The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-03-24
CLAIMS OF THE NEGROES.
A DELEGATION CALLS ON THE
PRE- SIDENT.

PRE- SIDENT.
Representation on the Worlds Fair
Commission and on theFederal Bench
Asked For-The President Says the
Commission is Full, But Promises
to Consider the Judgeship Matter.
WASHINGTON, March 1S-The national
COMMITTEES of the Afro-American Press As
ISOLATION called upon the President to-day
and presented the following address:
To the President
The Afro-AmeTcan Press Association of the
United states, at its recent session. held at Gin
cinnati o., selected the undersig med committee
20 present to your excellency, Hon. Benjamin
Harrison. President of tue United States, the
general claims and individual merits of a large
class of American citizens for representative
and prominent positions in the Columbian
Worlds Fair commission, and, also TO suggest
the propriety and wisdom of selecting
g capable negro jurist to ill a place
upon the bench of the federal judi
ciary body. Those We represent are young,
progressive and brilliant zen of their race.
They nave been effective in molding thought,
elevating the masses and giving impetus to
every onward movement that helps to make
the progress of the recently ensIaved people
the marvel of American civilization. We desire
70 say on their behalf that your broad and
s,ncere and persistent actions IN favor OF
jmpartially protecting all the people and ex-
tending to all alike opportunities of enjoying
the benefits, as well as bearing the burden OF
our great government, assures us that any
claim which may present, founded upon
Justice and propriety, will meet with the earn
est consideration and hearty approval OF the
chief executive officer Of the nation. Our ma
tional progress has been rapid in all directions
agricultural, manufacturing art, science, lit
erature and legislation-but every other phase
of American civilization is common to all
christendom. except the rise of the hitherto en-
shaved people to freedom and civilization under
the influence of the benign policy inaugurated by
Abraham Lincoln aud fostered and perpetuated
by the wise methods of the administration over
which you preside. Many millions In money are
the value of the products of negro labor The
wealth of many great states has been created
by his toll and the staples Of vast region of
the republic which load our commerce, bless
our tables and furnish material for factories to
work are the result of the patience aud industry
OF the class in whose behalf we speak.
Believing in your sincere desire TO extend i'm
partial treatment to all classes we respectfully
invite your excellency to consider the propriety
of placing some one of this class, so peculiarly
illustrative of the nations progress in a repre-
sentative and prominent position in connection
with the worlds fair to be held in Chicago ILL.,,
in 1893 some one whose affinity and sympathy
will invite the cooperation OF the coored peo-
pie of America.
THE CLAIM FOR A JUDGEsBIP.
In many states of the union, as we'll as in our
national congress, the legal status of the
American negro and his relative privileges and
rights in public and civil affairs are still matter
Of serious discussion and legislation. That he
may be clothed with power to speak for him:
self with authority. that the old time idea of
fair play may prevail. which grants to the peers
of the accused the right to voice in the judg
ment, we beseech that you will consider the
merits of a number of able iurists. who belong
to the people we represent in the judicial APP
pointments which we understand will be made
IN the near future. AS Afro Americans we de-
sire nothing that others may not claim. There
is neither merit In race or complexion, but in
ability, labor. patriotism and long and loyal
service TO the public good, which qualities we
believe we possess, and it is that for which we
desire recognition in the instances already
suggested 1t is not our purpose TO embarrass
your administration by any untoward any
impolitic action, for IL is an honorable and
patriotic ambition which impes us to ask that
we have proper representation in an exhibition
which can present nothing more marked and
wonderful In human progress than the products
of the brain and muscle of the people so re-
Gently epfraDchised.
Hoping that this present alton of the views of
avery important body Of American citizens
may meet your favorable consideration, we ever
pray, and remain yours respectfully,
p. H. MURRY, st. Louis Advance.
II. PRICE WILLIAMS, Washington Pilot,
RoBT. PELHAM, Detroit Plain Dealer,
J. GORDON STREET, Boston CourGnt,
Committee.
Washington, d. c., March %, 1891.
HARRIsoN's REPLY.
The President, in response, said in sub.
worlds fair commission was concerned,
there were no vacancies, and if one were to
occur an alternate would fill the place. If
it became possible, however, to do anything,
and the proper man was presented, he
would make the appointment.
Speaking with reference to the request
that colored man be appointed to the
bench, the President asked il the delegation
had man thoroughly versed in law and
had arrived at that eminence in
practice which would entitle him to an ap-
pointment as circuit judge. present the
name of good man, said the President,
land will give it that consideration which
its Importance commands" When the COM
mittee told the president that there were a
number of that class of men among the
race, whose names would be presented to
him with the Endorsement of the bar of the
state in which they practlced, he advised
that their names be sent in, and he promised
to consider them impartially. The inter-
view was very cordial and pleasant the
President inviting the committee to call
again, and thanking the Negro Press Asso-
citation for its kindly remembrances of his
endeavors to act fairly by the race.