Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-10-02
The G. A. r. Reunion at To-
peka Proving to be a
Grand Success.
Visitors Daily Arriving From the East
ern States-A Sham Battle and
Grand Parade.
News From the National Capital-Ap-
pointments, and Dismissals by the
Executive Department.
Chicago Wins the Deciding Game oil
Base Ball, Emitting Her to the
League Penant.
colored Convention.

CoIored Convention.
LYNcHBURG, Va, Sept. 30.-The state
convention of colored men assembled here
to-day. J. b. SypaI, Of Alexandria, was
elected temporary chairman, and NJ. V.
Beckley, of Richmond, addressed the con-
vention, saying that this convention had
not assembled as Republicans or Democrats,
but as citizens of Virginia, and claiming the
right of freemen. He hoped their delibera-
tons would demonstrate that they were
worthy to be citizens.
The convention reassembled at 8 p. m.
r p. Beckley was elected permanent chair
man, and N. V. N. Backus, secretary.
The following address was presented amid
great cheering:
10 the colored people of Virginia:
WHEREAS, We colored people OF Vir-
ginia, believing as we do that the time has
come for us TO call halt in the unqualified
support we have given the Republican
party, do here in convention assem-
bled, solemnly declare ourselves polit-
ically independent in all matters which
pertain to us as citizens and voters of this
commonwealth. We have for twenty five
years adhered to our former political asso-
those dark days of reconstruction the Re-
party to which the colored men of the south
could consistently allay himself To that
end the colored voters nobly responded and
raised to power and peace men who grew
wealthy while administering the laws of the
United States government in the southern
states. We feel ever grateful for what has
been done, but the time has come for US to
think, act, vote and speak for ourselves and
especially SO since the Republicans have
practically abandoned us in former cam
paigns and in all matters where the negro
onght to have had recognition in proportion
to their voting strength and intelligence.
We know, too, that many Of our race have
been murdered in the southern states, but
the causes which led to these sad occurrences
which have spilled our blood and
created bitter race antagonism which
now retards our progress and makes it
difficult for us to live in the land of our
birth, are largely traceable to the misman-
agement of the federal Office holders in our
section. These foregoing reasons lead us to
adopt such methods and so to demean our
selves as to make friends of those
WHOSE INTERESTS ARE IDENTICAL
in every way with our way. We appeal
to the colored people of our native state to
look well to the altered condition of affairs
and in the future to make such political al
liances as will most advance our interests
educationally, financially and politically.
We feel sure that there is throughout the
broal limits of the commonwealth general
disposition on the part Of the white people
to accord us all our rights before the law
and to meet us heartily in every advance we
make for the unfolding Of our people. 1t
behooves US then to so use our ballots in
that we may drive out all discordant ele-
ment in Virginia, whether they be headed
by natives or aliens to the state. We also
condemn the raising of the race issue by
any class Of men who may ESSAY to lead
the masses, because it can do nothing but
be detrimental TO our cause and our interests.
We therefore ask hearty corporation of
Of our people in Virginia to the success of
our movement. We have cause to be thank
full for the liberality of the present admins
tration to our people in the South. We
also belieye our
RELATIONS TO THE STATE DEBT
Are such as to qualify us in hoping
that Virginia will be relieved from
her present financial embarrassment
by aid from the federal government,
which will enable her better to
provide for all the material interests of her
citizens and bring about that universal good
feeling which ought to exist between the
tive races.
The address was adopted and the conven-
ton adjourned sine die.