Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1896-01-24
Fred Douglass League.

Fred Douglass League.
| The meeting was held in s. l.. MASKS
Office on Walnut street. Jacob Robinson
is president and Alex Gordon secretary
The president called for free expression
Of opinion, which call was freely re-
sponded to by many able speakers.
George Taylor was the first speaker.
He said that Che time had arrived for ac-
ton; that he had been republican for
twenty years; that he was not as radical
as he had been in the past; that he was a
republican yet in principle and opposed
southern outrages against law. In speak
ing Of city affairs he was very severe in
condemnation of the treatment accorded
ro-Americans. He spoke of the prog
ress and recognition Of all the various
factions and interests that make up the
republican party in this city. The young
Afro-American men and women are al
most ingnored in the city hall, while their
classmates of the white race are taken
and cared for and taught how to perform
their duties. He laid the blame at the
door Of disorganized efforts of the race
aud scored the ''blue bloods.n
WillLowry strongly favored harmony
and working to each others interests and
said that the Americans had been
naltreated by the present administration.
s. L. Mash also spoke in regard to more
harmony and scored the selfstyled leaders.
He spoke of the way other nationalities
clung together. He called attention to
men whom he said We're ready to go into
court and swear against members of their
race. He said beg for nothing. but win
all laurels on manhood and ability. He
told of the many heroic and charitable
acts he himself had performed in behalfof
Afro-Americans. He roasted" The By
sTANDER atconsiderable length.
Isaac Curtley came out boldly in favor
of +. G. Mccartney for mayor He spoke
from a personal knowledge Of the man,
having had business relations with him
for several years. Mr.. Mccartney, Mr..
Curtley said, was the largest and longest
employe of Afro-American labor in the
city OF Des Moines.
Will Tomlin had no particular can
didate, but he was in favor of the man
who would give the Afro-Americans an
equal show in the race for life. He
claimed that the "blue bloods'' injured
the cause they would advance.
Charles S. Ruff, the reporter for THE
BYsTANDER, was present and made few
remarks. He counseled them to quit
quarreling with "blue bloods" or any
other faction. real or imaginary, and 90
to work and build up a strong organiza-
ton. The question was not so much how
the Afro-Americans are separated as how
to gel together. He said that when men
were put forward for position they
should have ability, honesty aud charac-
ter in order to serve the best interests OF
the Afro-Americans. He touched on the
questi n Of unselfish devotion to the race.
When man is only capable, he said. of
filing a janitorship, and there are Afro
American candidates for higher and more
honorable positions. the lesser should give.
way to the greater rather than ieopardise
the advancement.
James Wicks, a long time Republican,
spoke in favor Of unity. He said that he
had never belonged to an Afro American
club, but had acted with Republicans gen
orally at his former home in Ottumwa.
Mr.. Wallace was a strong supporter of
Mr.. Mccartney. He was followed In
turn by Messrs. Alex Gordon, P. A.
Lynch and Albert Hughes.
A motion was made and carried that the
name of the club be bhanged to Erred
Douglass League"
Following this the secretary proceeded
to enroll the names of new members.
The following executive committee was
elected by reclamation: Messrs. Isaac
Curtley, Geo. Taylor, J. w. Robinson. S.
L. Mash, and James Washington.
Ward conference.-the ward, A.
L. Hughes; Second, W. L. Tomlin; Third.
G. Cleggett and A. Henderson; Fourth,
j. Washington; Fifth, John Green and
AL Moss; Sixth, Walter Taylor; Seventh,
Charles Lewis.
The meeting adjourned to meet one
week from last Thursday.
We want 10 say thatif this club works
for harmony and the best interest of the
Afro-Americans we believe it will succeed.
This, like all other things that succeed
in the world must be reliable, honest in
purpose and sound in principle and char
acter. If it is allowed to be manipulated
by interruptions individuals it will fall Of
its own weight. Eternal vigilance IS the
price Of liberty and permanent success.
AVENp0p1r NEytrS