The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1883-10-04
THE COLORED CONVENTION.
An Address to the People of the
Country.

LOUISVILLE, Sept. 27.-The colored
convention, after adopting an address
late last night, adjourned, and most of
the delegates have gone home. The
following is the add ess:
The national convention of colored
men assembled, respectfully present
the following as embracing and pre-
senting their views and sentiments:
First. We are grateful for, and re-
joice in the miraculous emancipation
that came to our race twenty years
ago. The shock of embattled arms
was the lullaby of a nation born in Il
day. We do not, we cannot, forget
the great sacrifice OF the women and
heroic men who made possible the
struggle in which treason and slavery
were consigned to common sepulchre,
nor would we be unmindfui of the
measure of devotion and patriotism
that the 1907 colored soldiers rem
dered tosthe nation in the war for the
preservation of the nation.
Second-We are not insensible to the
fact that the congress of the United
States has spread upon the statute
books many laws calculated to make
us secure in our rights as citizens, nor
would we be fortgetful of the mag
nificent amendments to the conStitu-
ton, intended to render forever i'm
possible 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
us our rights as citizens, are
nothing more than dead Letters. In
the Southern states, almost without
an exception, the Colored people are
denied justice in the courts, denied
the fruit of their honest labor, de-
frauded of their political rights at the
ballot toX, shut out from the leading
trades, cheated out of their civil
rights by the inn-keepers, common
carriers and companies, and left by
the states to an inadequate opportuni-
ty for education and general improve
ment.
Fourth-We regard The labor queS-
ton AID education and sound moral
training paramount to all other ques-
tons. We believe that ttese ques-
tions, especially in the South, needs
recasting, and the plantation credits
and mortgage system Shorld be abol
iShed. Honest labor should be remu-
nerated. The landholders of the South
should recognize that this question
is to be solved by encouraging the ne
gro to industry, frugality and habits
| of thrift, and 10y assisting them to ac-
quire an interest in the soil !y plying
them honest wages for honest work,
by making them cOntented and harry
in the land of their nativity, The
white men and owners of SOL Of the
north can settle the question Of labor
and capital between the whites and
blacks. We b lieye III Il broad, COM
prehensive system looking toward the
the education Of young colored girls,
so that they may become Intelligent
and faithful women, and young col
ored boys may learn trades,
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 people is adherence to sound,
sociological and ethical principles.
The moral element in character is Of
greater value than wealth or educa-
ton, and this must be fostered by the
family and encouraged by the pulpit.
Sixth. The failure of the freedmen'S
savings banks and trust company is
marvel of our times. 1t was estab-
lished to receive the earnings of per-
sons held in bondage, and the de
scendants of such persons. 1t was
established by the government, and
thought to be solvent. In
changing the charter the trustees
transcribed their authority, and
thereby made themselves liable. The
government, in appointing special
machinery to close the insolvent in
situations, violated the United States
statute On bankruptcy, and should
therefore reimburse the creditors of
the bank.
Seventh.-The distinction made be-
tween the white and colored troops in
the regular army is Unamerican, I'M
just and ungrateful. A white man
can enter any branch of service, and
!! in the appointment of civilians to the
army all believe it to be the duty of
the president of the United
States to consider the claims
of colored men. This distinction is
carried into the navy as well.
Eighth-It is not our province to
dictate the policy for the government
of the action of our fellow-citizens in
the several states. 1t is matter that
their circumstances, patriotism and
needs should shape.
Ninth-As q race struggling and
contending for our civil and political
rights, we are not unmindful of the
efforts of Ireland to gain her rights,
and we extend to our Irish friends our
profound sympathy and best wishes.
Tenth-We earnestly desire the alb
clifton of the chain gang convict sys-
tenn, and admission to trades unions of
men of our race and employment in
commercial pursuits.
Eleventh-In nearly every state in
the Union, both north and south, peo-
pie of cur race were not allowed to
enter freely into trades Or gain en-
ployment in other walks of life. This
is unworthy of our institutions, and
hurtful to the reputation of orr coun-
try at home and abroad.