Alabama Colored Convention.

Alabama Colored Convention.

A report on the 1867 Alabama State Convention of Colored Men held in Mobile published in the North American (May 4, 1867)

From Gale. 19th Century U.S. Newspapers. ©2008 Gale, a part of Cengage Learning, Inc. Reproduced by permission. www.cengage.com/permissions

North American

1867-05-04

Newspaper article

Alabama Colored Convention. MOBILE, May 3. - The Colored Mass Convention of the State, which has been in session here for two days, adjourned to-day. The delegates stated that in many instances the freedmen have been cheated out of their earnings and mostly badly treated in the districts they represent, but in some places were treated well. They declare themselves Radical. The preamble adopted says-That - That whereas lately the right of sufferage and equal rights have been bestowed on our race, heretofore held in bondage, in order to acquire political knowledge, that will ensure position in our newly acquired right; and whereas, it seems to be the policy of our political oppressors to use fair or unfair means to prevent organization and consolidation as a part of the Republican party in Alabama. Resolved. That we proclaim ourselves as part of the Republican party of the United States and State of Alabama, and it is with a view to harmony and good understanding, and not to establish a separate political party, that we have assembled. The second resolution expresses confidence in the acts and orders of the Generals Pope and Swayne in the discharge of their duty. The third resolution says that the event of the discharge of colored people by their employers for deciding not to become their political tools calls for a standing army for protection, and declares they will make the condition of the people known to Congress, making further legislation for their protection, even to confiscation. The fourth resolution declares for peace between the two races, and deprecates such conduct on the part of employers that necessitates further legislation for the protection of the negroes, or further rebellion against the flag and the country. The other resolutions recommend the establishment of schools, supported by a tax on property; the appointment by military courts of commissions for the trial of violations of the Civil Rights bill, and establishing a Union league in every county, and that the next convention be held in Montgomery, in June next, and closed by declaring the above should represent them in convention, the Convention pledging their lives, fortunes and sacred honor to the faithful observance of the principles of the Republican party. The following was then adopted: : Resolved. That it is our undeniable right to hold office, sit on juries, ride in all public conveyances, sit in public tables and places of amusement.

Mobile

AL

USA

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1867.AL-05.04.MOBI