The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-02-16
THEY WILL INQUIRE WHY.
THE CoLoRED CITIZENS HOLD AN
OTHER MASS MEETING.
A Committee Appointed to Investigate
"Why Their Race Is Oppressed and
Denied Justice"-A Lengthy Letter
From the Hon. VIM r. Moore.

ritizenS, largely attended, met at the Sons
OF Ham hall to protest against what they
consider as political and judicial oppression
OF their race. The deliberations OF the
meeting were discussed in the newspapers
at the time. The meeting adjourned to
reassemble again last night The leading
spirits Of the meeting had invited several
prominent white citizens to be present and
hear the discussion OF the important ques.
ton to be debated
The Hon. l. r. Norris called the meet
ing TO order, and in brief speech stated
Its objects. A. Freeman, ST., was elected
chairman, and John Lott secretary. The
following resolution, submitted by the
Hon. T.. +. Cassells, was adopted:
Resolved, That a committee OF five be
appointed 10 inquire into the reasons and
causes why these outrages are perpetrated
on u.s. and When we seek redress in the
courts OF justice we are insulted, and prac-
tcally driven away, and relief denied us. :"
The committee appointed consists of
oiessrs. t. +. Cassells, /. +. Norris, NJ
Stricklin, Ed Shaw, J. w. Guy, j. +.
Howard, q. Il. Evans, Fred Savage and
John Lott.
The following letter, written by request
~ the Hon. William X. Moore, was then
cad. and the meeting adjourned subject
o the call OF the chairman.
70 ~. Norris
In reply TO your letter will say that
he United States il a great and powerful
iation, numbering today about u, DOC, 900
people.
Her government is devised, ordained
md intended for the common good OF all,
and not for the special benefit OF either
orunettes OF Of blondes.
Both the great political parties Of the
country are in the habit OF proudly pub
fishing in their annual platforms that ours
sa government OF the people, by the
people and for the people," 1t is peril
aent, therefore, 10 ask ourselves the ques-
zion, "Who are the poople?'
'The people" OF this nation comprise
oday, "a stated, $4,000, 600 human beings,
composed OF Germans, Frenchmen, Irish
men, Italians and others, native and
asturalized, besides the race (about l2,-
100000, or nearly one-fifth Of the whole
represented by yourselves-"n and
10 the manner born"-and all, under the
theory Of our wise constitution, alike pro.
tected by its benign guarantees.
One OF the cardinal doctrines Of our con-.
ptituiion In that any portion Of our people
feeling aggrioyed by any other portion
shall have theright peaceably 10 assemble
Tor the purpose Of presenting their petit
tons and urging redress Of the wrongs
30 complained Of.
Now, as l understand IT, you are as
scmbled here tonight in pursuance Of this
indefeasible right and privilege, and have
been requested by your representatives, TO
send my written views concerning the
grievances at issue.
What are they7 II seems that a few
weeks ago the time came for elccting a
mayor and aldermen in the capital Of Mis-
tisslppi (Jackson). II seems, furthermore,
that the Democrats being there in a hope
lees minority, determined, regardless OF
lawful means and consequences, 20 In
sugurate their own political reign. Taking
advantage. therefore, and using as n lawful
pretext the late previous violent and sav.
gc murder Of n white by oolored citizen
"A purely personal incident which the
unobstructed machinery Of the local
courts stood ready and competent 10 deal
wi,h--I say using this personal incident
asa prctsxt, the records show us that an
anonymous, ''rcd printed circular" was
immediately issued, with a threatening
heading OF pistols, guns and shot pouches,
reading M follows, viz:
Driven by no sudden passion or blind
impulse, but actuated by firm and de.
iibera,o sense OF the duty We owe 10 our
race aud TO ourselves, we hereby warn the
negroes that II any one OF their race at.
tcmpts 90 run for oihcejn the approaching
municipal election, W does no ut his
supremest peril and we further warn any
and all negroes Of this city agnins, attempt.
Ing, at their utmost hazard, by vote or In.
iiuence, 10 foist on us again this black and
damnablo machine miscallcd n govern
mcnl Of our city,"
Well, what whs the result? The ncgrocz.
remembering only too wildly the Ku
Klux scenes Of Democratic cruelty, which
had antcdated this first cousin, held a
consultation, and, 10 avoid scenes OF
carnage and bloodshed, resolved that
Whereas, the colored people have been
reliably informed that the Democratic
club on committee, OF jackson, have in.
gited Democrats from various other places
aud adjoining counties 10 be here on cleo
lion day for the purpose OF preventing the
polored voters rom voting or participating
In the city election next Monday, January
2, 1888. therefore be Il
Resolved, That In tho interest OF peace
and harmony, and the protection Of life
and property, the eolored people refrain
rom voting or in any way participating In
mid election.
Resolved further, That the colorcd can.
iidaics airs hereby Withdrawn" etc, etc
And this n In the State which has lust
,ow furnished an associate lustceoi the 81.
,reme court OF tho United States lin sym.
,alhy with these diabolical methods, " We
t,..l..n H. ~. .tl...... -. A..