The state journal., 1884-01-05
Insisting On Their Rights.
TIE CoLoRED CITIZENS CONVENTION
OF THE STATE OF CONEECTICUT

Norwich, Dec. 80.
The convention Of colored citizens
of the State assembled in this city
yesterday to discuss the question of
evil rights as affected by the decision
Of the supreme Court declaring the
Civil Rights bill unconstitutional, was
largely attended by influential dele
gates from all parts OF Connecticut.
Walter II. Burr; Of this city, was
chosen Chairman. Mr.. Burr, in
ringing speech, said: : THE colored
people have the balance of political
power in this State, and the dominant
party must walk straight or the par
ties will change. We must accord
the present Democratic Governor the
union OF the State militia, move
ment which is in advance OF any
movement ever before made in behalf
of this people. The sincerity of the
next legislature is to be tested upon
- e z:;-:l -,;o.hta fnrr the
colored people. The intention Of this
organization is to arouse the colored
citizens Of this state to a realization
of their strength, and to a united
effort for theirrights." After speeches
by Major Delaney of South Carolina;
Mr.. Claggert or Hsrtford, and
George Jaffries Of Meriden, the fol-
lowing resolution was passed:
ResolUed, That the fourteenth
amendment Of the constitution con
ters the right of citizenship upon all
persons born or natuvaliz9d in the
United States and subject to the
jurisdiction thereof. 1t was the
special purpose of this amendment to
insure TO members of the colored race
the full enjoyment OF civil ond polltl.
Cal rights. Certain statutory provls
ions intended to secure the enforce
ment of those rights have been re-
Gently declared unconstitutional by
the Supreme Court, any legislation
by which the Legislature may law
fully supplement the guarantee which
the Constitution affords for the equal
rights, privileges, and immunity of
citizenship will receive our hearty
approval.
Mr.. Jeffries made the speech Of the
meeting, declaring that the colored
people had been accorded full politi-
ca rights. The Legislature may pass
laws till doomsday" said he "telling
the people to respect you, but it n
not enforce such laws, for the virtue
within you must command for you
respect. The success Of civil rights
is within you. We are holding a
position oday | never expected to
sea position the world never
before witnessed-the raising of a
people so low as our people were to
be the equal of every msn. We have
representatives in Congress in the
Legislature, in law, in religion, in
literature l have no objection to
the placing Of such law on the stat
ute books, but if you cultivate thrift,
intelligence and virtue you will fit
yourself for the position you covet.
1t is impossible for the Legislature to
legislate you into the heart of sin
gle citizen. You are civil rights
law to yourselves; by growing in the
best elements of manhood you can
make your neighbor respect you, and
at the same time elevate your race"
Before adjournment it was decided to
from an Executive Committee com
posed of a representative from each
town in the State.
The colored people here were not,
l
as a rule, in sympathy with the con-
vention, not believing in the efficacy
of legislative action.