The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-09-17
Statement of Those Barred
 from Convention
MAJORITYS ACTION UNFAIR
Action of Lily Whites Is Described as Act That Merits the Severest condemnation-Sacr Prln-
 ciples Violated.

The negro delegates to the republican convention who were excluded from the hall are very indignant and have signed the following protest against the action of the majority of the convention, de- scribing their course as tyranical and execrable;
 The Protest.
 To the Republicans of Alabama:
 We, the undersingde, indignantly set forth that the action of the republican state committed under the leadership of a number of republican office-holders, in excluding from the temporary roll of the convention legally elected delegates and arbitrarily substituting in their places the names of men whose sole claim to such generous consideration at the hands of these leaders is based upon their com plexion, lilly whites,' Is an act that merits the severest condemnation.
 We further charge and aver that un- der the direction and domination of these advocates of tyranny and oppression the republican state convention, in support ing and sustaining such pernicious schemes and reprehensible methods, is deserving of the just censure and ex- ecrations of patriotic and liberty-loving men everywhere.
 Equality Rights.
 The most sacred principle of the re- publican party, the principle that has not only commanded the respect and ad- miration of men, but has inspired men with love and devotion for the party of Lincoln, Sumner and Grant Is equality of political rights. This humane, Godlike principle gave fame and distinction to the founders of the party and adherence to this principle alone has been the cause of it's most brilliant achievements Under the destructive influence and revo- lutionary tactics of the men now in coni- mand of the destiny of the party in this state, this great principle has not only been ruthlessly destroyed, but the new constitution of the state which permits citizens having registration certificates to participate in political conventions has been entirely ignored. The federal constitution, in so far as any of It's wise provisions afford protection to citizen ship. has been utterly disregarded .o the extent of giving the impression that Bourke Cochran voiced their sentiments in full when he said that the fifteenth amendment has been lynched.
 National Platform.
 
 following section taken from the plat form of the Philadelphia National Re- publican convention, these inconsistent and disioyal republicans, nay even more, nullifiers of both state and federal con. stitutions fin the exuberance of their de- light as to the elimination of the negro from further participation In party coun- cils, find it as meaningless to them as the Egyptian hieroglypics Tt was the of 10 to the constitution to prevent discrlm- nation on account of race or color in regulating the elective franchise. Devices Of state governments, whether by statu- tory or constitutional enactments, to avoid the purpose of this amendment are revolutionary and should be con- Gemned."
 In justification of their ignoble conduct and violent assault upon republican prin- ciples they advance the very plausible but by no means foroible idea that they purpose to republicanize the state by gaining accessions from the disaffected elements of the democratic party, and the presence of a dozen intelligent, rep utablo and qualified electors of the negro Face in republican convention will drive away thousands of white votes and thus preYene Us from freeing you (the negro) fEd ourselves from democratic rule. Oh, Liberty, how many crimes are committed In thy n9mei This argument is a mere subterfuge and the basest souhistry. It was President Harrison who made the clear, ringing republican declaration: We must not compromise or sacrifice our principles, nor cover mp the inscrip- tions on cur l'srner fer tbe sake of demo- cratic votes" Thase men who are con- spring to encompass our utter annihila- ton in the political world are endeavor- ing to so dexterousy frame their words as to bring about this result by our own cooperation and consent.
 The democratic party is substantially united in Alabama. The machine was never at any time more completely mas ter of the situation The facilities for the perretration of fraud at the ballot box wore mover greater than today The returning boards are in full possession of organized democracy. Can our former white republican friends, under present conditions, build up the republican party In this state on hatred of tho negro, or by reascn of their barbarous and cruel treatment meted out to republicans here today, will they not alienate the support and loyalty of a host of colorcd republI. cabs whose votes are essential to the sue cess of the party beyond the line of Ma son and Dixon?
 EphemeraI Project.
 A project not based on the eternal prin- ciples of right and justice will be but ephemeral, and our friends will speedily a-