Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1892-12-10
To Colonize Negroes.

TOPEKA, December IA project has been
placed on foot here for the colonization O,
American negroes in Brazil and other coun-
tries to the south. The scheme is of such
scope that should it be carried out it will
greatly change the political and industrial
aspects of the United States. It is nothing
less than for q concerted movement of the
black race of the United States into the Latin
countries.
About eight years ago the Freedman's Re-
lief association was chartered in this state
and Chief Justice Horton and many of the
state officers were members of it. The asso-
citation was under the direction of John M.
Brown, negro who is now clerk of Shawnee
county. He had recommended himself for
the place by his work as leader of the ''exo-
dus," when he helped 10000 negroes from
the south into homes and employment IN the
north. The Freedman's association was
settling of negroes in Brazil, but its opera
lions were temporarily suspended for the
reason that the emancipation of Brazilian
slaves did not take place as soon rs was ex-
pected.
But Mr.. Brown has now resumed the task
Of solving the race question in the United
States by the only meals that appear prac-
tlcable to him. The work is to be prose-
cuted by the Central and South American
Emigration association, of which he is pres
ldent; S. W. Wnn, secretary, and William
Harris, treasurer. All the officers are resi-
dents of Topeka and men of influence and
capability. Mr.. Brown is an unusually
bright man and good talker.
He knows everything about the negro,
from the beginning of history down to the
last southern outrage. He has studied all
the plans that have been devised in behalf of
his race. but he thinks the settling of negroes
in lands where the laws, the social order and
the climate are congenial ID the only thing
to strive for; and these conditions are found
in the Latin countries alone. He says it is
out of the question to take negroes to Siberia
or to the Congo valley on account of the ex-
pense, which is about 500 head. Besides,
there Is nothing there for them-no civiliza-
ton, no intercourse with civilized people.
On the other hand, Brazil is just now tax
reciprocity and other considerations will
tend to give it rapid advancement. That
country, which is ready to welcome the ne
gro, offers a bright future, while Africa holds
nothing for hum but retrogression.
Mr.. Brown says that, from the Mexican
line to Cape Horn, the country is open to
negro immigrants. and it will cost only So
q head for passage from st. Louis to any |
port. Brazil alone has territory |
enough to make forty-six states like Kansas, |
and it is thinly peopled.
The soil is fruitful, the climate just what |
the negro wants, and the government hospi- |
liable to the last degree, for there Is no race |
in Latin countries.
MI. Brown does not think that the negro
has anything to hope for in the United States.
Every expedient has been tried in his behalf,
but without avail it is impossible to settle
he race question without dividing the races. l
The last effort made by the government was
thoroughly unwise, said Mr.. Brown.
The federal election bill, or the 'Force
BILL" was designed to give the negro his
ion of wages and bread and butter, the only
question in which he is interested, are set
led by the local courts and not by members
If congress. As long AZ the negro has no
'oice in local government, justice and right
must remain unknown to HIM.
Correspondence has long been in progress
nth the authorities of Brazil, who give every
to those behind the project.