The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-12-15
ADDRESS ON
FROM SLAVE
To CITIZEN

The regular meeting OF the Rhode Island
Citizens Historical association was held
yesterday afternoon at 2:S0 i'm the vestry
OF the Mathewson Street NJ Il. church.
After the reading OF the records by Secre-
tary Brown, Pardon s. Tillinghast pro-
posed by Mr. and Mrs A L. Chafee, was
elected a member Two delegates, Gov.
Dyer and Gov. Brown, were then appoint
ed to attend the Goth meeting Of the
American Historical Society in Baltimore.
Dr. William A. Mowry will address the
society soon and the boarding schools.
President Bicknell read a resolution and
also an original poem protesting against
the destruction CT "Old lronsides."
Resolved, That this association pro-
tosts against the destruction OF the no
blest vessel in our navy in the national
struggle for freedom, and also
Voted, That the secretary transmit a
copy to Secretary of tho Navy Bona
parte."
Mrs. Hall explained the duties OF the
shipping bureau and its members.
DR. Greene made lengthy aud remlnis-
cent remarks regarding the history. NE
and work of Gov. Thomas Dorr. He
read his answer at Newport TO the court
June 15 1874: why sentence should not
be pronounced against him. and also
Gov. DORIS answer TO a letter by Col
Wilkinson to dinner in honor OF Gen.
Andrew Jacksons birthday, in part US
follows
- II Prison Newport March IL. -lSH-
Hon Isaac wilkinson:
Dear Slr-I have received the invita-
ton TO a supper I'm honor OF Gen. Jack
son at the Smithheld. Lime Rock, House.
You are we'll aware circumstances put
IL out OF my power to attend. Gen. jack
son is the greatest man OF the day, pos
sessing high qualities. incorrupubls In
tegrtty I'm adhering 10 truth and right, and
he is near the close OF a useful life. God
bless tho good old patriot. Thanking YOU
for this kind note l am truly yours,
(Signed)
THOMAS w. DORR."
DIR. MELVIN INTRODUCED.
The president then introduced Rev. Dr..
Melvin OF the Mathewson Street NJ. II.
church who delivered a very eloquent and
interesting address entitled From Slave
to citizen; a Discussion of tho Negro
Problem"
"The emancipation OF the negro from
slavery solved one problem only 20 create
another and one If possible more difficult
and intricate. To transform the slave into
n citizen is work OF gigantic proper
Z
The problem is only I'm process Of solu-
tiOn
ones view OF its status and outcome
depends very largely upon his standpoint.
his early preiudices, and his opportunity
for investigation. But roughly speaking
men NAV bo divided into two groups con-
cerning this matter, one characteri1ed by
"A cheerful optimism and the other by a
| gloomy pessimisn. Both can find facts TO
Justify their position.
TWO SIDES TO SHIELD.
There arc two sides to this shield. a
| brighter and n dark side. Tho truth is
! that some negroes have made great adj
| vancc.nent and others have retrOgraded.
| However. enough has been accomplished
| to prove the capacity Of the race for Inn
| provement and to encourage the workers
| in its behalf
"As Lhcrs arc various views concerning
the condition OF the negro 80 there are
various views concerning the nature 90
/ the problem he presents and the best
method OF its solution.
Thus Il Is said. there IL no problem at
all A prominent citizen OF Atlanta thus
declared himself and then for an hour
proceeded To discuss this problem which Is
no problem. Others say ~ II purely y
southern problem aud that II should bc