The Denver star., 1914-01-24
PLATFORM OF THE NATIONAL
NEGRO PRESS ASSOCIATION

Declaring its loyalty to the flag
and the constitution of the Cnited
States and setting forth plans for the
moral uplift of its people. the Ne
iOnal Negro Press association has
taken definite action in setting forth
many plans for the betterment of the
race throughout the country which
will be furthered at the midwinter
session. which has been called to meet
Friday and Saturday. Feb. 13 and IA.
in Nashville. Tenn.
This splendid organization has been
able to inaugurate many reforms and
TO help thousands of its race. 1t is
its plan to get at the true condition of
the colored people in the United States
and to report and expose all crime.
To assist in this it has asked all city.
county and state officials to cooperate
in recognizing its official card and its
metal membership badge.
Long steps toward the alleviation of
many embarrassing conditions are al
ready made. In making this call for a
midwinter session the organization has
sent forth an address to the country
The address. brief. but explicit. was
authorized by the national body. which
convened in Philadelphia last August.
1t says:
In this f1ftieth wear since Lincoln's IA
NOUS emancipat ton proclamation the Ma
uonal Negro Press association enunciates
the following platform of principles for
the encouragement OF the colored people
and the good Of the American nation:
We believe with the founders Of this
cove nment that there are INALIEN-
ABLE RIGHTS which are the natural
dover OF every human being born into
the world; that the permanent welfare of
the nation and OF civiliza ton is best ad-
vanced by these rights remaining the
property of the legitimate owners.
CIVILIZATION makes every man his broth
er's keeper (protector). but no man his
brother's owner Whenever the accident
of race. nationality. position. power. color
or other physical condition enables one
individual. race or nation to ignore or
usuTp the inalienable rights Of another
Individual. race or nation the equilibrium
of civiti1atfon 10 disturbed and the prog
ress OF humanity interrupted. Justice can
only come to man when man Is just. Lib
erty Is for all or for none.
The fate of America and the Negro are
ineNtricably bound together, The Negro
race seeks no other country
powers to meet the ideals Of civilization
and the obligations OF American citizen
ship.
Race cannot be substituted for fitness as
n qualification for citizenship II the land
is to remain bright with freedoms holy
light"
We believe not only In the separation OF
church aud state. but that a mans in
alienable right to earn his bread should
not be confused with the privilege of his
neghbor's table. Men cannot be patriotic
fellow cittxens without personal fellow
ship
Finally. we ask for our people only
square deal. a mans chance to meet civ
ili.ation's demands OF rsnnhood We think
the american people should be willing to
grant a. a minimum OF Justice what Ahra-
ham Lincoln asked for the colored race
"All ask for the Negro is that IL you
do not like him. let him alone. II God
gave him but little that little let him en-
joy
John H. Murphy. president. Baltimore:
n. Bsraett Do.lson. chairman of the ex-
ecutive committee. New York: Henry Al
ler Rosd. corresponding secretary. NASH
vile Tenn.