The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1895-07-15
NO WHITES IN IT.
south Carolina Blacks Hold n Con-
Vcntion at Columbia.

Columbia. 5 c., July 10.-Today a state
conference of about lU) Of the representa-
tive negroes of the state met in the state
senate chamber 10 discuss the outlook for
the coming constitutional convention. The
conference WIS held with closed doors and
it was not until tonight late. that anything
was given the press. The negroes adopted
a long address to 1.-THE People of the
United States" The address says at the
outset
"As a part of the Constituent elements
from which our national COVE. nmeuJ draws
its iife-bloOd in tine of peace and from
whose nfe-bloOd it eNacts tribute IN time
of war under the broad reciprocal rela-
tons that should exist among all the PEG
pie Of one common country. that should De
elastic, offensive or defensive weapons for
every American citizen. however humble
at home or abroad. in order that the
theory of government handed down by the
fathers might bee fully realized and en-
joyed by every Individual on every inch
of national territory, We submit that a
small but desperate minority OF the popu-
latlon has declared its purpose 10 perpetu-
ate its power by unlawfully trampl.ns
under foot all the rights and franchises
granted US by the federal constitution as
means Of protecting life, liberty and prop
erty.
I'VE have used every means in defense of
our constitutional rights and franchises
known 10 law-ab.ding citizens I'm this state
without effect. and as a last resort are
forced 10 call upon the strong ann OF the
national government for a defense OF rights
granted and guaranteed by itself.
CAS- the army and navy are neid in a re-
serve force to uphold local authorities in
every state. the federal government IN or
der not 10 be imposed upon and used 10
support anarchy under the. Pretense OF
suppressing it. should sec 10 II that d re-
publican form of government when we
understand 10 be a government instituted
by the sovereign VIII of a majority OF the
constitutionally qualified votes acludAS
exists in every state.
I'VE humb.y crave our influence with
the constituted authorities OF the nation
in order that their cOnsclenceS ana arms
might be strengthened m efforts 10 nave
the constitution and laws of the nation
upheld 50 that each American citizen might
have the equal protection "I the law
without which constitutional guarantees
are more mockcrieS aud life Itself a Dur
den to the people of the state.
They attribute the increase of murders
ana iynchings to the disregard for LAW
which the power siutted party IN power
has displayed and attack without gloves
the nature OF the government OF thIs
party. They say:
"As the facts OF history themselves
prove we deny that there has ever beeh
desire or attempt on our part 70 dominate
the government. With the large body of
US voting, NEST of whom are llterate ana
poor. there is not as mucn danger of our
control of the government as there Is OF the
labor.ng classes in Massachusetts, New
York or PennsyIvanfa who. with unlimited
suffrage, do not control While We are
entitled to participation in the govern
ment, commensurate " tn our wealth and
intelligence, representation is only "A
secondary consideration compared with our
right to retain our right of suffrage which
cannot be annulled by any constitutional
means"
They pledge themselves to the fair-mind-
ed white people of the state that they are
wiling to aid them in Overthrowing the
small but designing Clique n possession
of the government. if thar be asked of
them. They adopted resolutions providing
for a big fight in the coming election and
appointed state executive committee.
CoIored Ministers Protest.
Columbia, $. c.. July 1i.-(Special)-The
colored ministerial union OF the state TO-