The Appeal., 1903-04-04
The National Afro-American Council
ADDRESS TO THE COUNTRY.

It is evident to the thoughtful among
us that we are passing through one OF tae ne
most critical periods of our existence III
this country Questions that Immediately
concern the liberty and we'll being of one
eighth of the United States and scarcely
to less degree the whole population OF the
country are res experience Of
mankind teaches that in public matters
the equality of each is the surest guar
antee of the liberty and safety OF al ttae the
country can not endure half free and
half slave it follows as necessary coroi-
larry that the manhood of no state can
with safety be divided, IN neary equai
parts into voters and non-voters::
A systematic effort has been inaugur-
ated on the part Of the South which has
for it's object the withdrawal OF the iran.
chise from the Afro-Americans of that
section, and their reduction to position
of absolute subserviency in all the rela,
tions of life. Even college graduates and
denied the right Of franchise It has been
prominent leaders of the South thst it
was the intention of the trainers OF the
Afro Americans as possible and leave
every Caucasian in full possession OF the
suffrage. The effect. has been that no not
only has the Afro-American been dis
franchised but also that. a very large
number of Caucasans, who previous to
the adoption of these constitutions par
lister and vote, and thus the very founda-
tions of republican institutions have been
rendered insecure. .,
We contend for our const1tutlona1s
suffrage which is the basis of the 1ndi-
vidual sovereignty Of the American cltl-
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
ernment can enforce the provisions OF the
Constitution. 3... -.
We heartily commend the Afro-Ameri-
and other states who are seeking redress
through the courts Of the land and we
pledge them our moral and financial sup
port. -, Ee2 = ..'s, 5.}>:5z-.- =. !
: We denounce the mob. murders now so
prevalent in this country.
: We call the attention Of the country to
a condition of service. on many farms IN
bling very much the old peonage system
and in violation sof the Thirteenth Amend
ment to the Federal Constitution, and ask
for legislation looking to the remedying OF
the evil. -i1,S@ 81 E1.,s2 .r>4t5E
we submit our protest against the un-
fair practices .in the transportation of
mating unjustly against AfroE Americans;
requiring of them the highest rates for
travel and providing in return the poorest
accommodations IN CARNAGE ana we III =
woke the exercise Of the powers of the
Interstate Commerce Commission, by
that tribunal, to prevent discriminat ations
in rates and accommo dations against In
ter-state passengers. j.
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 country.
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 sof human rights, and has
given hope and inspiration to a people
struggling heroically beneath the burden
Of hate and proscripti lon. We commend.
Theodore Roosevelt to the affection and
party affi1iation. sss5:s S
81 ALEXANDER WALTERS. /.
Chairman Executive Committee.
CYRUS FIELD ADAMS,
ssecretary.
WILLIAM "a. PLET GER.
Acting President, National Afro. kmerican
@s Council sa zs