Richmond planet., 1898-09-24

The organization OF the National
Afro American Council at Rochester,
New York, September Is, 1855. was
not without stirring Incidents
In this matter Hon. John II. Smyth
now Of this city figured.
The following extract explains the
situation:
Ex- Minister Smith asked to become
n member of the conference, but stat"
ed that he was opposed TO mixed mar
riages and mixed schools. though seeS-I
inc the moral and intellectual improve
ment of the colored children in the en-
tire South. off may Join the con-
ference, believing as do" said he.
ssthen 1 should like to do SO"
NOT ELIGIBLE TO MEMBERSHIP.
The chair held that Mr.. Smyth was
not eligible to membership, as his
views were not in accord with the ma
iority at the conference. The Ques-
tion was unsettled when recess was
taken until afternoon
Immediately after the afternoon ses.
sion was called to order. Mrs. Helen
Douglass, widow of Frederick Douglass
took the floor and laid before the as
semblage q plan, comprehending the
destiny OF Cedar Hill, which was the
home of Mr.. Douglass
ANOTHER MONUMENT TO DOUGLASS.
She said that it was her desire that
euitable monument to Douglass be
erected at that place. and that she
would be willing to give square OF
the hill. large enough for the monu-
ment, If the colored people would
erect the memorial by contributing
cent apiece. she referred to the me-
mortal bill that was pending in con-
0ress, and asked all to use their
influence to secure its passage.
REFUSE TO RECOGNIZES HIM.
The committee on organization the4
nrasented it's report, and sex-Minister
SmYth arose to take part in the dis
cussion. The chair refused to recog.
nize Mr. Smith. holding that as he had
expressed views antagonistic to those
of the conference. he was not men,
ber of the conference.
ssIf were a member" sretortsd Mr..
Smyth, s:would be allowed to oppose
anything that came up 2'
Certainly"
WANTED TO JOIN.
ssWell, theo, I become q member u
answered Mr.. Smyth. taking his seat
inside the railing. But when he again
addressed the chair, Mr.. Fortune re.
fused to recognize him, ruling him not
a member. He appealed from the decis
ion of the chair and was sustained in
his appeal.
THE CHAIRMAN wRATHY.
Mr.. Fortune then left the platform
refusing to preside at ;conferenc(
where q member was in favor of sepa
rate schools and separate marriage
laws, mot even if he were as white 81
snow or as black as ink"
Bishop Walters held that as Mr.
Smyth had not become a member o
the morning session he could not nov
gain a membership without vote o
the conference.
MR. sMYTH WORRIES THEM
Mr.. Fortune again took the chair ant
put the question, SIS Mr.. Smyth
member of this convention 2"
A number of conferees jumped up
on their feet Immediately, all attempt
ing to talk at once. Bishop Walter
towering form arose, however, and b
single sentence he calmed the troub
led sea OF heated argument.
THE VOTE TAKEN.
''If Mr., Smyth," :" he said, desires t
become o member Of this conferenc
for the good he can do the. race I or
for him but il hs is here simply to sti
up dissension am against him.
all events. let US be fair" The vote o
the question was then taken and Nj
Smyth declared not q member.
The conference for the organizatio
of the National Afro-Arerican CCur
Gil was not again interrupted by tn
distinguished Virginian.
Tha par,b1;oa.. 0-o.-;,.S