The Dickinson press., 1883-10-06
Coiored Mems Address to the People.
Tue C0lored Mems convention, recently
in session at Louisville, KY. adopted the
fnlvnw5nO ad1rnea $. ~, x&o-O.

C01orod Mems Address to the People,
Tue C0lored Mems convention, recently
in session at Louisville, KY. adopted tn.
following address to the people:
The national convention Of colored men assem-
tb'ed respectfully present the following, as embrace
ing and representing their views ana sentiments;
flfst-Ihatw We are grateful for and rejoice in the
marvellous emancipation that came to our race
twenty years ago: III. shock of embattled armies
was the lullaby of q nation born in q day. We dc
not, We can not. forget the great sacrifice of women
and heroic men who made possible tine struggle
common sepulcher. nor would we be unmindful OF
the measure of devotion and patriotism that the
white and colored soldiers rendered the nation.
Second-We are not insensible to the fact thattt
congress of tie United States has spread upon the
statute books many laws circulated to make us se.
cure IN our rights as citizer. ;: nor would we be for
geifu! OF the magnificent imendm,nts to the coa-
%stitution in'ended to render forever impossible hui
Third-We do not ask any mere class legislation.
we have enough OF this; but we do believe that
many OF the laws intended to secure US our rights
as citizens are nothing mpre than dead letters. In
tue Southern States, almost without exception, COL
ored people are denied jus ice in the courts, denied
tho fruit OF their honest labor, defrauded of
their political rights at the ballot box. shut out from
learning trades. cheated out OF their civil rights by
!nn-keepers and common carrier companies. and
lett by the States to an inadequate opportunity for
education and general improvement.
tourth-We regard the labor question. educa-
ton aud moral training paramount to all other
Questions. We believe that question, especially In
credits and mortgage system should be abolished.
Honest labor should be remunerated The land
holders OF the South should recognize that I is
question Is to be solved BY encouragin the negroes
to industry. ~frugalisy and business habits: by incit-
ing them TO habits of thrift; by assisting them to
acquire an interest in the soil: by pay
ing them honest wages for honest work.
by in the land Of their nativity. Whilo men OF
tho soil in the South can settle the question Of Ia.
Dor and capital between white and black. We be-
llleve that q broad, comprehensive system should
be inauHurated looking toward the education of
young colored girls, so that they may become in
tclligent aud faithful women. and by the aid of
which young colored bows may learn trades. The
religious and moral training of our race should not
be neglected.
Sixth-The failure of the Freedmen's Savings
anu Trust company is the marvel OF our times. It
was established to receive the earnings of persons
heretofore held In bondage, aud the descendants of
such persons. The government should reimburse
the creditors OF the bank.
Observation-Disclosures between white and co!ored
troops i'll the regular army is un-American. unjust
and ungratefuL. White men can enter any branch
of the service. but colorea men are confined to the
cavalry and infantry service.
Eighth-lt is not our province to dictate 4 policy
forthe government of action of our fellow citizens
in the several States. 1t is a matter that their cir
cumstauces. patriotism. aud needs should shape.
Nlnth-Asa race struggling aud contending for
our political and civil rights, we are not unmlndful
we give to our Irish friends our profound sympathy
and best wishes.
Yenth-Wee~ earnestly desire the abolition of chain
gangs. the admtltance to trades unions of men Of
our race and employment in commercial pursuits.
Eleven;h-ln nearly every State of the Union,
both North and South. the people Of our race are
not allowed to enter freely in trades or gain employ
of our institutions aud Eurtful to the reputation OF
our country at home and abroad.