Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-03-24
NEGRO DEMANDS.
THE "AFRo-AmsR,cAN" PRESS Asso-
CATION TO THE PRESIDENT,
a Hand In the worid's-Fair Management
and Federal Judgcship Want
ed for sambo.
[By ,elerraph % .he pispa.ch.l


WASHINGTON, March 2s.-The National
Committee OF the Afro-American Press
Association P. II. Murray, chairman, and
ii. Price Williams. secretary called upon
che President to-day and presented the
following address;
TO he President;
The Afro-American Press Association of
The United States at its recent annual
session, held az Cincinnati. Ohio, selected
The undersigned committee 20 present TO
your Excellency. Hon. Benjamin Harri-
son, President OF the United States. the
general claims and individual merits of
large class OF American citizens for repre-
sentative and prominent positions in the
Columbian WoTld's-Fair Commission and
also to suggest the propriety and wisdom
of selecting capable negro jurist 20 fill
place upon the bench Of the Federal Judi
ciary.
Tho body we represent are the young.
progressive, and brilliant men Of their
race. They have been effective in mould
ING thought, elevating the masses. and
giving impetus 10 every onward move
ment that helps 10 make the progress Of
reccntly-enslaved people the marvel OF
American civilization.
"TAFFY."
We desire 10 say on their behalf that
your broad and statesmanlike policy, Off
cal utterances, and sincere and persistent
action in favor of impartially protecting
all classes and extending 10 all alike the
opportunities of enjoying the benefits as
well as bearing the burdens of our great
Government assures that any claim which
We may present, founded upon Justice and
propricty, will meet with the earnest con-
sideratlon and hearty approval of the Chief
Executive officer of the nation.
Our national progress has been rapid in
all Neutrality-suspicious. manufacture,
art, science, literature, and legislation
but every other phase of American civil
Eatiop Is common to al Christendom ex-
cept the rise Of hitherto enslaved people
20 freedom and civilization under the in
huence of the benign policy inaugurated
by Abraham Lincoln and fostered and per-
petuated by the wise methods of the adj
ministration over which you preside.
PRODUCTS OF MICRO LABOR.
Many millions of 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 a vast region of the
republic which load our commerce, bless
our tables, and furnish material for the
factories 10 work are the result of the pa
thence and industry of the class in whose
behalf we speak.
Believing in your sincere desire TO extend
impartial treatment 70 oil classes, we re-
specially invite your EXcellency 10 con-
sldeT the propriety of placing some one of
this class. so peculiarly illustrative of the
nations progress, IN representative and
prominent position in connection with the
World Fair % be held IN Chicago, Ill, 1898,
some one whose affinity and sympathy will
invite the cooperation of the colored peo-
pie OF America.
A JUDICIAL APPOINTMENT DESIRED.
In many States of the Union. as well as
in our national Congress, the legal status
Of the American negro and his relative
privileges and rights in public and civil
affairs Is still matter of serious discus
sion and legislation. That he may be
clothed with power to speak for himself
with authority, that the old-time idea Of
fair-play may prevail. which grants TO the
peers of the accused the right to a voice in
the Judgment. we beseech that you Will
consider the merits of a number of able jul
rists who belong 10 the people we represent
IN the Judicial appointments which we I'M
derstand Will be made in the near future.
As Afro-Americans we desire nothing that
Others NAV not claim. There is neither
merit nor demerit III race or complexion,
but in ability. labor. patriotism, and long
and loyal service to the public good, which
qualities we believe We possess, there Is
that for which we desire recognition in the
instances already suggested.
ONLY PATRIOTIC AMBITION.
It is not our purpose to embarrass your
Administration by any untoward or I'M
polite action, for il is an honorable and
patriotic ambition which impels 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 people SO recently enfranchised.
Hoping this presentation Of the views of
q very important body of American cIti-
gems may meet your favorable considera-
tion, we ever pray and remain, respectfully
yours, Y. II. Murray. St. Louis AdUdnce;
II. Price Williams, Washington Pilot; Ro-
bert Pelham, Detroit PiGin-Deder; j. Cor
don Street. Boston COlrani John G. Dancy,
S,ar u zion On. Co., committee.
BENJY's sHREwD RESPONSE.
The President in response said in sub
stance that 50 far as q position on the
Worlds Fair Commission was concerned
there were no vacancies. and If one were to
occur the alternate would fill the place.
If il became possible. however to do any
thing and the proper man was presented
he would make the appointment.
Speaking with reference to the request
that a colored man be appointed to the
bench the President asked II the delega-
ton bad man who was thoroughly versed
IN the law and had arrived at that emil
nence in practice which would entitle him
T. an appointment as a circuit Judge.
Present the name of a good man." said
the President, and will give it that con-
sIderatlon whlchits Importance demands"
PLENTY or NEGROES FIT PoR THE BENCH.
When the committee assured the Presi-
dent that there were "a number OF that
Glass Of men among the race, whose names
would be presented to hun with the en-
dorsement Of the Bar Of the State at which
thew practiced, he advised that their
names be sent in and promised TO consider
them impaTtially.
The interview was very cordial and
pleasant, the President inviting the. COM
luttee % call again and thanking the ne
Gro Press Association for It's kindly remem-
lrances of his endeavors TO act fairly by
tie race.