National Republican., 1883-09-21
THE COLORED CONVENTION
Fred Douglass Thinks 1t viii Bo Thoroughly
Representative Body.
His Views ms TO what 1t Ought TO DO and
Probably VIII DO.

A convention Of representative colored men
from all parts of the United States will assem-
bic at Louisville, KY, next Monday to con-
sider the existing relations between tho white
and colored races, and for other purposes.
The Washington delegates will be Hon. Fred
erick Douglass, Prof. j. Monroe Gregory, and
Rev. II. S. Laws, with Messrs. j. T. johnson,
r. d. Rufiin, and G. E. Quincy as alternates.
A reporter of THE REPUBLIcAN,met Hon.
Fred Douglass last evening and asked, "Will
the forthcoming convention be representa-
tive bodyP'
He replied, "From present appearances tho
convention will be n thoroughly representa-
tive body, embracing delegates duly appointed
from all sections of the country"
"What are the primo objects in view"
asked the reporter.
"The objects" he answered have already
been set forth in tho call issued several
months ago. They arc in few words to take
into consideration the general condition of
the colored people of this country. Especially
the condition of labor in the south, the COM
pensation it receives, the educational in
terests of the colored race, their civil rights
and last, but not the least important, the
security of their political rights which arc
now considered as stricken down"
"Will the convention have any political
signifcancep
80 far as 1 know" he replied, "the con-
vention has no direct political object, in so
far as political parties are concerned. 1t is
not impossible, however, that party politics
may come up for consideration. There is no
telling what convention will do in advance
of its assembly. OF course, If there is an eff
fort to bring party politics into tho conven-
tion it will meet with resistance. Still it may
be contended that no full and fair discussion
of the condition of the colored people can be
had, d;coucs;pY tboir rn1otfn,,e 20
isting and possible political parties, and this
view may prevail"
"You say the consideration of the condi-
tion of the coorcd laborers in the south will
be marked feature of the convention ?'
"Yes; the convention will probably point
out to the country the injustice and wrong
DONE especially to the laboring classes Of tho
SOUTH"
at has been limited about" said the re-
porter, that the Freemen's bank matter will
be discussed"
"The convention will probably have some-
thing to say about that matter-the duty OF
the government to reimburse its depositors
1t would not be strong either if they should
ask for larger recognition in the matter oil
otficeholding. Perhaps the greatest demand
they will make upon the parties will
be absolute protection in the exercise OF
the constitutional right to vote. They
may consider that they are essentially with.
out the protection of the government, and
left only to defend themselves by anarchical
means, but Of course | cannot speak for the
convention. / am only one member of it
l have my own views of what the convention
ought to do and say. 1 regard its mission as
chiefly moral. 1t is, so far as its utterances
are concerned, tho means of better under
standing better feeling between themselves
and their fellow citizens generally"
Producing a letter from his desk, Mr.
Douglass said, 81 havojust received this from
Mr.. George W. Williams, one of tho leading
opponents of the forthcoming convention. II
was he who wrote the history of the colored
race in this country, The letter says, AL
though l opposed the convention at first,
believing that no substantial reason existed
for such gathering, shall now attend it.
and do all | can to make it success
Replacing the letter in his desk, Mr.. Doug.
lass continued:
Massachusetts, oven will send delegation
The action of the convention, however, will
doubtless be governed by its southern dole
gates"
The Washington delegates will leave fo
Louisville next Saturday in company Will
quite party from this city, who wa use
their utmost efforts to secure the election OF
Mr.. Douglass as chairman of the convention
and Prof. Gregory as secretary. 1t lis reported
that the South Carolina delegation compris
ing twenty-five delegates, are in favor of Mr.
Douglass.
In conversing with several prominent col
ored men the reporter learned that tho i'm
preston is quite general that Mr.. Douglas
will be elected
Hon., Frederick Douglass announced hi
intention yesterday of going into Marylant
upon his return from tho Louisville conven
tion and working for Holton, who he think
will surely receive the republican guber
material nomination. Mr.. Douglass says thu
state is rapidly drifting toward the republican
harbor and that if the cOlored vote can b(
solidihed the latter party will succeed at thu
coming election.
A largely attended mass meeting of coloret
citizens of the district was held last night n
Zion Baptist church, South Washington. DR.
r. S. Laws was introduced by Rev. William
Gibbons, and delivered forcible aud eloquen
address. Speeches were also made by Mr.
f.. d. Wright, of the district, and Hon. JOIN
B. SyphaX, of Virginia, A handsome collec
tion was then takon up to assist Rev. II. S
Laws the delegate to the Louisville conven
tion of colored men which will assemble mex
Monday.
Mr.. r. E. Gichrist offered the following
resolution, which was seconded by Col PER-,
Carson, and unanimously passed.
Rssolred That the cologed people of tho distriC
in public assembly do declare aud charge thei
delegate to the Louisville national colored con
csts of the colored people of this district and @
the United States, without regard to sChlsms 0
politics, and that he is charged to promote an,
procure the independence of the colored people o
this country as American citizens.
There were over 900 persons present, ant
the very best order prevailed.
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