Cayton's weekly. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1916-1921, 1920-03-06
THE LINCOLN LEAGUE CONVENTION

Lincoln League was held. This league is
chartrcd organization composed exclusively
of Coored Americans. Roscoe Conllling
Simmons is the president but the silent
genius who is primarily responsible for the
organization and formation of this splendid
organization is Robert R. Church of Mem
phis, Tenn. These gentlemen have associated
themselves with number of the most prom
inent and influential members of our group
in every section Of the country
The purpose of the organization is to
arouse a proper sentiment in the country
that will result in a removal Of the griev-
ances to which we are subjected and of which
we have just cause to complain; chief among
them being lynch law, Jim Crowism and
dsfranchiscment through an evasion or viO-
laiOns Of the 18th amendment to the con.
stitutiOn. That much good will be accom-
pished along these lines through and by
this organization has been clearly and I'M
mistakabIy demonstrated by the proceedings
of the convention held during the past week
Hundreds Of delegates came from all parts
Of the country at their own expense, which
is conclusive evidence of the fact that they
are not only free and independent citizens,
but that they are both able and willing to
make any necessary sacrifice, financially and
otherwise, to accomplish the purposes they
adopted, in which attention is called to the
grievances of which we complain, the public
will not fail to see that the words were not
minced, but plain and indisputabe facts
were set forth in language that cannot be
misunderstood. No threats, but demands
While we are loyal and faithful American
citizens, we insist that we should no longer
be denied the full exercise and enjoyment
of the public rights and privileges accorded
other citizens. In other Words we insist
that members Of our group should no
longer be subjected to treatment different
than that Of other citizens One of the
beneficial results which we are sure will be
the outcome Of the declarations promulgated
will be a notice to the political parties that
members Of our group will no longer vote
for the candidate of any party for senti-
mental reasons or from a spirit of gratitude
for what has been done in the past but on
account of the attitude they may take upon
questions we deem to be vital and paramount.
The platform declarations must not only
be satisfactory along these lines but the
record and attitude Of the candidate nomi-
mated to stand on said platform must be such
to justify the hope and belief that if
elected the promises faithfully made will be
carried out. The indications are hopeful
and favorable from every point Of view. The
convention made a Deep profound and favor
able impression, not only on account Of what
was said and done, but on account of the
dignifed and orderly manner in which the
affair was conducted.
We firmly believe that the great mass Of
the American people are in favor Of justice
and fair play and will not tolerate or ac-
quiesce in acts and methods to the contrary
when brought to their attention by those d.
rectly concerned The main purpose Of this
organization is to take the initiatory steps
along these lines which we have heretofore
somewhat neglected. The presumption is
that the organizers and promoters are actuat-
ed and Influenced by motives that are wholly
unselfsh; this is the only way in which any
good can come to ur group If the fact
shsould subsequently be demonstrated that
it is a close and selfish corporation, brought
into existence for the purpose of advancing
or promoting the selfish and political ambi-
ton of selected few. it's usefulness as an