Middletown transcript., 1906-10-27
Address to the Public

4 t- r.
+ We, the undersigned, in the exercise
Of authority vested in US by a Convention
Of CoIored Citizens OF the State Of Della
J ware, held at Dover on the 23d of 0c-
/ tober 1916, issue the following State-
mept, Explanation and Appeal to tie
general public:
We realize that there can be no govern
ment without law, and that the best gov
ernment is that IN which just laws are
most universally respected aud obeyed
While we have no direct share in the
making of the laws under which We live,
We believe they were made by honest men
for the good Of all the people. We COM
plain not at the law, its interpretation ar
administration IN tbs state hare
been allowed to labor and to enjoy the
fruits of honest toll. Our persnlis aud
property have been secure. No effort has
been made to hBmiliate and degrade us as
race. I'VE have voice IN the selection
of those who exercise authority over US,
aud the negro accused of crime las a fai4
chance la the courts The one instance
in recent years when the mob has asserted
itself to the snbyersion Of order is the COLI
spicuons exception to the general rule.
Delaware las thus far declined to follow
the example of certain other States in
dealing with what they are pleased to call
The Negro Problem, by unjust and OPP
pre- sive legislation.
We prize these blessings of liberty, aud
purpose in our heart of hearts that by no
act of ours will we forfeit the right to claim
aud enjoy them.
The Nation is being taught 10 believe
that the Negro is dangerous element,
detrimental to the peace and prosperity
OF The Republic. Heis held mp to the
gaze of tile world as a vieions brute, desti-
tute OF morals and without intelligence
save such as panders to the qualification
of his lust. lti a falsehood born of pre-
judice and groundless hate Prejudice il
blind to truth, and hate defes.
There are criminal Negroes. however,
as there are criminals OF all other races.
In Delaware, of late, they have been
much in evidence, and have given color
to the SANDER by furnishing instances Of
shocking depfaSity. They are classed
with us because of the came color and
similar social condition. They are fore d
upon US by circumstances, but we repu-
diate them. We would express in terms
OF unmitigated horror and disgust our de-
testation and condemnation of their
crimes. There are brave and loyal men,
pure and lovely women of our race who
suffer unspeakahle Shame because Of the
conduct Of those who have tarnished
their good name and destroy ed their
peace.
During two and d half centuries of con-
tact with the American people tile Negro
was making for himself name for cheer
fulness, patience an6 docility To his in
dustry tie Nation owes large share nf
its wealth. In patriotic devotion to his
Country's cause, he has responded To
every call to arms and freely shed his
blood in every war. 1t is conceivable
that in single generation there cnutd be
such a transformation as some would have
us think? That the whole race has become
suddenly morose, insolent, sindicIive,
destructive? Not so! The lazy, the wortIf-
less, the unclean and criminal, are not fit
to form the basis for Judgment npon
all. The masses are true to their ancient
and well established character
We represent the masses and i'm self de-
Tense send forth this humble protest and
appeal.
We appeal to the pulpit, the press, the
noble manhood and the gentle woman
hood Of the State 10 aid us in changing
tile current Of public sentiment which
seems dispersed to forget the virtues OF tile
many because OF the vices OF the coinpara-
lively few.
We are Americans; we have no other
home on earth. We did not choose
to come. We cannot choose bnt
stay. Come veal or woe, We must fulfill
our desfiify by the side of pur white
neiglbor in this land. It win be we FOR
sss Il those Who have BEEN hitherto our
friends can be induced by those WHO hare
always been our foes to tnrn their faces
from us.
We appeal to our own people tt give
40 occasion fur suspicion Or distrHst. Be
temperate in speech. gentle iii action.
When wrniiged, seek legal and oriefIy
means III redress. There is patienre
more indicative of courage and strength
than any show of resentment and anger. 4
We entreat our young men to avoid those
breeding places OF crime and fountains { (
misery, tie saloon and the gambling hell.
Employ your hands with honest toll.
your minds with useful knowledge. Be
decent and honorable in private life, in
public be gentlemen. Think not of your
selves alone: fhe eafety and well being of
tile whole race is largely In your keeping.
.Gpafd sacredly the trust we pray. Our
salvation lies In the sympathy and co.
operation Of good men In whose breasts
tie sense oi justice IL not dead, and in lie
help oi God who vii not suffer ns fe be I
bufdefeH above eur strength
People III Be|aHer hear ,is. Tile world
n Al tl!3& a. sile sss0iifaefjiI; af9 9ressiy ";