The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-09-27
THE 'COLORED MEN.
An Effort to Introduce Political Resolutions
Raises q Storm.

Raises q SCOrms
LOUISVILLE, Sept 26.-The only point OF I'M
pOrtance in the colOred convention this morn
ing was a resolution by w. I. Wilson, of Louis
lana, indorsing the administration OF Arthur.
This raised great stir and much oratory, which
was only quieted when L. D. Herbert, OF Louis
lana, moved to refer it to the committee on reso-
lutions which was adopted. The convention is
given over to resolutions and buncomb. After a
dozen attempts to resolves as many sentiments
this morning, the following was offered:
"Whereas, the administration OF President G.,
A. Arthur is in harmony with the principles OF
the grand old Republican party; therefore; De ~
"Resolved, That this national convention OF
cOlored men assembled give to the administra-
ton its heartiest support"
This caused the widest uproar, and the con-
vention was its feet. The South and West
Kissed the resolution. while only few from the
North and East appeared to favor it. Personal
violence was offered. in one instance. and the
widest uprOar followed. But finally the reso-
luton, on motion of Herbert, of Louisiana,
went to the committee on resolutlons.
No oppression of opinion Is yet reached;
be, owing to the propensity of the entire con-
ventiOn to talk at the same time. There 1s
entirely too much oratorical ability at present
for any business to be transacted. strong
feeling exists to adopt Fred. Douglasss speech
asthe sentiment OF the colored people OF the
kentucky delegate moved the following,
which made a great uproar:
"Res0lved, That the cOlored people OF the
United States, in convention assembled, do at
firm our devotion anew to the Republican party,
and will use our utmost endeavorS Tor 1ts con-
tinued ascendancy and control of the national
government. believing it TO be for the best inter-
est of the whole people,"
The convention refused to adopt the resolu-
ton, many protesting against bringing politics
into the deliberations OF the body, and only the
wise decision of the chair in sending the question
to the committee on resolutions saved the CON
vention from split. The convention this after
noon accepted the invitation of the general
managers and visited tine Exposition in a body.
Tonight a long list of speakers was named To
address the convention, and actual business for
the time is in allegiance. The chances are fair
for adjournment without further actual
results.
The convention has just adopted the following
address:
'The national convention of colored men,
assembled, respectfully present the following
as embracing and presenting their views
"First-That we are grateful for and rejoice
In the miraculous emancipation that came to
our race twenty years ago. The shock
Of embattled arms was the lullaby of
nation born in a day. We do not,
we cannot forget the great sacrifice of the wo-
men and heroic men who made possible the
struggle in which treason and slavery
were consigned to common sep,
of the measure of devotion and patriotism that
the 1907 colored soldiers rendered to the
nation in the war for preservation.
'sSeeond-We are not inseneible to the fact
that the Congress of the United States has
spread upon the statute books many laws calcu-
lated to make us secure in our rights as citizens:
nor would we be forgetful of the magnificent
amendments to the constitution intended to rem
der forever impossible the crime of human
slavery, .,.-,o,.,.
ton We have had enough ofthis. But we do be-
lieve that many of the laws intended to secure
ms our rights as citizens are nothing more than
dead letters In the Southern States
almost without exception the eolored
people arr denied justice in the courts, denied
the fruits Of their honest labor, defrauded of
their political rights at the ballot-box,
shut out from learning trades, cheated
out of heir cvl rights by inn-keepers and COM
mon carrier companies and left to inadequate
opportunities for education and general i'm
prOvement.
Fourth We regard,the labor question, educa-
ton and sound moral training paramount to all
other questions. We believe that question, espe-
eiay in the South, needs recasting; and planta-
should be abolished. Honest labor should
be remunerated The landhoders Of the South
solved by encouraging the negroes to industry,
frugality and business habits, by melting them
to habits of thrift, by assisting them to acquire
an interest in the soil, by paying them
honest wages for honest work. and by making
them contented and happy in the land
of their nativity. While men and owners
the G Question of labor "' and "a" capital sTit
between the white and black, we believe that
the education of young colOred girls, so that they
may become intelligent and faithful women, and
young cOlored boys may learn trades and
became useful men and good citizens, the
ligous and moral training of the youth of
race. should not be neglected. The hope of every
people Is adherence TO sound sociological
and ethical principles. The moral element in
character is of greater value than wealth or ed
ucation, and this must be fostered by the family
and encouraged by the pulpit.
"Slxth-The failure of the Freedmen's Savings
Bank and Trust Company is the marvel of the
times. 1t was established to receive the earn
ings of persons heretofore held In bond
age. and descendants of such persons
1t was established by the government and
thought solvent. In changing the charter the
trustees transcribed their authority, and
thereby made themselves liable The
government, in appointing special ma
violated the United States statutes on bank
ruptcy, and should therefore reimburse the cred
itors of the bank.
"Seventh-The distinction made between white
and colored troops in the regular army is
Just and ungrateful White can
enter any branch of the service, while the
cO1ored man is confined to the cavalry
and infantry. And in the appointment
Of civilians all believed it the duty of the
President OF the United Stares to consider the
claims of coored men. This distinction is car
ried che Navy as WELL
"Eighth-It is not our province to dictate the
policy for the government on the action of our
fellOw-citizens in several States. I5 is a matter
that their circumstances, patriotism and needs
should shape.
for our political and civil rights, We not I'M
mindful of the failure of Ireland to gain her
rights, and we extend to our Irish friends pro-
found sympathy and best wishes.
"Tenth-We earnestly desire the abolition of
the chain-gang convict system and the admis-
sion to trade unions of men of our race, and en-
ployment in commercial pursuits.
"Eleventh-In nearly every State in the
to enter pao the Trades NOT
gain employment in the higher walks of