Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-07-05
NEGROES DEMAND JUSTICE.

They Reprove Harrison and Plead Will
Their Race for Industry and 1ndepend
ence "A Colored Military Academy
Wanted-Ask Nothing but Fair Play.
CINCINNATI, July A National Con-
vention of colored men of the United States
to consider the interests of the race met
here to-day. Daniel A. Rudd, of this city,
who has been the leader in the matter
announced that it was changed from dele
gate convention to a mass meeting, and thai
| no credentials were required. Committees
| on permanent organization and rules were
adopted.
The afternoon session was opened in
formally by George w. Clark, an aged
white man, who years ago was an ''aboll-
| tion vocalist" The Committee on Perma.
nent Organization reported for Permanent
! Chairman Dan A. Rudd A speech made
/ by Mr.. Merryweather. of Arkansas, now a
refugee in this city, told of horrors which
he had witnessed in that State, which he
said was not told by the newspapers. He
| predicted that in time the negroes would
turn and the Caucasian would receive a
baptism of blood. Mr.. Merryweather was
SO full of breathings of vengeance that
when his time expired the convention re-
fused to extend the limit.
j. T. Robinson, of Kentucky, read a long
paper. He referred mildly to the poor
comfort given to the representatives of the
race by President Harrison. He proposed
as remedy for the treatment of negroes in
the South, united action and new manhood.
After reading, he formally commended DR..
Tourgee's National Civil Rights Associa-
tion. The Committee on Resolutions then
reported as follows:
First-We appeal to the American people
in the imperial name of Justice. The problem
to be solved is not negro problem. The So
called negroes are scarcely one-tenth the
people Of this country. They are powerless
to solve any problem, but they may again
be the victims Of the nations injustice, and
the occasion Of the nations condemnation.
people, except the right to eat the bread
our own hands have earned, to dwell safely
In our own homes, to pursue our vocations
in peace, to be granted a fair and equal op-
portunity in the race of life, to be protected
under the law and to be judged according to
the law. We appeal to you against murder
and violence, against robbery and extortlon,
against hasty and cruel judgments, against
fierce mobs that outrage our people and
desolate their homes.
Second-We appeal to the colored people
in every part OF our land to bear in mind
that their prosperity and Advancement in
civil rights and political influence will de-
pend upon themselves; that the considera-
tion given them will be in proportion to
their own good conduct and approved char
actcr. For this reason we appeal to them to
practice industry that they may prove their
capacity to sustain themselves; to practice
economy and sobriety. that they may, out of
their savings, secure a fair measure of inde-
pendence; to be patient and respectful,
orderly, law-abiding and honest. that they
may win the reputation of desirable neigh
bors and good citizens.
Third-That the interests Of the colored
people require the establishment of a mill
tary academy where colored youth may ac-
education; that Washington City is best
suited for the location OF such an institution
of learning, and that the project is respect
fully submitted to the thoughtful considera-
tion Of the loyal and patriotic people of the
United States
The convention then adjourned sine die.