The Washington bee. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1884-1922, 1890-02-22

that section, they are DeceSsaTIall
the sufferers TO a greater extem
than any other class from untavOl
able legislation on the subject @
labor. The present system, a
least in its results, is so injuriOu
to the coIored laborers in man
parts of the south that they seldom
If ever, enjoy fair and reasonable
portion OF the fruits of their la
Dor.
Under the Constitution anC
laws of the land we are entitled tC
the same rights and privileges
enjoyed by any other class of clti
zrnS, and yet in defiance of law we
find that we are subjected TO tax
alton without representation.
We are compelled to obey laws
that we have no voice in making.
We are obliged in many localities
to submit to verdict of juries and
decision of courts, in the creation
and composition of which we are
not allowed to participate. We
therefore feel and believe that it is
our duty as it is our privilege to
inform the country through the
medium of a national convention,
of any grievances, having full faith
IN the fairness and business of the
American people. Public opinion
after all, especially in a democra-
tic Republic, is thu supreme law
of the land. To that tribunal We
make our earnest appeal for justice
and fair play. Political parties
are the instruments through which
the will of the people is executed.
Our purpose is to so impress upon
the public mid the juStness and
fairness Of our claims that no poll
licaI party can safely afford to ig-
more them.
If it is true that all of our friends
are IN one party and our enemies
in another, which we do not assert,
that is misfortune for which We
are not responsible and the exis-
trnce of which we sincerely re.
greet.
We petition the present Con-
grpSS to enact INTO law some such
bill as the "Bldir educational bill'
believing as We do. thtt 1t is the
duty of the National Government
To assist the several States in the
education of the people, and that
The money thus appropriated b
on the basis OF lllite-
acy.
We also petition the present |
Congress to So amend the nation
AL interstate commerce law rs will |
rulIfy the effects of such State leg |
i>latInn aS provides SepeIate Gals
tor white and colOred passengers.
brllrvlug ~ W. do, that such
State legislation, SD far as the
same may he apiilca ble to inter
state 10 IDS, is clearly uncpn>tiru-
-l"nal, to say nothing OF lis uujuS-
ice.
We also peutiOn the present
Congress TO pass such law aS
will put Federal elections und, r
Federal control.
We also petition the preSeAt
Congress to pass a law reimburs-
ny the depOSitOrS of the late
Freedmen'S Saving and Trust
company for the losses sustained
~ them through the failure Of
hat institution.
The propositions now pending
n Congress looking TO the depor-
atiOu or emigration of cOlOred
citizens of this country
% any other country or even to
my other part of our own Country.
Trough government aid, meets
With our most emphatic cOndemna-
ion aud diSapprOval, for we can.
lot receive governmental aid to
xlle ourselves from this country
is a neutralIzing element against
'ur own growing numbers or as an
xcuSe for the nation not doing
Is duty toward us as American
itizenS. While we recognize the
ight of cOlOred American citizens r
o 60 to any country they may de-
ire, or to any part of ours, yet we
onOt believe that it is any part of
he duty of the general Govern
lent to render any aid or assist
nee from the Federal Treasury for
hat purpose, and we dOnot ask it.
LII we ask is justice, equal rights
nd fair play. Ii under said cir |
we cannot survive we
ill have none to blame but our.
elves. :
We recommend the adoption of :
he fOllOwingre resolution.
RESOLVED. That the national L
rganization created by this con- n
ention be authorized aud instruct. 9
to call upon the President of the
nited States and present him 8
ith a copy of this address, and d
so thank him in the name of this
Invention for his friendly al +,
SionS to the colored Americans +