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' A
PROCEEDINGS
or THE
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
OF
COLORED MEN OF THE UNITED STATES.
HELD IN THE
STATE CAPITOL AT NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE,
May 6, 7, 8 AND 9, 1879.
WASHINGTON, D. O. :
Rui'us H. Darby, Steam Power Printer.
1879.
EIiss
.5
i2- V^5 ^
PROCEEDINGS
OF THK
NATIONAL CONFERENCE.
FIRST DAY.
At 1 o'clock Tuesday, May 6, 1879, ex-Governor P. B. S. Pinch- j tck, of Louisiana, advanced to the Speaker's stand of the House
0 ' Delegates, Nashville, Tenn., and said :
It was my purpose yesterday, wlien I was notitied that it would be ex- oected of me to call this Conference together, to make some extended i-emarks foreshadowing what I supposed would be its policy, but nnfore- eeeu circumstances have completely unfitted rae for any extended remarks H,t this time. We supposed — at least I supposed— the objects of this Con- lerence and mode of its formation was so familiar to the people of the country that we would meet with no opposition from any class, and more especially did we expect to receive a cordial greeting from the coloi-ed citizens of Tennessee. Many of us here to-day were here two years ago, and we look back to that time with pride and recall with pleasure the generous hospitality showered upon us bj^ the people of Nasliville, witli- out respect to race or color, and we believed that, coming here at a time more important to all classes than at that time was, we would be received with open arms, and that every good citizen would give us his support.
1 am not prepared to say such treatment will be accorded to us. There seems to be a disturbing element here disposed to interfere with our delib- erations. There seems to be a set of gentlemen, chosen by people in a meeting claiming to be delegates, who think they have greater rights than we have. Now, we hav(.' no objection to the delegation or other- wise, but we form the nucleus of this Conference and we supposed every man of good faith would come in iiere and help do the work. I trust that will be the result of this gathering, and, whether it is or not, I want to say to you, in all sincerity, that there is enough of us, lueu of caliber, who, if we do our duty, will leave here proud that we met togetlier. 1 am satisfied of this. When I was selected to call this meeting I was in- structed to call to the chau- a gentleman well known to the country— Mr. John R. "Lynch, of Mississippi. I therefore appoint Colonel Lewis of Louisiana, Messrs. Bentley of Georgia, and Nicholas of Indiana, to con- duct him to the stand.
Mr. Lynch was then escorted to the stand. On taking the chair he said :
Gentlemen of the Conference: This is an unexpected honor
4 rROCEEDINQS OP THE
which you have conferrocl upon nie, ami, being unexpected, you will not iTfiuin' of nic any exteuded remarks with regard to the course that is. contemplated being pursued bj^ this Conference. I will not attempt to map out tlie course that you should ])ursue or to recjounnend what, in my judgment, you should do, but still I will take the liberty of making a suggestion or tM'o : first, in regard to the aims, objects and purposes that the originators of tliis movement have in view, and to express the hope that your deliberations maj' !)♦' so characterized and conducted as to re- flect credit upon the race with which we are identified, as well as upon the country of which we form a part.
Xow. my friends, a number of gentlemen, wliom you all will agree with me, having the interest of the colored people especiallj' at heart, came to the conclusion several months ago that it would be advisable to have some leading colored men of the country assemble somewhere, not in the interest of any particular part}', especially not as Republicans, not as Democrats, but as free, independent American citizens, for the pur- pose of presenting to the country the grievances of the colored people. There were some difl'erencesof opinion as to how best this could be done. Some thouglit if we would meet in a convention as political conventions are usujdl}' called together, we would get together an organization of gentlemen who would best represent the feelings of the colored people, but, having considered the matter verj^ maturely, caref uUj^ and consider- ately, we came to tlie unanimous conclusion that we would, in all proba- bility, get a larger, better and possibly a more influential organization of the country, and have extended invitations to gentlemen of the country for the purpose of conferring together on the solution, not to speak au- thoritatively except as our standing in the community will authorize and justify us in doing, but that we would meet and present to the country some of the reasons that agitated the public mind in regard to the colored people, and Nashville was selected as the place and the 6th day of May as the time to have this general assembly. We are here in pursuance of that invitation. I am hei'e to meet you and to express the hope that all who feel an interest will calmly, deliberately and dispassionatelj^ con- sider the questions for which we have been convened, and express the further hope that our action will be such as to reflect credit upon us.
Some things have occurred which U id not present themselves to our at- tention. When tiiis movement was inaugurated the present migration of colored people from the Southern States had not at that time begun, and it was not seriously apprehended that anything of the kind would be done, certainly not apprehended it would be done to the extent we find it has assumed. This, tiien^fore, was not one of the chief objects for which we were convened or requested to convene, for that question did not present itself, but has since assumed important proportions. Now it is to be hoped we will calmly deliberate on that question. It is a ques- tion that demands our attention, attracts the attention of the country.
I will take the opportunity to make this suggestion, that in considering this matter you siionld bear in mind the fact that the South being the home of the coIohmI pe()i)le, tliey being adai)ted to its climate, its soil — having been ))orn and raised there — we should not advise them to leave there unless tiiey have very good reason to do so. On the other hand, we should not advise them to remain where they are not well treated. [Ap- plause.] But we should endeavor to inculcate in their minds « sufficient amount of independence to say to the country and to the people with wlioni they are surroiuided, that ''if our la1)or is valua))Ie, then it should conunaud ri'si)ect." [Api)lause.] That if we receive this respect, if our rigiits and privileges are^ accorded to us here, doing all we can to improve our condition, to that (juestion I feel that we should live together. Fur- ther than tliat, at least, we should not go. If the colored num can re-
NATIONAL CONFERENCE. O
ceive that treatment, attention, consideration and respect lie is entitled to under the law in the Soutl), the Soutli is the place for hitn. If not, they are jiistilied in receiving it wiiere they can. [Applause.] Tlien let us go calmly, dispassionately, and Aviien all classes begin to see their mistakes, perhaps all will come togetlier, seal up all past difterences, con- ceding the rights of all, and continued peace and harmony and good '\\ill and friendsliip will prevail, and the South will prosper.
J. W. Cromwell, of Virginia, was elected secretary, and F. L. Barnett, of Illinois, recording secretary.
Rev. G. W. Le Vere, of Tennessee, offered prayer.
J. Henri Burch, of Louisiana, moved thai the secretaries make out a roll of delegates. Carried.
Robert Nicholas, of Indiana, was elected vice-president.
The Conference then took a recess until 3 p. m.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
By the time the hands of the clock in the hall pointed to the hour of 3, the galleries were thronged until there was not even standing room.
Ex-Congressman Rapier, of Alabama, was appointed secretary, in the absence of one of the regular secretaries.
John D. Lewis, of Philadelphia, moved the appointment of a committee on order of business.
C. O. H. Thomas, of Tennessee, moved to strike out "five" and insert " one from each State."
Rev. Allan Allensworth, of Kentucky, moved to lay this motion on the table, which was lost.
The original resolution was then adopted, and the Chair an- nounced the following committee : J. D. Lewis, of Pennsylvania ; James D. Kennedy, of Louisiana; Richard Allen, of Texas; C. O. H. Thomas, of Tennessee ; R. R. Wright, of Georgia.
Governor Pinchback called attention to the fact that the con- vention had taken a recess in order to allow a roll of delegates to be prepared. He called for the report of the roll of delegates.
This call was sustained, and the secretary read the roll of dele- gates as follows :
Alabama. — Rev. J. W. Washington, Uniontown; H. C. Binford, box .'J3, Courtland; Edward Pope, Samuel Lowery, D. S. Brandon, W. H. Council, Huntsville; Rev. W. O. Lynch, Rev. W. H. McAlpine, Marion; David Wilson, Rev. J. M. Goodloe, Huntsville; G. S. W. Lewis, Union- town; W. .J. Stephens, Selma; J. H. Thomason, Athens; S. P. Smith, Stevenson, .Jackson county; Rev. Peter C. ^lurphy, ]SIobile; David Rip- ley; Rev. W. H. Ashe, Florence; L. W. Cummins, Mobile; Hon. J. (j. Rapier, H. V. Cashin. Montgomery; P. J. Crensliaw, Athens.
ARKANSAS.— M. W. Gibbs, Little Rock; J. P. .Jones, clerk of Desha, Watson; J. R. Rowland, Rev. J. T. .Jenifer, Little Rock; H. W. Wad- kins, Arkadelphia; George N. Perkins, Campl^ll; G. B. Antoine, Isaac Gillem, Little Rock; David A. Robinson, Pine^Bluff; M. G. Tin-ner, H. B. Robinson, Helena; S. H. Holland, Lake Village, Chicot countv.
Georgia.— Rev. L. H. Holsey, Augusta; C. C. Wimbush, Rev. .L H. Wood,S.C.Upshaw, Atlanta; W.B. Higginbotham, Rome; Madison Bloimt;
0 PROCEEDINGS or THE
J. II. Delaiiiotta, Atlanta; Rev. Toby Stewart, Clintoii; Rev. George Val- entine. Atlanta; J. W.Brooks, Macon; Moses H. Bentley, Atlanta; W. A. Pl.diivr. Athens R. R. Wrijjflit, Cutnbert-
Illinois.— J. .1. Bird. Cairo; F. T.. Barnett, Chicago.
Indiana.— R. Nicliolas;, Evansville; .1. VV. James, 184 I.ooust street, Evansville; F. D. Morton, 701 Cliestnnt street, Evansville; liev. W. H. Anderson, pastor Third Baptist chnrcli, Terra Haute; Rev. Greene AIc- Farland, Evansville; S. Daniels, Terre Ilante: Rev. P. W. Jolnison, Indian- apolis; J. A. Braboy, Kol<ouio; G. L. Knox, Westtield; J. H. Clay, Greeneastle; J. 11. Walker, Terre Haute; Euiraet Stewart, Brazil; J. W. Stewart.
Kansas.— Rev. T. W. Henderson, Topeka.
Kentucky.— Allan AUensworth, W. H. Nicholl. Horace Lewis, Bow- ling (Jreen: G. W. Gentry; G. VV. Darden; Rev. Bishop Miles, Lonis- vilie; John Garnett. Glasgow; J. F. C. Snarden.
Louisiana. — P. B. S. Pinchback, James Lewis, Naval Office, J. Henri Bm-ch, Lewis T. Kenner, Jaraes D. Kennedy, Chas. A. Burgeois, Xew Orleans.
Minnesota.— S. E. Hardy, St. Paul.
Mississippi. — I. R. Lynch, R. W. Fitzhngh, Theo. H. Greene. Natchez ; Tlionias Richardson, Port Gibson ; Rev. J. H. Buftord, Stonns- ville; David Wilson; VV. H. Maury; B. G. Booth. Water Valley; S. P. Cheers. Water Valley ; J. C. Mathews. Holly Springs,
Missouri.— Wni. R. Lawton, St. Louis ; J. W. Wilson.
Nebraska. — H. G. Newsom, Hastings.
Ohio. — Robert Harlan, Cincinnati.
Oregon. — Rev. D, Jones, Lexington, Ky.
Pennsylvania.— J. D. Lewis, Wm. Still, Philadelphia; F. J. Lon- iliii, Ravenna, Ohio; Dr. C. V. Wiley, Philadelphia.
South Carolina.— Hon. J. H. Rainey, Windsor.
Tennessee.— S. F. Griffin, Clarkesville ; Rev. D. E. Asbnry, Paris; • J. B. Bosley, Win. Sumner, T. A. Sykes, Nashville ; Rev. Isaac Lane ; Rev. R. F. Boyd. Pulaski; J. H. Hendricks, Goodlettsville ; Rev. G. 11, Shafe!', J. W. Grant, Na.shville ; T. W. Lott, Jackson ; D. W. Williams. Brentwood: L. A. Roberts, Grand Junction; J. H. Kelley, C^olumbia : Dr. J. F. McKinley, Nashville; W. C. Hodge, Chattanooga; H. H. 'IMionipson, Pula-ki ; Randall Brown, Nashville; J. M. Smith, La Grange, Fayette county; A. J. Carr ; B. A. J. Nixon, Pulaski ; M. F. Womack; A. F. A. Polk; A. N. C. Williams; W. A. llender.son, Jr., Chattanooga; B. J. Hadley, J. H. Bm-rus, Rev. D. Wadkins, W. F, Yardley. R.-v. G. W. LeVere, J. C. Napier, Rev. C. O. H. Thomas, W. F. AndCrson. Nashville.
TicxAS.— Rieliard Allen, Houston ; Rev. B. F. Williams, East Bernanl Station; J. R. Taylor, San Antonio; N. W. Cuney, Galveston ; E. H. And'-r.son, Fi.><k Universitv, Nashville, Teini.
ViuciiNiA.— R. A. Perkins, Lynchbm-g; J.W. ( 'romwell, Washington, l>. r.; Joini W. Averitt. Lynchburg.
Dlstkict of CoLUMHiA.— J. U.S. I'arker, Post Office Department, Wa.-hington.
Tlie (juestion having been raided as to the statu.s of the oflicersof the C/onlerence, several delegates ssaid that permanent officers liud beeu elected during a tenijiorary organization.
J. Henri liurch wished it understood that the Conference was i'lilly (jrganize(l aiul ready lor buaiiiess.
(J. \V. (jentry moved that a permanent organization be etfected, ami that J. H. Kuiiiey, of South (,'arolina, be permanent chair- man.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE. 7
Gov. Pincliback. I will explain this matter. I will defend the Chair in this
Here B. F. AVilliams interrupted Gov Pinchback, and desired to make a motion, but was ruled out of order.
Gov. Pinchback. I have the floor.
There were one or two more interruptions, but Gov. Pinchback was declared to have the floor, as no motioA could be made while he had the floor. He said that the Chair could not be forced to make an explanation, and he therefore rose in his defense. It was the intention of the primary convention held the night before to map out the work of the body, and the executive committee usurped no power in doing that which would command the respect of the public. [Applause.] The Speaker had been urged to accept the position he occupied. If there was any man iu the convention who wanted the position he was not fit for it. [Applause.] The time had come when the office should seek the man and not the man the office. [Applause.]
B. F. Williams, of Texas, said he arose to ask for information. He said : " I have come a long ways, but I seem to be behind the times. [Laughter,] I ask it as a favor to be heard in the name of an old man. I feel I am not up to this crisis."
A Delegate. " What is the crisis?" which remark Mr. Williams did not catch. Said he, continuing, " I want to find out what in all this convention is buried, hid, [laughter,] ai)d some one fears the other is going to get to it first. [Laughter and applause.] Some one seems to think some one will somewhere be debarred from it."
A Delegate. The gentleman is discussing something not before the house.
Mr. Williams. I think this meeting is exactly before the house, [laughter,] and, as a part and parcel of this meeting, I am before the house. [Renewed laughter.] I wish to learn whether anybody is to be rewarded for coming here. There seems to be a terrible anxiety that some one will not be honored.
A Delegate. I rise to a point of order.
Mr. Williams, (pointing his finger toward the person interrupting him.) Now, look ahere, you are a young man, [laughter,] and I ask it as a favor as an old man — I migrated from this State forty- six years ago, and by the time you have had my experience, if you have had heard the prayers of our forefathers and mothers, [up- roarious laughter,] you would feel this Conference was more like a house of mourning. Let us not come here seeking honor, to be looked up to as a great man. The man that is the greatest man let him furnish the greatest amount of brains. [Laughter and ap- plause.] Mr. President, there is something the matter — something the matter somewhere ; somebody is auft'eriug ; somebody is iu need; somebody needs help, and the assembly wants to know where this help is to come from. [Applause and laughter.] There are a good
8 PROCEKDINGS OF TtTE
many peoplo here who seem to feel a tickling in their heels. [Im- mense applause from the galleries, followed by uproarious and pro- longed applause.]
Ex -Congressman Rainey, of South Carolina, said he hoped there would be no further manifestations from the galleries, as it was not treating the Conference with proper respect.
Rev. Daniel Wadkins, of Nashville, oftered the following:
Tnasmuch as many of our people have mistaken the call for a National Confcroiioo to hi' a call for a National Convention, and, acting upon this mislalvc. have ln-hl meetings and elected delegates to meet in Nashville on the (Itli of May. 1879; and as tliese persons and delegates have incurred the expense of hoth time and money in so doing;
ResoU-ed. Tliat we now invite tliem to seats in this Conference, to par- ticipate in fnll with those invited hi' the National Executive Connnittee.
jResolced. Tiiat this invitation he extended to all so elected and sent from otiicr States and Territories and from ditlerent counties in this State, hut not to any claiming the right from any meeting held in David- son county.
No action was taken on the resolutions.
W. F. Yardley, of Tennessee, read the following resolution :
Henoh-ed, That tlie present ofiicers of the Conference be and they are declared to be the permanent officers of this hody.
G. S. W. Lewi.s, of Alabama, said the delegates should at least have the right to choose their own officers. He seconded the resolu- tion.
Ex-Congressman Rapier, of Alabama, asked, if the temporary officers should be removed, would it not invalidate all the action of the morning?
The Chairman. No.
The previous question was then demanded and the resolution was adopted. This action was loudly applauded.
John D. Lewis, of Philadelphia, moved the appointment of a vice-president from each State.
Several motions to table this resolution were made and were de- clared out of order. The motion was read as a resolution, and a call for the previous question on its adoption was not sustained.
M. II. Jicntley asked what was the object of the resolution.
John D. Lewis said it was simply a matter of honor.
Mr. Bentley said they did not have time for honors. They didn't come here for honor, but for business. He moved to table the res- olution.
A vote was then taken on this motion and it was adopted.
A division was called for and 87 voted to table the resolution.
J.ll.Burrus briefly eulogized the Jubilee Singers, and moved that they Ix' re((uested to sing one or two of their songs. This was adopted unanimously, and tlie Jubilee Singers appeared and were introduced to the (Conference ami<l great applause.
The sung, "Steal Away to Jesus," was rendered in splendid style,
NATIONAL CONFERENCE. 9
and was followed by a burst of applause. The " Lord's Prayer" was then chanted in equally as good style, and was followed by similar applause. The following are the names of the singers who were present: Miss Maggie Porter, Miss G. M. Gordon, Messrs. H. D. Alexander, B. W. I'homas, Calvin Anderson, F. J. Loudin.
Rev. J. T. Jenifer offered the following preamble and resolution, which was addpted :
Whereas we, the delegates of the colored citizens of the United States, iu Conference assembled, havino: heard with so much delight the sweet songs of the celebrated Jubilee Sinfi:ers ;
Bciolved, That we do hereby express our delight and thanks, and most respectfully request them to give us an entertainment at such a time as shall be liereaf ter arranged.
Rev. Allan Allensworth offered a resolution providing for the appointment of a committee of nine on resolutions. Referred.
Richard Allen, of Texas, moved for a committee of nine on rules. Referred.
C. O. H. Thomas asl'ed that all members of the Conference who had papers, be allowed to have them referred to the appropriate committees. He also moved that some of these papers be now read.
The Chair said papers could be so referred.
Rev. D. Wadkins offered the following resolution : '
In order to concentrate our thoughts and expedite the business of the Conference,
Resolved, That we define the work to be— first, to ascertain as near as practicable the present condition of the colored people in the United States and Tenitories; and second, to suggest tiie proper course for them to pursue to amelioi'ate said condition.
The resolution was referred to the Committee on Resolutions.
Ex-Congressman Rainey offered a resolution calling for a com- mittee on finance to collect funds for stationery, printing, &c. He also suggested that two pages should be appointed. The resolution was adopted.
Rev. G. H. Shafer offered a resolution that the delegates be seated
by States. Agreed to.
Rev. Allan Allensworth moved that Gooch and John Merry
be appointed pages. Carried.
J. A Braboy, of Indiana, offered the following resolutions:
Resolved, That it is the duty of tliis Conference to hear the grievances of our Soutliern bretlu'en concerning their impaired rights, concerning education, and all their rigiits as American citizens, politics excepted.
Resolved. That unless the white friends take immediate steps to guar- antee such rio-lits, tiiere will be an immediate emergency exist foi- an en- tire exodus of the I'ace from tlie States in oi-der to ameliorate their condi- tion.
Resolved, 'Hiat it is tlie duty of this Conference to appomt an execu- tive oonuiiittee at the ca})ital of each State of tlje several States to aid, if
10 , PR00EEBING8 OF THE
deemcil luccssaiy. in lofatiui^- tli('s(> colonies in Mie various States, in order tliat tiu'v may make a jy;ood llvino^ and educate their children,
Resolreil, Tliat tliis Conference should take steps by appointing one man from each State, wliose duty it sliall be to call a national convention of the Republiciins, the convention to meet in Cincinnati, to take under consideration tiieir political riglits, and any other business they may deem proper.
The resolutions were referred.
W. A. Pledger oftered a resolution providing that all resolutions relating to migration be first referred to the Southern delegates. Referred.
.1. Henri Burch asked if merely reading a resolution constituted a reference.
The Chair stated that the resolution had been referred at the re- quest of the introducer.
Mr. Pledger said his resolution had been jeered at. He would be with them on any resolution which might hereafter be intro- duced.
W. H. Anderson, of Indiana, said he meant no reflection on any one.
Colonel Lewis, of Louisiana, suggested that the apologies of both paities be accepted.
G. S. W. Lewis offered the following, which was referred :
Resolved^ That the action of the I'ailroad conductoi's, in forcibly eject- ing the ladies of tiie Jubilee Singers from tlie ladies' ear, merits our un- < li vided condemnation:
John D. Lewis, of Pennsylvania, from the Committee on the Order of Business, made the following report, which was adopted :
Tiie (Committee on Ordei' of Business beg leave to submit tiie follow- ing :
1. Tiiey reconmiend tiiat tiie Conference meet daily at i) a. in., and re- luain in session until 12 m. Tlie Conference to take a recess until 2 p. m., wlien it will remain in session until 5 p. m.
