The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-02-24
WELFARE OF THE NEGROES.
Resolutions Passed by a Conference
in Alabama.

R0SOluLlOD5 EaSS6Q Dy q conference
in Alabama.
MONTGOMERY, ALA. Feb. 2S.-At con-
ference of colored people held at Tuskeges
to-day, the following resolutions were
passed looking TO the future welfare Of the
race in the black belt of Alabama:
We, some Of the representatives of the colored
people living in the black belt, the heart of the
south, thinking it might prove OF interest and
value to our friends throughout the country, as
well as beneficial to ourselves, have met to-
gether in conference to present facts and ex-
press opinions as to our Industrial. moral and
educational condition, and to exchange views
as TO how our own efforts and the kindly help
fulne's Of our friends may best contribute TO
our elevation.
T. Set at liberty with no inheritance but our
own bodies, without training In self depend
ence and thrown at once into commercial, civil
and political relations with our former owners,
we consider it a matter OF great thankfulnesS
that our condition is as good as it Is and that
large degree of harmony exists between us
and our white neighbors.
q Industrially considered, most of our people
are dependent upon agriculture, a majority of
them live on rented lands, mortgage their crops
for food on which to live from year to year, and
usually at the beginning Of each year are more
or less in debt for supplies for the previous
year.
s. Not only is our material progress hindered
by the mortgage system, but also that of our
white friends. 1t is a system that tempts us to
buy much that we would do without If the cash
were required, and ii tends to lead those who
advance provisions and lend money 90 extrava.
CANT and ruinous rates of interest.
4. In moral and religious sense, w lille we admit
that there is much laxness in morals and super
stitions in religion. yet we feel that much prog
ress has been made, that there is q growing
public sentiment in favor of purity aud that the
people are beginning TO make their 'ligion legs
of superstition and emotion and more matter
of daily living.
8. AS 10 our educational condition, it is to be
noted that our country schools are in session an
average of only three and half months each
provide school houses, aud as result schools
are held almost out OF DOORS or at
least in such rude quarters as
the poverty of the people is able to provide;
that the teachers are poorly paid and often very
poorly fitted for their work, and as a result of
these things both parents and scholars take but
little interest in the schools Often but few
children attend, and these with great irregu-
larlty.
REMEDIES SUGGESTED.
6. That in view of our general condition, we
would suggest the following remedies:
l. That as far as possible we aim to raise at
home our own meat and bread.
g That as fast as possible we buy land, even
though very few acres at time.
8. That larger number of our young people
be taught ira les and that they be Er Led 10 pre-
pare themselves to enter the various avocatloas
of life.
a. That we especially try to broaden the field
or laO IL Tor our women.
5. That we make every sacrifice and practice
every form OF economy that we may purchase
lands and free ourselves from our burdensorne
habit of living in debt.
G. That We urge our ministers and teachers to
give attention to the material conGiti n and
home life Of the people.
Z. That we urge that our people do not wait
for the state to provide school houses, and
lsngthen the time of the schools, but that Tia
thernselv pplement the funds of the state
both in length 4ning toe time of the schools and
III building school houses.
s. hat we urge the patrons 10 give earnest
attention to tae mental aud moral fitness Of
those who teach their schools.
9. That urge the doing away of sectarial
prejudice in the management OF the schools
AS the Judgment of the conference we would
fur her declare tbat we put on record our
deep sense OF gratitude to the good people Of
all sections for their assistance, and that we
are glad to recognize the growing interest on
the part of th4 best white people
OF tie south in the education
of the negro; that We appreciate
the spirit of friendliness ana fairness
shown us by the sout ern whitO people IN mat
ters OF business and in all lines of material de-
velopmenk that we believe our generous friends
of the co Shtry can best aid i'll our elevation by
continuing to give their help where It will re-
suit in producing strong Christian leaders who
win live among the masses as object lessons
showing them how to direct their own
efforts toward general uplifting of the
people; that We be- ieve that We can become
prosperous, Intelligent and independent where
we ar and we discourage any efforts at whole.
is to to be in the south, we urge that oil strive
in every way TO cultivate the good feeling and
friendship az th0ge about us in all that relates
to our material elevation.