The Appeal. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. ;) 1889-19??, 1903-03-28
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 IN
concern the libertysand well being of one
eighth of the United States and scarcely
to less degree the whole population OF the
never before. The recorded experience Of
mankind teaches that in public matters
the equality of each is the surest guar
antee of the liberty and safety of all the
members Of society: II it be TRUE that tne
half slave it follows as a necessary corol-
larry that the manhood of no state can
with safety be divided, in nearly equal
A systematic effort has been inaugur-
ated on the part of the South which has
for it's object the withdrawal of the Tran.
chise from the Afro-Americans of that
of absolute subserviency in all the rela-
tions of life. Even college graduates and
men of business and wealth have been
openly declared by some OF SAe reost
prominent leaders of the South that 1t
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 not
only has the Afro American been dis
franchised but also that very large
number Of Caucasians, who previous to
the adoption Of these constitutions par
ticipated in elections, have ceased to reg
lister and vote, and thus the very founda-
lions of republican institutions have, been
rendered insecure.
We contend for our constitutional
suffrage which is the basis of the indi-
vidual sovereignty Of the American citi-
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
not conferred by a single state but by all
of the states therefore the National Gov
eminent can enforce the provisions of the
Constitution. y. ,.- = ~ =.
We heartily commend the Afro-Ameri-
cans of Virginia, Alabama. Louisiana,
| through the courts Of the land and we
pledge them our moral and financial sup
port. -. --5-.s@ + = s.l-s ..
prevalent; in this country. ~, =s
We call the attention of the country to
condition of service on many farms IN
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 remedying of
We submit our protest against the un-
fair practices in the transportation of
passengers in Southern states, discrim-
mating unjustly against Afro Americans.
requiring of them the highest rates for
travel and providing in return the poorest
accommodations in carriage; 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.
We appeal to the Congress of the Unit
ed States for favorable action upon the
several measures now pending therein for
the appointment of commission to in
quire into the condition of the Afro
Americans of the country.
We heartily endorse the deliv Of
President Roosevelt with references to
the fitness for appointment to office, and
the attitude of the Federal Government
toward all of it's 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 people
struggling heroically beneath the burden
Of hate and prescription. We commend
Theodore Roosevelt to the affection and
CONFIDENCE Of our people regardless OF
party aff1liation. s. ss4 .s s.
# 5S. ALEXANDER WALTERS,
Chairman Executive Committee
CYRUS FIELD ADAMS,
:. WILLIAM "a. PLETGERS
Acting PRESIDENT, National Afro. M Eican
Council. 81 y $500 -,