St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-04-30
COLORED CONVENTION.
Hon. Fred Douglass Denied a Hearing
But Gets in Few Words.
The Work Done of Sensible Nature, and
Could be Adyantageously Copied.


conference of colored men assembled in Mu-
nicipal hall this morning, and delegates were
present from Connecticut, Rhode Island,
Massachusetts,, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
Ohio, Virginia, District of Columbia, Indi-
ana, Illinois, Kansas and Louisiana to the
number Of seventy-five. Among them were
Fred Douglass and Bishop Green, of Ohio.
The convention is composed of fine body
OF men, and determination was expressed to
prevent it being used for political purposes.
At ten O'Clock Rev. G. S. Smith, Bloomfield,
ILL.,, delivered an address, stating the objects
OF the conference, called the convention
to order, and Robert jackson, of Pittsburg,
was elected temporary chairman. An adj
dress of welcome made by Vim. Banks, of
Plttsburg, and response by Robert Pelham,
Jr., OF Detroit. The committee on perma-
nent organization will report this afternoon
Fred Douglass was nominated fer temporary
chairman, but the convention approved the
nomination of jackson.
The convention reassembled at two this
afternoon, and as the committee on perma-
nent organization was not ready to report,
the time was taken up In reading letters
OF regret from D. A Starker, Columbia,
S. c.; Jere A. Brown, Cleveland; J. Thomas
Fortune, New York, and others who were
unable to attend Starker suggested, in view
Of the recent decision of the supreme court,
declaring the civil right bill unconstitutional
that the convention demands that the Re-
publican party at Chicago make an unmis-
takeable declaration OF its purpose to secure
to the colored citizens equality with his fell
low citizens, the constitutional right to enjoy
all the privileges Of such, as is the intent If
the civil rights bill, and be protected in the
enjoyment of the same by the power of the
constitution, through the several tribunals
of the national government. Also to demand
from them pledge for free ballot and a
fair count, and have them answer the ques-
ton, ''are the colored people American
citizens, and what are their rights?"
A motion to allow Hon. Fred Douglass to
be heard gave rise to considerable opposition
and calls were made for a report from the
committee on permanent organization.
Finally Mr. Douglass himself arose and said :;
II am member of this convention, my
right to stand on this floor is equal to any
other man. This is conference of equals,
not of superiors and interiors.
do not come here to have leave
asked for me to speak 1t is not necessary
that the privileges should be begged for me.
When the time comes I shall demand the
right to be heard" The committee then re-
reported the following permanent officers
President, Lloyd G. Wheelock, Chicago;
Vice president, Geo j. Downing, Rhode
Island; W. A. Price, Kansas; J. n Weaver,
Indiana; John ?. Green, Ohio; Robert Shaw,
Illinois; James C. Craig, Michigan; j. j.
Holmes, Connecticutt; II. Pice Williams,
Pennsylvania; o. S. G. Hughes, New York
A. H. Newton, New Jerey;
Fred Douglas, District of Columbia.
Secretaries, E. ". Crosby, New York;
Robert Pelham, Detroit; r. II. Enbert, New
Jersey. The committee also recommended
the appointment of a committee on resolu-
tons and addresses from each state. II.
Price Williams, Philadelphia, here created
intense excitement by assailing the ability Of
Mr.. Wheelock, who was nominated for per-
manent president, and offering as a substi-
tute the name of the Hon. Fred Douglass.
The motion was voted down and the report
adopted. Major Wheelock was escorted tC
the chair and introduced. He delivered q
very able address, thanking the conference
for the honor conferred on him, and adding
that conference like this, actuated by dis
interested motives, can do much to mould
public opinion, and render possible the har
mOny Of discordant elements, so long exist
| ing in this country.
A general discussion on "Our politica
status then followed, Professor w. f. Scar
| borough, Wilberforce, o., reading an inter
esting paper on the subject, in which he ar
raigned the Republican and Democratic par.
ties, and denounced the policy of ex Presi
| dent Hayes in Withdrawing the troops anC
leaving the colored people at the mercy o
! their political enemies, upon the false theor1
that the constitution was powerless, and pub
| lie sentiment against interfering with states
In many parts of the south, he said, the col
ored people were undoubtedly in the
majority, but yet consent TO b,
kept under the control of the minority. We
cannot afford to be rash or hasty in charging
| our political states. An independent move
had been suggested as a way out of the di-
lcmma, but it was a step in the right direction
| selves. Before the election assurances must
be secured that the colored men will get the
rights that are guaranteed to eli other races.
Ferdinand L. Barrett, Illinois, followed,
warmly seconding the views Of Prof Scar
borough, and suggesting that the colored
men make an honorable capitulation to the
white man Of the south. 'Let u.s." said, he
''offer them the Olive branch, say to you, we
! commend the state its pOlitical fortunes and
its civil power to your skilled hands, and en-
trust its material development. Let US avoid
political strife in this manner, and the result
will be, that all fears of negro
domination would cease, and in
few wears, the ballots now
arraved against the southern white people
would be sought by them in their defense, and
then the dominant party surfeited by success,
would divide upon the issues, by which no
! color line could be raised and the very men
who to-day the most earnestly strive for the
defeat of the franchise of the colored men,
would seek that vote and endeavor to give it
effect. The conference then went into execu-
| tive session.
The Rev. c. Smith, of Bloomington, I'll,
offered resolution, that it is inexpedient at
| this time to endorse any party or any presi-
| Dental candidate. This was the text of the
resolution, and created sharp, acrimonious
and even angry debate, but was finally
adopted. Popular addresses by the Hon
John P. Green, Cleveland, and George
T. Downing, Rhode Island, then followed,
after which the convention adjourned till
morning. Tomorrow series of resolutions
and an address will be adopted.