The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-27
Aio-American Council Issues Address to Public on
 Race Question
URGE CONFIRMATION OF
 CRUM BY THE SENATE
Ask That Congress Make Thorough Investigation of Race Question In the South--object to the
 Separate Car Law.

Washington, January 26.-The executive committee of the National Afro-American council in session here, today passed resolution urging confirmation by the senate of the nomination of Dr. W. D. Crum to be collector of customs at Charleston S. O., and adopted an address to the country on the race question in general. The address is signed by Alex Walters, chairman of the executive com mittee; Cyrus Field Adams, secretary; and William A. Pledger, acting president National Afro-American council. The address in part is as follows:
 Tt Is evident to the thoughtful among us that we are passing through one of the most critical periods of our existence in this country. A systematic effort has been inaugurated on the part of the south which has for its object the withdrawal of the franchise from the Afro-Americans of that section and their reduction to position of absolute subserviency In all the relations of life.
 Disfranchised WilfuIly.
 'Tt has been openly declared by some of the most prominent leaders of the south that 1t was the intention of the framers of the new constitution to disfranchise as many Afro-Amerlcans as possible and leave every Caucasian in full possession of the suffrage. The effect has been that not only has the Afro-American been dis franchised but also that very large num- Der of Caucasians who. previous to the adoption of these constitutions partici- pated in elections have ceased to reg ister and vote.
 we contend for our constitutional rights on the ground that the right of suffrage has been conferred upon its citizens by the federal government.
 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 rort.
 We denounce the mob murderers now so prevalent in this country.
 we call the attention of the country to a condition of negro service on many farms in a number of the southern states resembling the old peonage system, and ask legislation looking to the remedying of the evil.
 Want Better Cars.
 "We submit our protest against the un- fair practices in the transportation of passengers in southe'n states, dlscrimi- hating unjustly against Afro-Americans; requiring of them the regular rates of travel and privilege in return the poorest accommodation in carriage, and we in yoke the exercise of the powers of the interstate commerce commission by that tribunal to prevent discrimnations in rates and accommodations against inter- state passengers.
 we appeal to congress for favorable action uron one of the several measures pending therein for the appointment of a commission to inquire into the condition of the Afro-Americans of the south.
 we heartily indorse the utterances of President Roosevelt with reference to the fitness for the appointment to office and the attitude of the federal government toward all of it's citizens regardless of race or color. He has impsrted new life ard vigor to the time-honored principles and traditions of human rights and has given hope and inspiration to a people struggling heroically beneath burden of hate and prescription
 We commend President Roosevelt to the affection and confidence of our people regardless of party affiliations"