The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-09

that he blamed everybody concerned. If a
wrong had been done by one man, an
enemy, or the representative of a party al
ways designated as an enemy that was no
reason why the representative of a party
known as a friend should be excused for
FALLING into the same error. He declared
that the colored people had been insulted
In the grossest manner. His language
against Governor Mount and Adjutant Cen
eral Gore was most Incorporate
Gurley Brewer said when called out that
he had not come there To speak, but had
come to correct the statement in the after
noon paper that he was to be one of the
speakers to denounce the Governor and Re
publican party He could find no excuse for
Messrs. Matthews, Mckee. Robbins, Gore
and Mount. but did not blame the party.
He declared that there is no such thing as
white patriotism or black patriotism. but
that it dwels in the heart of the black as
well as in the heart of the white man.
Joseph Broyles said that he must de-
nounce not the Republican party, but
Messrs. Matthews, Mckee, Robbins and
Gore. who were alone responsible for out
rageous and insulting acts. 1T is not right
to blame parties for what individuals do,
said he
Rev. James w. Carr, of the Second Bap-
fist Church, was also inclined to think that
1t had gone too far, that action had not
been taken in time. at the outset, when
something might have been accomplished.
What can we do?" he asked. Are we not
too late?'
Remember our enemies suggested some
one
Yes. that is the thing to do Remember
our enemies. Governor Matthews is out of
Office. AS for Governor Mount, he won't
be renominated.''
DIR. Furniss spoke of recent honors paid to
Golored troops when the Tenth Cavalry and
Iwenty-fourth United States Infantry were
spoken of in terms of the highest praise.
He also spoke of Governor Mount having
said that the colored companies here had a
very creditable record. He could not help
wondering, he said, why the executive was
anxious to get rid of them. Race prejudice,
nothing but prejudice, he said, was the So
n1a Ia al al
ton taken was reflection on the negro.
From reliable sources, they had been in
formed, no colored men would have been
sent out, even If there had been war.
Rev. John ]. Blackshear, of the Corinthi-
an Baptist Church, said that he had marked
the growing race resentment. Nothing
could stop it's growth, but there was one
thing that could be done-the acts of the
executive could be denounced.
Gabriel L. Jones was the last speaker.
He had not come there to talk, but. in
asmuch as he was called on he wanted to
deny a statement in the afternoon paper
denounce the Governor and the Republican
party. He said there was no need for him
to talk, as the other speakers had expressed
The committee, early i'm the meeting, re-
ported the following resolutions, which were
unanimously adopted:
IN mass meeting assembled. after carefully
considering the action of Ex-Governor Mat
thews, Adjutant Robbins, Brigadier General
Mckee. Governor Mount and Adjutant Cen
eral Gore In separating and maintaining
separate and apart colored companies from
their respective regiments. denounce such
action as un-American, tyrannical, unjust.
savoring of prejudice and an utter disregard
for the justice of the situation and contrary
to the customs practiced in several
States. We further condemn the action of
Brigadier General Mckee and Adjutant
General Gore and Governor Mount for rec
ommending and mastering out of service
the colored companies who have so faith
fully maintained the integrity and honor Of
the great State of Indiana when their serv-
ices were required. We deplore the action
taken by Brigadier General Mckee while
we are in the midst of crisis affecting the
Nations honor, denying us the privilege of
demonstrating our patriotism and bravery
In the event that the exigencies demand that
blood be shed to maintain intact the Ma
TONS honor. We point with pride to the
colored soldiers career from Bunker Hill
and ending at Richmond and resent any re-
Election that may be cast that depreciateS
the value of the colored soldier In the time
of war.
1--WE have confidence in the action of
President Mckinley in his attitude with
reference to the impending trouble between
the United States and Spain, and, if war is
inevitable, we do hereby, in mass meeting
assembled, tender our services to the ma
tlonal government to assist in bringing
about triumph for the national honor. We
are willing and ready to respond to the ma
t1onal call in defense of its honor