2. The morning session ro be o])ened with jirayer. ;i. Krading of minutes.
-1. lifporl of committees. ;■». New business.
0. Heading of papers.
7. Discussion <»ii said papers.
We recommend the appointment of the following-named committees, to con>^ist of live nieuilier- each :
1. Migi-atioii.
2. lOilueiitiou and Lalior.
;{. I'eruianeut Organization.
4. lie^i.lutions.
."*. Tiie ( 'olored Press.
(;. Addres- and llesolutions.
The resolution referred to your coininiriee to apjjoiiit a commitlee on
.. itiles lia< been duly considei'ed, and we I'eeoinmend that "' ( usliing's
Manual '' Ix- adopted as the guide for the government of this body. Your
eoiiimitlee further recommend that debate on all questions brought be-
loif this Coiiferenee, except tlie subject of migration, be limited to seven
NATIONAL f'ONFERENCE. 11.
minutes, and in no caso siiall a member be allowed to speak moi-e llimi twice on the s;ame (jiiestion without lUKiiiimous consent.
.J. D. IjEWIS, President.
James I). Kennedy.
R. H. Wkicuit. ' Richard Allen.
CO. H. Thomas.
A question then arose as to whether gas could be secured for a night session.
J. Henri Burch said no ; they had gas only in the day time.
G. L. Knox, of Indiana, said there was no use going through the streets in the day time in order to hold a night session. Tliere was an impression abroad that the Northern delegates had come liere to take away the colored people in the Southern States from their homes. That was not so.
The Conference then adjourned until 9 o'clock to-morrow morn- ing.
After the Conference had adjourned an invitation to visit Cen- tral Tennessee College was read, and action thereon deferred.
SECOND DAY.
The National Colored Conference was called to order at 9 o'clock by Permanent Chairman Lynch, and the proceedings were opened with prayer by Rev. J. T. Jenifer.
The Chairman stated that it was not necessary to read an ex- tended report of the proceedings of the day befoi'e, as the American bad very courteously made si very full and correct report of the proceedings, which possibly all had read.
The reading of the minutes was accordingly dispensed with.
On motion of Hon. James T. Rapier, of Alabama, the names of H. V. Cashin and P. J. Crenshaw were added to the list of delegates from Alabama.
Rev. J. T. Jenifer said that while they were much obliged to the press for an extended report, the Conference should not be under obligations to the American, for a more correct report of the names of the delegates than had been furnished by the committee. In many cases he found that the names were more correctly reported in the American than on the rolls.
The Chairman said that all delegates, when they arose, should announce their names and State, and then they would be certain to be reported correctly.
A request was made by the Chairman that there be no applause in tlie galleries.
Rev. T. W. Henderson, of Kansas, was enrolled as a delegate.
Governor Pinch back moved to increase the membership of the various committees from five to one from each State, or seventeen in each committee, that number of Staler being ropre.-ented.
12 PROCEEDINGS OF THE
After consitlerable discussion, Rev. Allan Allensworth, of Ken- tucky, called the previous question.
Governor Pinch back's motion then prevailed.
Invitations from the Central Tennessee College, Nashville Insti- tute and Frsk University, were read.
Rev. Allan Allensworth moved that a special committee of five be appointed to report what time it would be best for the Confer- ence to visit the above institutions.
J. D. Lewis, of Pennsylvania, moved as a substitute that the invitations be referred to the Committee on Education and Labor. Carried.
J. R. Taylor, of San Antonio, Texas, was enrolled as a delegate.
Rev. W. H. McAlpin, of Alabama, offered the following reso- lution :
Whereas there are questions of vast importance to come before the body; therefore
Resolved^ That certain hours be set apart to consider the report of eacli conuiiittee, and tliat a committee of three be appointed to arrange the time for eaoli committee to report and to consider said report.
Referred.
By J. Henri Burch, of Louisiana :
Jiesolced, That the printed report of the recent Labor Convention held at Vicksburg, Miss., on May 3 to 6, be referred to the Committee on Migra- tion, wlien appointed, with a request that they report back to this Con- vention whether, in their opinion, the real causes and remedies for tiie present exodus appear in any part of said report.
Referred.
By R. R. Wright :
Resolved. Tiuit eacli delegation of the several States submit to this Con- ference, by written report, prior to the discussion of the topic of migra- tion, a succinct statement of the true condition of the masses, oi" country inhabitants, of their respective States with regard to labor and education ; and be it fin-thcr
liesolftil. That such sfatenicnt govi^rn the action of this Conference >vith respect to tlie subject of migration.
Referred.
By W. H. Council, of Alabama:
Resolved, Tliat whereas tlie i)i-in(i])al business men and farmers have entered into eontracfs for tlie jjrcseiit yea i. we deem tills an untimely season to a^jitate tlie (juestion of niinratioii. believing that it would prove di-trinienlai to Ihe interests of all (tonceriied.
'2. Tliat we are opposed to a general and sudden exodus of our people for any jiart of the country, but recommend a careful consideration of the matter for all who desire to mi;^rate, :ind aft<r such mature consideration ami calm rellection. if tliey ave safNlied that their condition can be im- ])rove(| by emii,natioii, we advise jrradual mi^iiatioii.
^ ;{. 'i'liat the eiiiijiration question should l)e considered aj.ail from poli- t\a. and should i»e based upon business ealculatioii.
Referred.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE. 13
By J. H. Burrus, of Nashville:
Whereas by the history of the bo^fhiiiing, pro^j^rcss and final triumph of the idea of the ria^ht of the people in contradistinction of the Divine riglit of kings in the Old World, and by the inception and glorious terniinatioii of the "irrepressible conflict" between freedom and slavery in this coun- try, as well as by tlie beginning, progress and successful ending of all progressive and liberal thought, new ideas in the Avorld, we are admon- ished of the great need of the continual agitation of the question of fami- liar wrong to be supplanted by unfamiliar riglit; be it therefore
Resolved by this Conference^ That we recommend to our people every- where not to cease to protest before the civilized world and their fellow- citizens against the unjust, invidious and unchristian discrimination against their civil rights as American citizens now practiced in these United States, especially the Southern States.
Referred. ^
By F. D. Morton, of Indiana :
Whereas there are many subjects of the greatest import to the coloi-ed citizens of this country, both as a part and a whole ; and
Whereas there are manj- of the ablest and most talented members of this Conference who have spent some time in preparing to make a special eftbrt upon the subject of migration and others of equal import ; there- fore
Resolved^ That a committee of three be appointed to receive the names of such persons who have especially prepared themselves upon any of the important questions which have been collected for the consideration of this Conference.
Resolved^ TJ^iat a special time be designated and announced, together with the name of the person or persons who desire to present the result of their investigation to this Conference.
Referred.
Samuel Lowery, of Alabama, asked to present the following :
Whereas the Democratic party of the South have proclaimed to the world tha this is a white man's Government, made expressly for tliem, and that they will not sufter, at the peril of tlieir lives, the choice of col- ored men to positions of honor and emoluments where they are in the majority ; and that they will resort to the disruption of this Government rather than sufter or permit the civil and political equality of our race in the South ; and
Whereas we have trusted in vain the hope to enjoy perfect and com- plete libeity in this land of our ancestry, from whose unpaid labors its wealth and prosperity have sprung, and the pledge given us by the true Republicans of the Xorth for freedom and human rights have been stealth- ily snatched from us and our postei'itj^ in encroachments, without any prospective redress. We are denied the right of a trial by a jury of our countrymen, in the administration of the judicial laws of Alabama, and as a consequence misdemeanors are executed as felonies, and the courts, as now administered, are crowding the prisons, coal mines and peniten- tiary, where our race are sold into slavery as in the days of yore, under the pretense and forms of law. They deny to us school piivileges to improve the minds of our youths equall}\ We toil by day and niglit to make more cotton for the landlord than we did in slaver}^ and we enjoy no more than one peck of meal and two and a half pounds of poi'k with the labor of our women and children.
Therefore, believing the Loi"d has provided a land of freedom where we
14 PROCEEDINGS OF THE
('.■111 cnjo.v all till' rijjliLs of luiinauity, and lias opened the hearts of the Christian men and women of the American people of the North to aid us in onr strncrorlc to settle on them, and as a convention of the most prom- inent nK'ii of our race will siiorMy assemble at Nashville to perfect and complete sneh a settlement, tyi such a basis or plan which vvUl promote our success and the pride and glory of the American ijeople ; therefore, be it
. Resolved, That this meeting send to the Nashville convention dele- gates, and pledge onr eflbrts to aid this cause for onr freedop, and we ap- pouit an executive committee of fifteen colored men to organize this work. Referred.
George M. Perkins, of Arkansas, moved that no mox-e resolutions be offered for the present. Carried.
On motion of W. F. Yardley, of Tennessee, Taylor Miller, of Rutherford, and J. H. Hopkins, of Maury county, were admitted to the floor of the Conference. He said they had been elected del- egates under the impression that the Conference would be a con- vention.
Colonel Robert Harlan, of Ohio, moved that papers be now read, that the President might retire and appoint committees. Carried.
Vice-President Robert Nicholas was then called to the chair, and the President retired.
J. W. Cromwell, the clerk, then read a paper from Dr. A. T. Au- gusta, of Washington, D. C, on the sanitary condition of the col- ored people of the United States. [See Appendix A.]
W. H. Council, of Alabama, and Hon. J. H. Rainey, of South Carolina, commended the paper. The latter said :
Mr. President, I desire to ask indulgence of the Conference for a short time, while 1 submit a few remarks, in order that those i^i-esent migiit un- derstand who the autiior of the paper just read really is. Dr. Augnsta is a genth^maii of eoloi-, a practicing physician, and a resident of thv city of Washington. He was the first medical and surgical officer of our race who was admitted to rank in the army of the United States — being the tirst having the manhood and temerity to apply and risk the ordeal of a rigid examination, to wliieh he was subjected.
_ To tlie credit of liimself and iiis race lie passed a successful examina- tion, and it is worthy of note to say that he continued in the faithful and satisfactory discharge of his ofllcial duty until the close of the war. Sir, it is a source of pride, and inexpressible gratification to know that we have thos(; fully identitied with us possessing so high an order of talent as to treat intelligently scientific as well as other subjects of vital interest to us. Among us we have men of capacity and breadth of comprehension, giv- ing them the power to grapple wilii intricate questions, involving litei-a- turc. science, medicine, h.vgiene, and various other prominent bianelK^s. We have no sjiecjal fault to find with onr color, hut we have cause for I'.iiiil-linding w hen that is made tlie groniid on wiiicli to construct preju- diw^ and proscription against us.
The o[)i>()rl unity has come and is now at liand when, despite oppression and other nnreasoiial)le oi)posiiig elements, we will demonstrate our true manhood. We iiave shown onr bravery in the late war by fighting under llag lliat gave ns no iirotectioii, and for agovernment tiiat repudiated and ignored onr i-iglits.
Let us strive as true men — press on enuilathig the good combinations
NATIONAL CONFERENCE. 15
to be found in the character of the white man, and slum .scrupulously his vices. '
J. W. Cromwell, of Virginia, made some remarks complimentary to Dr. Augusta.
Elder Daniel Wadkins, of Tennessee, raised the point of order that they had come here to discuss subjects and not men.
Vice-President Nicholas said the reason he did not entertain the point of order was from the fact that whenever they could tind a colored man whom they could eulogize, they should eulogize him. [Loud applause.]
Secretary Cromwell then read a paper written by J. C. Corbiu, of Arkansas, on the political status of the colored people. [See Appendix B.]
J. T. Jenifer, of Arkansas, oftered the following :
Whereas this Conference of the colored citizens of the United States is one of the most Interesting and important assemblies ever convened in America; and Wliereas the proceedings of this Conference should be published, Resolved, That the Committee on Finance be most respectfully re- quested to propose some plan to the Conference for the publication of the proceedings in pamphlet form .
Adopted.
Several delegates desired to discuss the papers immediately after their being read.
The Chairman decided that according to parliamentary usage this could not be done. An appeal was taken from his decision declaring out of order a call for the previous question on a motion to have the papers immediately discussed. During the discussion which followed it was observed that Rev. Daniel Wadkins, of Ten- nessee, made a dozen several and distinct efforts to obtain the floor, but failed.
At this juncture the Chairman resumed his place, and, before any action was taken on the pending question, the hour of 12 had arrived and the Conference adjourned until 2 p. m.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The Conference reassembled at 2 p. m.
The following list of committees appointed by the President was then read :
Resolutions and Address. — Hon. P. B. S. Pinch back, Louisiana; Hon* M. \V. Gibbs, Arkansas; Thomas Richardson, ^lississippi; Allan Aliens- worth, Kentucky; J. W. Wilson, Missouri; Rev. W. H. Ashe, Alabama; W. A. Pledger, Georgia; J. W. Cromwell, Virginia; J. H. S. Parker, District of Columbia; Richard Allen, Texas; D. -Jones, Oregon; William Still, Pennsylvania; J. .J. Bird, Illinois; Colonel Robert Harlan, Oliio; H. G. Newsoni, Nebraska; Hon. J. II. Rainejs Soutli Carolina; S. E. Hardy, Minnesota; W. F. Yardley, Tennessee; F. D. Morton, Indiana; Rev. T. W. Henderson, Kansas.
Education and Labor.— J. W. Cromwell, Virginia; H. C. Binford,
16 PROCEEDINGS OP THE
Alabama; J. T. Jenifer, Arkansas; J. 11. Burrus, Tennessee; T. H. Green, Mississippi; W. H. Nichol, Kentucky; Colonel James Lewis, Louisiana; 4-~iT. W. Wilson, Missouri; R. R. Wrio^ht, Georgia; J. H. S. Parker, District ' of Cohnuhia; J. K. Tay\or, Texas; D. Jones, Oregon; F. J. Loudin, Pennsylvania; John J. Bird, Illinois; Colonel Robert liarlan, Ohio; H. G. Newsom, Nebraska; Hon, J. H. Rainey, South Carolina; S.E. Hardy, Minnesota; J. H. Walker, Indiana; T. W. Henderson, Kansas.
Resolutions.— lion. J. H. Rainejs South Carolina; G. S. W. Lewis, Alabama; Isaac Gilleni, Arkansas; T. W. Henderson, Kansas; W. H. Maury, Mississippi; John Garnett, Kentucky; Louis T. Kenner, Louisi- ana; J. AV. Wilson, Missoiu-i; Rev. Toby Stewart, Geoi-gia; R. A. Perkins, Virginia; J. H. S. Parker, District of Columbia; E. H. Anderson, Texas; D. Jones, Oregon; William Still. Pennsylvania; J. J. Bird, Illinois; Col- onel Robert Harlan. Ohio; H. G. Newsom, Nebraska; G. H. Shafer, Tennessee; J. A. Braboj', Indiana; S. E. Hardy, Minnesota.
Permanent Organization. — J. D. Lewis, Pennsylvania; Rev. W. II. McAlpine, Alabama; J. P. Jones, Arkansas; Rev. G. W. LeVere, Ten- nessee; J. H. Bufford, Mississippi; J. F. C. Snowden, Kentucky; C. A. Bourgeois, Louisiana; W. R. Lawton, Missouri; T. W. Henderson, Kan- sas; J. H. Delamotte, Georgia; R. A. Perkins, Virginia; J. H. S. Parker, District of Columbia; E. H. Anderson, Texas; D. Jones, Oregon; F. 1j. Barnett, Illinois; Colonel Robt. Harlan, Ohio; H. G. Newsom, Nebraska; Hon. J. H. Rainey, South Carolina; S. E. Hardy, Minnesota; Rev. W. H. Anderson, Indiana.
Colored Press. — F. L, Barnett, Illinois; W. F. Anderson, Tennes- see; David Wilson, Mississippi; Bishop William H. Miles. Kentucky; Jas. D. Kennedj', Louisiana; W. R. Lawton, Missouri; David A. Robinson, Arkansas; Samuel Lowery, Alabama; C. C. Wimbush, Georgia; J. W. Cromwell, Virginia; J.H. S. Parker, District of Columbia; Richard Allen, Texas; D. Jones, Oregon; John D. Lewis, Pennsylvania; Colonel Robert Harlan, Ohio; H. G. Newsom, Nebraska; T. W. Henderson, Kansas; J. W. James, Indiana; Hon. J. H. Rainey, South Carolina; S. E. Hardy, ^linnesota.
Migration. — J. T. Rapier, Alabama; George W. Perkins, Arkansas; T. W. Henderson, Kansas; J. C. Napier, Tennessee; R. W. Fitzhngh, Mississippi; G. "W. Gentry, Kentucky; J. Henri Burch, Louisiana; AV. R. I^awton, Missouri; W. B. Iligginbotham, Georgia; John Averitt, Virginia; J. H. S. Parker, District of Columbia; B. F. Williams, Texas; D. Jones, Oregon; John D. Lewis, Pennsylvania; F. L. Barnett, Illinois; Robert Harlan, Ohio; H. G. Newsom, Nebraska; J. H. Rain(>y, South Cai-olina; S. E. Hardy, Minnesota; G. L. Knox, Indiana.
The secretary was requested to read several communications or letters from persons unable to attend the convention, among which was the following :
Charleston Colored Western Emigration Society,
Charleston, S. C, April 30, 1870. At a meeting of the said society, lield at the residence of the chairman on the :{()th day of April, 187!), to take into consideration the question of wiiat tills society shall do in response to the call issued by our fellow-suf- ferers, till' friend-; and promoters of tin; movement for the emigration of the colored people from the former Southern slave States of the Union to the free States and Territories of the country, for a convention to be held at Nashville, Tenn., on the 6tli daj' of May proximo, the officers of this society and many other persons interested being present, and an in- formal discussion and free interchange of views upon the subject being had, it is on motion voted —
NATIONAL CONFERENCE. 17
1. That it is with ivgivt tliat this society find? it impossible to have personal repi'esentatiou at the said convention, and
2. That tills society, now eonntlng many adherents and coadjutors in South Carolina, herewitli sends its liearty greetings to the convention at Xashville, and pledges co-operation by every lawful means in our power in carrying out the plans and purposes which said convention in its wis- dom may devise and promulgate for tlie accomplisliment of tlie common object of removing our people from the scenes of their great tribula- tions.
The colored population of the United States throughout the entire land, when the Government by the perfid3'of tlie very people who now oppress US, had to maintafn a gigantic struggle at arms to preserve its existence, was faithful among the faithless found.
In slavery itself, when smitten on, the one cheek, we turned also the other ; we bided our time. But it hath pleased God to weaken the gall- ing chains of slavery, so far as that consummation could be efteeted by law. But what is mere freedom to man without civil and political rights ? Literally, we have no rights here which a white man is bound to respect. ^Ve are as lambs among wolves. If, at the risk of our lives, we approach the polls to vote at an election, our vote when deposited is rendered in- operative and ineft'ectual by the deposit by a political opponent of a pack of fifty tissue; ballots, or otherwise our vote is wholly suppressed outright and never counted for the candidate of our choice. In the courts the col- ored man obtains no justice; partiality is the order there. The boast is proudly made that this is a wliite government.
Let us appeal to tlie good people of the country to aid us in changing the place of our abode to the free States and Territories. We have will- ing hands as ever ; we have stro-ng arms still. We are sneeringly told that we are poor and have not the means of defraying our expenses in re- moving from here to the free States and Territories. We liave no apol- ogy to make for our poverty. Itcomes illy from those who have enjoyed our unrequited labor for hundreds of years the taunt that we are poor.
Voted that the foregoing, signed -by the ofHcers of this society, be trans- mitted to the Nashville convention, with the request that the officers of said convention furnish this society with a certified copy of the proceed- ings of the said convention, and with such other papers as they may be in possession of of interest. M. G. Chajviplin, Chairman.
James N. Hayne, Secretary.
Having read the above communication, J. H. Burrus, of Ten- nessee, moved the reference of it and other letters to the Executive Committee, which motion was adopted and the papers so referred, after motions to lay on the table, a call for the previous question, and a reference to a special committee had been voted down.
C. O. H. Thomas, of Tennessee, called up the motion which was pending when the Conference adjourned at noon, in reference to the immediate discussion of papers after they had been read.
The Chairman ruled that the motion for an immediate discus- sion was in violation of the rules of order which had been adopted. The papers were not properly before the house until read and re- ceived, and a reference to a committee was the proper course to be taken for such papers or communications.
A resolution was adopted, on. .motion of J. D. Kennedy, that when the order of business was announced the roll should be called by States for business under that head.
2
18 PROCKECSNGS OP THE
Ex-Governor Pinchback made the point of order that the read- ing of papers was the present order of business, which point of order was^ustained.
R. Allen, of Texas, offered the following:
Resolved^ That this Conference, before it adjourns, elect a board of coi'ninifisloners on mio:ration, consisting of one gentleman from each State, to wliicli all questions of migration may be referred.
Referred.
C. 0. H. Thomas, of Tennessee, desired to speak on a question of privilege.
The explanation which Mr. Thomas was seeking was given by the President.
The Secretary then read a paper from Wm. Stewart, of Bridge- ton, N. J., on the "Necessity of a National Review Devoted to the Interests of the Negro-American." [See Appendix C]
C. O. H. Thomas moved that thirty minutes discussion be allowed on the three papers which had been read.
The Chairman. Will the gentleman let me explain?
Mr. Thomas. Yes ; and be as plain as you can.
The Chairman. Then you cannot do what you desire by a discus- sion. The papers should be referred and we should have a report on these papers, and then we should have something to talk about.
Mr. Thomas. Then only the men who have prepared themselves can now be heard ?
The Chairman. That is the only interpretation that can be placed upon it.
Rev. G. H. Shaffer. I move that each paper, when presented, be not read, but referred to the committee on the subject, and then let discussion follow on the report.
The motion was tabled by a vote of 60 to 45.
The reading of the next paper was called for.
The Chairman stated the next paper to be read was one by Bishop Miles, on the "Moral and Social Condition of the Negro." The reading of this paper was deferred for the present.
