Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-02-02
BOLTING BOSS RULE.
COlOred People Repudiate What They
Call a Set-Up Delegation.
Mr.. MORTON TO GO TO WASHINGTON
He is Representative to the National
COlOred Convention.
FRANKLIN SCHOOL HOUSE MEETING.

A meeting of colored voters of the Twenty
second Congressional district was held in
the franklin school house last night for the
purpose of electing four delegates to the
National Colored Convention which meets
in Washington, d. c., tomorrow, the OBJ
ject of which is to provide for the harmon
izing of eolored voters generally, SO that they
may be able to act unitedly on questions af-
fecting their interest and secure Legislation
that will protect their right to the franchise
in the Southern States.
James T. Braxton presided, and Isaac
Morton stated the object of the meeting, as
above noted, and also said it was the inten-
ton to have the delegates to the convention
petition Congress to make September % a
national holiday to commemorate the eman-
cipation proclamation issued by President
Lincoln on that day. Mr.. Morton stated
that there was no nationality represented in
the United States that did not have some
great distinctive day to celebrate, except
the African race, and that was an
event fully as important for his race
to remember as is the Fourth of July, or
any other day now celebrated. Mr.. Morton
then stated his objection to certain colored
people whom he styled selfconstituted
leaders of the colored people hereaDouts,
setting themselves to speak for all without
regard to whether they might be Endorsed or
not. These people, Mr.. Morton said, he
would not name, as all knew whom he meant,
but he
REPUDIATED THEIR ACTION
in ignoring the choice of the colored people,
and appointing without authority James c.
Delphy, Richard Keyes, j. M. Foster, Ajax
Jones and Broadax Smith delegates to to-
morrow's convention. He had been
offered credentials as delegate, but
he did not want them unless he had
backing from the people of this Con-
gressionsl district interested.
Mr.. Morton exhibited a letter from Con-
gresham DalzeIl in which he promised to
use his utmost endeavors to secure the
setting apart OF September % as national
holiday, and concluded by urging the meet
ing to do what ever it might see fit with a
purpose unselish and single to the bene-
fit of the race and not individuals.
John Roy said this was a time for every
well-meaning and honest colored man to go
on record. The question as to rights of the
colored people is taking shape, and it is
possible that redress of grievances may now
be had. Certain wouldb be leaders wish to
take upon themselves to say what the col
ored people of the TwentY-second Congress
sional district need without consultation
with them, and he thought 1t time these
people be given to understand that they did
not speak for all. They should no longer
be allowed to loaf around political head
quarters posing as the only people compe-
tent to speak for colored voters. An effort
had been made BY some to prevent the sue
cess OF this meeting, but it must not win.
In conclusion Mr.. Roy nominated Mr.. Nor
ton for delegate to the convention.
MORTON WAS ELECTED.
A motion to elect Morton passed without
negative vote, and James O'Neill was
elected alternate.
Chairman Braxton spoke briefly, deplor-
ing the loss of spirit which allowed a few
self-constituted leaders to arrogate to them
selves all the intelligence of the resident
people of color. 1t had almost destroyed his
interest in public affairs, and he congratu-
lated the meeting on the independence which
refused to acknowledge the credentials made
by a cabal no one knew where or how If
colored people were to exhibit more indie
pendence of these men they would fare bet
ter as well as command more respect. Such
men as had marred Friday nights meeting
should be given back seats on the stools of
repentance until they had brought forth
meet fruits to show reformation.
The meeting decided that while the call
was for four delegates 10 be elected that
such number was unwise, as one would
answer the purpose just as well at one
fourth the expenditure of money, 50 Mr..
Morton will go alone, SO far as last nights |
action is concerned.
In conclusion, Mr.. Morton was called on |
10 acknowledge the honor done him in his |
selection, and he did it feicitously. In his |
peroration he reminded the meeting that, |
although Christopher Colum bus was en-
titled to everlasting gratitude in discover
ing more elbow room, yet great many peo-
pie had been born since 1892, and it was
lime that some of them got recognition also.