Connecticut western news., 1896-06-11
Puxxlinr Problem For Republicans.

ST LOUIS, Juno 9.-What shall be done with the oolored delegates and altsrnates to the national Republican convention is a question which Is puzzling the mem bers of the national committee who have arrived here, as well as the Business Mems league, which secured the convention to St. Louis. Every hotel and boarding house has come out flat footed and declar- cd that 1t would entertain no negro as a guest or customer. Money is no object. Threats of prosecution have had no effect, and from the present outlook 1t would seem that unless tents are secured the col ored mon will have to go hungry and un- housed.
 II am thoroughly disgusted and dis oouraged," said National Committeeman J. G. Long of Florida in speaking of the matter. II have been looking all day long for a hotel. boarding house or cafe that would admit the negroes, but 1t has been . frultless search. l even went SO far as to try to charter a steamboat, but when the owners learned for what purpose 1t was wanted they found sn excuse for re- fusina me the use of the vessel. It Is the first time in tho history of the Republican party where such an embarrassing prodio- ament has arisen"
 When asked what the national commit tee would do in the matter. he replied: 1T have consulted with the members who are here, and we have decided to offer . reso- luton as soon as the committee meets eondemning the hotel and inn keepers and Tor the setting aside of fund for renting . hall In which cots shall be placed for the accommodation of the negroes who may como to the convention. We will also re- quest the employment of cooks. etc. to supply them with food" This trouble has been brewing for nearly week. A mum. Der of days ago it was learned by the Busi- sees Mons league that some of the lead Ing hete1s had bcee ean eeiias agreements with certain state delegations when the landlords learned that negro delegates were numbered among them. It became so apparent that the negroes were being discriminated against that the league is- l sued the following manifesto:
 The Leagues Manifesto.
 "The Business Mems league, when in | Washington securing the national Repub- lican oohvention for SE Louis, promised l that colored delegates and members of the pstional Republican executive committee should Fecsive tho same recognition from the hotels that any other delegate to the convention would receive.
 with this 1t was implied that the citi- | zens representing the oity of St Louis for | securing the convention would ask and | endesvor to induce public places, hotels, boarding houses and bathrooms, at least for convention week, to accord to the repu. table and respectable colored mon who will como here representing their section and their people in the Republican party such treatment as any reputable and re- ,peltabls psyssn yeuld recaiYe. is IS pot believed that Rreat nlaay Gaald want to accept the privileges, but It will be very humiliating If one of them, with their colleagues and friends, or alone. should present himself In any public place and be refused admttance or service.
 Ut is hoped, expected and desired by the gentlemen representing the citizens whp rsecprea the copyentioH that all Yili sndeayor to meet the situation as justice snd propriety require. Any parties fall ing te secure accommodations will please report to the general hotel eomniittee, b, C, RainwAter, chairman, oF the bureas of information"
 When the hotel mon read this, they wer, wrsthful. They said 1t was an invitation to tho oolored delegates to prosecute their for damages. They. went to the leagu, committee on hotel accommodations ant made a vigorous protest. Concerted 10 ton then followed, with the result tha the negroes cannot find lodging places o even reputable plaos to eat Major c c. Rainwater. a member of the Rusines ! Mems league and of the local sntsrtaiq