Rev. Allan Allensworth arose to a pointof gallantry, stating that several gentlemen weresitting while ladies were standing. A change in position, as suggested by the delegate from Kentucky, was accord- ingly made.
The next paper on the programme was one by William Still, on the "Op{)ortunities and Capabilities of Educated Negroes." [See Appendix I).]
As soon as the reading of this paper was concluded a number of delegates arose and endeavored to obtain the floor, ineffectually, however.
C O. II. Thomas endeavored to discuss the [)aper, but was ruled out of order.
The following resolutions were offered by S. C. Upshaw, of Georgia :
NATIONAL CONFERFlNCE. 19
Whereas both the members of this Conference and the citizens at laro;e are anxious to have a more direct knowledge of the educational, social, linaucial and political condition of our people ; therefore
Resolved, Tliat one or more members of each delcj;ation from the South- ern States be requested and allowed ten minutes for the purpose of delib- eratini? upon the above subjects; and, fm-ther, that a designated hour be agreed upon for the above consideration.
By R. R. \yri^ht. of Gp.orp^ia, i,
Eesolved,' That it is the sense of this Conference that we liighly appre- ciate and commend the action of Senator Windom and others who are striving to systematize the exodus of our despairing bretln-en from the oppressing South.
Resolved, Tiiat we hold in grateful remembrance the generous and lib- eral response of a portion of the country toward relieving our distressed and fleeing countrymen.
By W. A. Pledger :
Whereas matters pertinent to the colored race may arise that may necessitate the calling of a convention or conference unless otherwise provided for; therefore
Resolved, That an executive committee, composed of one delegate from each State, be appointed by the Chair.
Resolved, That the chairman of this convention be the chairman of that committee.
Referred to the Committee on Permanent Organization. By Samuel Lowery, of Alabama : A resolution in reference to extending a welcome address to Gen. U. S. Grant. Referred, By Rev. P. C. Murphy, of Alabama :
Whereas the various courts of the Southern States have denied the col- ored man the right of sitting on j^n-ies where civil and political acts are involved ; therefore
Resolved, That we, in National Conference assembled, do feel aggrieved as citizens of the United States of America, and ask that something be done.
Referred.
By M. H. Bentley, of Georgia:
Resolved, That before taking final steps towards emigration, we ask for and demand our political rights in the South.
Resolved Jurther, That in States where there are eight or nine Con- gressmen, Ave claim a representative of two of them ; where there are three or four districts, we claim one, and in that proportion tln-oughout the Southern States.
Resolved, That the various districts now represented by wliite members take in rotation, each in turn, for colored representation.
Referred.
By John J. Bird, of Illinois :
Whereas the late Labor Convention, held in Yicksburg, did, among other things, set forth the following, to wit : " The apprehension on the part of man}" colored people, produced b}' insidious reports circulated among them, that their civil and political rights are endangered, or likely to be ;" and
Whereas said declaration does, as is common among the class of men
20 PROCEEmNGS OF THE
largely roproseiited in said convention, seek to avoid the real issues un* dcrlyino: tli«' widespread and deep-seated dissatisfaction existing among oiir jjeople in several of tlie Southern States; and,
Whereas it is tiie sense of tliis( Jonference that the object of calling said convention one day in advance of this Conference, was intended to fore- stall its action on the snbject of emigration; therefore
Jiesolred, Tiiat we, the representatives of the colored people of the United States, in National Conference assembled, do hereby deprecate snch action, and denoniice this wanton refusal to admit facts as they ex- ist in regard to tlie political proscription, murderous and unjustifiable as- saults upon innocent citizens in their midst, wiiose only oftense is that they seek to exercise the rights accorded to them under the laws of our laud and country.
Resolved^ Tiiat we will not, shall not. receive these specious promises as a sufficient guarantee for futui'c protection, but accept them as cun- ningly devised schemes to stay the present exodus of the colored people, who are seeking in a legitimate and praiseworthy manner to relieve them- selves from the wrongs and oppression \\lnch liave debased their labor, cruslied tli<'ir manhood, and denied them tlieir inalienable and constitu- tional riglits.
Referred.
Governor Pinchback moved that in order to give the committees time to work, the Conference, when it adjourned, adjourn to meet at 12 m. to-morrow.
This met with a good deal of opposition, C. O. H. Thomas, of Tennessee, insinuating that the motion was made in order to prac- tice some sharp dodge or legerdemain, which would be detrimental to the objects of the convention.
Gov. Pinchback said that the time had come in that convention when forbearance would be a crime.
He was here interrupted by C. O. H. Thomas and others, when he remarked that Thomas had disturbed the proceedings of that meeting more than any twenty men in it, and he did not propose to yiehl to his interruptions.
Several delegates arose to points and questions of order and in- formation, which rather rasped the Governor, who said, tartly, that one rule did not seem to prevail in that meeting, and that was the rule of gentlemanly courtesy. He had never raised a (juestiou of privilege. He had uniformly sat quietly until the gentleman speak- ing was through, and then arose decently and gentlemanly, and he demanded of the Conference the same courtesy. He did not under- stand what those things meant. He understood the gentleman from 'J'ennessee (Mr. Thomas) was pregnant with a speech and was anx- ious to deliver it. The Governor said he was not there seeking ])la''e, but was there to help to do sometliing for his poor down- irodilen people . It was necessary to be deliberate about it. (Jom- raittees were necessary in all deliberative bodies, and the Confer- ence should- go slow. It was the duty of the (•(uuniittec to ])ut this rejtort in such a form as 'lie ('onferencc would adopt, and he did not want to see the work hall' done. If thegontleman (Mr. Thomas) wanted the position on the committee in which the President had
^ ■ NATIONAL aONFEKENCE. • 21
seen fit to place him, (Governor Pincliback,) if he (Mr. Thomas) thought he could ftll it, he was willing he should have it; he would cheerfully yield to any wlio thought the responsibility was so light. A member should not impugn the motives of any other delegate. He had come there with none other than the best of motives. Was it not known that he had left the Constitutional Convention of Louisiana, of which he was a member, now in session in that State, to form the organic law of the Commonwealth ? Would he leave that responsible position and come here unless he thought he knew the importance of the meeting ? And dared he (Mr. Thomas) or any other honest man asperse his motives in the face of that fact? Would he (Mr. Thomas) look back a few days ago, when, called by the people to serve in the Constitutional Convention, he had re- signed the position of internal revenue ofRcer at eight dollars per day to be a member of the convention at four dollars. He had sacrificed his blood, sacrificed his purse, to serve his people, and shame upon the man who arose to asperse such a man simply to raise a howl in the galleries. [Cries of "Shame!" "Shame!" "Shame!"] He cared not for the cries of the galleries; he was there to perform his duty to his race. [Applause.]
Governor Pinchback's motion was lost. . J. J. Bird, of Illinois, offered the following:
Whereas we have listened with sorrow^ and regret to the remarks of the gentleman from Tennessee, Mr. Burrus, recounting tlie cruel and uncivil manner in which the Jubilee Singers have been recently treated by the employees of one of the railroad companies of this State; therefore
Resolved^ That we the repi-esentatives of tlie colored people of the na- tion, in National Conference assembled, do hereby utterly denounce and condemn such acts as being indecent and inhuman in tlie extreme, and that the persons committing the same deserve the censure and condemnation of all good citizens, irrespective of sex, color or nationalitj'.
A motion was made to adopt the resolution unanimously.
The President said it would be so adopted if' no objection was made.
Objection was made by W. A. Pledger, of Georgia.
W. F. Yardley, of Tennessee, thought that no man would object to the adoption of such a resolution.
Richard Allen, of Texas, arose, and, looking in all directions, asked who was the man who made the objection. " Who is he ?" he repeated over and over again. "I want him to stand up; I would like to see him."
There was now a good deal of excitement. Pointing his index finger at Allen, Pledger said : " Here I stand ; I am the man, and as good a man as ever wore a pair of number sixes." He said he had objected under the idea that it was to be made to carry the former resolution introduced by Mr. Bird, to which he was opposed. He withdrew his objection, but not because of the menaces of the gentleman.
Hon. J. H. Rapier, of Alabama, offered an amendment to ap-
22 • PROCEEDINGS OF THE
poiut a coraiuittee of three to secure legal counsel to bring suit in tlie Federal court against the railroad.
Carried, and the resolution as amended was adopted.
The (chairman appointed J. H. Burrus, W. F. Yardley, and Rev. G. W. Shafer, committee.
The Conference then adjourned until 9 o'clock to-morrow morn- ing.
THIRD DAY.
The National Colored Conference reassembled at 9 o'clock, President J. R. Lynch in the chair.
C. O. H. Thomas said he had remarked on the evening previous that he desired the following morning to answer pertinently the reflections cast upon him by Governor Pinchback, but as the Gov- ernor was not present he would postpone his remarks.
The following resolutions were offered and referred :
By B. A. J. Nixon :
To the honorable and auyust body of Colored Men in Conference asumi- bled :
We, the people of Giles county, Tennessee, send greeting to your hon- orable body, and earnestly ask that you, after having carefully considered tlie various subjects announced by the Executive Committee, to present to us and the colored people all over these United States some remedy for the untold injustices whicli our people have endured and are enduring. We of Giles county can very easily enumerate the evils under which we liave been laboring for more than a decade of years, but our best judg- ment and most extended research have been baffled when attempting to devise a remedy. It has been said, and wisely, we think, that in counsel there is nnich wisdom. Therefore, we ask your body to promulgate to the colored people of the United States some remedy for the innumerable injuries we are snftVring.
Whereas the colored people of the Southern States are being stirred up on the subject of emigration; therefore
Rcsolced, That a committee be appointed by this Conference, to be known as the National Emigration Committee, consisting of one gentle- man from each State, Avhose duty it sliall be to organize similar commit- tees in each of tlie Southern States.
By J. Henri Burch, of Louisiana :
Wliereas tht'va is now going on, and has been for some time past, an exodus of the colortnl peojile of ccnlain Southern States to the State of Kansas and other Northern States ; and
Whereas, while said exodus has on tiie one side attracted the attention, synipatliies. and etiorts of all lovers of universal equalit}' before the hvAV, it has on tlie other given rise to various harsh criticisms on the part of those oi)posed to emigiation. who are using the silence of the Negro as a rai-e to deelare that it is i)Ut into operation solely for political purposes; that tlie \egro is hajijiy and contented in the Soutii, and that he has no real cause for einigratiiig, and otlier specious arguments calculated to place the emigrationists in a false position ; and
NATIONAL OONFEllKNCE. 23
Whereaf. tlic purpose of dealiu<,' willi tliis (question as colored men ami. from a national staiulpoint ;
Resolved, That the C'onnnittce on Emij>Tation, when appointed, be re- quested to take luider eonsideralioji, and rcjiort back to this Convention, the following subjects pertaining- to said exo(his :
1. What are the causes that have given rise to the exodus movement among the colored people?
2. If there is anj^ truth in the report that the scheme was gotten up to u-ate the North against the Soutli?
3. What are the remedies to be pursued to stop the movement? Would the colored people accept concessions if made to them ; and, if so, of what nature ?
4. Are the colored people pursuing the wisest course of migration?
5. How is this movement likelj^ to attect the two political parties in their respective States and nationallj^ ?
G. Any other observations that may occur to the committee.
By T. W. Lett :
Whereas there is an unsettled state of affairs in the Southern States, resulting in the exodus of a large nnmber of colored people from that section of the country ; and
Whereas tliis state of unrest is pervading the entire colored eonnnunity, creating almost uncontrollable anxiety on their part as to the final resnlt ; and"
Whereas it is not the desire of the people, nor the sense of this Confer- ence that the migration of said people continue withont an adequate cause to the evident and irreparable loss to botli the colored and the white ; and
Whereas it is expected that this Conference take into serious considera- tion this matter in all its various aspects ; be it therefore
Resolved., That it is due to the colored race, especially to those of our suffering brethren of the South, that this body do give a dispassionate, searching, and positive expression as to the existing causes, whether po- litical or otherwise, with a view to the incitement of a more earnest en- deavor looking to their removal and immediate restoration to contidence and prosperity in said States, and that, should said causes be traced to the unjust discrimination toward the colored man on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude as to the real, prosier, and un- mistakable source, that we, in the name of the oppressed i-ace of which this body is a part, deprecate in unmeasin-ed terms, as shocking to the higliest sensibilities of an enlightened civilization, such discrimination, being an luimerited return for the noble achievements of the Negro, the blessings of ■which the white race are the favored recipients.
Resolved, That in the discussion of this momentous and all-absorbing question Ave indulge in no language which justly and impartially inter- preted VN'ill cast any reflection upon the white man or reflect discredit upon this body.
By C. O. H. Thomas :
Resolved, Tha,t this Conference of representative colered men of the United States of America are pledged by the sacred bond of kindred blood and of a common humanity, to devote their best eflbrts for the es- tablishment of civil and political rights ;
Resolved, That the rights of the freedmen are inseparable from the condition of freedom. Therefore, being free and invested with that potent talisman of liberty, the ballot, which will enable us to maintain our rights, we here declare that we wish to possess and exercise, as pru- dent, law-abiding citizens, all the rights possessed in common by other
24 PROCEEDINGS OF THE
citizens of the United States. We furtliennore avow our earnest hope ■tiiut tlu" iiobU- nioii and women of our coinitr}' who are seeking to lift up tlieir sisters to a iiij^lier pbuie of womanhood by giving them a larger scope in the activities and responsibilities of life by means of the ballot, may succeed in consununating their great purpose, for it would be a wretched conmientary upon our libertjMoving profession if we proved not our faith by our works in refusing to aid in the comi:)lete freedom and ex- ultation of women.
Jicsiilved^ Tliat the right to labor and to receive wages commensurate with tlie lal)or performed are sacred principles underlying the i^rimal foundation of human societj'. It is, therefore, as much treason against Goil and humanity to close u]) an avenue of labor by Avliich people gain a living as to steal" the sweat of their brows by paying them wages inad- (•(|uute to the work performed. The party in power, if it would continue to be the slu^phertl of the people, must not waver from the steadfast ad- lierence to the principles which gave it its present glory.
Resolved, That the vast body of the working men of this country, white or colored, recjuire a policy which sliall elevate labor, giving them higher wages and better homes in the South, and throw open to them the ave- nues of inilustry and emolument to race.
Resolved, Tiiat we behold with feelings of deep moililication and re- gret the widespread demoralization of the almost utter advancement of earnest efforts for self-culture and intellectual development by our young men and women. We call upon our ministers and others to whose care is committed the moral and mental training of the young to strive with all theii- might to reclaim those who are walking down the broad road that leads to moral and phy.-ical death.
Resolved, We also deplore the existence of a fact equally bad. Among our so-called leading men there is no general spirit of public enterprise nor of laudable ambition to place within the hands of their race the means of tlK'ii self-elevation; no building associations; no industrial avenues tlu-ough which a knowledge of the various mechanical arts can be ob- tained. The work-shops, the counting-rooms, clerkships in stores, and employment in the busj' commercial marts of our cities and towns are closed to us as a rule, and we have j'et to learn the sad lesson that the s])irit of caste and of prejudice will contipue to prevail just so long as we are i)Oor and needy.
Resolved, Tliat on the subject of migration Ave will give it our special unbiased and unprejudiced consideration, and will so act as to redound to the good and benetit of all concerned — to both rulers and the ruled.
By L. A. Roberts, of Grand Junction, Tenn. :
Whereas there is at the present time a spirit of emigration existing among the colored people of the South, esi)ecially in the valley of the Mississippi, caused by oppression and otherwise, and non-protection in tlieir riglits as American citizens in the several Southern States, with no jirospcct existing of a change for the better; therefore
Resolved, liy this, the National Convention of colored citizens : First, that it is expedient and wise for all who can to emigrate to some parts of (li(^ United States where they can enjoy all the riglits and immiuiities granted them under tlie Constitution an(l laws of theUniti'd States, with- out fear or molestation ; secoml, Miat in order to carry out tlie j)roject of (•migration systematically and advantageously, an emigration soeiet.y be organized, whose duty siiall be to assist those who desire to leave their h(»mes in the South in so doing, and to reach their destination in anj' of tlie N'ortliwestern States or Territories, to establish bureaus aiul agencies at one or more points on the Mississippi, Tennessee, Cumberland, Ohio and Missouri rivers, connected with the principal railroads leading West
NATIONAL CONFERENCE. 25
and Nortliwcst, to look aftor tlic wrlfaro and iulciTst of the cniiojrants at the several places of eiuharkiii'>j, and eliaiij;-e of ears and disembarking ; third, that as the boats on llie Mississippi river have refused to carry col- ored emigrants, steps be taken to charter one or more boats for tliat pur- pose, and if possible bring suit against those who liave refused; fourtli, this society shall be known as the '' North Anu'rican Colored Emigration Society," and shall in all respects be otHcered and managed as other so- cieties of the same character which are best adapted to tlie wants and in- terests of those whom it seeks to benetit.
Referred to the Committee on Migration. By James D. Kennedy, of Louisiana:
Fesolced, That the Committee on Permanent Organization be in- structed to inquire into the practicability of holding a conference every year, and report the result of labor at the earliest moment.
Referred.
By W. F. Yardley:
Renolred^ That it is the sense of this Conference that colored jieople should migrate to those States and Territories where they can enjoy all the }-ights which are guaranteed by the laws and Constitution of the United States, and enforced by the Executive departments of such States and Territories, and we ask of Congress of the United States an ap- propriation of $500,000 to aid in the removal of our people from the South.
T. W. Henderson, from Kansas, made a speech in which he stated that there was "smooth sailing" for the colored people in his State, and said he had come to the Conference at the suggestion of Gov. St. John, of Kansas.
R. Allen, of Texas, moved to postpone further consideration of the subject until 3 p. m. Carried.
By D. Jones, of Oregon : Resolution advising migration to the States and Territories of the far West.
By Rev. John A. Clay: Resolution authorizing the appointment of an executive committeej with power to appoint auxiliary com- mittees.
By J. H, Walker : Resolution authorizing the Conference to ap- point a conference committee of five from each State, to confer from time to time on the condition of the colored people, and if possible to render aid to the same.
By G. W. Darden, of Kentucky:
Whereas the colored people of the South are so cruelly treated in the South, being slain by rifle clubs and lyncli law; and
Whereas in the South slaverj^ is not dead, but sleeping; and
Whereas in the South election day is a day of terror with the colored man; and
Whereas the Southern Negro is not as well treated as the Southern dog by the white man, who rightlj^ claims that this is a white man's Gov- ernment; and
Whereas the colored man is not recognized here as human, but, as Tom Paine asserted, as a species of the monkey; and
Whereas the ex-Confederate President seems to indorse Tom Paine by saying that the idea of educating the Negro is a piece of nonsense; thei'efore be it
26 PROCKEDINGS OF THE
Jicsolved. 'I'liat I lie coloird inuii of llie 8outh save his dollars and eents ill order to eiiii>^rate.
Jiesvlvcd^ That we paj^ no heed to such iiieii as Fred. Douglass and his aeeoiiiplices, for (he simple reason that they are well-to-do Northern men \vlio will not travel out of tlx'ir way to benefit the sutfering Southern Neirro, and who eare not for the intei'ests of their race.
By G. W. Gentry : Resolution to make the subject of migration paramount in the discussion immediately upon the report of the committee.
Wm. R. Lawton,ofMissouri, in lieu of a resolution, wished to pre- sent an appeal from the colored citizens asking for aid for the des- titute emigrants in that State.
Objection was made, and the paper was read as a resolution.
By C. O. H. Thomas : Resolution expressing indignation at an order prohibiting colored citizens in New Orleans from holding tbeir meetings after 10 p. m.
_^ By Rev. G. H. Shaffer : Resolution demanding the employment of colored teachers in colored schools.
By W. F. Anderson: Resolution requesting the railroads to pass all delegates home free who paid full fare to the convention.
By J. H. Kelley: Resolution urging the adoption of a system of emigration.
By T. W. Lott : To appoint a committee of three on the colored press.
By J. W. Grant: Asking Congress to appropriate an amount for 259 years for the assistance of those needing aid to emigrate to Kansas.
B}' B. A. J. Nixon: That the Conference insiston the authorities iu impaneling juries to give the colored a portion of the jury, and especially when the prisoners at the bar are colored; that when candidates are electioneering they be asked whether they are willing to grant that right.
By J. M. Smith, of Tennessee:
Whereas there is great excitement among our race of people that is causing great sidVering: We thcrefon> ask of this Conference to use their best inlliience in j)acifying the minds of their countrynien. We ignore the practice tiiat is played upon the colored man in "this country. We therefore ask this iionorable Conference to give some aid, if possible, to tlieir countrynien. I'he real cause is the Vediictioii of wages and the .sliaiiiefiij manner in wliicli we are treated in traveling over the great tlioiDUglifarcs of the coiiiitry. We also clamor for our rights as free citi- zi-iis in the country, which iire denied lis. This excitement is causing an <'X()dns which is causing much snUering. They arc leaving the homes of tlieir childhood, trusting their fortune to an exp"rimeiit. ' It is an ex- lierimeut wliicli, if it fails, will ruin us forever. Wc tlierefore ask that tills matter h<- carefully considered and the minds of the p<'ople jiacified. Tlioiisands have left liicir liomi's penniless, no! knowing wiieii nor where it will end. We tlnTcfore demand all of our riglits as citizens, and. un- h'ss we do receive our just rights, we resohc ln\-migrate to the North or N'orthwest. We pledge ourselves to com/ together in all parts of the eouiitry as free citizens and demand our ilylils. We know the color line has beeu .struck, and unices it be witiidiaw n, wc will immediately seek
NATIONAL CONFEKENCE. 27
for our siifiVa^r, wliicli, if it cannot br oblaiiiiul here, we will remove from anion<>; them where we can enjoj- our free privileges. We therefore ask thii> honorable Conference to use their best influence in our behalf.
Ref'ei-red.
