The President and Civil Rights. The Louisiana Colored Delegation at the White House.

The President and Civil Rights. The Louisiana Colored Delegation at the White House.

A newspaper article about the 1873 National Civil Rights Convention held in Washington DC

New national era. (Washington, D.C.), 11 Dec. 1873. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress. <https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84026753/1873-12-11/ed-1/seq-3/>

Library of Congress Chronicling America

1873-12-11

Article

The President and Civil Rights The Louisiana Colored Delegation at the White House. The Louisiana delegation of the National Civil Rights Convention, now in session in this city, consisting of Messrs. A. E. Barber, (chairman), P. B. S. Pinchback, J. H. Burch, T. B. Stamps, Wm. Murrell, W. F. Southard, Augustus Williams, , Daniel Young, F. C. Antoine, J. L. Dupart, James Lewis, Harry Lott, C. F. Ladd, James E. Burton, W. P. Green, Edward Williams, James H. Laws, and Cain Sartain, called upon the President to-day for the purpose of paying their respects. They were introduced to the President by Senator West, who stated that the delegation embraced many of the intelligent working Republicans in the State. He then introduced Col. James Lewis, who proceeded to address the President, and said the delegation came to pay their respects and thank him on behalf of the colored people of Louisiana for the the care and protection they have received from him since his presidential term commenced. He hoped that he might long enjoy the blessing of good health, and that the colored men might continue to receive his kind consideration and care. The President briefly responded saying that he was glad to meet them. He had always endeavored to secure for the colored man all the rights which should accompany enfranchisement. Certain rights are still withheld, but he hoped that ere long they would find themselves in full possession of all the privileges which belong to freemen. He said he did not know what Congress would do in the matter, but he thought it likely that that body would at its present session pass a civil rights bill, and that if such a bill is defeated, it will probably be because an extreme measure is urged by some person who claims to be a particular friend of the colored man. Senator West then introduced the members of the delegation individually, and after handshaking shaking they withdrew.

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1873.DC-12.09.WASH