omission to the trade unions OF men OF
,ur own race. and to employment in COM
ncrcial pursuits.
Eleventh. In nearly every State in the
rnion, North and South, our race are not
llowed to enter freely INTO the trades or
.ain employment IN the higher walks OF
ife This is unworthy Of our institutions
nd hurtful TO the reputation OF our cOun-
~ qf bnmp and abroad