By Rev. Allan Allensworth :
Whereas there is now an exodus of colored people from some of the Southern States; and
Whereas there are certain parties tr\'ing to mould a public opinion In the North to the effect that said exodus is a political trick, originated by and is being carried out for the Republican part};-, and that the Republi- can party is responsible ior the suffering and losses occasioned b}' said exodus; therefore be it
Resolved, That we enjoin the public that the assertion is not true, but that said dissatisfaction and exodus is caused bj^ the unrighteous, unla-w- ful, unpatriotic and uncivilized treatment we receive from oui-"best friends " in the South, who exact exorbitant prices and rents for lands ; who discriminate in free school facilities, who discriminate upon railroads, steamboats and at railroad stations and hotel accommodations, while at the same time thej^ charge the same fare ; who compel our ladies to ride in smoking-cars, among the roughest of travelers ; who deny us repre- sentation upon juries, and who fail to protect us in our contracts for labor, and who hold up to the world through their papers our ignorance, our supeistition, and our crude efforts to live, and at the same time disparage our leading educated men. It is, therefore, at the door of our best friends we lay the source of all these evils.
Be it further resolved, That it is the belief of this conference that the Republican party is not responsible for the Freedman's Saving and Trust Company failure as a party.
By Randall Browu, of Nashville : To appoint a committee of twenty-two to name a place for emigration ; that the Conference defray the expenses of this committee.
By L. A. Roberts : To tax each member of the Conference $1 or more to aid emigration.
Mr. J. D. Kennedy, of Louisiana, submitted the [following esti- mate of the value of the colored laborer in the South for 1877 and 1878: Total value of cotton, sugar, molasses, rice and tobacco raised, $177,298,930 ; of manual and other labor, $158,000.
By J. C. Napier:
Whereas the civil and political rights of the Negro, from the Ohio river to the Gulf of Mexico, are abridged and curtailed in every conceivable manner, he being denied almost every privilege that is calculated to ele- vate him in his moral, intellectual and political status ; as compared A\'ith the public school privileges of the white man, his are a mere mockery ; in the courts, as compared to that justice which is meted out to A\'hite men, his is entirely farcical, he seldom or never enjoying that right which the Constitution of our country guarantees to every citizen, namely, the right to be tried bj' a jury of his peers ; and
Whereas it appears there is no disposition on the part of a great majority of the Southern people to grant to the Negro those riglits which the word citizenship should carry with it, or to relinquish any of their old customs and prejudices ; therefore.
Resolved, That it is the sense of this conference that the great current of migration which has, within tlie past few weeks, taken thousands of our people from our midst, and which is daily carrying hundreds from the
28 PROCEKUINGS OF THE
extreme .Southern States, should be eiicouraf?ed ami kept in motion until tho>e wlio an; left are a\\:Uil«Ml every right and privilege to which the Constitution and laws of our country entitle us; or, until we are all in a land where our rights are in no respect questioned.
By B. F. Williams : Setting apart June 19 as a national holi- day for the colored people as the anniversary of the emancipation of tlie race.
The introducer was called on to " explain" this resolution. He said the people of Texas were in the last stage of creation, and tliat the colored people were freed on that day. It was not free- dom until all were free, and therefore he had selected that day as the anniversary.
Kev. G. H. Shaffer moved to amend by iyserting the "22d of Sep- tember," instead of "June lit."
W. H. Council moved to amend by inserting "January 1," as a more suitable day.
J. W. Cromwell moved to fix upon the 30th of March, when the fifteenth amendment was passed.
The vice-president thought January 1 the best day.
A member in the rear said they were not free yet. They were still killed in the South.
Ml. Williams. Yes, and they kill them in the North as well as in the South. [Laughter.]
Colonel Robert Harlan moved to lay the subject on the table.
A motion to adjourn prevailed and a recess was taken until 2 p. m.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The Conference resumed its deliberations at 2 p. m., and the business pending at the moment of adjournment, the resolution of B. F. Williams, setting aside the lOtli of June as a national holi- day for the colored people, was taken up.
The motion of Colonel Robert Harlan to table the resolution was rejected.
The amendment substituting January 1 was lost by a unanimous vote.
A vote was then taken on the amendment making the date <if the holiday September 22, and it was rejected.
The original resolution was then adopted without amendment.
A motion to reconsider was tal)led.
Tiie folh)wing resolutions were offered and referred:
By P. J. Crenshaw :
Whc-reas we, the colored people of the several Sdiitlieni States, meet with many disadvantages by the misuuder.staiiding of each other; there- fore be it
h'r.so/rc'l, That this ( 'onfcrciu'c reconniiciiil llir organi/.ation of pilnt- iug press companies in each Southern Stale i:ii ll'ieir bettor understand- ing.
The following resolutions were offered and referred :
NATIONAL CONFERENCE. 29
By Ferdinand L. Barnett, of Illinois :
Whereas we believe the American custom of spelHng the word "Negro" without a capital, is an oiitgrowtli of prejudice towards that race ;
Resolved, Tliat we call the attention of the press to the same, with the hope that the wrong will be remedied.
By David Wilson, of Huntsville:
Resolved, That this convention appoint a committee of one from each State a delegation to memorialize Congress and the Executive of the United States to locate in the West the "new Canaan" of the hope to the colored American, and from wliich he can found a State on Republican principles, to be governed by them, from governor down to the humblest officer, without fear or intimidation, being settlers and owning of the soil.
By Judge M. "VV. Gibbs : Resolution advising colored men to be- come land owners.
It was adopted by the Committee on Education, and will be found at the close of that report.
The author of the resolution made a short address, saying that the greatest drawback to the Negro, whether he lived North or South, was his poverty. He advised greater economy and the ac- cumulation of wealth as one of the greatest levers of advancement and power. The colored men were going out of the South and Germans and Northern and Northwestern people were coming into it.
By H. W. Ward, of Arkansas:
Resolved, That a board of commissioners be appointed from the various States to select States and Territories wiiereto the colored people of the South may migrate.
By M. G. Turner :
Resolved, That the delegates from the different States elect one com- missioner on migration from tlie delegation now in the National Confer- ence, to whicli all questions of migration may be i-eferred.
By George N. Perkins, of Arkansas ;
Resolution 1. Favoring wholesale emigration on account of oppression and intimidation.
2. That from each State one or more emigration commissioners be ap- pointed to select homes for the oppressed.
3. Providing for the appointment of auxiliary emigration commission- ers.
4. Indorsing Senator Windom's resolution. '
5. Proclaiming that the Negro is not naturally inferior to the white man, and is capable of self-government.
6. To memorialize Congress for a redress of grievances.
Ex-Congressman Rainey called attention to the fact that some necessary expenses had been incurred. He- desired a collection to meet these expenses.
J. W. Cromwell then read the report from the Committee on Education. [See Appendix E.]
John D. Lewis, of Pennsylvania, read the report of the Commit-
30 PROCEEDINGS OF THE
tee on Permanent Organization, presenting a constitution and by- laws for a proposed organization, to be known as " The American Protective Society, to Prevent Injustice to the Colored People," [See Appendix F.]
J. T. Jenifer, of Kansas, offered a series of resolutions, conclud- ing as follov.'s :
That the school-book, tlie Bible and the ballot, the three great levers of Anicricaii eivilizatioti, will, with industry and discretion, do for us wliat they have done for otliers; iicnce we shall be left to work out our own ik'sfiny in contact with our wiiite brother in tiie land of our birth.
Judging from tlie progress made by the colored people, by the blessing of (rod, (luring tlie past fourteen years, the national tendency to peace and mntuul understanding which is daily being brouglit about between the two races in America, we may sanguinely look for a proper adjust- ment of all our present difficulties.
That, meanwhile, we call upon the better classes of citizens of the South to bury their prejudices against us, if they have any. Let us come to- gether as friends, and we demand their protection; because we are all in the same ship and must sink or swim together. Hence we call upon the press of the country, the framers of public opinion and educators of the popu- lar mind, to cease their Negro hate and abusive misrepresentations of the colored race, and help to bring about this era of good feeling and peace- able adjustment which is so much desired by every good citizen of the I'nited States.
The firm maintenance of these preambles we call upon all colored citizens to pledge tlieir most earnest endeavors to propagate and main- tain.
J. P. Jones, of Arkansas, offered the following, which were adopted :
Wiiereas we learn from well-founded rumor that Hon. Benjamin F. Butler has tendered and donated 20,000 acres of land in Wisconsin, and lion. Zaeii Cliandler ottered homes to one hundred families of color who are fleeing from their hom(>s in various sections of tlie South; there- fore
Resolved, Tiiat we extend to tlie honorable gentlemen our grateful tiianks in tiie name of sulleringiuimanitj' for tiieir manifestation in recog- nizing tli(! claims of a people whose condition appeals so strongly to the syiiipatiiy of the ciiaritable.
Resolved, Tiiat a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to tlie honor- able gentlemen herein inilicated.
The resolution of W. F. Yardley, introduced at the morning session, was then taken up.
James D. Kennedy, of Louisiana, moved to suspend the rules and proceed to the resolution memorializing Congress for the ap- propriation of 8-350,000 to aid the suffering freedmen in the West. The motion was carried. He offered an amendment that the Vice- ]*re.sident be recpiested to lay the same before the Senate for such action as they might deem necessary.
Colonel Robert Harlan said :
Mr. i'lcsid'ut, as to the present migration movement of the colored |ifnp|.-, let ii l)c understood lliat we have tlie lawful rigiit to stay or to go wlitTrver we please. 'I'lic soutlierii country is ours. Our aiieestors set-
NATIONAL CONfERKNCE.
ai
tied it, and from the wilderness formed tlie cultivated plantation, and they and we have cleared, improved, and beantihed the land.
Whatever tliere is of wealtli, of plenty, of greatness, and of ylory in the Soutli, tlie colored man lias been, and is, the most important factor. The sweat of liis brow, liis laborer's toil, his patient endurance under the heat of the semi-tropical sun and tlie chilling blasts of winter, never de- terred the laborer from his work.
The blood of the colored man has fertilized the land and has cemented the Union. Aware of these facts, we sliould be baser than the willing slaves did we consent to the dictation of any men or body of inen as to where we may go, when we shall go, or how long we shall stay.
The Kepubiic owes to every citizen protection for Jiishome and security forjiis rights. Let this security be given, and until that be done, let us cry' aloud against those who refuse it, whether in the Nortli or in the South. Let us remember all such in our prayers to the God of Liberty and of Justice, that He may punish them as they deserve. Let us remem- ber them at the ballot-box, and fail not to inflict the retribution which they so justly deserve, and if we be obstructed in casting our votes, we can go where there will be uo hindrance, and where we can vote as we please.
He who submits in silence to an injury may be avenged by a righteous heaven, but lias little hope from man. Let us, therefore, keep the wrongs under which we labor before the public until an awakened sense of right and justice on both sides of Mason and Dixon's line shall work out a remedy. They need not tell us tliat there is no way to right our wrongs. The trouble isnot in the want of a way; it is the want of a will. Let us exert the will and the way will be found. But this may take time, and while time runs many of us may perish. If the Government should fail to give protection to our people, it can do no less than aid those who wish to change their habitations to safer and better homes.
With these views before us, and believing in an all-wise Providence, we would be recreant to our principles, to our creed, to our race, and to our God should we neglect to use all the means in our power to bring about the desired results.
Such a measure would have a double effect; it would arouse the atten- tion and self-interest of the Xortli tliat the laws should be sternly en- forced that regulate the purity of the ballot and security for the persons of the colored race, and it would strongly appeal to the interest and hu- manity of the Southern people to see that they should not lose an indus- trious and worthy population by reason of lawlessness and inhumanity. Let us, therefore, insist on some such measure as an alternative riglit.
Let us demand that the principles we assert be declared essential, in resolutions of legislatures and conventions, and made a part of our party platform.
Let us agitate, even as other classes agitate when their rights and wishes are disregarded.
We are Americans, and let us act as Americans have ever done when denied their rights. Cry aloud and spare not until our injuries are known and our wrongs are redressed and our demands are granted.
Let us frame an address and make an appeal to Congress for relief. Althougli the Democrats are in a majority, no matter. Some Democrats have a sense of justice, and others assume the virtue if they have it not ; let us put them to the test. Let our motto be " Protection to our homes or homes elsewhere," and until the Government can be brought to aid mi- gration, let private kindliness and enterprise be brouglit into action. Let us appeal to the people of the North, to corporations and to (•onniion car- riers for aid, so tliat all who are oppressed in the land of their birtii may tind freedom in the laud of thcii- adoption. If the leading men of the
32 PROCEEDINGS OP THE
South will make another Egypt of these bright and sunny valley?, th^ri must the oppressed go fortli into the promised land of liberty, into the AVestern States and Territories, where the people are at peace and the soil is free, and where every man can secure a iiome for himself and fam- ily with none to molest him or make him afraid.
Already many have seen the beacon light of hope and are making their way toward it. and if the oppression is continued more and more will burst their cliains and take tiie I'oacl to liberty.
There are some signs of ol)jection to this on the part of the land-own- ers. They want the colored man to stay and till the soil. Very well ; then let them treat him justly and fairly and protect him from criminal lawlessness. If they cannot or will not do this, they have no moreriglit to ask him to stay, as they have no legal right to forbid him to go, and any attempt to restrain this inovement will be vain and futile.
it is not a llight of fugitive slaves, but a voluntary movement of free- men, seeking liberty and security. It is the exercise of the right of any American to better his condition by going from one part of the countiy to anotiier, just as interest or fancy may lead him. If we cannot do this, we are not free, no more than are the serfs of Russia, who, until lately, were a part of the estate and sold as such, but, if ice are to be re-enslaved we may as well die on the road to liberty as at the feet of tyrants. We may as well expire contending for liberty, aye, and far better, than in base submission to degrading slavery.
At present there seems to be no alternative.
The reaction has robbed Southern Republicans, both white and colored, of their votes and of their voices, and this has thrown the nation into the hands of our opponents, who are determined to strip us of the last meas- ure of protection.
Our i)olitical rights in these States are wholly suspended or abrogated. We have nothing but the mockery- of legal proceedings, and Attorney- General Devens, the constitutional adviser of the President, informs us that there is no prospect of justice from Southern tribunals for the col- ored man. Possibly he did not intend to convey that impression, but if not, what does he mean ^ You may study his long and cai-efnlly pre- pared paragraphs without coming to any other conclusion tlian this, that at present there is no hope for justice to the colored man from Southei-n courts.
If, then, all stay, all must submit. If some go they will be free, and possibly, by their going, they will awake the ruling minds of the South to a sense of the necessity of what is right.
For tliese reasons, therefore, I am an advocate for migration as the only present practicable I'cmedy for our wrongs, and I am for the exercise of that remedy in a large measure and at all hazards.
H. V. Robinson, of Arkansas, said he came here from the con- vention at Vicksburg. What they did at Vicksburg would have a trauquilizing influence. But what good have you done here to- day? While you may have done some good, you have done a great deal of harm. One says that the colored people are s.?lf-sup- j)orting, and can go when and where they please. Another says, they are able to take care of and protect themselves. The next tiling is a resolution asking Congress to donate $500,000 for the purpose of sending people to Kansas from this country. When the time comes that we cannot live in this country I am as much in favor of going to Kansas as anybody else. But let us be men ; let us be like white men and see the impossibility of taking 4,000,000
• NATIONAL CONFERENCE. 33
of people away and setting them suddenly down in a strange coun- try.
A young delegate. Who paid you to come here ?
Mr. Robinson. I suppose the young man is just out of school, and don't suppose he ever hoed cotton in his life. [Applause.]
The President. The gentleman's time has expired.
Hon. J. H. Rainey rose to a point of order, saying:
There is so much noise in this hall that we cannot hear what is being said. I want to add, that I think we ought to permit a difference of opinion to be expi'essed on so important and vital a question, in whicli we ai-e so deeply interested. Any cause that cannot be discussed in both phases is no cause worthy of deliberation. I favor migration, but I want to proceed intelligently. •
When the President had, by continued efforts, finally secured order, a delegate said, " I ask fair play for the gentleman." Mr. Robinson :
Fair play need not be asked for me ; I will see that I have fair play. How can j^ou expect white men to be tolerant to you when you show that you have no tolerance for each other? If you are riglit your views will bear the light, and if wrong they will not ; if wrong they will not stand the test arguQient. I never went to school in my life. There are graduates of universities who ought to be able to respond to me, provided thej' have the facts on tlieir side. I say that this resolution is calculated to deceive every ignoi'ant man in Mississippi. You memorialize Congress to give $500,000 to assist the freednien who have gone or can go to Kansas. You ask of men whom you have been all day abusing to extend charity to you, and you humble and debase yourselves in doing it. VVlieu you talk about poor starving black people, I am with them all the time. With what he earns, gets by law, begs or steals, he gets plenty ; and 1 don't say this with any disrespect to colored men. The country is full of this cry of starvation. I have got five hundred acres in Mississippi ; I mingle with them all the time, and they don't starve.
A delegate. Well, why do they want to migrate?
Mr. Robinson. Because it is on account of the oppression of the white people, but I am opposed to encouraging wholesale migra- tion, and having the poor colored man strewn along the banks of the Mississippi, there to die.
Further remarks were made by W. H. Council, of Alabama ; D. Wilson and J. Gillem, Arkansas.
John D. Lewis, of Philadelphia, moved the previous question ; which was carried, and the resolution was then adopted.
H. V. Cashin, of Alabama, moved that the rules be suspended in order to allow Mrs. Dr. Wylie, of Philadelphia, to read the paper of Rev. Dr. B. T. Tanner, on the " Theory and Practice of American Christianity." [See Appendix G.] This motion prevailed, and the paper was accordingly read. A vote of thanks was tendered the author of the paper-and also the reader.
The Conference then adjourned until 8 p. m.
3
84 PROCEEDINGS OP THE
NIGHT SESSION.
At 8.20 p. m. the Conference was called to order by the Chair- man. There was a good attendance on the part of delegates, about three-fourths of them being present, and a good attendance in the galleries.
A resolution not to have papers prepax'ed by absent parties read was taken from the table and adopted.
C. O. H. Thomas arose to a question of privilege, and began to impeach the motives of ex-Governor Pinchback, but was ruled out of order.
J. H. Rainey moved that a collection be taken up to defray nec- essary expenses. Adopted. The total amount collected was $105.50.
A resolution providing for the printing of the minutes of the Conference was introduced and action deferred.
The Conference at 10.25 p. m. adjourned until to-morrow morning, at 9 o'clock.
FOURTH DAY.
The National Colored Conference reassembjed at 9 o'clock, Pres- ident Lynch in the chair.
Prayer by Rev. T. W. Henderson, of Kansas.
T. Richardson, of Mississippi, offered the following resolutions :
Recognizing the fact that the South is the natural home of the colored man, being adapted to the climate and familiar with the mode of produc- ing that staple that forms a source of profit to tlie wliole country, and with the assurance of his civil liberty and political rights, may in the future become a source of great profit to himself —
Resolved, That the question of the removal of our people from tliese districts or sections when their civil and political riglits are abridged or ignored, be given that careful consideration and due deliberation that its impoi tance demands.
Resolved, That tliis Conference encourage the removal of our people from those sections of tiie South alone wiiere race, prejudice, or other consideration, render it apparently impossible for the two elements to live together in peace and liarmony
The resolutions were not entertained.
J. W. Cromwell, of Virginia, read a paper on the " Necessity of Industrial and Technical Education." [See Appendix H.]
.]. T. Jenifer, of Arkansas, moved that a vote of thanks be ten- dered the author of the paper.
Curried.
F. L. Barnett, of Illinois, read a paper on " Race Unity," and on motion of J. P. Jones, of Arkansas, a vote of thauks was ten- dered the author. [See Appendix I.]
Theodore H. Green, of Mississi})pi, read a paper on the " Elements oi' Prosperity,'* and received the thanks of the Conference. [See Appendix J.]
NATIONAL CONFERENCE. 35
John J. Bird, of Illinois, said that he rose to a question of priv- ilege. He desired to commend the reports which had been given in the American, but in that paper of that morning had appeared an editorial stating that " Jolin J. Bird, of Illinois, rose up in the Conference, Thursday, to denounce by resolution, from the lofty standpoint of a man who knows nothing of the subject, the resolu- tions of the Vicksburg convention. Illinois is not, perhaps, the place where a man would be most likely to acquire information concerning affairs of the South, except strained through the patent back-action filter of John A. Logan, which reverses the principle of the filter and soils that' which runs through it. The resolution of Bird is a substantial reiteration of Logan's cheap political clap- trap," &c. Mr. Bird said that, upon reading the editorial through to the close, the very admission of the editor was sufficient justifi- cation of the resolutions introduced by him. He did not get his information from Logan, but from the following editorial of the New Orleans Times of April 22 :
Again, let us be perfectly frank. As we have said, the Negroes are Ic-aving the State because there exists among tliem a sense of insecurity— an apprelieusion that their civil and political riglits are in danger — a be- lief that they cannot have justice. The truth compels us to admit tiiat these apprehensions are not altogether unreasonable; that they are tli(> natural results of the conduct of a class of irresponsible young men- young politicians they think themselves — who have no interest in peace and order, since tliey have no ambition but to get office. That tlie acts of tliese people have !)een exaggerated by politicians of the other side; that Kadical politicians, white and black, have been guilty of equal, if not greater, ofl'enses, is all true. But the fact remains that the threatened emigration of the Negroes is to be traced to the conduct of this class, who seem to emulate the name of bull-dozers.
James D. Kennedy, of Louisiana, made a personal explanation in reference to the resolution offered by C. O. H. Thomas, of Ten- nessee, expressing indignation at an order prohibiting colored citi- zens of New Orleans from holding church service after the hour of 10 p. m. He stated that the order issued by the chief of police had been subsequently modified so as to apply to white and black churches alike, and that officers of the peace could not make arrests without the necessary information filed according to law. He made this explanation in justice to the municipal officers in New Orleans •and the very general desire on the part of members of the < onfer- ence to know the facts of the case.
