The record-union., 1895-08-14
THE LATE CoLORED CONVENTION
Comments of the Vindicator'' on
Race Organizations.

Comments of the "vindicator" on
Race Organizations.
By the time this paper goes to press the
Colored Mems Convention of this State
will have concluded its labors, and passed
into history. The object of the conven-
ton, as stated in the Gail, was for the
purpose OF Mutual helpfulness in trade
and traffic, with view to qualification
for more remunerative employments
than are commonly open," and also for
political action, should circumstances
make it eX Xpedient The President Of the
organization under whose auspices the
convention was held, is political aspir-
ant, SO this reference TO politics is signifi-
cant.
In this country citizens Of all nationail-
ties, color and race stand upon precisely
the same footing. The elevation or the
degradation of any one particular class
depends entirely upon the conduct of it's
mem bers. When. therefore, any class
attempts to draw racial lines, that mo-
ment they become una merican. If
closely watched or Investigated, it will be
sure to result in the discovery that some
disgruntled politician is at the bottom OF
the movement, and Is only exciting
prejudices that should not exist, in order
10 make cats paw out OF the ignorant
and easily influenced, TO draw the official
Cn0Stu ulS OuL Vi Lu0 pOlltlCdi IiIS iOi VIC
especial benefit of the politician.
In q community or Government like
ours it is impossible to separate the in
terests of the people by any process OF
law. That it is sometimes done by indi-
viduals and corporations is fact too
patent for denial. but the remedy is in
the law. But for nationalities and races
to be organizing antagonistlc associations
is suicidal. sham ericans, Scotch
A mn M pripanp and
similar organizations are simply an
appeal to race prejudices. and
should be discountenanced. The Ameri-
can flag should be enough to cover all
American citizens without the aid of any
other bunting. If the colored people
work for equal representation all we'll
and good, otherwise it is bad.
The convention has given an opportun-
ity TO great many persons to air their
oratory and show what kind of speakers
exist among the colored race. Socially
it has been a success. But this does not
alter the fact that the movement is one TO
be regretted. Any endeavor to bind to-
gether one class OF citizens In antagOnisn
10 the others is bad per Sc. The colored
race stands on precisely the same footing
as any other class of citizens. and will be
recognized for their ability only. The
disgraceiul action of those who aspired to
be the political bosses of the negroes the
first day OF the meeting OF the con-
vention, goes to show the feeling that
exists, and it certainly was not credit able.
1t gave them no prestige. personally,
politically, socially or in any other shape.
How many of those present could or
would go down into their pockets and
put up cne hundred dollars for the pur-
pose of founding cooperative associa-
tions throughout the State for the benefit
Of their race? There would be something
practical in that, but would it meet their
views? We think not.
The ViRdicdt0r does not wish to dis
courage any practical idea for the ad-
vancement of the interests of the colored
race here or elsewhere, but it does not
believe in any false pretenses, and it does
believe that the recent convention was
wholly and solely for the purpose of
bringing to the front a few disgruntled
politicians under the specious pretense of
advancing the interests of the colored
people, and for no other reason. Ifit can
be shown to the contrary it will gladly
acknowledge it, but under no circum-
stances will it lend its influence or assist
ance in pulling the wool over the eyes of
those whose real interests are involved or
creating new race of corrupt bosses.
That there are some who aspire to this
malodorous distinction is we'll known,
and they should be defeated in their as
pirauons.