The Appeal. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. ;) 1889-19??, 1903-05-02
The National Afro-American Council
ADDRESS TO THE COUNTRY.

It is evident to the thoughtful among
us that we are passing through one OF tHe
most critical periods OF our existence IL.
concern the liberty and we'll being OF one
eighth of the United States and scarcely
to less degree the whole population OF tne
country are pressing or t9e aenerence Of
mankind teaches that in public matters
the equality of each is the surest guar
sntee of the liberty and safety OF all the
Of Gof endure re of ha free and
half slave it follows as necessary corol-
lal.y that the manhood Of no state can
with safety be divlded, o IN neasiS eqoa'
A systematic effort has peen mausul-
ated on the part of the South when mas
for it's object the withdrawal of the fra ran.
section, and their reduction to position
of absolute subserviency IN all! the rela,
tons Of life Even college graduates e, ana
denied the right Of franchise. It has been
openly declared by some OF ne most
prominent leaders Of the SCUM tnet 1t
new constitutions to disfrarchi as many
Afro Americans as possible and leave
every Caucasian in full possession OF the
suffrage. The effect has been that not
franchised but also that, very large
number Of Caucasians who previous to
the adoption of these. constitutions par
tlClDato0 IN 0loCC1OnS. nave CScScO ~ CO
ister and Vote and thus the very founda
lions Of republican institutions have been
rendered insecure.
We contend for our constitutional
rights on the ground that the right of
suffrage which is the basis of the lndi-
vidual sovereignty of the American cit1-
zen, which in turn is the basis OF the ag-
gregate sovereignty of the whole body
polite, has been conferred upon it's citi-
zens by the Federal Government. The
powers of the Federal Government were
of the states, therefore the National Gov
eminent can enforce the provisions OF the
Constitution. 80. .-# /: ...t-
We heartily commend the Afro -Ameri-
cans of Virginia. Alabama Louisiana,
and other states, who are seeking redress
through the courts of the land and we
pledge them our moral and financial sup
We denounce the mob murders now SO
prevalent In this country * :. II =.
We call the attention Of the country to
a condition of service on many farms IN
a number Of the Southern states resem-
bling very much the old peOnage system
and in violation of the Thirteenth Amend
ment to the Federal Constitution, and ask
for legislation looking to the remedy1ng Of
the evil. 1870 = 81 ~:
We submit our protest against the I'M
fair practices in the transportation of
hating RSnrs unjustly against Afro americans;
requiring of them the highest rates for
travel and providing in return the poorest
accommodations IN carnage; and we IN
woke the exercise Of the powers of the
Interstate Commerce Commission. by
that tribunal, to prevent Determinations
in rates and accommodations against In
ter-state passengers. 7
We appeal to the Congress OF the Unit
ed States for favorable action upon the
several measures now pending therein for
the appointment of a commission to in
quire into the condition Of the Afro
Americans Of the count1'y 60 5z b =
We heartily endorse the deliverances of
President Roosevelt with references to.
the fitness for appointment to Office. and
the attitude Of the Federal Government
toward all of its citizens, regardless Of
race or color. He has impaired new life
and vigor to the time honOred principles
and traditions of human rights, and has
given hope. and inspiration to a people
struggling heroically beneath. the burden
of hate and prescription. We commend
Theodore Roosevelt stos the affection and
confidence of our people regardless Of
=. ALEXANDER WALTERS.
Chairman Executive Committee.
b CYRUS FIELD ADAMS.
a. secretary.s
80 WILLIAM "a. PLET GER
Acting President, National Afro american
COunc 3. ....4