C. O. H. Thomas, of Tennessee, said the order was made to prevent the colored people from holding emigration meetings.
J. P. Jones, of Arkansas, offered the following resolution :
Resolved, That tlie several State organizations as perfected under the Committee on Permanent Organization be, and they are hereby, empow- ered to draft addresses in their several States, appealing to all boards of trade, cotton exchanges, and mercantile influences thereof to lend their aid in restoring tliat equity in prineiijles that regulate tlie laws of supply and demand, to the end that tlie pledges made at the last session holden
36 PROCEEDINGS OF THE
I
S
J'
il
li
at Vicksbnrg by tlie represenfative heads of these several anus of hidu to the Negroes of the country may meet a happy fruition.
J. W. Cromwell said that the resolution did not go far enovi An appeal to the boards of trade would be ineffectual. The ored people planted too much cotton. They should raise their meat.
The author of the resolution said he was willing to insert amendment including an appeal to the planting interests. 7 amendment was agreed to and the resolution adopted.
Several delegates rose to a question of privilege, but the Chi man stated that they could proceed only by unanimous cons; Objection was made.
Ex-Go vei'nor P. B. S. Pinchback, of Louisiana, chairman of Committee on Address, presented a report, which was read Rev. Allan Allensworth. [See Appendix K.]
After the reading of the report the Conference took a recess u 2 p. m.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Samuel Lowery rose to a question of privilege, and read an torial published in the American of Thursday, with reference tc meanderiugs North, while gleaning facts on silk culture. He ; he went North with letters from men of eminence, of both co and both parties, and the mission was indorsed by all. He \ there, not to get money, but to see the machinery used in silk n ufacture. He made some money preaching, but that was his c He would inform the editor of the American, that generous fri of his, who knew so much about the feelings of his race, that if editor proposed to become the agent of the colored race and I Conference, he would give him a full account of his trip td"' North.
At the suggestion of ex-Governor Pinchback, the report of Committee on Address was read a second time. He said it wa; far the most important paper to be presented to the convent since it was the address wliich was to go forth to the people oft United States as the voice of the convention on all topics. It far more important than the report on migration, for the Is was ouly an expression on one subject.
Several delegates arose with points of order.
G(jvernor Pinchback asked, energetically, if he could not sf M'iiliout interruption. He said that the paper was not exactly v he wanted it to be. He supposed that each member would o prepared to furnish statistics of all the crimes committed in South during tlie past five or six years. It was at first intende make tlie convention a Southern one, but Northern delegates 1 invited.
Here G. W. Gentry arnso excitedly and exclaimed several ti "}Ar. Speaker!" but Gov. l^inchback did not yiehl the floor,
\
1
NATIONAL CONFERENCE. 37
e Conference endeavored to shout Gentry down, but he would not u^wu.
The Chairman. Take your seat. The gentleman need not yield
iless he desires.
Governor Piuchback. I will vield.
G. W. Gentry, (addressing the Chair.j You are compelled to
ar a delegate when he rises to a question.
[Governor Pinchback's remark will be found in Appendix L.]
At the conclusion of Governor Pinchback's speech G. W. Gentry
id: "Since the gentleman made special remarks towards me and
minted towards me, I would like [Laughter and applause.]
"Here Gov. Pinchback remarked that he understood Gov. Marks
IS without the bar, and moved that he be invited to take a seat
I the platform.
The motion prevailed, and President Lynch appointed Governor
inchback and Richard Allen to escort Governor Marks to the
and.
Secretary Cromwell also moved that the same courtesy be ex-
"iided to Comptroller Gaines.
Mr. Gentry, of Kentucky, continued; I have always told the jung men of my State that Pinchback was considerable of a man,
aughter and applause,] but I.have Qot found him wielding that i,me influence in Louisiana and Mississippi that I expected.
J., p. Jones, of Arkansas, rose to a point of order, saying that
ey were not discussing Pinchback but the address.
I The President. The gentleman from Louisiana did not person-
ly allude to any one.
Mr. Gentry. Yes, he-pointed at one. [Uproarious laughter and jplause.]
The President. If you do no more than point at him, you will be
equal honor. [Laughter.]
Mr. Gentry. Where is the gentleman ? [Loud laughter and im- lense applause.]
Colonel Lewis, of Louisiana. If you will maintain the same status ith the people of Kentucky that Governor Pinchback does in Louisiana, they will honor you. [Great applause.]
Mr. Gentry. I will state
Colonel Lewis. Will the gentleman yield for a question ?
Mr. Gentry. No, sir ; not from Louisiana. [Laughter.]
Mr. Gentry. In 1876, Pinchback made a speech before ten thou- and Democrats
There were loud cries of " Time!" " Time !" and Mr. Gentry re- actantly subsided.
Ex-Congressman Rainey was then called for, and several dele- ates requested that he take the Speaker's stand.
Mr. Ptainey. 0, I prefer to be among the ])lebeians. [Laughter.]
Colonel James Lewis. Several of the ladies wish to look at you.
The Chairman. O, he is a married man. [Laughter.]
38 PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Mr. Rainey commenced by saying that he hoped the Conference would not be disappointed in what he would say. We may never hold another conference. The same faces will never be mirrored against these walls. It behooves us, then, to do what we can with a purpose ; that we send down to history our action, and, when it is read by the world, that we may not be ashamed of our action. We are a proscribed people, not because we crucified a Saviour, ■ but because we have a different colored skin from others of this country. We have stood a great deal. We never rose and struck for freedom, as in San Domingo. The white people boasted or this, but it is well that we did not. Would they have had us strike down defenseless people, defenseless women and children ? We showed our nobleness by not taking advantage of the situation. We want to say to the white people the time has come for us to give warning that we have stood all we can, and in more than one way we will show this soon. We have been enriching the white man, and the time has come when forbearance has ceased to be a virtue. We have come to that point when we doubt the protestations of those who say they are our best friends. Those in this Conference are here for a purpose. It is to be hoped that the proceedings will be read everywhere. It is to be deprecated that there was a necessity for emigration. We have stood too much now, and I would not blame any colored man who would advise his people to flee from the oppressors to the land of freedom. Pledges were made at Vicks- burg. They have been made before, and they have always been broken.
A Voice. Yes, and they will always be broken.
The speaker then read a letter from a young friend in South Carolina, giving a melancholy view of the condition of the Negroes in the " Sunny Southland. He concluded by saying : " The people of South Carolina are with you in this movement, and we b<'-t await the time when we can join in a general emigration to a land of freedom."
J. J. Bird, of Illinois, made a lengthy speech similar in sub- stance to the one made during the morning session. He devoted his remarks to a denial of any political significance in the resolu- tions introduced by the Northern delegates. While he was speak- ing Governor Marks entered the hall and was escorted to a seat near the reporters' table by Governor Pinchback.
G. S. W. Lewis, (addressing J. J. Bird.) Is this protracted dis- cussion on this report designed to prevent the report on emigration from being presented ?
J. J. Bird. It is not my purpose.
W. F. Yardleysaid the proscription placed on the Negro should
be removed. If there were places in the South whei-e he could not
vote his sentiments, that was a reason for migration. The shops
* were closed against him, clerkships could not be obtained, there
was no opening for him. If he was a favorite he might get a place
NATIONAL CONFERENCE, 39
as street-scavenger, or in a hotel to polish bones. [Laughter,] He did not believe in the popular delusion of forty acres and a mule. He knew that inany new country hard work would be necessary, but they would be free. It was not so bad in Tennessee as it was in other States, but there was oppression here. He wanted his chil- dren to stand higher than he did, to be skilled mechanics or pro- fiessional men, but where was the opening in Tennessee ? [A Voice. "Ain't got none," and laughter.] B ut they must learn to respect each other. He then moved the previous question, when a tremendous confusion ensued, and a general demand forced the withdrawal of the motion.
Richard Allen, of Texas, rose, but yielded to ex-Congressman J. T. Rapier, of Alabama, who moved the previous question on the adoption of the report.
After a good deal of random disputing the motion for the pre- vious question was carried.
J. D. Kennedy, of Louisiana, said that migration was not caused by low Avages or the high price of land. If the people could be al- lowed to remain unmolested there would be no cry of migration to Kansas. There were many millions of acres uncultivated land in the South. He had hoped great things from the Vicksburg Con- ference, but it had adopted only a series of glittering generalities — the same old story. He did not believe that going to Kansas would better the colored race. He did not believe in any hasty exodus. He believed in migration, but he did not believe they should go with- out means to pay their passage and to buy homes. But to those who had gone, he would say, nevei; return. Better perish in Kan- sas than come back, for a return would make things ten times worse than it was before. He did not think this was the last Con- ference. They could find the money to come. It was this uneasi- ness among the Negroes that would make the white men of the South know that something was the matter.
The only fault in the report was the gingerly use of words where the General Government was concerned.
He thought the thanks of the Conference were due to the people of Nashville for their courteous treatment of the delegates. They had been uniformly kind. They should also thank the Anwricau for its able and correct reports of the proceedings.
W. H. Bentley, of Georgia, did not think the report full enough.
J. W. James, of Indiana, said that he once thought that ex-Gov- ernor Piuchback had deserted the Negro, but he was glad to. find that he was mistaken. He indorsed every word that Pinchback had said. He denounced the statement in the American that the Northern Negroes came to encourage migration. He had left Ten- nessee for the far West because he could not get his rights. He was for migration unless the Negro could get his rights where he was.
Rev. Allan, Aliens worth, of Kentucky, said he wanted to call at-
40 - PROCEEDINGS OF THE
tention to an editorial iu the American, but was interrupted by a delegate, who insisted that the gentleman confine himself to the question.
The report was then adopted.
J. T. Rapier, of Alabama, said that the Committee on Migration had had hundreds of resolutions referred to it, and had done the best they could. He moved an adjournment until 8 o'clock, at which time they would take up the report on migration, and take the vote after three hours' discussion, and call the previous ques- tion.
This was carried, and the Conference adjourned to 8 p. m.
EVENING SESSION.
On the reassembling of the Conference at 8 p. m., a report was submitted by the Committee on Press, appealing to the colored peo- ple to support the papers published by men of their own race. [See Appendix M.]
The report was adopted.
A resolution indorsing the action of Judge Rives, of Virginia, in bringing the State judges of that State to a strict accoujit for their violation of the United States laws, in refusing to allow col- ored men to serve as jurors when their rights as citizens are at stake, was adopted.
The following report was presented and adopted :
Your Committee, to -whom was refei-red the Jubilee Singers' civil rights case, have been as diligent and thorough in their endeavors to get at the true status of the case as the limited time allowed them would permit, and they beg- leave to report as follows : ^
There have been one criminal and six civil suits brought in the Federal court. »
There has never been any test made of the civil rights bill, and, to pros- ecute the suit in question it will require at least $500.
Your committee are of the opinion there never wUl occur a better op- portunity to test the eflectiveness of the civil rights bill, and therefore recommend that this Conference prosecute this <'ase to a successful ter- mination. To this end they recommend that a prosecuting committee of three be appointed to look after the case, receive all moneys raised for the purpose above expressed, pay out the same for expenses incurred in tiie prosecution, and turn over all surplus that maj'^ occur to the Kansas Emigration Aid Society; that at leasjt two of said committee shall be resi- dents of Nashville; that «teps be inunediately taken to raise $500, with which to prosecute the suits as vigorously as ])ossil)le; that each State and disti'ict here represented shall contribute $28 towards this cause, except Oregon, which State shall contribute the remaining $24; that the chair- man of the Conference api)oint some one from each State here repre- sented, whose duty it shall be to raise the amount apportioned to his State, and forward the same to the chairman of the prosecuting commit- tee; that it shall he the duty of the prosecuting committee to furnish at least foiM- colored journalsa fnll reportof all moneys received and disbursed by them during the i)rosecution of said suits, when the same shall have been terminated. J. II. BuRRUS, Nashville, Tennessee,
Rev. G. II. Shaffer, Nashville, Tennessee, W. F. Yardley, Knoxville, Tennessee,
Conunittee.
NATIONAL, CONFERENCE. 41
The Committee on Civil Rights was appointed the Prosecuting Committee, and the Collecting Committee, appointed under the re- port, are as follows :
J. C. Napier, Nashville, Tenn.; R. W. Fitzhugli, Natchez, Miss.; Rev. Bishop Miles, Louisville, Ky.; Col. James LeAvis, New Orleans, La.; J. W. Wilson, St. Louis, Mo.; Jud^e M. \W. Gibbs, Little Rock, Ark.; fJr. Wright, Cuthbert, Ga.; F. D. Morton, Evansville, Lid.; Hon. Ricliard Allen, Houston, Texas; Rev. D. Jones, Oregon; F. J. Loudiii, Pittsburg, Pa.; F. L. Barnett, Chicago, 111.; Col. Robert Harlan, Cincinnati, Ohio; H. G. Ne\Ysom, Hastings, Neb.; Hon. J. H. Rainey, St. Denis Hotel, New York.
The Committee on Migration submitted its report. [See Ap- pendix N.]
It was read by J. H. Burch, of Louisiana.
Rev. J. C. Embry, who was to have opened with a discussion on migration, sent a letter, which will be found in Appendix O.
A debate of three hours on the report followed. Twenty-three speeches indorsing it were made, and at 12:15 a. m. the report was unanimously adopted.
Resolutions of thanks to the Chairman, Secretaries, Governor of Tennessee, the American, and the citizens of Nashville were adopted, and the following offered by T. Green, of Mississippi.
Whereas invitations to visit several institutions of this city have been tendered this Conference; and
Whereas, a press of business prevented us from complying with said in- vitations ; therefore
Resolved, That it is a source of deep regret that we could not find it practicable to visit said universities.
Resolved, That these institutions have our hearty support and undivided sympathy and co-operation in their great work of uplifting our people from the thraldom of ignorance to the light of education and refinement.
The Chairman, in a few words of good advice to his brother delegates, then pronounced the conference adjourned sine die.
J. W. CROMWELL, Secretary. F, L. Barnett, Recording Secretary.
/
^FFENDIX.
A.
SANITARY CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED
STATES.
There can be no subject so important to the colored people of this country as the condition of their health, because it makes very little dif- ference what rights, either civil or political, that may l)e accorded to them, or what wealth they may accumulate, unless they cnjoj^ health they will be of very little consequence to them. For they, too, must follow tlie destiny of all other races of manlvind, and become extinct from the rav- ages of disease and a premature deatli. And this is true, not only of the colored race, but of all others. Take, for example, the fearful epidemics of the yellow fever that have swept over some f)ortions of our Southern country, and we see that they have left death and desolation in their tracks, and those States that suftered most have become in some parts almost depopulated. Doctors and sanitarians have been taxed to their uttermost to apply means of cure; and sanitary measures, such as disin- fectants, quarantine and isolation to stamp out tlie disease and prevent its recurrence. In fact tlie most extreme measures liave been taken, es- pecially in the epidemic of the past j^ear, such as placing armed men on the line of infected districts or cities, with instructions to shoot down any person who might dare to pass to other parts. Not only has this been done in j'ellow fever, but also in small-pox, diphtlieria, cholera, and the plague, or black fever, as it is sometimes called. This disease iias recently visited Russia in an epidemic form, and in order to put a stop to its rav- ages, as it is said that about 90 per cent, die, the chief medical officer to the Emperor reconnnended the most energetic means, by which Avhole towns have been burnt to the ground, with the clothing of those that had been infected with the disease. His advice has been followed very closely, and the result s(j far lias been very benelicial.
From the earliest ages of the world to the present, disease has threat- ened tlie destruction of portions of the human familJ^ For we read in Holy Writ how the Egyptians were seized with a grievous plague which thri'ateii(!(l their destruction, because they refused to let the children of Israel go; and also tliat tlie children of Israel themselves were threatened Avitli anniliilalion during tin'ir journeyings, and in one instance 24,000 were slaiil in one day. In later days the cholera, diphtheria and yellow fever have made fearful inroads into the population of the world. In fact no large bodi<!s of people ciin exist together any great length of time without being decinial(Ml. unless diseas(! is guarded against in the most scrupulous manner. And esi)<>eially is this the case with regard to large armies; and it has he'cn found that more soliiicis die of disease than are killed by the severest battle. This was true in the case of the late war of the rebellion, and although a great many uu'\) were killed belonging to McClcllau's army in the battles near Kid anond, more were lost in tlwi
APPENDIX.
43
• Chickahominy by disease. The same may be said of General Grant's army of the Potomac, that notwitlistanding the great slaughter that was made of the army iu the Wilderness, more died in hospitals from fevers and otiier si^ecitic diseases. This rule held good all through the war, and in all tlie armies, that disease made gn>ater havoc among the troops tlian was made by casualties on the battle field. So it was in the insurrection of Santo Domingo by the blacks, for while they fouglit with great brav- ery and desperation under such generals as Toussaint, T/ouverture, Dessa- lines and Christophe, and would, no doubt, have achieved their freedom and independence in any case, but the end was hastened by the great dis- aster produced by tlie diseases incidental to the climate. It is said tliat. the flower of Bonaparte's army Avas sacrificed by the thousands frohi yel- low fever, dysentery and kindred diseases. Nor need we confine the rule to armies, but the same may happen on shipboard, so that great navies are sometimes rendered perfectly helpless by disease. We find also that large cities in certain parts of the country are sometimes ren- dered almost uninhabitable by bad drainage, causing zymotic or prevent- able diseases to rage in epidemic forms.
Now, with regard to the health of the colored people of this country. Since the abolition of slavery much has been said and written to discour- age us and disparage us in the eyes of the world, and to make it appear that slavery is our normal condition ; and many have been the predictions that we would soon pass away like the aboriginal inhabitants of Austra- lia and many of the Indian tribes of this country. In order to make good these predictions many of our enemies have fabricated all sorts of reports of the fearful mortality raging among us, when in reality there are scarcely ten cities in the country where a correct record of the deaths and births of the white and colored people is kept, and I can say without fear of contradiction that there is not one which is kept of the colored peojile alone.
In 1866, a judge in Savannah, Georgia, in charging the grand ]ury, just after the city was turned over to civil authority, and sub- sequent to its occupation by General Sherman's army, said, among othA things, " that he deplored the abolition of slavery, because the f reed- men could not take care of themselves, and would soon become extinct from s-tarvation and disease, and that the Barnum of a hundred years hence would perhaps have a petrified Negro to exhibit to the world that he once existed." It has been said time and again that the Negro by the side of the white man will die out, and the vital statistics, where they are kept, show a larger proportion of deaths among the colored people than among the whites. But I propose to show in this paper that the natural increase among the colored people is larger in proportion than among the whites. In this country there are, comparatively speaking, poor facili- ties for obtaining vital statistics. In fact the peculiar relations between the general Government and the States are such that there is no general law that can be enforced to obtain them. Each State has its own laws, and very few, if any, are strict in their observance, and still less attention is paid to give correct reports of the colored people. Most of their re- ports are consolidated so as to make no dift'erence between whites and blacks. Therefore, it is difficult to get an approximation as to the per- centage of the death and birth rate between the two races. The mortal- ity, as shown by the reports among the colored people, has been very great of late, and it is so marked, that if it was not for tlieir great natural increase, as I will show you directly, the predictions of the Georgia jiulge might soon be realized. In the statistics that I shall give, you will notice that I have paid more attention to the District of Columbia than any other section, for the reason that while the reports here are not entirely reliable, they are more nearly correct than any other city I know of, es-
44 APPENDIX.
pecially with regard to tlic iiKjrtuary report; and as tliei'c i.s a large col- ored population here, a near approximation may be made of the death rate of other cities with similar numbers. The colored popnlation of Washington and the District before the late war, say in 1850, was 13,746, but wiien the slaves were declared contraband of war, quite a large num- ber Hocked to the city, and in the census of 1870 it had increased to 40,000, and in 1877 the estimated colored population was 45,000. Now, while much- may be said in commendation of the fairness of the late Board of Health towards the colored people, still they have done us an injustice, inasmuch as in 1870 the white population was said to be 91.567, and the colored 40,133, and in October, 1878, the whites 115,000 and the colored 45,000; but in November, after the census ordered by the District govern- ment was reported, it was found that the white population was 106,000 and the colored 54,000, and prior to that date the reports of vital statis- tics were based upon the figures mentioned above before the District cen- sus was made, and therefore the colored people have suftered; in that the percentage of the death rate was made larger than it should have been, while at the same time the percentage of the death rate of the white peo- ple was made smaller than it should have been.
The first report published by the Board of Health of this District M^as in 1873, and embraced seventeen months, including part of 1872, but it is so meager and incorrect that I shall pass it over and commence w^ith the report of 1874, which states that there were —
Marriages— Wiiite 69, colored 43; births, white 944, or 8.93 per 1,000- colored, 590, or 14.74 per 1.000; twins, wliite 16, colored 10. Deaths- White 1,169, or 14.9 per 1,000; colored 998, or 22.45 per 1,000.
1875. Population— White 115,000, colored 45,000. Marriages— White 373 or 3.243 per 1,000; colored 321, or 7.133 per 1,000. Births— White 2,518, or 21.89 per 1,000; colored 1,397, or 31.04 per 1,000; still births white 147, or 1.277 per 1,000; colored 223, or 4.955 per 1,000; twins white 39, colored 20. Deatlis— White 2,210, or 19.22 per 1,000; colored 2,142, or 47.60 per 1,000; percentage of mortality of children under five years, whiti; 425. coloied 422.
