Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1889-12-12
A Plea for the Colored Man.

A Plea for the Colored Man.
The colored people did no, tntrpas thsmss,va.
upon Us; they were brought here in chainx and
heid IN the communities where they ara now
'n!sHy found by cruel slave code Happily for
oth races, they are now free They have from =
standpoint Of ignorance and poverty. which WAS
ouf shame, not theirs, made remarkable advances
1n eancallon aAd in The acquisition OF property
lHes nave, as people, shown themselves TO be
'Iehdiy ana faithful toward the white race under
temptations OF tremendous strength They have
'ue1r representatives In the national cemeteries
where grateful government has gathered ne
M issues OF those who died in It's defense
Ihey have furnished TO our regular
arm! regiments that have won hirh
prise l5d t3r heir commanding officers for courage
ana soldlerly qualities, and Tor hdeityto the en-
hstment oath In civil life they are the toilers Of
lhelr communities, making their full contributions
20 ' tne widening streams of prosperity which the
communities are receiving Their sudden with.
uIawal would stop production and bring disorder
IN the household. Generally, they do not desire to
9un Their homes, and their employers resent
tne interference Of the emigration agents
VINO seek TO stimulate such desire;
oht Notwithstanding all this, in many parts of our
country where the coored population is large the
pflNed OF any effective exercises of
lher political rights, and of many of
ths i elVL rights The wrong does not expend it
stII upon those whose votes are suppressed
Every constituency in the Union is wronged Il
mas been the hope of every patriot that a sense Of
justice and OF respect for The law would work q
bi00udi cure OF these Migrant evils. Surely
supposes that the present can BE- accepted
as permanent condition. If 1t is
salu that these communities must work
out OF this problem for themselves we have a
right 70 ask whether they are at work upon il. Do
they suggest any solutionY When and under what
conditions is the black man TO have free balloti
When Is he in fact, -a.e hose full civil rights,
Wnlch nave so iong beet MS in law. When Is
that equality of influence which our form of gov
eminent was intended to secure TO the electors TO
ee restored! This generation should courageously
"a zion and G..aan /.
heritage OF woe 10 the next The
consultation should proceed with eandor,
calmness and great patience, upon th4 line of
lusuce ana humanity, not of prejudice and cruel
" 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 OF congress TO the
consideration of such measures within its well de
hned constitutional power, az will secure 70 all
our peoplea 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 of congress- of powers
not granted, but both viii be highly blamable if
all the powers granted are not wisely but firmly
used TO correct these evils.
Federal Control OF Elections Sanctioned.
The power to the whole direct ion and control of
the election of mem0era Of the house of represent
atiyes Is clearly given to the general government.
A partial and qualified supervision Of these cleo
tions is now provided for by law, and in my Opiu-
ion, this law may 70 so strengthened and extended
as to secure on the whole better results than can
such election into federal control. The colored
man should be protected in all of his relations TO
the federal government, whether as lltgant, juror
witness in our courts as an elector of members
OF congress, or as peaceful traveer on g." inter
state railways.
Our Ocean Mall Service Should be Aided
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 viii be literally re-
munerative for the service rendered, as will 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,
A Naval Deserve Should be Provided.
We should also make provision for P naval re
serve, to consist OF such merchant ships of Ameri
can construction and Of specified tonnage and
speed, the owners will consent to place at the
hse of the government In case of need, as armed
cruisers. England has adopted this policy, and a.
result, can now upon necessity 1T 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 1t La misuse OF
terms to make this word describe a policy that
withholds an expenditure for the purpose OF ex
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 pous of othel
countries and our own; and the adaptation of
large and swift American merchant steamships to
naval 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 propltlous for The present in
auguration of liberal and progre s,ye policy upon
this subject, end should enter upon 1t with
prOmptness aud decision
The legislation which have suggested, 1t is
sincerely believed, will promote the peace and
honor of our country and the prosperity and secu-
rity of the people. invoke the diligent and seri.
Gus attention Of congress TO the consideration OF
these and such other measures may be present
ed, having the same great end in view.
(Sig) BENZ. HARRISON.
EbecntiUe Mansion,
WASHINGTON, d, @.