Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-08-29
AFRO-AMERICAN COUNCIL,
Creeps Into the Convention
at India ma polls,

The National Afro-American Council met
In indianapolis yesterday. with an attend
ance of 400 of the representative colored
men of the United States. Bishop Walters.
president Of the organization. was in the
chair, and after addresses of welcome by
Governor Mount and Mayor Taggart he
made his address, which was the feature of
the day. He said that the colored race was
passing through the most critical period in
its history: that great wisdom was needed
to guide its destinies. and that the race
must stand for Its natural and constitution
al rights, not in a combative, revengeful
spirit, but in a manly, courageous way.
He pleaded for a full recognition of the
privileges accorded to every white citizen
of the United States. denounced the recent
disfranchisement amendments in North
Carolina and accused the federal govern
ment Of neglect in not protecting the fran
chise rights OF the negro. He admitted that
prejudice was on the increase, but urged
that it Is best to cease resistance, and do
by education. industry and character what
cannot otherwise be peaceably accomplished.
He urged the to act Independently in
politics, and declared that politicians must
cease to make the negro pawn In the po-
litical game.
Bishop Walters, at the conclusion Of his
address, said that in the making up of the
committee which is to frame the address to
be issued TO the country he should instruct
the secretary In instances where democratic
organizations were represented by dele
gates from the same locality where repub-
lican clubs were similarly represented in
the place the name of a democrat and a re-
publican in the committee
This brought James Lewis Of New Or
leans to his feet "A negro democrat" he
eH claimed. Are there any negro democrats
here? / should like to see one"
Then Delegate j. Milton Turner, Presi-
dent Grants minister to Liberia and who
for many years has been an ardent demo-
crat, arose and Said
Il have come here to participate in the
deliberations of this convention imbued
with the idea that its purpose was not
political one, and that no man would APP
as his carrying out his obligations to this
convention may be concerned / am here
a representative of my race, that and
that alone, and wish right here to inveigh
against any attempt by any man who en-
tiers this convention hall a delegate to
foist political questions or political discus
Sions upon u.s.
The National Afro-American Press Asso-
citation elected the following officers: Presi-
dent, Cyrus Field Adams, editor of the Chi
cago Appeal; vice president. George L.
Knox of the Freeman, Indianapolis: treas
urer. W. H. Steward OF Louisville, Ky:
secretary, Alexander Manley, editor Of the
Washington Daily Record.
1t was left to the chairman to select the
time and place for the next convention.
Twenty-one members of the association
signed a statement asking that II be known
to the public that the action of the aSso-
citation In defeating resolution Endorsing
understood that the delegates were hostile
to the administration. killing the resolu-
ton. they say. was in conformity with the
associations policy to keep out of politics.