1876. I'opulation— White 115,000, colored 45,000. Marriages— White 348, or 3.026 per 1,000; colored 404, or 8.978 per 1,000. Births— White 2,568,or 22.330 i)er 1,000; colored 1,717, or 88.155 per 1,000; twins, white ' 32, or 2.78 per 1,000; colored 23, or 5.11 per 1,000; still births, white 143, or 1.243 per 1,000; colored 236, or 5.242 per 1.000. Deaths— white 2,153, or 1.872 per cent, of white i)opu]ation, and 50.706 i)er cent, of total mor- tality; colored 2,093, or 4.651 per cent, of colored population, and 49,294 per cent, of total mortality. •>
1877. Marriages— White 271, or 1.69 per 1,000; colored 281, or 1.75 per 1,000. Birtiis— White 2,167, or 13.52 per 1,000; colored 1,725, or 10.80 per 1,000; twins, wliite 56, colored 36; still births, white 142, or .88 per 1,000; colored 230, or 1.44 i)er 1,000. Deaths— White 2,102, being 1.82 per cent, of white population, and 51.23 per cent, of the total mortality; colored 2,001, being 4.44 per cent, of colored population, and 48.76 per «;ent. of total mortality.
1878. Population, (old statement)— White 115,000, colored 45,000; jmp- ulation. (ni-w statement,) white 106,000, colored 54,000. Marria<res— White 273, colored 154. Birihs— AVhite 1,685, colored 1,201; twins, white 9, colored 12; still births, white 110, colored 189. Deaths— White 1 572 or 13.67 per 1,000; colored 1.451, or 32.24 per 1,000.
Now, make the b.-st we can of it, it cannot he denied that tiicrc is a (earful mortality among tin- coloivd people in Mie District of Columbia; and what are the causes for it? Tliey are in.iny, and I will mention some of them.
They depend a great deal upon the manner in which the peol)le live. The
APPENDIX. 45
great influx of fnieduien during the war produced a necessity lor small houses to rent, and the sharp sjiuiiculators of that day, who infested the city and preyed upon the Government and people, at once saw the chance of making money out of tlie necessities of those poor people, and conse- quently erected a large number of frame shanties, without anj' regard to tlieir convenience, sanitary or healtiiy condition. These were built in rows and blocks. All met a ready rental at fabulous rates. Now, what was the condition of those shanties, some of which remain to the present day? I will describe one such as I have seen many times in performing tlie duties of a physician. I found a one-story room about 12 by 12 to 12 by 16 feet, and about seven feet in height, composed of inch and a half boards, the top or roof being covered witli felt or gravel. There were no water-spouts to lead tlie water from the roof, and consequently it ran close to the foundation and under the house, wliere it often remained for an indeflnite period, combined with other surface water and refuse mat- ters. And in order to press stronger on your minds the true character of these mansions of woe, I will quote from the report of one of the sanitary inspectors his impressions of them :
"A shanty is defined by Worcester to be 'a mean cabin,' and that is evidently what they mean by the term in Washington and Georgetown, for no meaner cabins for temporary or permanent shelter can be found than some of om* wretched poor are born and exist and die in, here at the capital of tlie United States. And strange as it may seem, none are so mean that they have not an owner mean enough to charge rent for them. Down in the alleys, below grade, with combination roof of felt, tar, shin- gles, rags, tin, giavel, boards and lioles; floors damp and broken, walls begrimed by smoke and age; so domiciled are families, with all the dig- nity of tenants having rent to pay; perhaps four or five, or may be eight dollars a month, and proud of the distinction though often greatly exer- cised to meet their obligations."
This is the testimony. Now, these little shanties would often contain a man and his wife and from three to six childi'en, and frequentl}^ his own or wife's mother; and at the same time a stove, bedstead, table, a chn.ir or two; perhaps a trunk or box containing provisions. The only open- ings to the building would be a window three by three and a small door. The stove was usually kept extremely hot, and the temperature of the room through the day would be from 75 to 85 degrees of heat, while at night, after the fire went out, the temperature would fall to the freezing point in extremely cold weather, because the walls of the shanty were neither lathed nor plastered, and therefore easily admitted the frost. In many there was a i:)iece of carpet, or such like, which retained its place for an indefinite period. The floors were scarcely ever washed up, and the beds were never aired. All the cooking was done in the same room, and the receptacles for waste water and other refuse matter were kept there. In some cases I have found a large tenement house with every room filled, having many families crowded together, and eAcrything in as bad condition as in the shanties mentioned above. Many of these were situated in narrow and damp alleys, and sometimes near marshy places and stagnant pools of water. Now, of the description tliat I have given of a large number of tenements inhabited by colored people of Washing- ton, it must not be understood that all tlie colored people there live in that way; but, on the contrary, it will be admitted on all hands that there is no city in the United States where the colored people as a rule live better; and I am of the opinion that more of them own their houses, which are often furnished in quite a luxuriant style. Another source of disease and death are the schools. Tliey are crowded to tlieir utmost capacity, the ventilation and drainage in many of them arc bad, and some of their rules are really pernicious. For instance, the children are com-
46 APPENDIX.
pelled to be at school by a certain lioiir, and if they sliould get there be- fore that time they are not allowed to go into the building until the hour has arrived, wliich in extreme cold weather is very severe upon the con- stitutions of young cliildren, and es^jecially if they have been ill already. Anotiier is that the cliildren are kept standing in line from five to ten minutes after recess, when they have been racing and become heated, where they often get chilled through while waiting to get in the building. And in the case of very young children it can readily be seen wiiat eflects it might have upon them. Then, again, after they get inside they are subject to cold draughts from the windows, which are opened by the teachers to ventilate the room, from the fact that the ventila- tion in other respects is defective. Of course the. ventilation is absolutely nec«s.*ary. and in fact very salutary to the teacher, who sits enthroned in tiie back part, and those who are seated near the center of the room, but those near the window suffer veiy severely after the exercise had during tiie recess. And, as I mentioned above, some of them may have just returned to school from an attack of measles, pneumonia, scar- let fever, diphtheria, and such like. The health officer of the District, in his last annual report, speaks especially of the bad ventilation of some of the school houses for colored children. I quote from page 19, in wliich ho says :
"The building on Third street, between jSTew York avenue and L street, is unfit for human habitation. Here we found 140 children packed into two rooms, each 14 feet long, 22 feet wide, and 11 feet high. Of course the air, to one coming from the outside, was stifling. An attempt had been made to ventilate by cutting holes through the thin boards of the structure, but it availed little, cold air being taken in, but the impuri- ties not being carried out. It will be seen that there are but eighty-five and a fraction cubic feet of air allowed each pupil here, while the mini- mum quantity sanctioned by authorities is 200 cubic feet for each person, and this where provision is made for a constant supply of fresh air."
And thus he speakg of a number of them. Now, coupled with all this, is the severe discipline of the schools which bear heavily upon children that are placed under the most favorable auspices and conditions of health and other respects; and can it be wondered at that when they have been born and raised under such unsanitary conditions, and then packed away in sucii charnel-houses for six hours each school day in the year, and that many of these pupils are under the age of eiglit j^ears, can it be wondered at, I say, tliat the colored people die in large numbers ? Then, again, there are the absolute privations of the necessaries of life, such as food, clothing and fuel, from sheer poverty, caused partly by an over ci-owded city and partly by bad management. Another great necessity that they are often deprived of is proper medical attendance, and the want of which is the cause of a great amount of suffering and mortality there. During the time tiie city was under a municipal and territorial government, appro- priations were made regularly to supply the poor witli proper medical attendance, l)ut since those governments have been abolished, and the District put under commissioners, very little has been done, from the. fact that Congress has failed to make the necessary appropriations. Con- sequently qinte a large number of colored people have died from tlie want of tliese grt^at necessities. The food they are often compelled to subsist upon tells very severely upon their health. It is often adulterated with all sorts of things. There are venders of sausages and otiier kinds of meats that are stale, wlio are unscrupulous enough to sell them for any price to get their money back, and tlie necessities of these poor people compel them often to buy the cheapest articles. And many times 1 have seen tiie children of poor colored j)co])le picking up in the market places Condiuiufd vegetable and fi nits, anil many cases of sickness and death
APPENDIX.
47
have been traced to tliese sources. I am satisfied also that the night meetings of the colored people produce a great amount of sickness among them. Crowded togetlier as they are in bad ventilated churches and meeting-houses, with the teniperatiu-e ranging from 75 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and in most cases during the cold weather the windows being closed, and no ventilation being allowed, no one will for a moment doubt its effects. These meetings are Ivept up till a late hour, and many if not the whole congregation, from the excitement and exercises attend- ing upon the religious proceedings, are often bathed in perspiration, and in this condition are dismissed for home to cool off in the street, and therefore to contract catarrhs and pneumonias and various diseases of a fatal character. The same may be said of the pound parties and other promiscuous assemblages of various kinds. Now, notwithstanding that there has been a discrepancy in our favor of about 9,000 in the population that should have been placed to our credit in making out the death rate, still you will no doubt have noticed that the mortality of this District of the colored people has been fearful as compared to the white population. I think also that it is quite apparent as to the causes. I will now call your attentioTi to the statistics in other cities as far &s I can give them, because, as I have already told you, they are very imperfect everywhere :
1878. Population— Baltimore, Md., white , colored . Deaths- white 5,759, colored 1,574; births and marriages not classified.
1877. Population— Philadelphia,white 930,000, colored 30,000. Deaths- white 15,041, colored 9G3; births, white 17,619, colored 381.
1877. Population— Richmond, Virginia, -white 44,400, colored 33,100. Deaths— white 677, colored 940; still births, white 41, colored 106. Deaths for seven years from 1871 to 1877, white 5,290, colored 6,492; births not r»i Q cm fipd
1877. Population — Charleston, S. C, white 24,528, colored 32,012. Deaths— white 555 or 1 in 44.19, colored 1,258 or 1 in 25.44. Deaths for 1874, 1875, 1876 and 1877, white 2,56.5. colored 5,071; births and marriages not reported.
1877. St. Louis, Mo.— Deaths, colored 554; births, colored 198; still born 38.
1871. Population of Ohio— White 2,601,946, colored 63,213;,per cent. of colored to white 2.38. Deaths— white 24,208, colored 1,071; per cent, of colored to wliite 4.42. No statistics of births or marriages were re- ported in this year.
1872. Population same as in year before. Deaths— white 24,545, col- ored 657; per cent, of colored to white 2.67. Births— white 59,744, col- ored 1,391; per cent, of colored to white 2.33, Increase by birth, whites 1.3 per cent., colored 1.1 per cent. No separate record of marriages.
1875. Population same as before. Deaths— white 26,812, colored 659; per cent, of colored to white 2.45. Births— white 58,988, colored 1,080; per cent, of colored to white 1.8. Increase by births, white 1.2 per cent., colored .66. Marriages, white 23,052, colored 437; per cent, of colored to white 1.8.
1876. Population same as before. Deaths— white 26.266, colored 726, percent, of colored to white 2.7. Births— white 61,410, colored 1,165; percent, of colored to white 1.8. Increase by births, white .99 per cent., colored .71. Marriages, wliite 25,761, colored 422; per cent, of colored to white 1.6.
1877. Population same as before. Deaths— white 27,665, colored 795; per cent, of colored to white 2.8. Births— white 62,020, colored 1,543. Marriages, white 24,693, colored 892; per cent, of colored to white 3.6.
Recapitulation:
1871. Per cent, of deaths, 4.42; 1872, per cent, of deaths, 2.67; 187o, per cent, of deaths, 2.45; 1876, per cent, of deaths, 2.7; 1877, per cent, of deaths, 2.8. Average per cent., 3.01.
48 APPENDIX.
1872. Per cent, of births, 2.33; 1875, per cent, of births, 1.8; 1876, per cent, of births, 1.8. Average per cent., 1.62,
Per cent, of increase by births, 1872 — white 1.3, colored 1.1; 1875, white 1.2, colored .66; 1876, white .99, colored ,71. Average white 1.16; average colored .82.
Per cent, of marriages, 1875, 1.8; per cent-, marriages, 1876, 1,6; per cent, marriages, 1877, 3.6. Average per cent., 2.33.
Now I have given you the figures of births and deaths from some of the principal cities of the country, and 1 have come to the conclusion, and I liave no doubt you vnll, that, notwithstanding the incorrectness of the re- ports, and especiall}^ of the birth rate, city life is not conducive to the increase of the colored population, but rather on the contrary to the de- crease, and we might as well look the matter directly in the face. For in nearly every instance where I have examined statistics I find the same results.
And 'now that I have given the figures of the great mortality you will naturally enough ask, are there any remedies, and what are they? I answer there are remedies, and they are in the hands of the colored peo- ple wlio cannot throw the responsibility on otlier shoulders. In fact the eyes of the world are upon us, and it is to be hoped we will be equal to the emergency, and use the power in our hands to fulfill the destiny of the race. In the first place, it will be necessary for each city, town, or countj' to form sanitary associations, to co-operate with boards of healtli where they exist, and to look after tiie healtli of the colored population by getting up free public lectures on matters relating to sanitary att'airs, such as ventilation, drainage, diet and the proper care of chUdi-en. To the latter end they might imitate the old slave-holder, who made the old, worn out and superannuated slave women take care of the young children while tlieir mothers were at work in the field or attending to other mat- ters. And therefoi-e houses ihiglit be I'ented in different parts of the city and be converted into nurseries, furnished with all the comforts for young children; and let them be put in charge of two or three old women accfuainted with nursing, with doctors to look out for the sick, and allow niotliers to place their children there during the day for a small fee, and no doubt in time they might become self-supporting. Then, again, the colored churches should do as the white with regard to orphans, and form church orphan homes. In facta number of churches might unite together in the large cities, and form one to be supported by the respective churches; and by such institutions you might gather in the young and idle cliiidren a])out the cities and byways. Now, it is a remarkable fact that nearly une-lialf the population die under five years of age, and of wliicli the colored population furnishes about a little more than a half, from the same causes mentioned above when speaking about the general mor- tality. Many lives might be saved by having some institution to care for young girls, who are often led by the unscrupulous to a prematiu-e mater- nity. 1 know it will be said that such institutions are calculated to put a prmiiuni on vice, but it shoidd be remembered that many of those who need such a place are often left orphans, and have not had the fostering care of a mother, and therefore more apt to be led astray than otherwise. And besides, they are human beings, subject to all the frailties of man- kind, and very often not to be blamed so nuich as those who lead them captive; ami I believe it will be more humane to protect them in their ex- tremities, and afterwards to have them placed into some reformatory institution where they can learn some useful employment whicli may in time make good and useful woman of them. Such an association might also agitate Iht; subject of free or penny public baths— one of the most impoilant adjiuicts for the preservation" of health, and which should be f.stahlislied in every city.
APPENDIX. 49
Another question of the utmost iini)ortanoc for the attention of sneh an association is that of tlie j^reut number of still hirtlis amonj^ tlie col- ored people, of wliieli tliey funiisii fully tIiree-fourtlK< of the whole num- ber. Now, 1 have no doubt tliat some of tiiem are produced by criminal j>ractices, but a larg'e majority of tliem an- produced by accident, from tiie debilitated condition of many of the motliers, wlio ai-e comixlled very often to perform severe labor,'sncli as wasiiiui^, ironini>^ and .scrubbintj dmin*^ prei^nancy and near their continement, as well as Lo inliabit the miserable shanties tliey live in. Therefore, let us do all we can to pre- vent this fearful cause of mortality, for there is no natural reasons why the colore(.l jjcople should be thus afflicted more than the white. The causes are, to a great extent, preventable by strict sanitary measures, which are within our reach. Let us endeavor to spread among them tlie following rules : Keep the body clean, and use every ettbrt to get pure water, air and food. And let us see to it that our children are taught the laws of health. In fact every school, and especially every colored school, shouUl be furnished with a competent instructor in phy^siology and the laws of health; and, indeed, let our educators themselves be taught these \iTy laws, and then they will not over-crowd the school buildings, or tlie feeble j'oung with perplexing and long hours of study. For, no doubt, many a child has his or lier intellect dwarfed by being crammed witli too much study, as well as brouglit to a premature grave.
Anothei" remedy that belongs more especiairy to the parents and the clerg}-, is the inculcation of early marriages. For it has been proven that tln! married life is more conducive to longevity tlian the single; and, to be more explicit on that point, T will quote directly from the report of the Health Officer of this District for 1878 : " The average age of the mar- ried, as compared with the single, shows a decided advantage in favor of tlie married. In the white race the married male exceeds the unmarried over li years, the advantage in favor of the white female being less than one year. Among the colored we And the life of tlie married male ex- ceeds that of the unmarried b.y over 17i, and the life of the married female that of the unmarried by 12 years.'' But j'ou will say to rac your reme- <lies and plans are too gigantic and impracticable. I do not believe it. The colored people build flue churches and maintain them, and wliy yould they not build such institutions as I have suggested? Besides tliis, we are here over five million of people just emancipated and struggling for an existence in a country whose resources are boundless, and we must meet these difficulties, and face them and grapple witli tliein. True it is tliat we have manj- kind friends among our Avhite brethren, and they have and will help us; Ijut we cannot and must not depend upon their assistance alone, and eveiy man among us capable must use his best endeavors to instill right principles in the young, and give encouragement to tlie old. Tlie sulterings of our people in the South are and have been such that it is absolutely necessary for them to seek a home in some other portion of our country, in which, it seems, they have taken the initiatory steps. Xow, in their new homes they will require all the sanitary rules and informa- tion in our power to impart to them, to enable them to stem the tide of ilifficulties tlie}' Ayill meet with in their struggles to create new homes for themselves, their families, and generations yet unborn. Xow, notwith- standing that there has been such a large mortality among the colored people in the large cities, still that has not been the rule in the rural dis- tricts and small towns, and therefore let us urge upon the colored peoi)le to leave the cities and go into healthy localities where they can improve their sanitary as well as their financial condition. For to live in tlie large cities in such numbers breeds povertj', indolence and vice, and all tlie consequences attendant upon tliem, prominei^t among which are sickness and death.
4
60 APPENDIX.
•• Wlierever," .»ays a vory abh' writer on medical statistics, ••pauperism with its wants and misery prevails, there the mother is more likely to die in labor; there still biiths will be more frequent; there the deaths will be more numerous during infancy; there epidemics will rage with more vio- lence; there the recoveries from sickness will be fewer, and death will usually happen at an earlier period of life."' Now, then, if tliis be true, and 1 am satislied in my own mind it is with legard to the colored people of the United States, then it is not only with questions of political econ- omy, but still more important ones, namely: The great questions of hu- manity and tlie perpetuation of our race that we have to deal. The colored popidation of the United States has steadily incieased, from their first introduction up to the last census, at the following rate, oimmencing. with tlie e.Misusof 1790. At that time there were 757,208; in 1800, 1,002,037; 1810, 1,377,808; 1820. 1,771.231; 1830, 2,328,642; 1840. 2,873,648; 1850, 3,638,808; 1860, 4,441,830; 1870, 4,880,009. Here it will be seen that the colored popidation has nearly about doubled itself in every thirty years, and no doubt tlie census of 1880 will establish the fact that there are six millions of colored people in the United States, being nearly as many as the white population of the South at the breaking out of the lat(! rebel- lion. If, theu. they should increase at the same ratio that they have in times past, it will be seen that in 1910 there will be 12,000,000; in 1940, 24.000,000, and in 1970, 48,000,000.
Now, this estimate is made upon the increase of the colored people, as reported by the smeral censuses that have been made, under the most ruifavoi-able circimistances to us. But when we shall have been emanci- pated from the bonds of caste, poveity, and ignorance of the laws of health, we shall be able to claim a mucli larger increase than that enumer- ated above. For if has been proven by the statistics of the District of Columbia, which are the most correct, as far as the colored people is con- cerned, tliat I have examined, that their natural increase is greater in proportion tiian that of the white population. From 1874 to 1878, tlie total number of births rej^orted in the District of Columbia was, for the white population. 9,922; and, for the colored, 0.630— the former composing two- thirds of the population and the latter one-third. So you will see that although toe white population is twice as large as the colored popula- tion, their birth rale was only oue-thlrd larger. Now this estimate does not include the still births, of which the colored people furnished two- thirds, but which, under good sanitarj' regulations, may be largely re- duced. Now. our increase is a sulistantial one, and I make use of the word substantial because in the increase of the white p'>pulation it must be taken into consideration that there is a large emigration from all parts of the world, and especially Ireland and Germany, which swells their in- crease to a grtat extent every year, and therefore every decade these are all put into the census, whereas nearly every colored person placed upon the census rolls is a genuine increase by birth.
Another fact established by the vital "statistics of the District of Colum- bia, and that is. we eompare favorably with the white poi)ulation in morals, inasmuch as during the Jive years mentioned above there were reported 1,334 marriages among the whites, and 1,204 among the colored.
It is impossible in a pa])er like this to give full statistics of the various diseases that atllict colored people mostly, or the perceulage of deaths of the ditl'erei it diseases he|\vecn white and colored, but I propose in another e.oniniUMiratioii. at no distant day, to lay before the public more correct and full statistics, with some rules and directions for the preservation of health, which I hope may be of some beiielit to mankind, and more e— pecially to the emigrants to Kansas.
A. T. AUGUSTA. M. A.. M. 1>.
Washinoton. I>. C Miuf ]. 1879,
APPENDIX. 51
B. POLITKAL STATUS OF THE < OLOKED PEOPLE.
By J. C. CoRBiN, OK Arkansas.
Finding it to be impossible for me to attend the National Conference, I take thi? opportunity and manner of expressing- mj' regret, and also my . liope that iis meeting will be a grand success, and that its deliberations may be conducted with such wisdom, cahnncss and dignity as to attract the" respectful attention of the nation. Especially do I hopf^ that the Con- ference will ha\e the mor,^l courage to admit the truth, utter the truth and face the truth, whether seemingly it shall be for or against us as a race. If the propositions it submits are tenable and reasonable, they will enforce conviction; otherwise they will only provoke recrimination. The topic assigned me, "Tlie Political" Status of the Negro," seems at first to call f"r merely a definition, and to resolve itself into a discussion of the topic whetlier it is more desirable to be disfranchised by the law, or in violation of the law.
