Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-12-12
A Plea for the COlored Man.

TIC cOIOTeu people did not InJrude LhemseIVeB
upon us; they were brought here, in chains and
held in the communities where they are
chiefly found by cruel slave code. Happily for
both races, they are now free. They have, from
standpoint of ignorance and poverty, which was
our shame, not theirs, made remarkable advances
IN education ard in the acquisition of property.
They have, as people, shown themselves to be
friendly and faithful toward the white race under
temptations OF Tremendous strength They have
where grateful government has gathered the
ashes of those who died in its defense.
They have furnished to our regular
praise for their commanding officers for courage
and solderly qualities and for fidelity to the en-
lisment oath. In civil life they are the toilers of
to the widening streams of prosperity which the
communities are receiving. Their sudden with
drawal would stop production and bring disorder
in the household. Generally, they do not desire to
quit their homes, and their employers resent
The interference of the emigration agents
who seek to stimulate such desire;
but Notwithstanding all this in many parts of our
country where the colored population is large the
people of that race are by various devices de,
their political rights and of many of
their civil rights. The wrong does not expend it
self upon those whose votes are suppressed.
Every constituency in the Union is wronged 1t
has been the hope of every patriot that sense OF
justice and of respect for the law would work
gradual cure of these fragrant evils. Surelyno one
supposes that the present can be accepted
as a permanent condition. III Is
said that these communities must work
out of this problem for themselves we have
right to ask whether they are at work upon It, DO
they suggest any solution? When and under what
conditions is the black man TO have free ballot!
When is he in fact to have those full civil rights,
which have so long been his in law. When is
that equality of influence which our form of gov
eminent intended TO secure to the electors 10
be restored? This generation should courageously
face these grave questions and not leave them as
heritage of to the next. Inc
consultation should proceed with candor,
calmness and great patience, upon the line OF
justice and humanity not of prejudice and cruel
ty. No question in our country can be at rest ex-
cept upon the firm base of justice and of the law
| earnestly invoke the attention or congress 10 the
consideration of such measures within It's well de-
fined constitutional power, will secure TO all
people free exercise of the right OF suffrage
and every other civil right under the constitutions
and laws of the United states. No evil, however
deplorable, can justify the assumption, either on
the part of the executive or OF congress- or powers
not granted, but both will be highly blamable Il
all the powers granted are not wisely but firmly
used to correct these evils.
Our Ocean Mail Service Should be Aided
1 recommend that such appropriations be made
for ocean mail service in American steamships
between our ports and those of Central and South
! America, China, Japan and the important Islands
in both of the great oceans as Will be loeraliy re-
munerative for the service rendered, as viii en-
courage the establishment and in some fair degree
equalize the chances of American steamship lines
in the competition which they must meet. That
the American states lying south OF us Will cor
daily Cooperate in establishing and maintaining
such lines of steamships TO their principal ports
do not doubt
Naval Reserve Should be Provided.
We should also make provision for naval re-
serve, to consist of such merchant ships of Ameri-
can construction and of specified tonnage and
speed as the owners will consent to place at the
use of the government in case OF need, as armed
cruisers. England has adopted this policy, and as
a result, can now upon necessity at once place
upon her naval list, some of the fastest steam
ships in the world. A proper supervision OF the
construction of such vessels would make their
conversion into effective ships of war very easy.
Am an Advocate of Economy
in our national expenditures, but it is misuse of
terms TO make this word describe q policy that
githhOlds expenditure for the purpose Of ex-
ending our foreign commerce. The enlargement
and improvement of our merchant marine; the
development of sufficient body Of trained Amer
lean seamen: the promotion Of rapid and regular
mail communication between the porLs OF other
countries and our own; and the adaptation of
large and swift American merchant steamships TO
naval use in time of war, are public purposes
of the highest concern. The enlarged participation
of our people in the carrying trade, the new and
increased markets that will be opened for the pro-
ducts of our farms and factories; the fuller and
better employment of our mechanics, which Will
result from liberal promotion of our foreign
commerce, insure the widest possible diffusion OF
benefits to all the states and to all our people.
Everything is most propitious for the present IN
auguration of liberal and progressive policy upon
this subject, and we should enter upon it with
prom tness and decision.
The legislation which I have suggested, 1t is
sincerely believed, will promote the peace and
rity of the people invoke the diligent and seri-
Gus attention of congress TO the consideration OF
these and such other measures as may be present.
ed, having the same great end IN view
EcecutiGe Mansion,
WASHINGTON, d. G.