The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-12-05
EXODUSO OF C0LORED PEOPLE.
What Is Thought of 1t by Three Repre-
sentative Men Here.
Some Thoughtful Views Expressed by Those
Who Are in Sympathy with Their
Col0red Brethren in the South.

among Ine cOIQfeQ people mere 1or the millions
of their race in the South who yet suffer from
bondage second only to the bondage Of actual
Slavery subversion of the rights which were
intended to be given them by tho amendments
to the Constitution; rights which, as
matter of fact, they have not been
permitted to enjoy. Yesterday after
noon a Journal reporter sought and OBJ
tanned number of interviews with representa-
tive colored citizens regarding the exodus which
now appears imminent
DIR. ELBERT's VIEWS
The first person called upon was Dr. S. A. Ell
bert the well-knowu colored physician, at his
Office on Indiana avenue. He said II remem-
Der well the exodus which brought to this State
many Of the eolorsd people of North Carolina.
1t had hardly been spoken of before they were
at our doors. In all likelihood this migra-
ton will be much larger, though it
may be that no great number of them will come
here. My impression is that these people have
been ripe for migration for some time, aud the
uneasiness and uncertainty following the success
of the Democratic party has precpitated it
somewhat earlier than it would otherwise have
come, and, perhaps, with wider influence and
force than it would otherwise have had. Their
be worse under Democratic supremacy, and they
will leave in great numbers. l think they
should come north-ludana, the Northwest and
the Western Territories open to them, and it
is the duty of the colored people of
the North to give them all encourage
ment and assistance in the movement. Let them
be cared for until they can get suitable homes.
think that VIC should take time by the fore
lock. There should be committees formed and
systematic arrangements should be made SO that
If they come homes can be found forsthem in the
eountry-for they are agricultural people.
From the success that attended the North Caro-
lima exodus, undertaken under great difficulties
and conducted with much mismana cement, [
argue that there is nothing to be feared from
this exodus, which seems to be spon-
taneous moving of the people. They are used to
hard work and viii make excellent farm laborers,
and if any of them should come to Indiana
they will not only benefit their condition
but be a positive benefit to this State, adding to
our strength and wealth. do not wish to look
at this at all in a partisan light. but | speak
as wishing to improve the condition Of my race"
REV. J. NJ wAsHINGToN.
The reporter next found Rev J. NJ Washing
ton, of the Blackford-street A NJ. b. Church.
beautiful cottage is being erected beside the
church as a study for the pastor, and there the
reporter found him Mr. Washington said: Il
was in St Louis at the time of the exodus
to Kansas, and upon the committee APP
pointed there to aid them They came poorly
provided FOR settlement in their new homes, and
some of them afterwards returned to the South.
The great majority of them. however, went on,
settled in Kansas, and remained there l have
been recently informed by the most trustwor-
thy authority, that those people doing re
markedly we'll | think the South is really the
home for the black man. and think if properly
treated they should remain there. But / hap
pen to know by personal observation, that they
are not properly treated, and. like other citizens,
hope they have the right to look about and
improve their condition. l think the
black people should seek homes in
the Northern and Western States, where
they can exercise the rights Of American Cit
Zens came out of the South on the 10Th Of
October, one year ago ! acted in the capacity
of presiding elder over the State of Arkansas,
part of Texas, Louisiana, and the Territories,
and two years of experience in that field has
given me some knowledge of the treatment Of
the black man. His political freedom is a farce.
He is cheated out of the fruits Of his labor
and every interest takes advantage to Cypress
him. | have been thoroughly Disguised with
the treatment the black man receives in
the South, and / shall be glad to
see any movement that will better
his condition. Let them emigrate to
those States whore they can exercise all the
rights that are extended to American citizens
The labor of their hands viii undoubtedly add to
the wealth of any State that receives them"
VARIOUS VIEWS, vARIoCsEY EXPRESSED.
Rev James NJ. Harris. pastor Of the Second
Baptist Church said IF they come we must be
prepared to receive them aud see that they find
homes upon farms. We do not need them in
the cities To so locate would injure us and in
jure them, but as agriculturists they would ben
eft the State, There is no reason why they
should not make o valuable part of farming
community. If the exodus comes this way there
is no doubt the people here will know how to
manage 1t"
William H. Russell, Indiana commissioner
for the colored exhibit at New Orleans: I'VE
cannot tell whether the exoGusteIs will come
here or not but | think we should be prepared
for them Committees should be formed so that
in case they como they can be provided with
homes, We had little trouble in finding homes
for the people who came here from North Caro-
lima, We had many requests from farmers for
families and laborers-many more than could
supply They acquainted with farm work
and make very desirable farm hands.
Rev Mr.. Roberts, of the Vermont-street A.
M. E., said; Il do not think there is, at present
any great danger of an exodus taking place I
believe the feeling of tae Democratic party in
the South toward the black man is better than it
has been heretofore, and as that party will try to
remain in power it will be gentle and endeavor
to so act as not to antagonze the colored man.
There are some inducements for the colored man
to emigrate to the Southwest, to Arkansas and
Texas and it may be they will 20 there in su1i-
eient numbers to control local politics and be
able to get representation in congressional dis
tricts. am, however, opposed to anything that
looks like colonization of the negro. lie should
be dispersed over the country as the various
nationaities that come here from Europe are"
Anderson Lewis, a we'll todo blacksmith and
wagon maker, said There is considerable talk
among people about this exodus If any of
the colored people of the South should come to
Indiana they will do no damage to the State II
they come from Virginia, or from Tennessee and
Kentucky, it will be a class of population that
will find place among farmers, and will bring
labor that Indiana needs. There's many foot
of soil in this State that needs cultivation
Emigration will do the tolored people of the
South good. 1t will educate them They
have hacu in Dlaca +an Inv,