Of the two conditions, that of being disfranchised by the law seems preferable, since it implies an absence of the violence which necessarily accompanies the other mode, or the political trickery which is sometimes used as an economical substitute for violence, being a little mon; genteel in appearance and no less conclusive in eft'ect. That disfranchisement of the Negro, by some one or all of these means, has been effected in por- tions of the South is a fact attested in the strongest manner by e.ye wit- nesses, statistics and results of elections. Tiiat white men have been disfranchised in tlie South by law and in opposition to law, is another fact just as well established. That the fact of the Negro's disfranchise- ment is not one peculiar to his race; he simply followed the precedent set liim long before by white n)en when he yielded to superior force. That they did so under peculiar circumstances is no reflection upon the man- hood of the one or the other. But a condition of disfranchisement, whether it be in consequence of law or in violation thereof, must neces- sarily be temporary and transitory. The spirit of our age. the genius of oiu- Goverjmient, the grave evils that follow in its wake, all strongly tend to shorten its duration; so that tiiey that be with us arc mightier than they that be against us. Like a pendulum, public opinion oscillates be- tween extremes, but can rest only at the mean position. The Negro occupies an essential position in the jiolitical economj' of the South, and is not destitute of social influence. Year by .year, as statistics show, he increases in number, wealtli and intelligence, the instrumentalities wliich alone can render his ballot eftVctive in px-otecting liis rights and securing his enjoyment of life, liberty and the pursuit of iiappiness. It is an ad- mitted fact that his labor is tiie basis of the wealth of the South. Time Mil certainly develop the truth that liis real welfare must be the object of as studious solicitude on the part of Southern political economists as that of the laboring classt-s of the North is on tlie part of Northern statesmen. If this lesson can be learned iii no other school, it will be in that of expe- rience, to whose stern teachings the most refractory nuist at length yield their acquiescence. Political experience teaches that overwhelming majorities are ominous. The projecting part, in parties as in matter, has a tendency to crack and fall. This principle secures to the Negro at least the portion of the " balance of power;" so that, as expressed by an Arkan- sas politician, " it don't matter which end is up, he is worth something to i^omebody.'' It should be his desire to make that *' something" a very
52 APPENDIX.
jin'iit sonictliinj;, and tliat " soiiu-body" the body of liis ft] low-citizens ; Phat is, lie must, by hard and persistent labor (ilevate his race to a higher jilanc of int('lli<?t'iice, wealth and morality. Let him become inspired with this as a purpose; nay, the purpose of his life, and he will soon learn lo cliiiu- to tliose things that eontribute to it, and to abandon those that lend in the opposite direction. First of all. let him have the moral cour- age to be poor at tirst that he may accumulate a competence at tlic last. Let him note well the ratio between his income and hisexpendittn-es, and dispense with all that is wasteful. Oue of his first objects should be to secure a home of his own, and, in making the purchase, to not forget that ii nnist include, if a farm, fencing, implements and seed, but reserve a ])ortion of his means for these necessaries. Next, let him remember that ■• righteousness exalteth a nation" and that "knowledge is power," and lie will in due time see that a political status established upon these sure foundations is satisfactory and permanent, while that which depends solelj' upon the vagaries of political parties follows the fortunes of those parties, and like them are at the mercy of every caprice of public sentiment.
THE NECESSITY OF A NATIONAL REVIEW DEVOTED TO THE INTERESTS OF THE NEGRO-AMERICAN.
By Wm. Stewart, of Bridgeton, N. J.
Mr. Chairman., and Gentlemen of the National Conference of Colored Men:
Upon invitation of a sub-committee, I wish to invite your attention lo this subject by picking out a few of the weaker reasons from the many powerful ones that may present themselves for your consideration for the uecessity of a National Review devoted to our interests.
We all acknowledge the power and influence of the public press; we itnidily see w^ith what ease an able editor of an able public periodical makes his thoughts and opinions become the thoughts and opinions of lliousands : and u])on questions of public weal — deny it as vehemently as we maj' — the periodical tliat regularly visits our firesides is silentlj' but surely moulding our oi)inions in the same shape and fashions as those of the mind that controls the ])eriodieal.
'I'he daily newspaper, although the excessive and almost incredible amount of brain-work that is required to make it up fresh and ncAV every day produces many contradictions on minor topics, biases our judg- jneiit in the long run upon matters of main and general interest, and we lind ourselves ti'acking over the ground of the editorials and congratulate ourselves with the discovery that our favorite daily jiaper thinks upon those matters and things precisely as we do, and we i)ronounce the editor to be a man of good jiKlgmeut, with a level head upon most subjects. So >il<'nt and insidious is the power of the jn-ess in conveying to our under- standing, tinough oin- eyes, the thoughts, oi>inions and conclusions of other mi-n, that we do not perceive that instead of the edit<ir expressing our conclusions we only reveal those which he has already fathered.
The weekly ])aper, with its more mature thought, exerts doubtless a stronger inlluenee over a given number of readers than does a dailj' of ihoame mental a<-nmen, as well as fiu-nishing us with news and opinions. The weekly jtress of the country exerts, to a very great extent, a power in the formation of character. Most especially is this true of literary
APiPENDIX. 6$
Wf^.'kiies, for the weekly literarv paper that regularly visits your homo and is handled by vour children^ will leave its mark for o;ood or evil whieh will last through" life. Of these two sorts we may well parai)hrase a say- ing and sav. like paper like people. The most elegant and i)olished of our pei-iodicals aix- the magazines. With their varied store of informa- tion, of thought, of opinion and sentiment, they are welcomed in all walks of life bv the old and young; and to the praise of American maga- zines be it said that a remarkable current of morality and Christiaiiity pervades thoin, while those pernicious principles of socialism, agrarianlsm and infidelity are treated with an almost puritanical rigor. In moukling {lublie opinion, however, magazines are about the least powerful of all our periodicals. The elegance of their make-up seems to destine thcin more for luxury than for utility in this direction. Even the pjctorial or illustrated weeldy seems to exert a greater intluence in formmg public opinion than do our magazines.
For great learning, deep research, and the most powerful thought, it seems to me that our reviews have a place specially allotted to them. In rhem we look for the ripeness of judgment, the most mature thought, and the most candid opinion. It seems to me that they represent the liighest plane of civilization, or the highest intellectuality of it. Thrown ■ aside by the popular reader as uninviting, it has the greater weight of in- fluence' among the truly learned and ainong those who, as editors of tlie public press, form and educate the opinions of the populace. The review is tlie fountain head of periodical and .iournalistic learning. Would yon purify the waters of a stream, b(>gin at the fountain heatl ; would you leaven a measure of meal, make liglit your leavcoi . Will you correct public opinion? it is public opinion which is so hard upcm us. Of hims.-lf .^ l)erson may not abhor us because we are black. Individually we may not be repugnant to the sense of a man or woman on account of our coloi-. Where t\w, public eye is not upon them they may feel no disgust from associating with us. In the solitude of a far western plain the associa- tion of a black and a white man may be as cordial as that of two brothers, [n the privacy of their own homes, where the clear eye and keen seem of public opinion cannot penetrate, the association may be still more cor- dial—nay. has been, as too many the children of white fathers and col- ored mothers and black fathers and white mothers could testify; but, for "opinion's s.ake,'* they prefer all such association to be ••strictly private and confidential.''
Will you correct public opinion, and will you begin to do so by apjM'al- ing, single-handed and alone, to each man of the public as you meet him ? Oi- will you strive to do so with your own little monthly, weekly or daily paper? Vain tasks, either of them, you will say. Public opinion is held by the millions; it is moulded, formed and fostered by the thousands of the daily and weekly publications of the country. These in tiu-n receive their inspirations from the learned and wise— the very solons of oiu- civil- ization. Each interest finds there its own exponent. It is this source, this fountain, that we must reach. It is there our interests must be repre- sented. Among the cultured and the great our infiuence must be felt. For this the necessity is that we enter tlie brotherliood of reviews, that our most learned minds may express their deepest thoughts, their most candid opinions, and their soundest judgments, with the certainty of hav- ing a respectable audience, and with the reasonable hope that some may be inspired by our interests, and that seed-gei-ms may spring forth than shall, through the myriad publications of the press, permeate every cur- rent and rill of public opinion to it< correction.
There is another phase to this proposition, and a line of argumeni of a more common character, but it may appear more like an llhistraf ion of what and how to do than an argument of a necessity for doing.
54 APPENDIX.
To see oiirsi'lves as others see us, may not ahvaj-s be agreeable, and, accorilmg to the Scottish bard, the task is not easy of accomplishment; but still more ditlicult is the task of making people see us as we desire to appear to them.
The American people delight to see the Negro in a humorous garb, or they are wont to see him in a ludicrous attitude. Americans are of a species of low, vulgar Wit, which seeks vent and enjoyment ii^the Brother Jonathan, or the Artemus Ward style ; they delight to drink in their phi- losophy after Josh Billings and the'ir political ethics after the order of Pe- troleum V. Nasby. And this is the better side of American nature. But the supromest deligiu to which this American wit aspires is in contem- plating and describing what they call the "Negro character." From tlie burnt cork negro minstrels to a choice poem, in their most elegant mag- azines, of "How Simmons took keah o' de baby," they will gulp down whole gustos of delight at the "Negro character." Our ignorance, our poverty, our education, our thrift, our uncouthness, our good address, our Aices, our virtues, our families, our homes, our great men, our small men, and even the holy shrine of our religion are all ruthlessly dragged over to tind food— grubs upon which to fatten this nauseating American vulgar- ism. And nothing is more disgustingly ludicrous than white people's efforts to thus portray the Negro character. Tlieir periodicals, then- literary papers, their religious papers, thi-ir magazines and their reviews teem with tliese distorted illustrations of the "Negro character;" and take to your home-circles, your fireside, the choicest of their magazines or reviews, and 'ere long your eye is oftended and your family angered by disgusting caricatures or paraphrases upon, perhaps, your veiy kith and kin. To see ourselves always mirrored in this light does not serve to imbue us w ith the highest notions of our race, nor inspire us with very ennobling emotions towards the "Negro character;"' and the very feel- ings which drive us from the minstrel shows, drive from our tire-sides the best of American literature, and its place is tilled witli the village political newspaper. There is a tremendous (in place of a better word) necessity for a powerful National Review which shall be backed with ■stifficient capital, and edited with sutticient power as will make it rank with the best and ablest reviews of the country — at least in comparison nf constituencies — and with its excoriating lash, corn et this vulgar taste at its fountain head — the publisliers of American literature.
Our opinions are worth something. Surely the opinions, the thoughts, the judgments of live million people are of some moment, but where can Wit lind a moiith])ieee':' Where tongue and utterance? The press is sup- pli«'d with the opinions, thoughts and judgments of men which it scatters in words of love or hate, of caution or chiding, of scorn or sarcasm, of en- treaty or command, and men read them and j)onder thereon and act as they are moved. But through what channel can the whites of this coun- try ascertain whiil arc tlie opinions, the thoughts, the judgments of the Negro-AMiei'ican ? 1 grant you there are a dozen — aseore — of tiny sheets llmtiiini;- in tlif breezes, and each little ki/e/in</ is battling away manfully and with all its little might for our i)eople. Tliey each and every one de- 8er\'e more credit and greater support than they receive. I would there were dozens more of them, for many streams make a river. 1 say 1 grant you that there are a score or more of worthy little colored journals existing, but from tin ir surrournlings and the paucity of their supporters, tlx; inlluenee they exert either in the ethics of oiu'selves or the coiuitry is very small. We have not a periodical in the land of sulH- cient caliljer to com)>el a quotation by the leading papers of the country.
if quotations ar«' made fiom the Vfni.flion Ji'crorder. The National Baptist^ The Lunisiauiiin, T/ic WntilDiian. oi' any other colored periodi- cal by any white publication, it it on account of some jpurpose of its own
AiTENDJX. 55
and not because of anj' respect tlie wliite publication may liave for the rank or standing of those colored papers. None of those colored papers are in a position to force themselves upon tiie notice of their white con- freres, unless, perhaps, they do so as mendicants.
White people prefer to show ns oft" than to have us show ourselves oft". If there are any dollars to be made oft' the Negro they prefer to make them. Tiie whif man wants to "•run"' the Negro now as always before. It seems to me that I have heard of a certain distinguished colored lec- turer who, when he was talking by rote the talk that his white agents found was protitable talk to them, he was a most wonderful genius, but when he would talk to suit himself aixl tell the white folks what he thought about them and matters generally, he was a tei-ribly bad fellow. Our agriculture, our fairs, our mechanical contrivances, our schools, our silk culture never become popular until their •' special correspondent "' has written them up, or their '• special artist "" has illustrated tiiem. and rlie result of this is that
■' Full many a flower i> born to blush uusppii. And wftstc its fraKrance on the desfrl nir."
among us.
We have a veiy natiu'al and v*;ry pardonable pride of race-identity whenever anything good and ennobling is accomplished by us.
Who of the race is not proud of rliat great sch.>lar and teacher, that Christian pupil and modest man. Bishop Payne, or tli^ learned traveler. Dr. Blyden, or our revered Douglass, or the gentb* sculptress. Miss Ed- raonia Lewis, or the polished lawyer and accomplished gentleman. Min- ister Langston, with scores of others ; but, with the exception of Bisliop Payne, to whom are they compelled to give the jewels of their best thoughts ? To the white people I Our periodicals neither invite nor com- mand their respect. For them to till our tiny journals with the rich, ripe treasures of their minds would be worse tlian casting pearls before swiiie; their thoughts and judgments and opinions w^ould be lost to the world. They must go to the journals of the whites and lose their race identity.
W'e Negro-Americans do not tell to each other our grievances ; we simply know we have them, but we cannot express them to one another fi-om one end of the land to the other, and th(.' result of tliis is that people are disposed to think that our grievances are more imaginary than real ; that we have no real tangible grounds for complaint ; that we are per- petually happy and joyou^, and that ourcomplaining.is merely the result of a chronic- imrest. We cannot get our grievances in tangible shape witliont a more perfect and complete channel of communication.
The scientific, the literary, the political, or the religious world needs no Negro National Review. They are all supplied with reviews adapted to each specific field. Neither 'does the Negro- American have need of any review in any of these branches of civilization. If he seeks any information in doctrines of religion, in politics, in literature, in art and science, the works of the scholars of the wctrld are before him and he can buy cheaper than he can make ; if he has anything to contribute to the ever swelling volumes of scientific or liteiary research, the magazines and reviews are ace -ssible to his pen at only the cost of his race identity.
There are none to look after our interests but ourselves. "Othello's occiipatioirs gone." Slaveiy is abolislied ; the laws have been so amended that, ostensibly, we stand before the law equal witli all other American citizens. The Anti-slavery men and Aboliriouists sit idle. We liave no farther use for their services, publicopinioii informs us. The women-work- ers, wlio served fried chicken and bi-ciiir to liie passengers and ttmrists at the stations on the •'Underground Railroad." may now sit twirling their thumbs as they listlessly nx-k to ami fro with"tbeir eyes iiatf closed, dreaminglv eroniui:-. "nothing to do; I've notliing to do." Natiiau
.'>8 APPENDIX.
liioadhrini. the Quaker signal officer, was thrown out of eniploynielit until lie got a job of looking after the interests of " Lo, the poor Indian," Even the affairs of John Chinaman, the heathen, fomid plenty of appli- cants willing to attend to them ; but John is educated and shrewd, and liandles a great deal of money, so he can mind his own business without earing much about the interference of the "Melican man.
Only the interests of the Negro- American sufler for want of attention. The interests of all other races and classes are sufficiently represented. There are authoritative German, French, Spanish, Italian, Irish, Welsh, Swedish, Scandinavian, scientific, literary, commercial, financial, agri- cultural, railway, mining, manufacturing, and medical journals attend- ing to every conceivable interest throughout its every conceivable division and ramification, and in tiiis busy world all the hands must be busy look- ing after their own interests. Then who can look after the interests of the Negro- American, and where is the authoritative journal to be the mouthpi(^ce, so badly needed, for the whole race, a National Review un- trammeled by sectai-ian bias, or a fawning, mercenary policy to keep uj) its existence? The race needs a National Review, ilevoted to its interests, for its own good. A taste for self-praise should be encouraged, but it can only be through praiseworthy merit ; and a taste for our own literature ought to be fostered, hut it should only be when that literature is of a praiseworthy and wholesome character. "Let another praise thee and not tliine own lips." says Holy Writ. When our people see that their National Review keeps good company; wlien they see that the best papers of the country make excerpts and (luotations fi'om it ; when they see that emanations from the pens of their own race are copied from their own colored review, and placed alongside of the productions of the greatest scholai-s of the age, they will not then be ashamed of a good col- ored ne\\'spaper, as many now are, but a pride of j-ace will be strength- ened, and they will find themselves extolling the capabilities of this One or tiiat one and illustrating with quotations, selections, and the like. These, gentlemen of the Conference, are only a few of the reasons for the necessity of a National Review, devoted to the interests of the Negnv American ; but I am so sure that many others, and each one more pow- ej-ful. will present themselves to you, that I am inspired with the hope th.it this Conference will enter into ways and means for raising a sufficient capital to insure its publication.
D.
OPPORTUNITIES AND CAPABILITIES OF EDITCATED NE- GROES.
I'.v W ri.LtAM Stim..
A'conling to the programme, 1 am to pres(>nt for the consideration of thi.- ("onference some thoughts upon the "Opportunities and capabilities of educated Negroes."
I.uug before tiie advent of emancipation, and <-ver since, tlie attitude of our people in thi< eoiintry lias absorbed no small share of my stiidy. I have looked upon tiieii- condition witli intense interest, feeling to be fully i<lentified with tliem, however regarded. However, in the discusgion of tiie subject, I take it for granted that I shall best, meet the required de- mands by confining mysilf (^hietly to the present momentous problem in- volving iliH Ntfjfro'* «tatu;' ahicw tumncipution.
AJPfEUblX. 5?
To say that the dawn of freedom fifteen years a^o found him otlier tlian very poor, witliout land, without echieation, withoiU homes, with- out protection, universally proscribL-d, and wliolly dependent, would be to deny facts with which all are familiar.
Thus openina; his e\M.\s in freedom, and taking his tirst trembling steps in pursuit of his manhood, he is at once made to realize the great chang(! in his existence.
Although without a penny in liis pocket, the gnawings of hunger soon admonish him that he must have something wherewith to satisfy this de- mand of nature, lie is without a roof over his head. In tViis condition he is not safe either in sunshine oi' storm. Those who procured his free- dom, save the army, are in distant parts of the country, far from being accessible to his immediate pressing appeals. But not so with those whom he had so recently been compelled to serve. They are all around him. In needing a shelter, or employment, or a piece of land to till or to pur- chase, or a store where to buy his provisions, clothing, medicine or what not ; a physician to attend him when sick, a lawyer to defend him when in trouble, a scribbler to write him a receipt or an agreement, or a conveyancer to draw him up a deed, the only sources to apply to in . ninety-nine cases out of a hundred were those from under whose yoke he had been delivered.
Viewed in this light, what possible reason was there for supposing that millions of people thus situated would have other than severe and sore trials to encounter for at least a score of years before he could reap largelj' the fruits of freedom. Common sense alone would abundantly prove that without education, however industrious, he would be but poorly qualified to protect and economize his hard earnings. And with- out being thus prepared to protect himself, how is he to get property ? How is he to become a thrifty farmei- or planter? IIow is he to eet a footing as a storekeeper or tradesman ? How is he to advance and be- come a skilled mechanic, an able attorney, a good phj^^ician, or a man capable of properly divining the word of truth in espousing the teach- ings of the Bible?
So long as the masses are found in this uneducated attitude the day is not yet when their jjeculiar troubles will cease. The fact that there was a Mnivei"sal hungering and thirsting for education among the freedmen when freedom had come, and at the same time a goodly number of noble- hearted, liberty-loving men aiul women in the North who were ready and willing to brave the perils of the South to help satisfy this thirst and hunger, is abundant cause for trusting that the race will in due time be uplifted.
Surely there never was a people more needy and deserving of education. And it hardly can be too much to adil that this generation will find it <litiicult, in sui-veying the various fields of Christian missions and phil- anthropic works, to tind any laborers who have more nearly emulated the example of Him who said, "Fori was hungered and ye gave me meat ; 1 was thirsty and ye gave me drink," &c., than some of the teach- ers among the freedmen in the South,, as I shall endeavor more fully to indicate in another part of this paper.
This silent, potent force, this labor of love to God and good will to man has kept in a great measure the heads of the freedmen above the waves and billows.
In the earlier dark days of Ills struggles, seeing his unprotected aiul wretched condition, the Government instituted the Freedmen's Bureau with a view of meeting his Immediate pressing wants in various ways. Through this agency a great deal was accomplished for a short time, but through the politicians and bad management iti- usefulne.~t was soon brought to naught.
5M APPENDIX.
At this "lavf juncture not a few adherents to the doctrine of emanci- pation felt well satisfied that if the ballot could onlybe j?iven to the freed- nian. he would be \\'ell able to take care of himself a^aiiist all odds. Ac- eordiui^ly tlie tifteenth amenilnient was passed, and the ballot came.
This boon was rei^arded as the top stone to the fabric, and a complete solvini? of the Nej^ro problem.
He is henceforth expected naturally to vote right in a body for the party who conferred this boon upon him. notwithstanding his w\int of knowl- edge and liis peculiar surroundings.
In the midst of this unsettled attitude, in order to encourage his aspira- tions and incite in liim habits of economy, with a view of enabling him to buy property and to begin the world more independently, the Freed- men's Savings and Trust Company was organized. Doubtless this enter- prise had its origin in the minds of men with the best intentions. And at lirst some men widely known for their woith and devotion to the cause of freedom were among its patrons and managers. But soon afterward unscrui)ulous men, under fair and insidious professions, by scheming, eliected a radical change in the charter, and thus got the control out of the original hands into their own, when thej" had matters much as they desired them. How very sadly the freedmen had to pa}' for this opera- tion is too well known.
