Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1883-10-04
THE COLORED CONVENTION.

days, adourning on Wednesday night.
| Twenty-seven States were represented in
the Convention, and the delegates, $50 in
number, found no trouble about accommo-
dations. Rev. A. NJ. Greene, of Louisiana,
was temporary chairman. He was intro
duced to the convention as a martyr of his
race. In concluding his speech, which re-
counted the past history of the colored race
and looked into its future condition, he eX-
horted the convention to stand by the prlll-
ciples set down in the call, and to refrain
from all discussions of political questions.
Fred. Douglas was afterwards chosen perma-
nent chairman.
On Tuesday, Fred. Douglass spoke. a
large audience assembled to hear him. HIS
remarks are reported by telegraph as llav-
ing been "logical, often humorous, and al
ways interesting" He sketched the histo-
ry of his race since their emancipation. lie
was sarcastically severe upon the Govern
ment, and incidentally so upon the Repub-
lican party. He was listened to with great
interest and received generous applause.
After Douglass speech, the Convention
vainly endeavored to complete its organiza-
ton. Too many orators sought the floor,
and the presiding officer was unable to con-
troll them.
On Wednesday, the only point ofimport-
ance before the convention, was the resolu-
ton ofW. S. Wilson, of Louisiana, endors-
ing the Administration of President Arthur.
The resolution raised a great stir and much
oratory was indulged in, which was only
quelled when L. d. Herbert, also of Louisi-
ana, moved to refer it to the committee on
resolutions, which was adopted. y Ken
tucky delegate moved a resolution endors-
ing the Republican party. 1t caused great
uproar, and the Chair referred it to the COM
mittee on resolutions, thus preventing a
split.
At late hour on Wednesday night, the
following address was adopted and the Con-
vention adjourned:
The National Convention of colored men
assembled, respectfully present the follow
ing as embracing and presenting their
views and sentiments:
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 u nation
born in day. We cannot forget the great
sacrifices of the women and heroic men who
made possible the struggle in which treason
and slavery were consigned to a common
sepulchre, nor would we be unmindful OF
the measure of devotion and patriotism that
white and colored soldiers rendered the ma
ton.
Second. That 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 forget
ful of the magnificent amendments to the
Constitution 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 in
tended to secure to US our rights as citizens
are nothing more than dead letters. In the
Southern States, almost without exception,
the cOlored people are denied justice in the
courts, denied the fruit of their honest labor,
defrauded Of their political rights at the bal
lot-boXeS, shut out from learning trades,
cheated out of their civil rights by inn
keepers and common carrier companies, and
left by the States to an inadequate opportu-
nifty for educational and general improve
ment.
Fourth We regard the labor question, ed
ucatiOn and sound moral training para
mount to all other questions. We believe
that these questions, especially in the South,
need recasting, and that plantation credits
and the mortgage system should be abol-
ished. That honest labor should be remu-
should recognize that this question is to be
solved by encouraging negroes to industry,
to frugality and to business habits, by as
sistng them to acquire an interest in the
soil, by paying them honest wages for hon
est work, by making them content and hap
py in the land of their nativity. The white
men and owners of the soil in the South
can settle the question Of labor and capital
between white and black.
Fifth. We believe in broad, cOmprehen-
sive system looking towards the education
of young colored girls so that they may be-
come intelligent and faithful women, and of
young colOred boys that they may learn
trades and become more useful men and
good citizens. The ereligiousandm train
ing of the youth of our race should not be
neglected. The hope of every people is in
adherence to sound social, logical and ethi-
cal principles. The moral element in char
acter is Of greater value than wealth or edu-
cation, and this must be fostered by the fam
lily and encouraged by the pulpit.
Sixth The failure of the Freedman's Sa-
wings Bank and Trust Company is the NOR
al of our time. 1t was established to receive
the earnings of persons heretofore held in
bondage and the descendants OF such per-
sons. 1t was established by the Govern
ment and thought to be solvent. In chan
ging its character the trustees transcended
their authority and thereby made them
selves liable. The Government, in appoint
ing special machinery to close the insolvent
institution, violated the United States stat
utes in bankruptcy, and should, therefore,
reimburse the creditors of the bank.
Seventh. The distinction made between
white and black troops in the regular army
is un-American, unjust and ungrateful.
White men can enter any branch OF the SER
vice, while cOlOred men are confined to the
cavalry and infantry service, and in the ap-
pointment of civilians to regulate the army
we believe it will be the duty of the Presi-
dent to consider the claims of cOlored men.
This distinction is carried into the navy as
well.
Eighth. 1t is not our province to dictate
the policy of the Government or the action
of our fellow citizens in the several States.
1t is matter that their circumstances, pa
triotism and needs should shape.
Ninth. AS race struggling and contend
ing for our political and civil rights, we are
gain her rights, and we extend to our Irish
friends our profound sympathy and best
wishes.
Tenth. We earnestly desire the abolition
Of the chain-gang convict system, and the
admission to trade unions of men of our own
race and to employment in commercial pur-
suits.
Eleventh. In nearly every State in the
Union, both North and South, our race are
not allowed to enter freely into trades or