Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1920-03-06

Chicago, Feb. Tho first annual
convention OF the Lincoln League OF
America held at South Park Metho-
dist Episcopal church, this city,
stands us the most remarkable politi
cal gathering of representatives OF
our group ever held in the United
States. More than 400 delegates, and
several hundred visitors, from SO
states OF the union, journcycd to CHI
cago to deliberate and take action on
the questions of the day.
The significance Of tho occasion
was heightened not only by the fact
that the delegates and visitors repre-
scented without question the expert
ence, culture, wealth and economic
political strength OF tho group, but
by the appearance on tho program or
four national characters two OF whom
arc candidates for President OF the
United States. They were, In order OF
appearance at the convention; VIII
II. Hays, chairman OF the Republican
National Committee; Governor Frank
o. Lowden, OF Illinois; Mayor VIII
liam Hale Thompson. OF Chicago ana
Major General Leonard Wood Of the
Central department, United States
Amy.
The Convention was called to order
by Perry w. Howard Of Jackson, Miss
issippi, the attorney for the League,
and one OF the most constructive poll
teal leaders OF the country. Col. KOS
coc Conliling Simmons, president or
the Lincoln League OF America, was
introduced by Alderman Louis b. An
dcrScn, OF Chicago and the big meet
ing swung into action, prayer being
offered by Rev. J. w. Ribbons or
Tennessee.
1t had been the purpose OF the Lcag
Tic to nave former Governor y. Is. 5.
pinchback, OF Louisiana, as one OF
tho honorcd guests OF the convention
rcprcscntinE tho "old guard OF the
time that cried mems souls, but GOV.
Pincbback's health would not permit
There rrcre, however, many present
who had come UP through that period
and they were introduced to the con
vention, among them were Major
John II. Lynch, former Congressman
from Mississippi, and for number
Of years ia the United States Army
as Paymastcr, and for long time un
der command of General Leonard
Wood; J. G. Napier, Of Nashville,
Tenn, former Register OF the treas
ury; W. II. Stewart, Of Louisville,
Ky, editor OF the American Baptist
Scott Bond, OF Arkansas. farmer and
capitalist; l.. #. Norris, OF Seattle,
Washington, former member Of the
legislature of Tennessee. These men
although yet active in the affairs of
the rnce, expressed their great pride
in seeing the younger men prepared
to take up the active work OF politi-
cal and economic progress and babe
them God-speed Ralph w. Tyler, of
Ohio, former Auditor Of the Navy,
spoke as n newspaper representative.
SOUTHERN REPRESENTATION
The first subject to be discussed in
the convention was "Should Southern
1t was agreed that the final disposi-
ion Of this important subject should
be left to tho resolution committee,
the discussion was filled with dramat-
ic moments when views from the var
iouS sections were expressed. The
sentiment was overwhelming, how
ever, for cutting down representation
at the earliest possible time, in accord
arcc with the actual vote, rs has been
done by tho National Republican Com
mittcc for delegates to the National
Republican Convention.
The discussion of "Jim Grow" cars
was opened by Charles A. Cottrin,
former Collector Of Internal Revenue
Honolulu, II l., resident of Ohio
1Ic was followed by James A. Cobb,
former assistant District Attorney,
Washington District Of Columbia
Lynching was discussed at length
at the closing evening session by
James Weldon Johnson, OF New York
field secretary OF the National Asso-
citation for the advancement OF Color
Cd People. Mr.. Johnson presented sta
tistics concerning the lynching evil
in this country that astounded his
hearers.
All OF the subjects before the con-
vention were discussed at length by
the able thinkers OF the group in tho
country. 1t was very evident from
tho discussion that universal senti--
ment. prevails among the people for
action and results in the wrongs Buf
,fered at this time by the citizens.
Tho, discussions were remarkable for
tho absence OF the feelings OF anger
and radical agitation except in 40
Tar Es Il wae made plain that $1,000
600 Colored People are determined to
got eon,e kind Of hearing before the
bar Of jastfsA III
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED.
AT tho Hnal session OF the eof,ven-
tion, Thursday night, tho resolutions
were read by Attorney Isaac Nutter,
OF New Jerrey, and after a short dis
eussion by various delegates on some
OF the points, were unanimously adopt
ed.
Among tho leading planks in the
L" resolutions are:
The Republican party Is called on
to condemn mob violence and bring
the crime OF lynching under Federal
Supervision; The endorsement of Wo-
mans Suffrage; The urging of color
ed workmen to join labor unions
where IT is demonstrated that there
f,o