How'cver, in this bold undertaking the most signal fact verilied was to the effect that even under ver\' great poverty and ignorance moie than 70,000 freedmen could be found ready and willing, on simple faith, to intrust their hard earnings to the amount of some $57,000,000 to the cus- tody of this concern, under the delusion that the Government was fully obligated for every dollar of its liabilities, when, in fact, tlie Government was not liable for a single dollar.
Jn recalling the tiery trials and great hardshii)s which the freedmen have had to undergo from witlft>ut and within, my sole motive is only to intensify the fact which has unwaveringly been paramount in my mind, namely : under any circumstances, even the most favorable that could be expected, there are great suftering and very liard work foi- the Negro to un- dergo, in whatever light his condition may be regarded. But under no circumstances is his elevation to be accomplished and his rights respected, except through tlie medium of education.
And now I will endeavor to show how the Negr-o's opportunities and capaViilities may be made available in remedying his own ills, and in bringing deliverance, not only to himself, but in hirgely adding his iiuota towanl helj)ing to bring about peace, order and ])rosi)eritv to the entire South : '
1. Jle is about tli" only laborer in the South; he has been fidly inured to lianlsliips all his life ; he need appreliend no greater danger of iiaviug to compete with any otlier class (»f laborers. In a sense, therefore, he Js in an attitude, witli the aid of some book knowledge, to understand the value of his labor — capital. With education, when he works he will know liow niucli he earns. Many ignorant laborers cannot tell. When he spends he will know how inneli lie s|>ends; an ignorant man (cannot keep his ac count. When he buys a piece of land oi- undertakes to l)uil(l, he will lirst sit down and coiuil the cost, to see if he is able to finish; or whether some one is going to palm off u[)on Inni a bogus deed or a fraudulent agree- ment. When he works on shares, or deals at stores cm credit until the eroi) is harvested, he will know how to keep his stoie book, and the lmi»oi-tancf of having his agreement and receipts, ite., carefully witnessed and >;afi-ly preserved against the time of settlement. In thousands of in- slanee-; an ignorant man is imposed upon simply because he can be im- posed upon by imj)unity, by men who would not fancy being caught act- ing thus toward an intelligent one. In ninety-nine cases out of a hun- dred thit rule would be likely to hold good,
APPENDIX. 5J)
An intelligent man would not feel hound to work under or rent undei- a man whom he would have everj' reason to believe would cheat liim when the settling day arriveil. On the contrary, he would not only .shun suoli an en)ployer himself, but he would advise his friends to do likewise.
This management, although silent, would be very potent in effecting a remedy. The better class of Southerners would have no fault to find with this course, and the high-handed and outrageous element would have but little sympathy from any source, and very liard work to manage their operations.
2. With some book knowledge, a num in finding himself badly located could readily perceive how a change might better his condition. Tlnough the aid of his geography, maps, books and papers, and his ability to hold correspondence with other localities, the way of getting out of his present thraldom would not be far to seek.
Every citizen, white or black, is free to exercise tliis privilege in this respect, no one will deny. If one place does not suit him he can go to another of his own choosing.
Here I am reminded that emigration is exciting a good deal of attention at the present day.
Never were men more in need of intelligence, in order that they miglit judge wisely concerning the present exciting crisis. If not wide awake, they are likely to jump out of the frying-pan into the fire.
But if he can read he may study and learn what practical emigration lias done for millions on this continent. The great Western States, for in- stanc ', aftbrd an opportunity fora good illustration. Emigration cei-tainly has been the making of all tlie W^estern States, if not of this entire coun- trj'. It was never conducted, however, under anj' en masse system, but generally on individual account or under the auspices of voluntary small companies.
While the great majority of these emigrants at first went poor they carried with them a thorough knowledge of husbandry, mechanism, store- keeping, trading and all kinds of industrial labor; besides very many had been inured to hardships, and were quite ready and willing to rough it in the woods, in log-cabins — to begin labor by cutting down and clearing up the forest under great difficulties. Among those thus emigrating were skilled laborers — men wlio could make axes, plows, cultivators and im- plements of husbandry of every description — men who could not only do the most ordinary manual labor, but could build great biidges, railroads, steamboats; who had a knowledge of printing; could publish i)apers and books, could teach .schools of learning from the lower rudiments up to the higlier mathematics — men who could construct factories, l)uild found- ries.-organize baid<ing in.stitutions, &c. Besides in adjacent parts of the country capitalists were ready, whenever signs indicated successful invest- nients. to furnish all necessary means if on no otlier ground than .simply personal interest.
Now, I am compelled to say, with deep regret, that our poor people are not prepared to emigrate under any such encouraging a.spects. They have been too long shut out from the light of knowledge to be ready for any en /«(/,s-.ve emigration movement. In going, with very few exceptions, they could only hope to llnd employment as hewers of wood and drawer.s of watei-, in fields where Laborers migiit be sutficiently numerous to meet all demands either in rural districts or in the towns. Thus with appar- ently continueil hard struggles, only to combat, the road to sucr-ess would still be dark and discouraging.
The Gx'eat Teacher said on one occasion ;
''For which of you intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first and counteth the co<r, whether he have sufficient to finish it '! Lest I aply, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish ir, all that 1?«-
hold liiTn boiiiii m mock him, saying, this man began to build and was not able to lini^il."'
How applicable this lesson is to everj--day life, and if heeded how often men would be prevented from buttin"- tl)eir heads against a stone. With the ''army of ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand,'' the "sitting down ami counting the cost" might be of rhe greatest consequence.
A hint to the wise is sufficient.
n. Equality in business. This is a question that should interest every iutidligent colored man.
More or less from a boy T have studied this question, and since emanci- Itation I have weighed the situation of our people, uneducated and almosi universally tilling the ordinary lower callings as laborers, with intensf Interest. Scarcely have I ever met with an intelligent colored man fi-om the South but that I am sure to ply him with a number of questions after this order: " How are the freedmen getting on? Are they getting edu- cation and into more comfortable houses? Are some getting into busi- ness; if so, what ? Is the marriage relation being moi-e firmly cenunited ?'" Generally the answers have iiulicated much improvement, in some instances very marked, notwithstanding the outrages in some neighboi-- hoods. In order that I may the more forcibly bririg out the idea that 1 wish to convey, I will here quote an extract from an old letter written by the poetess and lecturer, Mrs. Harper, directly from the old mansion of the late ex-President of the (Confederacy, which reads thus :
"My Dear Friend : It is said that truth is stranger than fiction; and if ten years since some one had said that in less tlian ten years yon will be in the lecture Jield; you will be a welcome guest under the roof of the President of the Confederacy, though not by special invitation from him; that you will see his brother's former slave a man of business and influ- ence;" that hundreds of colored men A\ill congregate on the old baronial possessions: that a school will spring up there like a well in the desert dust; that this former slave will be a magistrate upon that plantation; rhat labor will be organized upon a new basis; and that under the sole auspices of the moulding hands of this man and his sons will be developed a business whose transactions will be numbered in hundreds of thou- sands of dollars, wouhl you not have smiled inci-edulously ? And I have liveil to see the day \\ heii the plantation has passed into new hands, and rhese hands once wore the fettei-s of slavery. Mr. Montgomery, the pres- ent proprietor by contract of between five and six thousand acres of land, has one of the most interesting families that I have ever seen in the South. They are building up a future which, if exceptional now, I hope will be- come more general hei-eafter. Everj^ hand of his family is ad<ling its quota to the success of this experiment of a colored man both trading and farming on an extensive scale. Last year his wife took on her hands abonr 130 aces of land, and with her force "she raised about 107 bales of cotton. One daiiglitcr, an intelligent y<Hing ladj% is jiostmistress, and I believe assistant book-keeper. One son attends to the planting interest, and another daugliter attends to one of the stores. The business of this firm of Montgomery A Sons has amounted, 1 understand, to between three and four hundred thousand dollars a year."
This was very n-freshing news to me when it was first received ; so much so that Iput it into tiie hands of C'ol. J. W. Forney, and he pub- lished it in th<! press with a fitting editorial. One more incident worthy of note, nanit'ly : for several seasons. I have been informed, this enter- prising tirm \\a^ comiit'teil with the leading corton-planters of the South, at the aiuuial lairs held at St. Louis, and two seasons at least has carried oil' the premiums.
APPENDIX. 61
HtTP. too. arc oUkt iiotabK' <':isi's. Itotli male and female, who liavo, acliit'vod woniltTS, (•oiisideriiii^llicir oi)iK)rtmiitu's, which iM<i^lit he immi'd, hut I cannot take the tune now to particidarize tlieni. llowever, it is witli especial satisfaction that we can point so delinitely to a family who have accomplished so much in so short a period of time. Indeed this is precisely the kind of power we want to see gTOwinji' anion<>' ns. Time, it makes but little noise, hut it is very potent in dealinjj^ deadly blows ajjainst prejudice and in favor of our common manhood.
I appreiiend but few comparatively realize how ureatly onr cause wonhl be strengthened by even a very moderate number of sub- stantial business men in the various branches of productive industry — conducting farms, stores, trades, and engaged in literary pursuits tlial require brains. These matters should deeply concern us. especially those of us who are educating our sons aiul daughters. Only as we are siioAving signs of improvement and determination in these respects shall we be able to retain the S5^mpath}^ and co-operation of our old fi-iendsarul enlist the interest and agency of new ones. So long, or wherever we are not found advancing under freedom, and with the opportunity of educa- tion, we shall do little toward breaking down the color line or toward conquering the prejudices which now proscribe our sons and daughters, who are ticted by education and character to till stations in life other than menial ones.
I am aware than I am now treading on tender ground, and would fain forego doing so if I could be Just to my subject and mj' unfortmiate race by shunning this unsavery truth, upon which I think we need have our minds stirred about as much as an}^ other that I know of — of a tem- poral nature at least; for T feel ([Uite convinced when looking at the at- titude of our people, and the work before them, that there is but one way out of the old ruts into the liberty and prosperity that we feel naturally and legally entitled to, namely, simply 'redeeming the time," by intense earnestness, by rigid economj', by encouraging one another in every honorable and commendable undertaking, by acquainting ourselves with the lives and labors of good men and women who have labored success- fully to bring about great reforms ; and have had overwhelming diffi- culties to overcome . Also bj' studying the lives of individuals Avho have had great poverty to begin with and no friends to aid them ; but with un- daunted courage, perseverance, and a firm faith, have removed the mountain, and established theniselves among the foremost men of their day.
Our country is full of characters of this description, both of native and foreign birth, and, I am glad to say, some among our people not ex- cepted.
*' Knowledge is power," is one of the books we ought to study w^ell, after acquainting ourselves with the Book of Proverbs. Also, we should not forget to make ourselves familiar with another work of great value, jiamely, a volume called '* Piu-suit of knowledge under difficulties."
The lives of self-made men are readily obtainable for a mere tritle, and contain generallj" very profitable and instructive reading, when well- selected. By reading such instructive works, and by ignoring all liglit and trashy literature of a yellow-cover grade, we could sunnnon to our aid the well-digested thoughts of men of character and great success, which would doubtless insjnre us greatly in struggling through our diffi- culties.
The truth is, good books of all kinds are so cheap and so conmion, on every vital subject, that no man who can read is excusable if he is not well-informed generally. Indeed, we must make hay while the sun shines.
For it must be admitted that the public attention is in a peculiar sense
62 APPENDIX.
turncrl toward n.<. and in a inoasuro, whether wo understand it or not. wp are held resj^onsible to demonstrate b}- unmistakable sij::nals that we are advaneim; morally, mentally, and financially.
\ow. it will not do for us to cry, there is a lion in the way all the time, hnt we must move the lions out of the way ourselves occasionally.
Mnny of the hardships which daily besets us on every hand would soon vanish under iutellii^ent busiuv-ss enterprises and energy.
In the days of slavery, when many believed and advocated the doc- trine that the Negro had no brains or mental capacity for business, ora- tory, or science, our good old abolition friends wanted no better comba- tants to refute this fallacy than the fugitive slave, matchless orator, and able editor, Frederick Douglass, now the honored marshal of Washing- ton. The giant intellect and powerful eloquence of Rev. Samuel R. Ward proved effective on one occasion in quelling a Xew York mob (black as night he was) when the police force seemed utterly powerless with that mob. It seemed almost proviilential to have such men as Henry Ribb, William Wells Brown, J. W. Loguen, and many others (who had all worn the yoke, and had only released themselves by escaping on the un- derground railroad) demonstrate by their rapidly-acquired intelligence and education that it took but a very few .years for a fugitive to render liimself capable of writing an interesting narrative, or tilling an editorial chair, or of instructing and entertaining large audiences either in Anier- i'^a or on the other side of the ocean.
The freednieu have only to seek to emulate the example of these men in order to make their mark in business, letters, art, or any of the ad- vanced callings among educated men. Indeed, only as desert can be proved by the acquisition of knowledge and the exhibition of high moral character in examples of economy and a disposition to encourage indus- trial enterprises, conducted by men of our own ranks, will it be possible to make political progress in the face of the present public sentiment.
Being far behind in the race, o\n- people must not deem it too great a nijuinnient to be obliged to put forth double exertions to catch up. If lliev undertake farming, they must tiy not only to have their lands well cultivated, but they must have their houses, barns, fences, stock, &c., all up to the times. Again, if we turn our attention to mechanism, we must have our eyes single to one paramount aim. namely: to let our work jirove that there is no color line in mechanism or art. If we should choose to fill a sphere of a professional character, as physician or attor- ney, we must not imagine that our patients or clients are ignorant, and ^\ill be satisfied with mere pretension or ordinary attainment; and, if Ave fail of success, that we can be excused simply by pleadjng prejudice. If we venture to open a shop or store, let us not "forget that we must not only sell as cheap as anybody else, but we must sell equally as good goods, and at the same time be a little more accommodating to ever}- body, without legard to race, color or politics. If we would avail oin'- -^elves of ci-edit, we must learn to practice by the i-ule— our word is our bond. By such a single eye to success, however unfair or over-exacting such d<'mands might seem in the eyes of some, our advancement v.ould be steady and >ure, and the results in every way sufhciently gratifying to mak<' u]) for wiiatever self-denial and extra pains or labor required.
One fact all must agree upon, namely : Our condition is very lowly, and in niany respects sad. And there" are no signs discernible to niy mind that we are likely to have our status improved verj'^ soon, either thi-ough f)oIiticsor the" lilieral bestowal of l.ind, money or the prefer- ments of any positions by the (JovernnnMii . Hence, we have nowhere \^^els(! to look but to self-reliance and to Ot'd.
4. True, we are not friendless. We are not without wise and faithful coiuisfdors and instructors, We aii' not without sympnthizers who
r
APPENDIX. 63
pity UP and wish ii.< well, if iii)Miin<; more Wp are not without a Oovorn- ment tlial iicknowleclj^es us as citizens and ('(luals i)efon' the hiw. Wc are not debarred from eniif^ratino^ to the North if we cannot live in peaci- at the South. We can go to anyforeijjn land if we cannot endure our lot in the land of our nativity. We'are lar<,f(dy accessible to chnrclies, and sonn- very good schools have been provided for us. And now I wi<h brietly to consider onr opportnnity with regard to the educational work existing for our special benefit. Tlii.s is an agreeabh; task, althongh it would be very hard to portray, or even feebly indicate, the labor:> and achievements of the noble-hearted and self-sacrificing men and women who have been dilTusing education among the freedmen in various Southern Stat( s dur- ing the last decade.
Before me I have the annual report of the American Missionary Asso- ciation for 1878, and lind that the society have 37 schools, colleges and nniversities in the Sonth, 7 of which are regularly chartered, and are lo- cated as follows :
HAMPTON NORMAL AND AGUICULTUKAJ. INSTITUTE, HAMPTON, VA.
Xuniber of pupils, 3;{2. The coiu'se of instruction embraces three years. During this period the pupils are made as proficient as possi1)le in read- ing, penmanship, arithmetic, United States history, grannnar, physiology. moral science, natural philosophy, vocal training, Bible lessons; likewise instruction in agriculture, &c., &c.. General S. C. Armstrong being prin- cipal.
BEREA COLLEGE, BE RE A, KY.
In this institution, under the presidency of Kev. John G. Fee, the pecu- liarity of the color line is not known. Here the higher branches, embrac- ing the classics, are taught, and its success has been highly gratifying.
FISK UNIVERSITY, NASHVILLE, TENN.
'rhis widely-known and justly famed uiuversity is represented by an able facultv and the popular Jubilee Singers, and, without a doubt, is destined to'accomplish a marvelous work for freedom, and to live long in history. Rev. E. M. Cravath is its president; number of pupils. 338. The instructions embraces mental and moral science, Greek, Latin, French, mathematics, music, tic.
ATLANTA UNIVERSITY, ATLANTA, GA.
Rev. E. A. Ware is president. English branches and the higher ma- thematics are here taught also. N'umber of pupils, 244.
TALLADEGA COLLEGE, TALLADEGA, ALA.
Chartered in 1869. Rev. E. I'. Lord, principal. Number of pupib. •272. English branches, with higher grades, are also taught in this insti- tution.
TOUGALOO UNIVERSITY, TOUGALOO, MISS.
There are 190 pupils in the various departments of this institution, with the regular higher branches taught, under the presidency of Rev. G. Stanly Pope.
STRAIGHT UNIVERSITY. NEW ORLEANS, LA.
Here a thorough corps of able professors and teachers is found, and the pupils number 287. President, Rev. W. S. Alexander.
My allusion to the work of the American Missionary Association must suflFer single with these 7 institutions. Of course, this only simply indicates the great work that is being carried forward in this single dirciction. The remaining 29 schools in the South supported by this organization, although deserving the highest commendation, cannot be characterized here, sim-
64 APPENDIX.
ply for want of time and ruoni. Iiuleeil, I regret having to treat in thp >aMH' manner some fifty or more like institntions, inider tlie auspices of Metliodist. Presbyterian, Protestant Episcopal friends, itc, who have heeii qnietly tliou<;h earnestly pnshing the cause of education effectively amoni;- the freedmen. Add to this list some seventeen theoloo^ical school>, nnder^ the auspices of various denominations, namely: Congregational, Metliodist, Presbyterian and Baptist, and a faint idea, at least, maybe g;ittiered respecting the opportunity of the Xegro to-day over his oppor- tunity tifteen years ago, or before freedom was proclaimed.
Material might here be found for a large. volume of rare interest and great value, and I trust the day is not far distant when a colored man of abilit.\- will engage in tlie work of diligently gathering these rich materi- als, and will bring forth in a manner not only creditable to himself and race, but will also do equal credit to the scores of worthy and faithful teachers.
Doubtless the time will come when an enterprising historian will take advantage of the opportunity to honor the heroic and brave Christian men and women who have faithfully labored in this mission.
Of two other universities not to allude to woidd be to leave my task very incomplete. I wish now to speak of Wilberforce University, at Xeiiia. O., and Lincoln University, Oxford, Chester county, Pa. Wilber- force is under the general conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and chiefly since its organization has been presided over by the senior Bishop of that denomination, Rev. D. A. Payne, D. D., in the success of wliich his whole being has been deeply interested, and to make this in- stitution an honor and a pow^erful agency to the Negro of this country, especially that it might appear that a university could be conducted under the supervision of colored piofessors, and well-taught students graduated th-re, who need not be ashamed of their Alma Mater ; and the success has been highly gratifying in this respect. The classics are taught also algebra, arithmetic, geometry, grammar, geography, composition, music, <fee. While it must be admitted that it has had many head wind- to encounter, it has steadily been growing in interest and popularity, and is' wiekling a commendable influence. Professor B. F. Lee, one of its graduates,' has l)een president ever since the resignation of Bishop Payne-
Lastly, I must conclude my notice of the opportunity otlered our peo- l)le, by various fountains of I'earning, sustained by philanthropic benevo- lence, by a brief description of that unrivaled school. Lincoln University. Having been moiv or less acquainted with its workings for the last twenty years. I can speak uidiesitatingly. My oldest son graduated there ; also two of my nephews graduated in the collegiate course and likewise in the theological. I have been personally acciuainted with most, if not all, of the professors, and have had gi-eat opportunity of becoming informed about them indirectly through 'many of the students and graduates, and :dl 1 need say. I have the very highest esteem for Ijineoln University.
Tlic following extract of a letter from th»^ president, Kev. J. N. iien- dall, I). 1)., received only a few days before I left Philadelphia, will indi- cate precisely what ideas are held by the president and faculty with re- gard to educating colored students, and to my tnind the argument is luianswerable :
•• Our desire and aim is to give to the colored youtli who come to lis every advantage in education which we oiu'sclve- p(>>sess. Whatever is good for oin- minds is good for them. If it qui<-kens, if it sharpens, if it relines, if it eidai-ges the view, they need these benetits, and have an im- mediate use for them. It is a great mistake to imagine that the h-aders in tliought and in society among the coloi-e(l j)eople only need to know a little of arithmetic and of the other eonnuon branch(>s. These are essen- tial, but they are not all. Society is to be organized ; chiu-ches are to be
n
APPENDIX. 65
established and administered ; the principles of domestic economy are to be applied, and industry encouraged. It will not answer to make the foundations of tliese widest Interests narrow. These precious interests must be intrusted to the hands of men wliohave the advantage of a liberal cultui'e in the world's experience, as it is given in historj^andin scientitic discovery. Above all, they ouglit to be imbued witli the principles of Christian morality.
"There is no special morality or gospel for colored men. They must have what the world has gained by its long experience, add what God has given in his bounty. This effort is not premature, so far as it respects the ability of the" colored youth to profit by it. We liave found our students able to learn all that we can teach. There is the same diversity of talent among them as in others. We say this from an experience with both classes.
Xow, I ask, in conclusion, that you will compare the opportunities which I have presented with those of fifteen or twenty years ago, and see if there is no room for thankfulness and encouragement ; see if there has not been very decided improvement, and see if tliere is not good reason foi- every one of us to renew our efforts to advance education and true and undefiled religion ; to promote more economy, more \niion, more regard for morality, more willingness to seek out and extend a helping hand to the '■• million " who are of the most lowly and degraded. In this